What are the benefits of a French language school trip?
The study of Modern Foreign Languages is ever-evolving, with a new GCSE starting for students in September 2024. A focus on building communication skills, widening cultural and historic understanding, and combining reading, writing, speaking and listening will help students grasp basic and frequently occuring vocabulary.
Opportunities to interact with native speakers will be part of the curriculum, and what better way to do so than to visit the country and interact with locals.
A French language school trip immerses students in an environment where they can practise their French language skills with native speakers, speeding up the learning process and improving their fluency. It allows students to experience French culture firsthand, enhancing their understanding and appreciation for the French language. Other benefits of French school trips include:
- Greater confidence
- Enhanced communication skills
- Contextual learning that can be applied to their pre-existing knowledge
- A sense of growth and independence
Where to go on a French language school trip
The French language can be learned and experienced in many places, each with unique experiences available to you. Some popular French school trip destinations include Normandy, Paris, Geneva, and even London. Taking your students outside of the classroom provides a combination of French language learning opportunities, cultural insights, and authentic experiences.
Enjoy a French language trip in Paris
Home to iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in French culture. A French school trip to Paris can enhance your students’ language skills, and inspire an appreciation for art, history, and travel. Additionally, Paris’s diverse neighbourhoods and culinary delights provide an exciting learning experience that extends beyond traditional classroom boundaries.
Visit Normandy for an authentic French experience
Normandy is an excellent destination for students seeking an authentic French experience, offering historical, cultural, and linguistic educational opportunities. You can explore significant World War II sites like the D-Day Landing Beaches and Caen Memorial Museum, and then brighten up your day by wandering the streets of Mont St Michel. With an array of charming towns and stunning landscapes to explore, your students will find that their opportunities to practise French language in Normandy are endless.
Brush up on your French language at the Opal Coast
Taking your students on a school trip to the Opal Coast provides a unique combination of French language practice, cultural immersion, and outdoor activities. The coastal region’s charming towns and vibrant markets offer excellent opportunities for students to engage with locals and practise their French in everyday contexts. And for something more out-of-the-box, you can take your students to L’Escargotière du Choquel, the Snail Farm!
Experience the Futuroscope in Loire Valley
The Loire Valley offers your students the chance to explore rich historical heritage, stunning architecture, and beautiful landscapes. In addition to learning about French culture and history, you can combine learning with entertainment at the Futuroscope, an innovative theme park renowned for its cutting-edge attractions that utilise 3D and 4D technologies, virtual reality, and immersive simulations. Spark students’ interest in STEM subjects by providing hands-on experiences that are both engaging and informative.
Take a French school trip to Geneva, Switzerland
As a French-speaking city, Geneva offers many opportunities for students to practise their French language skills in a real-world setting while engaging with locals. Geneva is home to major international organisations, such as the United Nations, and CERN, meaning your students will learn about a range of topics while practising their French language on the trip. The city’s rich cultural scene, including museums and historical sites, and scenic beauty around Lake Geneva adds to the educational value, making it an enriching and diverse destination for language and cultural learning.
Discover French culture in the heart of London
It’s not essential to travel to France to experience authentic French culture. In London, students can participate in French language tours and activities at museums, theatres, and historical sites, allowing them to practise their French in real-world settings. London’s famous French Quarter, South Kensington, is rich with cafes, bakeries, and patisseries for your students to get a taste of real French cuisine close to home.
5 French language experiences your students won’t want to miss
French language school trips don’t need to be entirely educational, but should also incorporate enjoyable elements. Inspiring children to learn can be tricky, so here are five French experiences that help your students engage with their learning in a fun and exciting way.
Experience authentic French cuisine
No matter which French region you choose to visit, there will be exciting culinary experiences for your students to take part in. They can learn the art of breadmaking in an authentic Boulangerie, understand the history of snail farming at L’Escargotière du Choquel, and explore other quintessentially French products and produces such as biscuiteries, honey producers, waffle makers, and cideries.
Food and produce demonstrations and tours are often given in the French language. Your students will be able to practise ther speaking and listening French vocabulary skills relating to food and drink in a fun and exciting way, all whilst gaining valuable knowledge about traditional French cuisine.
Interactive French language tasks with E3 Trails
Walking tours are a wonderful way to experience French culture and language. With E3 Trails, walking tours are combined with interactive tasks and challenges that your students can compete to complete. Typically taking 2-3 hours, French language trails are available in both Paris and London, providing self-guided tours to many iconic landmarks of your choosing.
Explore the Musée du Chocolat
Normandy has a cultural and culinary heritage that your students can learn a great deal from. And what better way to spend an afternoon than surrounded by chocolate? The Musée du Chocolat tells the history of chocolate making, with smell tests and tastings that your students will love.
Lil' Langues Language Lessons
Improve their language skills in at this specialist language school in Lille. The class experience is fun, interactive and speaking based, focused on real life culture and language. Teaching materials are fun and engaging and customised to your individual needs. Students are in smaller groups, which not only encourages students to participate, it means students can be sorted into groups to match their knowledge and ability.
Speak with locals at markets and fairs
No matter what language you are trying to learn, the best way to hone your conversational skills is by talking to native speakers. Markets and fairs are a perfect opportunity to converse with locals, practise the basics, and improve fluency. Markets pop up all over France, but Normandy and the Loire Valley host excellent opportunities, along with Geneva, Switzerland.
At WST, we offer tailored itineraries, expert guidance, and logistical support to ensure you and your students get the most out of your French language school trip. With the recent changes to the Modern Foreign Languages GCSEs, you can ensure that your visit and activities with NGT will support your studies, and provide an unforgettable experience. Explore our French school trips today and get in touch to start planning your next visit.
