The Pocklingtonian 2018/19 | Page 98

PARIS TRIP TO M AY 2 0 1 9 This year’s trip got off to a prompt start just after midnight taking 47 second year pupils and 6 staff to the Chateau Grande Romaine just south of Paris. Crossing the channel after an early breakfast stop at Folkestone enabled us to arrive mid-morning at the Canadian First World War memorial at Vimy Ridge. The pupils were given informative talks by Mr Lambert and Mr Perham on the significance of Vimy Ridge to the Allied advances and were able to walk through the reconstructed trenches before lunch was taken and we headed for Paris. Arrival at the chateau in good time meant an early and refreshing dip in the outdoor pool before the evening activities began. Tuesday morning found us in the small market town of Brie Comte Robert. Following the town trail led us into the market square where the opportunity to try local baguettes, cakes and crepes proved irresistible. Our afternoon was spent at the beautiful Château Vaux le Vicomte whose relaxing gardens never fail impress. On Wednesday our day was spent in Parc Asterix where 7 roller coasters, six water rides, a dolphin show and a Roman soldiers v slaves modern dance off battle in the theatre amused staff and pupils alike. Afterwards we headed around the Arc de Triomphe and up to Scare Coeur, where the afternoon was spent in Monmartre and the pupils were able to get a caricature or sample more French cuisine. Thursday was our full day in Paris, beginning with an awe-inspiring visit to the top of the Montparnasse tower. We counted the 46 seconds it took us to reach the top, where the stunning panoramic views of Paris are best appreciated from the glass walled viewing deck 56 floors up. My thanks go to Mrs Haldane, Miss Young, Mr Lambert, Mr Perham and Mrs Kennedy for accompanying the trip this year and making it so enjoyable for us all. After descending we were able to cruise along the Seine on the open topped bateaux mouches, passing the Louvre and Notre Dame before lunching beside the Eiffel tower. 96 THE POCKLINGTONIAN Mrs Baines