Enjoying the Mediterranean breeze on the beach in Nice. Picnicking under the majestic shadow of the Pont du Gard aqueduct. Strolling through the streets of Paris. Over Spring Break 2016, Prairie Ridge and Cary-Grove French students got to experience these moments on their trip to France.

Led by Prairie Ridge French teacher Mrs. Keaty (“Madame”) and Cary-Grove French teacher Mrs. Johnson (“Meems”), the trip covered several major destinations of France: the French Riviera, Provence, and Paris.

On the French Riviera, or the Côte d’Azur, students toured Fragonard perfume factory in Eze, explored the Principality of Monaco, spent free time in Nice, and experienced the markets and seaside in Cannes. In Provence, highlights included eating crêpes in Aix-en-Provence, touring a Roman arena in Nîmes, having lunch by the Pont du Gard aqueduct, visiting the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes) in Avignon, and spending time in Orange. Paris sights included Champs-Elysées, Montmartre, Versailles, Notre Dame, and, of course, the Eiffel Tower.

“The best part was probably our picnic at the Pont du Gard,” explained Julia Byker, a senior in AP French 4. This was definitely a favorite for many students, as was the charismatic and highly skilled bus driver Jean-Pierre. “Jean-Pierre will always have a place in my heart,” Julia said.

Another traveler, Carlos Zavala, a junior in French 3, described his experience with a pun: “Nice was nice!”

Other students enjoyed the freedom to explore without the pressure of too many guided tours.

“My favorite part was probably having all the free time and getting to explore- also, I learned French!” said Sylvia Hensley, a freshman in French 1.

The trip clearly did help with students’ French skills, giving them the opportunity to use the language in everyday situations. For example, when several students got lost near Notre Dame, they used their French to find their way back to group.

“I loved watching my students interact in French, and I loved seeing their reactions to everything and their enthusiasm for everything they saw,” Madame Keaty added.

This excitement even extended to one memorable evening on the Paris Metro, when a labor strike caused the trains to be crowded beyond reason, wall-to-wall. At one point, the power even went out on a train, but everyone made the most of it and had a great time.

Gina Wozny, a junior in French 2, sums it all up. “My favorite thing about the trip was everything. I got to speak French, I ate good food, and I got to see how all the history was ingrained into all the cities I went to.”

Gina also added that students were able to make lasting bonds on the trip. “I met new people too, because we went with Cary-Grove and now I have new friendships,” she explained. “I couldn’t have asked for more!”

The trip was a definite success for everyone and a life-changing experience. The French program hopes to plan another trip in the future.