School Geography Trips to Provence, France | Educational Trips from Rayburn Tours

Coastal Cassis: Settlement and Coast Study

This attractive coastal settlement is hemmed between the Mediterranean shoreline and lower slopes of an escarpment ridge. Originally a fishing harbour, Cassis now has a booming tourist based economy. The impact and effects of such tourist developments are clear to see and the size of the settlement makes it ideal for fieldwork. There is also plenty to do leisure-wise once all the work tasks are complete, such as boat trips in and out of the steep-sided limestone sea inlets known as ‘Calanques’.

The Luberon: Overground and Underground

The Luberon is a beautiful area displaying the fascinating juxtaposition of grassland plains and mountain ranges, is a beautiful part of Provence. Lying north of the Durance River, its natural and human landscapes are varied. Within this uplifted limestone countryside is an area of red and yellow ochre deposits which make a startling sight on a bright, sunny day. A trip below ground into the Grottes de Thouzon offers an opportunity to study both stalactite and stalagmite formations.

The Gorges du Verdon: Upland Limestone Landscapes

The Gorges du Verdon is the second largest canyon in the world. Above the gorge, the white limestone plateau of Haute Provence rises to a height of 2,000m. Mountain building processes can be examined as can the dramatic effects of water and time acting upon such an environment. Point Sublime offers the most wonderful vista. Moustiers Saint Marie is a nestling and delightful “honey-pot” village.

Delta Day In The Camargue: Managing a Natural Landscape

Appreciate the physical geography and biology of a major world delta in one of Europe’s most important wetland habitats. Along the outer coastal fringes are endless sandy beaches and sand dune complexes. Behind these beaches are the salt marshes. Resulting from this variety of ecosystems, where fresh and salt water mix, is a rich array of interconnected flora and fauna such as herons and pink flamingos.

Durance River: Water Management

The Durance River is a significant tributary to the River Rhône. The water flow within the river was once very erratic, but today the river is controlled, canalised and diverted. Around the valley of the Durance River are canal systems transporting and delivering the much needed water to distant towns. The fertile valley floor with its rich alluvial soils is now very productive and the list of agricultural products almost endless.

Globalisation: Port Study

Fos-sur-Mer is Europe’s third major port and benefits from the vast expanses of flat, low-lying delta land, ideal for the development of onshore port facilities. The wide approaches to the gulf make it a safe destination for some of the world’s largest ships, whilst making it an excellent illustration of the effects of industrialisation on local habitats.

Aquacity

This aquatic theme park has numerous attractions, which include giant water chutes, tidal wave swimming pool, hot-tub, demon boats and slides. There is also a restaurant and bar.

Le Petit Train Salinier

This is an option that can be included in the Delta Day itinerary in the Camargue. Groups can take this little motorised train around the salt pans of Salin de Giraud, where salt is evaporated out of the sea.

Château Virant, La Fare les Oliviers

Guided visits of the vineyard and olive farm are arranged in advance. Visits last approximately 90 minutes and a tasting session can be arranged following the tour.

Boat Trip at the Petit Rhône

From on board the boat you will gain fantastic views of the Carmague, including the famous black bulls and white horses.

Calanques Boat Trip

The perfect way to explore the coastline of Cassis and view the famous "Calanques"! This is a popular option with our groups.

The France Study Handbook comprises a selection of Study Units, each one relevant to a particular itinerary day. This is the final Study Handbook in our range and is yet to be converted into a full colour Geography Study Handbook, therefore it is currently only available in black and white.

Here is a selection of of Study Unit titles available:

• Coastal Cassis
• Cassis Quest
• Delta Days
• Luberon Overground
• La Roque d’Antheron

All of our tours are bespoke, therefore the itinerary below is simply an example; the duration, educational visits, leisure excursions and accommodation centre used will be selected to match the requirements of your group. Please contact us to discuss your bespoke itinerary.

Day 1

The coach departed school late evening.

Day 2

The group arrived in Provence late afternoon and spent the rest of the afternoon and evening exploring the local area.

Day 3

After breakfast the group headed off to Aigues-Mortes, where they had a guided tour of the salt pans. After lunch they took a boat trip through the Petit Camargue, before continuing by coach to Saintes Maries de la Mer. The coach traveled back to their hotel via Etangs (for a short stop to view the pink flamingos) and the Bac de Barcarin.

Day 4

Today the group explored the Moustiers Sainte Marie and the Gorges du Verdon.

Day 5

After breakfast the group departed for the coastal resort of Cassis, where they took a 3 ‘Calanques’ boat trip. The group then enjoyed an afternoon at Aquacity, before returning to their hotel for an evening

Day 6

The group visited the maritime town of Istres before boarding their coach for the return journey back to the UK.

Day 7

The group arrived back at school mid-morning.

Maison Familiale

The Maison Familiale de Vacances centre is situated in Istres in the South of France. The centre is comprised of 19 apartments which accommodate 4-5 people each.

Facilities

• En suite facilities for each apartment
• Café area and small TV lounge
• Large restaurant and function room