Language learning and culture mark trip to France

Last week Year 8 and 7º ano students travelled to France to work on their French language proficiency and learn more about French culture. This group of 43 students attended A1 French language lessons at the College International de Cannes between the 18^th and 22^nd of October.

Students also had the opportunity to visit the historic towns of St. Paul de Vence (this village was a favored destination of many early 20^th Century artists, such as Picasso, Colette, Signac, Miró, Soutine and Chagall, whose grave is located in the village), Saint-Gènes-la- Tourette, Tourrettes-sur-Loup (an 11^th Century fortified village, famous for its violet flowers, which play an important role in the local economy) and Èze (located on the hills overlooking the Riviera and the St Tropez bay). Students were impressed by the stunning landscapes that inspired the German author and philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche to write Thus Spoke Zarathustra in the 19^th Century.

CIV students became acquainted with different aspects of French culture and cuisine, as they visited Confiserie Florian, a local producer of sweets and candy, and the Fragonard perfume factory. The visit to the Principality of Monaco allowed students to witness the exuberance of the small city-state, where they were also able to catch a glimpse of Prince Albert.

In the final day of the trip, students visited the towns of Cannes and Nice. In Cannes, the tour included a stop at the Palais des Festivals, where the world-famous Cannes Film Festival takes place every year, as well as walking through the famous shopping streets by the marina.

School trips provide exceptional opportunities for learning, broadening students’ understanding of cultural heritages and promoting their emotional and intellectual development. It was overall an unforgettable trip for all!