Voyage en France
- March 7th 2025
- School News
Eiffel Tower at night from a Seine River cruise
Photo by Bradley Morin
By Andrew Morin
Seniors of Sanford High School have just returned from our weeklong trip abroad to France. The trip, which occurred during February break, was an action filled adventure that explored much of north-western France. The students got to explore the landmarks and cultures of four distinct regions within France and had the chance to interact with the locals and eat the regions’ different foods. In total, around 80 students, teacher chaperones and parents partook in the trip, making the experience one that was shared by many people.
On the first day of the trip, students landed in Paris, where they took a walking tour of Paris and saw the charming Saint Germaine neighborhood, as well as the gothic Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris. The next day they got an opportunity for a bus tour of the city, where they saw various landmarks: including L’Hôtel des Invalides (the place where Napoleon’s tomb is), as well as the Panthéon of Mount Saint-Geneviève. The students then had the opportunity to leave the bus and explore the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe on foot. Photography can truly not give justice to the magnificence of these colossi. To appreciate the full glory of the structures is something that one can only do in person. That day ended with a rather cold river cruise along the Seine, where the students saw the breathtaking light show of the Eiffel tower. Many can now attest that Paris is truly The City of Lights.
The next region the students traveled to was The Loire Valley. The Loire Valley, known for its flat rolling landscape, wine and many châteaus, offered a wonderful cultural experience to me and my fellow travelers. Perhaps the most impressive of the structures the students saw in Loire was that of Notre Dame de Chartres. This Gothic Cathedral was perhaps more impressive than that of Notre Dame de Paris, due to it having its original stained glass. Students additionally had an opportunity to see the many ornate chateaus, including the Château de Chambord, which was partially designed by Leonardo Da Vinci, The Château d’Amboise, which holds his remains, and The Château de Chenonceau, which spans over the river Cher.
Students next had the opportunity to visit the region of Brittany in the very west of France. In this region the students visited the city of Saint Malo, which was a favorite amongst the students. Saint Malo, an old pirate city, offers a taste of Breton culture and food, as well as the rich nautical history of that region. The city’s impressive coastal walls are some of the only things of the old city that remain from before the second world war and make for a breathtaking view of the ocean. The abundance of the impressive sights, and the many souvenir shops, made Saint Malo the most enjoyable and interesting place for many of the students.
Next, the students had the opportunity to visit the region of Normandy, known for its cider and wide variety of cheeses. The students first got to visit the breathtaking abbey of Mont Saint Michel. The Abbey, situated on a piece of land that becomes an island during high tide, stands an impressive 302 feet tall from base to the tip of the Saint Michaels Statue’s Sword. Next the students had an opportunity to visit Pointe Du Hoq and Omaha beach, both part of the Allied Landing Zone during WW2, as well as the Normandy American Cemetery, famous for its white crosses.
Finally, the students ended their trip by heading back towards Paris to admire the ornate decor of the Palace of Versailles. The Palace offered students a look into the lives of the French royals and helped many understand why the French people sought to start the Revolution.
