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February 27th
Written by Cassidy Ostrander
After a long– and, for most, sleepless– flight, the students started out their unforgettable trip around 5 am local time. After getting the ground rules from their guides, Agathe and Pamela, the group walked through the streets of France to their very first meeting place: the Balisque du Sacre-Coeur de Montmarte, or the Sacred Heart of Montmarte.
Montmartre is a very famous, populous region in Paris. The Cathedral itself is set up on a large hill, and students were able to climb the steps to get an impressive view of the city of Paris. Notably, there were no skyscrapers– the cities in France have regulations against tall buildings! So, with no skyscrapers blocking the view, it felt as though you could see the whole city. Behind the cathedral were cafes and restaurants, mostly grab-and-go places, and the students were given several hours to explore Paris for lunch!
Later, carefully guided once again through the city by Agathe and Pamela, students got the chance to see the famous Notre-Dame de Paris. This grand cathedral is known for being a prime example of the beautiful gothic architecture of Paris. And, of course, its many melodic church bells. It’s a Roman-Catholic church which was finished in 1345, and church-service goes on today. Students who decided to tour it (for free, as long as you waited in the line) joined the quiet crowd inside, looking at examples of 13th century gothic iconography and architecture as incense burned. It was an extremely memorable experience.
They arrived at their first hotel of many in the evening. Curfew was 10 pm that night, and after the exciting and long day they had, everyone was happy to respect that. Tomorrow they would be up bright and early for their second day in Paris.
February 28th-March 1st
Written by Emily Kovac
On February 28th, students got to see some of the most well-known and beautiful attractions in France. This includes the Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde, where Marie Antoinette was guillotined, and the iconic Eiffel Tower. After having some free time for lunch, the group got to see Versailles, which is where Louis XIV lived, and the Treaty of Versailles was signed to end World War I. They were also able to explore the famous gardens there. Dinner was at a local restaurant, and then they enjoyed a night river cruise on the Seine. Everyone enjoyed seeing the Eiffel Tower lit up. The next day was spent in Chartres, which is southwest of Paris. The group enjoyed walking around the town while exploring shops and the beautiful Chartres Cathedral. Chateau de Chambord was next on the list, which was the hunting lodge for King Francis the 1st. His personal emblem was the salamander, which can be seen throughout the chateau. It symbolized his power and resilience, with the motto “Nutrisco et extinguo” alongside it, which translates to “I nourish, and I extinguish.”
March 2nd-3rd
Written by Izzy Seaton
March 2nd was a beautiful day to spend in the town of Amboise. Whether the group decided to explore more into the town, looking at shops and stopping at cafes, or visit the Château du Clos Lucé, the home of Leonardo Da Vinci. Later, the group was transported to Château de Chenonceau and its gardens, a beautiful sixteenth-century castle built over the Cher River. To end their evening of adventures, the travelers saw another gorgeous castle. While only having 1/4 of its original structure left, Chateau d’Amboise remains a popular tourist spot that the group got the privilege of visiting. The next day, full of sunny skies, travelers started their day in Saint Malo. From viewing the gorgeous sea to grabbing a pastry from a nearby shop, the group had an amazing start to their day. From there, the group had the choice to take on approximately 350 steep and rocky stairs to reach the top of Mont Saint-Michel. Enjoying souvenir shops and cafes, and learning more about the huge castle as well as the village that surrounds it.
March 4th-5th
Written by Erin Reisinger
On March 4th, the Yough travelers dived into the tragic history of World War II. Their itinerary for the day included visits to historically significant sights such as Pointe de Hoc, Normandy Beach, Omaha Beach, the American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, and the Caen Memorial. These locations provided historical information, allowing the group to thoughtfully remember the events of the past. On their next and final day in Europe, March 5th, the students ended their journey by returning to the city of Paris. They had personal time to explore the city's atmosphere by visiting popular cafes, browsing through shops, or revisiting their favorite landmarks. Afterward, the group visited the Louvre Museum, where they were given the chance to admire famous pieces of art, including the iconic Mona Lisa. The group had dinner together, and then students were given the option to either enjoy Paris into the evening or leave to prepare for their long journey home.
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