PARIS CULTURAL TRIP
IB and GCSE French students immersed themselves in French language, literature, music, food and other cultural treasures.
In February half-term, some fellow French students and I went to Paris for what can only be described as a submersion in French culture. We went to the theatre and saw some excellent performances of La Leçon and Edmond, took literary tours around the city, visited the museum of the house of Victor Hugo as well as the Comédie-Française and the Instituit Français. Although advertised as a literary trip, in our limited time in Paris we were exposed not only to literature but also to wider French culture.
The city of Paris, the music which thrives in Frenchspeaking nations and of course the food were all sublime. We ate in traditional French brasseries and got to try authentic French cuisine, attended a concert at the Philharmonie de Paris and wandered around the city at night, which were all incredible experiences. A personal highlight for me was visiting the Assemblée nationale, where I was able to see one of the seats of France’ s rich political history, which was truly a unique experience.
The impact this trip had on my French language skills cannot be understated. Not only do I now know elements of French culture which I can use in my IB studies, but the trip also gave me such an interest in French literature that I went on to read the works of some of the French authors I was introduced to on the trip, which greatly improved my French.
Looking back at the trip, I will fondly remember the time I had with my friends, me trying to use my French albeit sometimes in vain and how excited the trip made me about the French language. Many thanks to Ms Troletti, Miss Gauthier and Mr Davy for making this trip happen and opening our eyes to the delights and beauty of French literature and culture.
Sebby Kent, Lower Sixth
SEVENOAKS SCHOOL 2024-2025 95