School Tour 2010

The Yeats College school tour 2010 involved a world of culture, history, sport and modern culture all in a four day trip in just one beautiful city. On arriving in Paris on a chilly Monday morning we are picked up on a bus and from there every single moment of the trip was filled with adventure.

The Yeats College school tour 2010 involved a world of culture, history, sport and modern culture all in a four day trip in just one beautiful city. On arriving in Paris on a chilly Monday morning we are picked up on a bus and from there every single moment of the trip was filled with adventure. Our Monday involved a guided bus tour of the city where a fantastic tour guide gave us a interesting insight into the city, stories from each of the fascinating buildings we were seeing such as The Arch of Triumph, the largest triumphal arch in the world situated at the end of the Champs-Élysées, The Opera Garnier, or Paris Opera, Concorde Square and The Conciergerie. We were dropped off on the famous Champs-Élysées where we had time to take in the breathtaking atmosphere of what is said to be the most romantic city in the world and of course some time for a quick bit to eat. This was followed by a trip to Notre Dame Cathedral where we surrounded by a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture and the grounds of a Disney classic. After that a quick walk to The Sainte Chapelle which was built to house Christ’s crown of thorns and many other Christian relics. From here we visited the Eiffel Tower for a city view with sparkle for a picture of Paris at night. Finally we make our way to the hotel for a much needed sleep to recover from our jam packed day and to prepare for the busy day ahead of us all.

Day two begins with an early start and a large breakfast with coffee. On a bitterly cold and snowy morning we made our way to the Stade de France where the tension was building for the game in four days time where the Irish rugby team visited Paris for the Six Nations Rugby game. A tour of the stadium involved details about the different sports played there, the history of the area and its grounds and of course a trip to the players changing rooms. From sports to a romance, Montmartre next, one of the unique areas in Paris, spectacular views of the city from the top, the beautiful and intimate Sacred Heart Basilica, to the pebbled narrow streets clouded with painters painting portraits and little friendly coffee shops and restaurants where you can taste real French cuisine. It was difficult to choose which little charm to dine in. From here to a shopping centre in the city where we were excited about shopping in Paris and many of us spent our entire budget in one fowl swoop. After working up an appetite we headed to a Crêperie where both savour and sweet traditional crepes were consumed by all. Then to work off all the beautiful food a trip to a bowling alley where the competition was fierce. And finally to bed were every student was excited about our big day to follow and tired after yet another jam packed day. Euro Disney here we come.

The full day in Euro Disney was one of the many great highlights for many students. Here students have a chance to connect and bond as they scream and bellow on the many rides in the famous resort followed by our traditional visit to Hard Rock Café for the all important food. Afterwards a trip to the hotel and prepare for our final day with a much needed sleep.

Our final day was split in two, firstly a trip to The Louvre which is the largest and one of the most visited museum in the world, followed by a worthwhile drive to The Chateau of Versailles. The visit to the The Louvre involved a guided tour of the museum and an insight into the evolution of painting and sculpture in France and Europe. Details of many of the paintings that were on display mesmerised us and of course the beautiful and most famous Mona Lisa. Then from there to the palace for a guided tour of the beautiful and perfectly preserved residence of the French aristocracy. Here we experienced how the French royalty lived and behaved in society.

After this world wind tour of the city we head off to the airport for a departure after four days of building life long memories.

‘It was the best trip ever, I am so exhausted but it is worth it.’

‘The guide in The Chateau of Versailles was so interested he just made us want to ask him questions. My hand was flying up without even thinking to get more information from him.’

‘Thanks so much to Yeats for allowing us to have a school tour. It was fantastic. The teachers were so good they allowed us to do whatever we wanted once we followed the rules. They gave us loads of time without watching over us all the time.’ Thanks.’