Spring Break in France

This program is an opportunity for eighth grade and high school honors students as well as interested adults to spend eight days learning about the history, culture, and people of France This program, sponsored by The Center for Gifted Studies at Western Kentucky University, is designed to provide participants with a carefully structured experience. Twenty-five qualified participants will be accompanied by the program director.

Application

Download Application

A passport-size photograph and a nonrefundable deposit of $500 are due with the application. Eligible participants will be admitted to the program in the order in which applications are received. The deposit will be returned if the study tour has reached its capacity.

All travelers must be able to participate in normal physical activities. In addition, student applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Enrollment in the eighth grade, freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior year in high school
2. Involvement in high school honors or gifted services
3. Two signatures from teachers, counselors, principals, and/or G/T coordinators recommending participation

Trip Itinerary

Friday, April 1

Depart USA for Paris.

Saturday, April 2

Arrive in Paris and meet our guide. Travel by private motor coach to Caen. En route go to Giverny to visit Monet’s home on the Siene River. Monet lived in Giverny for the last forty years of his life, and many of his paintings are of his garden and lily pond. Continue on to Caen and check into the hotel.

Sunday, April 3

Depart Caen for an all-day excursion to Mont Saint Michel to visit the town and the impressive Gothic cathedral built on a rocky island off the Normandy coast. On the way, visit the town of Bayeux to view the Bayeux Tapestry which tells the story of the Norman Conquest of England.

Monday, April 4

Travel down the D-Day beaches to visit the American Cemetery and Museum at Colleville-sur-Mer overlooking Omaha Beach. Continue on to Arromanches to see the remains of the artificial harbor constructed to support the D-Day landings. Visit the museum and have lunch. Leave Arromanches for Paris. Arrive in Paris in the early evening and check into the hotel.

Tuesday, April 5

In the morning travel by the Metro to visit the Eiffel Tower for a breathtaking view of Paris. Then walk to the Hotel des Invalides, a hospital for veterans, and visit the Dome Church, burial place of Napoleon Bonaparte. In the afternoon, tour the Orsay Museum to view the extensive collection of Impressionist art.

Wednesday, April 6

Travel by train to Versailles to visit the famous palace and grounds. Built by Louis XIV, this palace is the largest in Europe and is noted for its extensive gardens. Have lunch in Versailles and then return to Paris to visit the Marmottan Monet Museum. This small suburban museum houses a marvelous collection of paintings by Monet.

Thursday, April 7

In the morning, visit the Louvre Museum. This magnificent building, once the palace of French kings, now houses one of the largest collections of art in the world. Have lunch at the Louvre. In the afternoon, visit the Orangerie Museum to view Monet’s paintings of water lilies, “Grand Nymphéas”and then stroll through the Tuileries Gardens to the Place de la Concorde. Walk up the famous Champs Elysées to the Arch of Triumph. Climb to the top of the Arch for another great view of Paris.

Friday, April 8

Leave Paris for an all-day excursion to the Loire River Valley, stopping at Chartres to tour the massive Gothic cathedral famous for its beautiful medieval stained glass windows. Travel on to Amboise for lunch, and then go to Chenonceau to visit one of France’s most beautiful chateaux. Return to Paris in the late afternoon.

Saturday, April 9

In the morning, visit the old city of Paris on the Ile de la Cité, an island in the Siene River, to see Notre Dame Cathedral, Sainte-Chapelle, and the Conciergerie. Have lunch in the Latin Quarter. In the afternoon, tour Montmarte, the area renowned for its artist colony and the beautiful Church of the Sacred Heart (Sacré-Coeur).

Sunday, April 10

Depart Paris for the USA.

Program Cost

The program cost is $3,900. Included in this cost are:

1. Roundtrip airfare from Nashville, TN
2. Hotel accommodations in double rooms in Paris and Caen. An adult may request a single room for an additional charge.
3. Breakfast each day at the hotel
4. Admission to historic sites, museums, and other points of interest listed on the itinerary
5. Travel by motor coach for excursions

This cost is subject to increase should there be changes in airfares, monetary exchange rates, or service costs that are not now anticipated.

Upcoming Trips

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Recent Trips

2024 Spring Break: England

2023 Spring Break: Italy

2019 Fall Break: Venice to Vienna

2019 Spring Break: Paris and Normandy

2018 Spring Break in England

2017 Fall Break in Greece

2017 Spring Break in Italy

2016 Fall Break in Ireland

2016 Spring Break in France

2015 Fall Break in the Netherlands and Belgium

2015 Summer in England

2014 Fall Break in Spain

2014 Spring Break in Italy

2013 Fall Break in Germany

2013 Summer in France