Mounties Expand Horizons with Educational Tour of France

A Spring Break trip to France for the Class of 2024 was a truly unforgettable experience. Throughout their journey, Mounties witnessed breathtaking sights, learned enlightening historical facts about France, and created cherished memories with their fellow students. 

In Paris, students spent two days getting acquainted with the city's cobblestone streets and vibrant neighborhoods. They learned that Paris is known as the "City of Lights" due to its prominent role as a center of education during the Age of Enlightenment. The group spent day two on sightseeing tours, stopping at famed destinations such as the final resting place of Napoleon in Les Invalides, the Gothic marvel of Notre Dame, and the Louvre— home to the Mona Lisa. The most popular part of the day was a painting tour led by a local artist of Île Saint-Louis, which told the history behind charming Parisian architecture  and explored new painting techniques.

In Normandy, the students paid tribute to fallen heroes at the American Cemetery and Memorial at Colleville-sur-Mer; visited historic World War II sites, including the Arromanches, and walked along Omaha Beach, where  D-Day took place.

As their journey neared its end, the group spent two days in Loire Valley, taking in the sights before journeying home. Students visited the Château in Chenonceau, a stunning building built over the Cher River designed with exquisite Renaissance architecture. They then made their way to Amboise, where Leonardo Da Vinci is buried, and explored the time capsule of a medieval town peppered with half-timbered buildings. On the second day, the group visited Chambord, the giant hunting lodge of François I, before continuing to Chartres to view the famed Gothic Chartres Cathedral,, and the veil of the Virgin Mary. During their time in Chartres, the adult chaperones had the pleasure of meeting Père Philippe, the Bishop of Chartres, at lunch, who was delighted to see engaged students travel afar to visit and learn about the beauty of France.

The Class of 2024 was fortunate to have the supervision of dedicated Mount faculty and staff to chaperone during their trip abroad, and the assistance of ACIS tours in facilitating this educational journey across France. We are gracious to both groups for their invaluable contributions to this once-in-a-lifetime experience!