School Visit to Lille – A Day of Culture, Language, and Lasting Memories

Blog Header Image Trips and Visits
Posted on 14th Jul 2025

On Friday, July 11th, a group of exceptional Year 10 French students and selected keen linguists from Year 9 embarked on an unforgettable cultural adventure to Lille, France. The students were carefully chosen based on their excellent behaviour and enthusiasm for language learning.

The day began bright and early at 4:30am as we set off by coach, travelling through the Eurotunnel via Le Shuttle. Spirits were high despite the early start, and excitement built as we crossed into France.

Our first stop was the bustling Lille market, where students enthusiastically used their French to purchase local delicacies. It was a fantastic opportunity to put classroom learning into practice, and students impressed staff with their confidence and linguistic ability.

Next, we indulged in a chocolate and macaron tasting experience at a local chocolatier—a delicious highlight of the day! Students then explored the historic town centre, marvelling at the unique Flemish-French architecture and soaking up the lively atmosphere of Place du Général De Gaulle and La Vieille Bourse, now a charming second-hand book market.

In the afternoon, we visited the stunning Palais des Beaux Arts, one of France’s premier art museums. Students explored impressive collections, including sculptures by Rodin, and took in the cultural richness of the gallery’s exhibits.

After a full day of language, culture, and discovery, we returned to school around 11:00pm—tired, but full of fantastic memories.

Thank you to all staff and students for making the day such a success. The trip was a wonderful demonstration of the value of language learning and the cultural experiences it can open up. Bravo à tous!