News Students Love Paris In The Spring! 02.05.2026

Collyer’s students studying A-level French have just returned from a busy educational trip to Paris.

The group explored the neighbourhood of Montmartre, the Rue Lepic (passing the Café de Deux Moulins where the film Amélie was filmed),  Place du Tertre, and the basilica Sacré-Coeur. In addition to these amazing views of Paris, the party enjoyed an evening cruise on the river Seine – a highlight of the trip for many, as the group had a great close-up of a beautifully lit Eiffel Tower.

French guide Brigitte, who spoke perfect ‘Frenglish’, led the group to the Place de la Concorde and Orangery Museum and a trip to the Notre Dame cathedral.

Collyer’s Head of French, Monika Watson said: “We got soaked halfway through the tour because of a downpour but dried off and warmed up in the cinema, watching Un P’tit Truc En Plus in French with English subtitles. This French comedy links well to our curriculum, mainly the topic of marginalisation.”

Other highlights of the trip included time shopping at the Galeries Lafayette, seeing the Mona Lisa at the Louvre museum, a game of pétanque, a visit to the Arc de Triomphe and a stroll down the Champs-Elysées. The group also enjoyed views of Paris from the Montparnasse Tower.

Collyer’s Deputy Principal Steve Martell said: “Huge thanks to Monika Watson and Stéphanie Le Palec for making this amazing trip possible for our students.”

Monika Watson added: “This was a hugely successful trip with a packed schedule of lots of fun activities.

“The students appreciated being able to use their language skills whilst there and many reported being more confident in their speaking as a result.

“We also enjoyed the best chocolate chip brioche we ever tasted!”