By Ermira Elmazaj, French Teacher and 12th Grade Advisor
This year, during Intersession, with my colleagues Erin Luther and John Andrea, we mentored 27 students on a journey across Paris, Provence, and Marseille, hoping to inspire them, challenge them, and ultimately light a lifelong passion for language and culture.
As we embarked on our journey to France, excitement filled the air. Some students were buzzing with anticipation, while others felt a mix of nerves and uncertainty. Would they be able to communicate in French? Would the locals be welcoming? These questions lingered in their minds as we set off on our adventure.
Each time I accompany my students to France, I feel a renewed sense of excitement, as if I am seeing everything through fresh eyes. Their awe, discoveries, and challenges remind me why these experiences matter. I still vividly remember my first trip to France as a student—the way it deepened my love for the language and opened my eyes to the beauty of French history, art, and joie de vivre and finding a new sense of identity. It shaped my worldview, fostering open-mindedness and curiosity, qualities I hope to nurture in my students.
PARIS et VERSAILLES - The Heart of Journey
We arrived in Paris on a chilly, rainy midday, settled into our hotel, and headed to the local boulangerie for a quick snack and lunch. It was the first time
practicing French, and students were eager to ask questions correctly. Some approached the counter with confidence. Everyone enjoyed the delicious mix of savory and sweet local treats. Using the metro regularly, we took the metro heading toward the ‘Arc de Triomphe’ on the Champs-Élysées. Sean ‘26 mentioned, “Taking public transportation, reading signs, and hearing French all around me really made me think—sometimes, I had to think in French.'"
Exploring Versailles
During the drive, we passed through central Paris, with our tour director, Maud, offering insightful commentary on iconic landmarks: Notre-Dame, the Latin Quarter, the Louvre, Les Invalides, the Eiffel Tower, the Beaugrenelle district with its 1970s-era high-rise buildings, a smaller replica of the Statue of Liberty, and the charming, narrow streets of the 16th arrondissement.
In Versailles, we split into two groups, each led by an expert guide. One group chose a fully French-language experience, which helped them hone their listening skills while learning about the history of the Palace of Versailles and its royal residents. Highlights included the Chapel, Napoleon’s salon, and the breathtaking Hall of Mirrors. Students were fascinated by the numerous rooms named after gods—Salon de Vénus, de Mars, d’Apollon, and more. It was a rich exploration of French history. (artwork by Marinda '27)
“I know so much more about French culture and its history, especially the landmarks like Versailles.” ~Kate '26
Visiting the beautifully restored Notre-Dame de Paris, students of the Advanced French class had the opportunity to connect the historical and architectural details they studied with real-life preservation efforts.
Soccer enthusiasts enjoyed a guided tour of PSG FC’s Parc des Princes stadium, diving into the rich history of the team, exploring the locker rooms, and stepping onto the field to shoot a few penalty kicks against our tour guide/goalkeeper.
Engaging the Senses
At the Musée du Parfum, students delved into the history of perfumes and used their sense of smell to match scents with their corresponding flowers. Later, at L'Atelier Des Chefs, students made an array of desserts: chocolate fondue, crêpes, lava cakes, mousse, and banana samosas! To burn off some of those treats, we climbed the stairs of Montmartre, eventually reaching the breathtaking Basilique du Sacré-Cœur. The day concluded with the spectacular musical Le Roi Lion, where students were amazed by the staging, puppetry, and French performances.
“French culture is so diverse, with so many art forms, ways of thinking, and more. I really enjoyed this trip and the rich culture. I might even consider studying abroad or going to college in France.” ~Anabel ‘26
The Art of Paris
Stepping into the role of artist, students created personal masterpieces using acrylics on canvas at Cover the Canvas. Next, we visited the Palais Garnier, where students learned about the opera house’s grand design and its role in symbolizing the rise of the Nouveau Riche during the Industrial Revolution. The golden ballroom was especially breathtaking as if we had stepped into an episode of The Gilded Age. At the Musée d'Orsay students wandered through the museum’s impressive collection, immersing themselves in the works of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artists.
Throughout our stay in Paris, students became increasingly confident and comfortable with their surroundings, the people, and the language. During their free time, they ordered food, interacted with locals, explored thrift shops, and picked out souvenirs.
PROVENCE, a Simpler Pace
Provence was not just a destination; it was a classroom without walls, offering an immersive journey through history, art, and culture that enriched our understanding. At the same time, it helped refine our French language skills and fostered a sense of independence. Catherine ‘27 remarked, “I now realize that in Paris, almost everyone speaks English very well, and my French is enough to get around the city. In the South of France, fewer people spoke English, and I heard more French speakers.”
As we left Paris behind, we watched the landscape change to the rolling countryside of Provence. Arriving in Avignon and stepping onto its medieval streets felt like traveling back in time. Our hotel, situated across from the Palais des Papes, placed us in the heart of the city's rich papal history. Visiting the Pont du Gard, and the Arena of Nîmes, history became tangible, something students could touch, climb, and walk through.
Les Baux-de-Provence, a picturesque medieval village perched atop a rocky hill, offered breathtaking views of Provence. The Château des Baux, dating back to the 10th century, once served as a key defensive site. Despite the long day, the students thrived, laughing and climbing the ancient streets, all while battling the fierce Mistral wind. They cheered each other on, helping one another reach the top of the castle. With the village nearly to themselves, the experience felt even more magical.
We spent our last day in Provence exploring the city of Aix-en-Provence. Students had time to wander through the old town, browse the flea market, and visit local shops. Later, we embarked on a walking tour, Sous les pas de Cézanne ("In Cézanne’s Footsteps"), delving into the life and works of Paul Cézanne.
MARSEILLE, a Global Crossroad
Our final destination was Marseille. At the Palais Longchamp, we explored the Musée des Beaux-Arts, admiring 17th–19th century French and Italian paintings and sculptures before taking in the grandeur of the surrounding gardens and fountains. Lunch introduced us to Bouillabaisse, Marseille’s famous fish stew—an experience in culinary tradition as much as taste. Some students loved it, while others hesitated, but all embraced the opportunity to try something new. At Notre-Dame de la Garde, Marseille’s iconic basilica, we were captivated by breathtaking panoramic city and coastline views. Students explored the mosaics, deepening their appreciation for the region’s religious and artistic heritage. Our final stop offered a different perspective of the harbor and Le Panier, Marseille’s oldest neighborhood. Some students indulged in sweet treats, while others admired street art or browsed small local shops—soaking in the last moments of our journey through southern France.
Reflections
Reflecting on the journey, students shared that their growth expanded beyond just language—more than just learning French, they had formed connections with people, history, and culture. Seeing their enthusiasm and aspirations reaffirmed the purpose of our journey—I couldn’t have wished for more. Check out our photo album here.
“Being in France, I was fully immersed in the language and culture,” one student reflected. “My French skills improved, especially in reading and listening, because I was constantly surrounded by the language.” Another noted, “After this trip, I realized that spoken French is quite different from written French.”
