THE PARIS EXPERIENCE

Please click here for photographs from Paris '09

This tour began with the advent of the Transition Year in the late 1980s. Mary Reilly, a very dedicated Teacher, now an Inspector, was the driving force behind it. The present format bears no resemblance at all to the first few having been progressed by many different Teachers over the last twenty years. We express our gratitude to them all. Without the benefit of their experience and the chance to learn from mistakes, this tour would never have developed into the exciting experience it is today.

Every year the fourth years are offered the opportunity to be part of this adventure. The trip is remembered fondly many years after leaving the College. I am always amazed at the number of past pupils who revisit Paris to relive some of the memories that remain so clear all those years later.

It presents a chance to see people in a different light and sometimes to make an array of new friends. It also allows students to explore their own interests and talents, many of which might otherwise remain unnoticed. There is, of course, a prize for whoever makes the best effort to speak French. In the time available, no adult tour could ever manage to include as much. I know - I've tried.

Reasonably priced flights have made this tour much more user friendly than it used to be. So now, let's take a look at some of the highlights of the most recent trips.

Eiffel Tower
Is any tour to Paris complete without a trip to the top? Stunning views all round, how did they build Paris with such straight lines in that era? The tower actually looks better at nights. It was built to commemorate the centenary of the French Revolution.

Aquaboulevard
This is a very popular water theme park. Slides, plunge pools, jacuzzis and wave machines make this place rock. But what a silly restriction!

Louvre
This is the world's biggest art gallery. It's a "must-see" especially the Mona Lisa. It would take forever to appreciate everything.

Flea Market
Everything form cars to designer goods is on sale here. They may not be the genuine article but who cares? Stay away from dubious gambling games.
 
Notre Dame
This cathedral predates Christianity as a place of worship. The site of the zero kilometre and with Gargoyles aplenty, it's always nice to see. The climb to the top is really breathtaking, especially for some of the staff! The cathedral itself is a serene and solemn place and it is still in daily use. The stained glass windows are magnificent and it is usually the site of the group photo for the annual.

Montmartre and La Pigalle
A haven for wannabe artists, this is a beautiful little place to walk around. La Pigalle, down the hill, is home to the famous Moulin Rouge and for some reason it always attracts lots of attention and comment.

Tour Montparnasse
The elevator, the fastest in Europe, ascends 56 floors in just 38 seconds. From the top there is the best 360° view of Paris imaginable. You can go out onto the roof, if you like, but mind the helicopters!

Catacombs
The sandstone that Paris is built from was originally mined here. Now it's home to eight million skeletons all eerily staring at you. Deep underground, it was also home to the French Resistance during the second world war.

Latin Quarter
We usually stay right in the middle of this area. It's themed towards young people and has plenty of interest for students. It's also got an amazing number of restaurants.

Les Invalides
This beautiful building houses Napoleon's tomb. It also contains a large collection of memorabilia form the two world wars. It is a very interesting place and is always popular. Your chance to learn about the true horror of the Normandy landings in particular and war in general.

Musee d'Orsay
A railway station turned into an art gallery! There is a huge collection of the works of the impressionist painters and at least one famous painting that everybody knows.

Cinema Rex
Cinema is much bigger in France than it has ever been in Ireland. See what you make of this demonstration. It is a lot of fun.

Sacre Coeur
The impressive large white church on the hills overlooking Paris is also a solemn place of worship. Experience the peace and serenity of the Basilica for yourself.

La Defense
This is Paris answer to Manhattan. It was built to commemorate the second centenary of the French Revolution. There are so many shops here that they give out free maps of the complex. There's a glass lift to the top of this modern day Arc de Triomphe and it's also a shopping opportunity.

Chateau of Versailles
This magnificent palace must be the most amazing on Earth. Our guides will show us through the principal sights and it usually possible to enjoy the gardens.

Paris Story
This is a trip back 2000 years in time to enjoy watching the development of Paris over the centuries. The spectacle owes a lot to wide-screen, audio-visual technology and to virtual holo-images.

Scenic Boat Cruise
Enjoy the sights of Paris from the river. The sights are seldom the main attraction on this cruise.

Champs Elysees and the Arc de Triomphe
The most famous street in Paris and probably the most expensive! This landmark houses the most important car showrooms and the most expensive designer shops. Under the Arc de Triomphe burns the eternal flame. This is a tribute to the many soldiers who lost their lives in the service of the French Empire. It commemorates the sacrifice of these soldiers, many of whose names are also lost to history. 

French Cuisine
We get dressed up for our only formal meal. No tracksuits and no runners! Try whatever you like but don't ask for burgers and chips!

Le Bourget
The entire history of aviation is here. Form the very first craft ever to take to the skies to the latest space rockets; it's all here to be enjoyed.

Stade de France
This stadium was built for the 1998 World Cup, which France hosted and won. Our guides will tell you all about it.

Conclusion
As you can see, there is something here for everyone. Believe it or not there's more still but we don't have the space for everything. We look forward to welcoming you along someday.

I couldn't let the opportunity pass without making mention of the cooperation I have always received from the vast majority of our students. I believe that many Parents would be very impressed, and maybe even surprised, at the level of maturity demonstrated by their sons. These young men are good company and trustworthy. They are more than capable of making a positive contribution to any project they might become involved with during their careers.

Finally, let me offer my own personal thanks to all the many wonderful Teachers we've had along with us over all those years. Remember, without you, this trip couldn't happen.
J Healy

PS If you've been on the trip recently, you might like to check out our PHOTO GALLERY to see if you're there!