A group of 24 A Level French students recently embarked on an unforgettable week in the stunning city of Nice, immersing themselves in French language, culture, and history.
Flying into the beautiful Côte d’Azur, students were welcomed by the Mediterranean sunshine, setting the tone for an incredible adventure. With daily morning lessons at the prestigious International House language school and enriching afternoon excursions, the trip provided the perfect balance of academic development and cultural discovery.
Exploring the French Riviera
Our adventure began with a guided tour of Nice, where we explored the picturesque port, the charming old town, and admired the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. Our hotel provided fantastic accommodation with delicious breakfasts and evening meals, fuelling students for their busy days. Many also took the opportunity to explore the local food scene, indulging in ice cream, crêpes, and even escargots – a bold culinary adventure for some!
Day two took us to the spectacular and intriguing principality of Monaco, where we crossed the harbour by boat, enjoyed an exclusive visit inside the world-famous Casino de Monte-Carlo, spotted some of the most luxurious supercars on the planet, and we even received a royal wave from Prince Albert II himself in Palace Square!
History, sweet treats and spectacular sunsets
On day three, students delved into France’s past with a visit to the Musée de la Résistance, gaining a deeper understanding of the country’s wartime history. A stop at a traditional sweet and chocolate factory delighted everyone’s taste buds before we soaked up the stunning sunset by the beach. The day ended with a fun and competitive French quiz night at the hotel, filled with laughter and friendly rivalry!
The secrets of French perfumery and a spectacular light show
Day four saw us venture to the stunning hilltop village of Èze, where students explored its medieval charm before visiting the famous Fragonard perfume factory. Here, we uncovered the secrets of one of France’s most treasured industries, learning how fragrances are created by expert perfumers or “noses.” That evening, we attended the Luminiscence Light and Music show at the beautiful Basilique Notre-Dame, a truly awe-inspiring experience.
A choice of cultural adventures and sporting success
Friday offered students a choice of cultural experiences, including visits to the Matisse Museum, the Roman ruins, the Archaeology Museum, or the interactive National Sports Museum, where they explored France’s rich sporting heritage.
On Saturday, we set off for Grasse, the world capital of perfume, before heading to Cannes, where students walked in the footsteps of Hollywood legends on the red carpet of the Cannes Film Festival and learned about the legendary mystery of the man in the iron mask, famously imprisoned on the Île Sainte-Marguerite, just across the bay. That evening, nearly half of the group attended an electrifying Ligue 1 match: OGC Nice vs Lens. With fantastic seats, an incredible atmosphere, and a 2-0 victory for Nice, it was the perfect way to wrap up an already extraordinary week!
Saying au revoir to the Côte d’Azur
On our final morning, the sun shone for us as we enjoyed last-minute shopping in Nice’s vibrant markets and boutiques, soaking up every last moment of Riviera life. One student described the experience as ‘the best week of my life’, while another called it ‘truly unforgettable.’ It goes without saying that the
From start to finish, this trip was an paralleled opportunity for our students to enhance their language skills, immerse themselves in French culture, and make lifelong memories and friendships.
If you’re a prospective A Level French student at Carmel, the next trip could be yours! Visit our A Level French web page to find out more.
