Over the Easter break, 15 of our students, accompanied by three members of staff, travelled to France for a wonderful French language and cultural immersion trip to Bordeaux.

Arriving at Bordeaux airport on the evening of Sunday 6th April, we were welcomed by our partner language school, Les Ateliers FL Bordeaux, before transferring to our host families for the week.  

Throughout the week, the students participated in a busy and enriching programme, combining formal language lessons at the language school with cultural activities designed to bring their classroom learning to life. Each morning began with breakfast at their host families’ homes before heading into school, allowing students to practise their conversational French from the moment they woke up.

Afternoons were dedicated to exploring the city and its rich heritage. On Monday, the group enjoyed a guided walking tour of Bordeaux, discovering its beautiful architecture, bustling squares, and historic landmarks, starting from the iconic Place des Quinconces.

Tuesday’s highlight was a visit to the Bassins des Lumières, where they enjoyed immersive digital exhibitions at the world’s largest digital art centre housed in the city’s former submarine base.

On Wednesday, the group took to the water for a river cruise along the Garonne. From the deck, they enjoyed a unique perspective of Bordeaux’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed waterfront, learning about the city’s maritime history and development.

The final day, Thursday, allowed students to explore the Musée des Beaux-Arts and to walk through the Rue Saint Catherine for 3 km worth of window shopping before soaking up the final hours of French culture before making their way to the airport for the journey home.

Throughout the trip, students impressed staff and host families alike with their willingness to immerse themselves fully in French language and culture. It was a fantastic opportunity not only to improve their linguistic skills but also to grow in confidence and create lifelong memories.

We are extremely proud of all the students who took part and very grateful to the staff who accompanied them, making this a truly special experience.

Student feedback about the trip was very positive:

One said, “I had a really fun time while improving my french and exploring the beautiful city of Bordeaux. from experiencing the amazing sites and story’s of Bordeaux to talking to other students at a French Lycee we all had an amazing time and I learnt so much – the trip really helped me to feel more confident in my french speaking abilities.”

Another commented, “The Bordeaux trip was a really fun experience which helped us learn more French as well as use the skills in real life situations whilst exploring the city with our friends. We stayed with French families, allowing our french vocabulary to improve. I really enjoyed the trip and I wish to go again one day.”