Bonjour! On Friday 20th September, 60 Year 9 students embarked on an exciting day trip to Boulogne-Sur-Mer in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region, a 30-minute drive south from the tunnel at Calais. We set off early and travelled taking the shuttle under the Channel. For some students (and staff), it was their first experience of travelling under the sea in the tunnel. 

We began our day with the visit of a traditional 'Boulangerie' in Escoeuilles where students learnt to make bread from one of the oldest bakeries in the region - some of the bread still being made ‘à l’ancienne’ in a very old and deep brick oven. They also tried some delicious pains au chocolat freshly made for them earlier that morning.  

Students were then able to explore the old town centre of Boulogne-sur-mer, where they used their language skills to buy souvenirs and snacks and enjoy the soleil!  

After lunch, we visited the most well-known chocolate factory in Northern France where students had the opportunity to learn more about the art of chocolate making of the 'Chocolats de Beussent' and were lucky enough to taste the chocolate. 

Finally, we spent some time in Cité Europe, which is a huge shopping centre, before making our way home late at night. It was a FANTASTIQUE day, and all students had a great time. During both visits, our group was complimented for their politeness and exemplar behaviour. Well Done! C'était super! 

We would also like to express a warm thank you to all staff accompanying the trip as such a trip would not be possible without their help.  

À bientôt! 

I really enjoyed the trip to France, it was a lovely experience that I am honoured to have been selected for. My favourite activity was being able to have some free time with my friends in the town! I also really enjoyed the chocolate factory! It was very organised and I felt very safe. I had a great time!  Thank you! 
- Alice 9W 

Bonjour,
The French trip was amazing and I loved every moment of it. I never thought I would go to a different country with my school but I did and I’m very grateful. My favourite moments were the chocolate factory and bakery and also talking to people in French. It was one of the best trips of my life and I made a lot of memories with teachers and my friends that I will always remember. Merci beaucoup! 
- Luiza 9S 

The French trip was AMAZING! I especially loved the architecture of the church in Boulogne that we saw whilst walking on the high street. I enjoyed trying to order Orangina drink in French and it was also fun to try and understand what the baker and the chocolatier were saying. Merci! 
- Asel 9W 

I loved going to France. It was so much fun, and it was so amazing to see all the different places. I loved going to the bakery and seeing how everything was made (and making the bread!). The chocolate factory was also very interesting, and I loved trying the chocolate! I loved socializing on the coach and tasting delicious pastries with my family that I’d got from France. Thank you so much Miss Flaender! Merci beaucoup! 
- Phoebe 9F 

The French trip was very enjoyable, eventful and definitely memorable. Although we had to wake up at 4 in the morning and only arrived back at 11:30 at night, it was definitely worth it as that meant we were able to spend most of the day in France. I recommend participating in this trip if you study French as it boosted my understanding of the language. I would like to thank the Languages Faculty for organising this trip and all of the teachers who took us there. 
- Mia 9H