Immerse your students in French culture with residential trips to France

Iconic architecture, a medley of museums and galleries, and incredible dining spots spanning the banks of the River Seine – picture-perfect Paris is the perfect spot for students to immerse themselves in the language and culture France has to offer!

Here at PGL we’ve been hosting group and student trips to France for many years, and over time our expert team have fine-tuned a selection of inspiring itineraries that provide the perfect balance of exciting excursions and learning opportunities for groups just like yours. Our pre-designed programmes are sure to give your students an unforgettable learning experience in Paris.

Group posing for a photograph in front of the Eiffel Tower on a PGL French package holiday.

French trip package overview

4-5 day immersive experiences
Full itinerary of excursions and activities with optional trip to Disneyland® Paris or Parc Astérix
Support from a PGL Tour Leader who accompanies you to most excursions
Full board accommodation at PGL Château de Grande Romaine
Evening activity programme led by PGL Animateurs
Return travel, 24hr support line & insurance
Shared coach packages available for smaller non-education groups
The perfect trip for Primary Schools, Secondary Schools or Group Trips to experience the best of France.

Two young women, engrossed in a multi-activity day out, smile and pose closely together at an elevated viewpoint, with a cityscape visible behind them.

A man in a blue shirt with a lanyard stands at a market stall, bustling with multi-activity, displaying various colorful items and smiling at a group of people.

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Learning Outcomes

Our tailored group and school trips to France offer a perfect blend of education, culture, and adventure:

"Opportunities to test language skills in real-life situations with French language speakers"

"Make lasting memories from visiting famous landmarks and experiencing a vibrant and inspirational city"

"Gain independence and confidence from travelling overseas without family"

"Appreciation and understanding of a different culture"

"Strengthen friendships and relationship-building from sharing new and exciting experiences with peers"

"Nurture an interest in travel and languages"

A group of young men sit on steps outdoors, engaging in a multi-activity scene of eating baguettes and mingling. Two men in the foreground smile at the camera, while others are focused on their food. A large, white basilica is visible in the background.

A group of people engage in a lively multi-activity scene at an outdoor market stall, some holding baguettes. Various fresh vegetables, including bell peppers and tomatoes, are displayed in the foreground.

A group of five teenagers stands in front of the Eiffel Tower, smiling after an exciting multi-activity day. Trees frame the foreground and the magnificent structure is visible in the background.

Two young men walk outdoors on a sunny day, engaging in a multi-activity outing. One waves a flag with red, white, and blue stripes. They appear cheerful and are surrounded by trees and a fence.

Three young people wearing jackets stand together with arms around each other, smiling, in front of the Eiffel Tower's base, after a day full of multi-activity adventures. The intricate structure of the tower is visible in the background.

A Typical Day at PGL

No two days are the same on our French school trip programmes, but you can count on enriching adventures for your group. Enjoy a perfect mix of educational excursions, cultural experiences, and high-energy activities at our centres.

Students on a french trip with PGL checking out the Eiffel tower and the local markets.

Wake up, enjoy a delicious breakfast before being transported to Paris for a morning of exploration and culture.

Afternoon French tailor made adventure banner with students waving and throwing axes

Time to visit some more landmarks or alternatively head back to centre for some adventure activities

Dinner French tailor made adventure banner with students eating and socialising

Arrive back at the château and enjoy a tasty dinner together. In the evening there’ll be a fun activity to tire everyone out before bedtime… ready for more adventure tomorrow!

Wake up, enjoy a delicious breakfast before being transported to Paris for a morning of exploration and culture.

French tailor made adventure banner for the afternoon that shows students waving from a boat on the river

Time to visit some more landmarks or alternatively head back to centre for some adventure activities

Two photos labeled "Evening" and "Dinner." One shows two people serving themselves food; the other depicts a group of people dancing in a room with blue carpet and dim lighting, showcasing a vibrant multi-activity evening.

Arrive back at the château and enjoy a tasty dinner together. In the evening there’ll be a fun activity to tire everyone out before bedtime… ready for more adventure tomorrow!

View example itineraries

Excursions & activities

Get the most out of your group or residential school trip to France with one of our all-inclusive packages, full of inspiring visits and learning opportunities, all designed to give your group an unforgettable experience of France. Here are some of the amazing excursions and activities you can expect:

Daytime
Evening

Bateaux Parisiens

Take this sightseeing boat trip along the Seine and enjoy a new perspective on many of Paris’s best-known landmarks including a detailed and informative commentary. Departing from near the Eiffel Tower your trip takes you past sites including Notre Dame, the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay – and much more!

Brie Market and Town Trail

Discover a picturesque, traditional town, with its Gothic church and its twelfth century castle; Brie Comte-Robert is the historic capital of the Brie region. PGL’s exclusive town trails are available in English and French, and will help your group make the most of exploring the streets of the town; or visit the vibrant market with its many artisan traders for plentiful opportunities to practise making transactions and negotiations in French!

Château de Fontainebleau

The opulent and impressive apartments of both Marie Antoinette and Napoleon are among unmissable sights at the Château de Fontainebleau, the former residence of the French royal family until the French Revolution of 1789. The gardens are also magnificent and PGL has produced a visit trail to help you explore and appreciate the 130 acres of palace grounds.

Disneyland® Paris

Add some extra sparkle and wow-factor to your school trip with a visit to Disneyland® Paris! If you’ve not been before you’ll be amazed at the range of more than 50 unforgettable rides and experiences. Divided into two connecting parks, Disneyland Park and the Walt Disney Studios Park - you can choose a single park ticket, or Hopper, allowing you access to both. There are shows, parades and seasonal spectaculars – even educational packs and activities if that’s what you are looking for. It’s really so much more than a theme park. And if you have been before, no doubt you are already planning your return visit!

Eiffel Tower

See it and see from it! Enjoy the panoramic views of the city and include the tower itself as the backdrop to your own photographs, because you cannot visit Paris and not visit the iconic Eiffel Tower. It’s the defining symbol of Paris – indeed of France. The Eiffel Tower was built in 1889 to commemorate 100 years since the French Revolution, and for more than four decades it held the record as the tallest structure in the world. It has welcomed more than 250 million visitors, and in 2009 celebrated its 120th birthday – no mean feat for a structure that was originally designed to stand for only 20 years!

Explore Paris

Liaise with your driver and PGL Tour Leader to discuss what you’d like to see and do. Many groups enjoy a general coach tour of Paris to see the famous sights, with the opportunity to stop at a popular site for photos

Fromagerie

This cheesemaker was founded in 1895 and has produced Brie cheese ever since. The visit includes a film in French (English subtitles) showing how Brie is made, a visit to the cellars where the cheese matures and of course, a tasting!

Market Visit

Discover one of several local markets close by, including Melun and Brie-Comte-Robert. A PGL Jeu de Piste (Town Trail) is available in Brie in English or French! Paris is also home to a wide range of Christmas markets; the centre will advise on arrival which is the most suitable for your group.

Matrix

The Matrix is an indoor activity, exclusive to PGL Little Canada, on the Isle of Wight. The Matrix tests your pupils’ physical and mental agility as they step through secret gateways to solve puzzles, tasks and take part in other inspiring activities. It’s a challenge that will improve your pupils’ communication skills as well as their ability to cooperate and work effectively as a team.

On-site activities

Challenge yourselves with a selection of on-centre PGL activities from Axe Throwing to Archery Tag.

Parc Astérix

Choose Parc Astérix for a theme park experience with a very French feel as you share your day’s adventures with the much-loved French cartoon characters, Astérix and Obélix. Known in particular for its wide range of roller coasters and the fantastic aquatic theatre, it is a good alternative to Disneyland Paris for an exciting and action-packed day out.

Préparez à Manger

A visit to the local market is a fantastic way to make the most of your stay. First, you group will prepare their menus and the language they’ll need to use. Second, they’ll find and buy all the ingredients in the local markets; transactions to take place in French, of course! Third, you’ll return to centre where your group will prepare lunch - presentation is everything, as their lunches are judged against each other. Finally - it’s time to eat and enjoy!

Sacré Cœur & Montmartre

Walk around Montmartre to share the experiences of some of the most famous and influential artists who lived here - Matisse, Picasso, Van Gogh to name but a few. Then eat your packed lunch sitting on the steps of the familiar sight of the basilica of the Sacré Cœur which can be seen from all over Paris and enjoy breathtaking views over the city. Montmartre is so distinctive - a hub of activity with a bohemian atmosphere which endures to the present day. Street artists will produce your portrait in any style you can think of, and busy bars, cafés and restaurants celebrate the varied and colourful history of the district.

Stade de France

The home of French football and rugby international teams was originally opened in 1998 and hosted the FIFA World Cup in 1998 in which France beat Brazil 3-0 in the final. The Brazilian team were based in the same place as you that year! They stayed at the Château de Grande Romaine which PGL acquired just 2 years later in 2000. France’s iconic stadium is a visit that need not be limited to those with sporting interests. The guided tour provides insights into everything from its construction to the running of the stadium and the events held in it.

Ambush

If you love hide and seek, you’ll adore Ambush which takes this popular group game and ramps it up an extra notch! After sundown your group will split into small teams, with one team hiding within the centre grounds, leaving a trail for their competitors to follow. Great for developing strategic and team building skills. Ambush is usually run in the dark, and torches are advised. Available September to March

Balloon Splash

Each team completes a series of challenges or games to earn coins that will allow them to purchase items from a mystery box! Teams will then work closely together to create the best contraption to protect their water balloon from destruction.

Campfire

The ultimate way to enjoy the great outdoors as a group! Enjoy a campfire tailored to your requirements. Get hands-on constructing your campfire during the day, and it will be lit ready for you to enjoy in the evening. If your group loves to sing or simply relax with some games around the campfire, our team can cater for all ages in the idyllic settings of our campfires.

Crêpe Making

A relaxing evening of board games and music while guests take it in turn to create their very own pancake. Mix and cook your own pancakes and choose from a selection of tasty toppings available to build your own topping tower!

Disco

A popular last night choice, guests learn the moves to popular hits with “follow-the-leader” sessions, plus lots of unique PGL dances! A fun and sociable evening.

PGL Games

A selection of exciting games to help burn off the final bit of energy before bed. These games include, battleships, can off & cornholes.

Quiz

In teams, guests are set a Q & A style challenges to engage their brains & increase their general knowledge.

Silent Disco

Party the night away without the noise of a disco. Every guest has their own set of headphones, where guests can select music from a number of channels to find the tunes they enjoy. Then spend the evening dancing away with friends or trying to guess what song your friends are listening to.

French Programme Available at

Paris – Château de Grande Romaine

This pretty French château is perfectly placed to explore the delights of Paris and Northern France. Nestled in scenic countryside and woodland, this centre boasts an outdoor heated swimming pool and fantastic facilities.

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Why book with PGL?

#1 in outdoor educational trips

Industry experts in care & safety

Options for all budgets

All activities & instruction included

Age-relevant Programmes

Dedicated PGL ‘Groupie’ to support you

Return home All Programmes

Testimonials

French school trip FAQs

What does a French school trip package include?

Our French trip packages include accommodation, meals, a carefully curated itinerary of cultural excursions, educational activities, and on-centre adventures. We take care of all the logistics, providing a stress-free experience.

What safety measures are in place during trips to France?

Safety is our top priority. All excursions and activities are fully risk-assessed, led by qualified instructors, and conducted under strict safety guidelines. Our staff are on hand 24/7 to ensure the well-being and security of your group throughout the trip.

What is the accommodation like?

The accommodation is at the stunning Château de Grande Romaine, a beautiful French château set in scenic countryside and woodland. Located 20 miles southeast of Paris, the centre provides a comfortable and safe environment for your group.

It features well-equipped rooms, fantastic facilities such as an outdoor heated swimming pool, sports courts, and a large dining area. With its perfect location and range of amenities, Château de Grande Romaine offers an ideal base for group and school trips to France.

How do I book a French trip at PGL?

Booking a French trip with PGL is easy! Simply visit our website to explore the available packages, or contact our team directly for advice and support.

Once you’ve chosen the package that suits your group, we’ll guide you through the booking process, from confirming your dates to finalising details like accommodation and activities.

French Package