School Trips to France

The educational value of a France school trip

Subject-specific learning opportunities in France

A school trip to France with Rayburn Tours offers strong, curriculum-linked learning across multiple subjects, supported by cultural immersion, guided visits and real-world experiences.

French

• Real-life language practice through interaction with native speakers in everyday situations
• Improved listening and speaking skills in authentic settings such as cafés, shops and public transport
• Greater confidence using French in context, supported by cultural understanding and pronunciation exposure

Skills students can develop through a school trip to France

Beyond subject knowledge, a school trip to France with Rayburn Tours helps students develop essential personal, social and transferable skills through travel and cultural immersion.

Popular school trip destinations in France

France is a popular destination for school trips, offering strong curriculum links, cultural immersion and historically significant sites. We focus on carefully selected regions that deliver clear educational value, engaging experiences and accessible travel for school groups.

Key destinations for school trips to France

Paris (Capital City)

Key Highlights Students May Visit:

• Eiffel Tower – A world-famous landmark supporting studies in engineering, tourism and urban geography
• The Louvre Museum – One of the world’s most important art museums, including the Mona Lisa
• Musée d’Orsay – Renowned for Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collections
• River Seine – Used to explore river management, transport and urban development
• Sacré-Cœur Basilica – Offering insight into religious history and city planning
• Disneyland Paris – A valuable case study for global business, branding and tourism

Best Subjects Supported:

• French Language
• Art
• History
• Business Studies
• Geography

Paris offers exceptional breadth, combining language immersion with art, history and modern urban studies.

Normandy

Key Highlights Students May Visit:

• D-Day Landing Beaches – Including sites such as Omaha and Gold Beach, central to World War II studies
• War Cemeteries and Memorials – Supporting remembrance, citizenship and historical reflection
• Bayeux Tapestry – A unique medieval source illustrating the Norman Conquest

Best Subjects Supported:

• History
• Politics
• Citizenship

Normandy provides powerful learning opportunities focused on conflict, remembrance and modern European history.

Opal Coast (Northern France)

Key Highlights Students May Visit:

• Coastal Landscapes – Used to explore erosion, deposition and coastal management
• Resort Towns – Supporting studies of tourism and economic activity
• Cross-Channel Location – Ideal for examining transport links and international connections

Best Subjects Supported:

• Geography
• French Language
• Environmental Studies

The Opal Coast is particularly well suited to geography and language-focused trips, offering accessible fieldwork opportunities close to the UK.

Planning a school trip to France

We follow a structured, expert-led approach to planning school trips to France, ensuring educational outcomes, safety and clarity at every stage.

• Define educational objectives
  Learning outcomes are agreed in line with curriculum requirements and subject focus.
• Select the most suitable destination
  Locations are chosen to best support subjects, group age and learning aims.
• Design a curriculum-led itinerary
  Visits and experiences are carefully balanced to maximise learning and engagement.
• Assess safety and logistics
  Accommodation, transport and excursions are fully assessed and approved.
• Prepare students and staff
  Pre-trip guidance supports language learning, cultural understanding and expectations.
• Deliver the tour with expert support
  Tours are delivered by experienced professionals, ensuring smooth operation and learning focus.
• Review and extend learning
  Post-trip activities help consolidate knowledge and reflect on skills gained.

Why choose France for your next school trip?

• Exceptional educational value with immersive, curriculum-linked learning experiences
• Supports a wide range of subjects, including French, history, art, science, maths and geography
• Close-to-home destination with short, efficient travel times
• Iconic landmarks alongside authentic cultural experiences
• A balance of traditional heritage and contemporary culture
• Suitable for a wide range of ages, abilities and learning objectives

FAQs

• Is France visa free for UK citizens?
  Yes, a school trip to France is visa-free, as your group can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes France, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. For more travel information, please refer to the UK government website.

• Is a passport required for school trips France?
  All guests traveling to France, including those on high school trips to France, must have a valid passport (and a visa if applicable). We recommend arranging passports well in advance, as the issuance process can take several months.

• What is the best time to visit France?

  The optimal time for school trips to France is between October and March. During these months, schools have greater flexibility in choosing excursions and activities, and there’s a higher chance of securing first-choice options. Additionally, seasonal special deals are often available during this period.

• What safety measures do we have in place for a school trip to France?

  At Rayburn Tours, the safety and wellbeing of every student and teacher is our top priority. Our Safety Management System ensures that every part of your educational trip to France meets the highest standards.

   

  Our Safety Commitment

  • Comprehensive Risk Management
    We follow a detailed Safety Management System, including policies and handbooks covering risk assessment, emergency planning, and crisis response.
  • Audited Accommodation & Transport
    All hotels, hostels, and coach providers are thoroughly checked to make sure they meet our strict safety and quality requirements.
  • 24/7 Support
    Our 24-hour emergency contact line gives you constant access to our support team while travelling.
  • Trusted Accreditation
    We hold the LOtC Quality Badge and are members of the School Travel Forum, demonstrating our commitment to safe, high-quality educational travel.
  • Financial & Insurance Protection
    All our tours are fully protected through ABTOT and ATOL, with group travel insurance included for extra peace of mind.

   

  For more details about our Safety Management, click here.

• What is the average price of a school trip to France?

  The average price of a school trip to France typically ranges from £325 to £400+ per student, depending on factors such as trip length, destination (Paris, Normandy or the Opal Coast), travel method, accommodation, included excursions and group size.