Paris School Trips: Where to Visit (and 5 Free Things to Do)

7 Paris school trip ideas

Paris is unique in its cultural depth and the variety of experiences students can enjoy here. The city provides an eclectic mix of history at sites like Versailles, as well as art galleries like the Louvre, and of course the culture on every corner, which makes it the ideal location for a school trip.

However, the sheer amount of things to do here can make it overwhelming to pick the best places to visit when you’re planning a school trip.

That’s why we’ve put together a list of top Paris school trip ideas, with some free options thrown in for good measure.

1. The Eiffel Tower

Best for: French, Art and Design

When looking for an enduring symbol of French culture, you can’t look beyond the Eiffel Tower - literally, as it’s 330 metres high! You can enjoy the unique architectural design from Gustave Eiffel from the ground for free, or observe a panoramic view from one of the three observation decks.

No school trip to Paris is complete without a visit to the Eiffel Tower. French language students can immerse themselves in local culture, while science classes will marvel at the iconic lattice structure. Likewise, art and design students will easily be inspired by this unique landmark.

2. Disneyland Paris®

Best for: Subject- specific seminars

A school trip to Disneyland Paris® combines fun rides and spectacles with a treasure trove of educational resources. Students can enjoy live shows, immersive attractions, and workshop-style experiences that inspire innovation.

The two parks within Disneyland Paris® are perfect for students of Maths, Science, and more! You can also enjoy Educational seminars tailored to Secondary school pupils and specific subjects, like Business Studies, Computer Science, and Drama. Students can learn about everything from the software behind their favourite rollercoasters to how market research powers the parks.

3. The Musée du Louvre

Best for: Art and Design, History

The Musée du Louvre was once a palace, and today hosts 9,000 years' worth of art, history, and cultural artifacts. Students can get a firsthand look at the Venus de Milo, Mona Lisa, and of course Liberty Leading the People, among other works of classical art.

Of course, this setting is ideal for Art and Design school trips, but equally, students of History, Classics, and Religious Studies can all learn something from a visit to the Louvre. There are also many French language materials available in the museum that will aid in language immersion and learning.

4. Notre Dame Cathedral

Best for: Religious Studies, History

Fans of French Gothic architecture, literature, and the popular Disney movie can all appreciate Notre-Dame Cathedral, one of the most recognisable religious sites in Europe. Known for its stained glass windows and iconic twin bell towers, this landmark has captured the imagination of writers, poets, and artists since its completion in 1345.

History trips to Paris can easily benefit from even a cursory visit to this cathedral, while students of Religious Studies, Art and Architecture can also appreciate the symbolism explored through the intricate designs of the stained glass windows and other Biblical iconography.

5. Sacre-Coeur Basilica

Best for: History, Art and Design, Religious Studies

For a truly unbeatable view of Paris, head to its second-highest point after the Eiffel tower: the Sacre-Coeur Basilica, which has offered visitors a look into French ingenuity and Christian devotion since its completion in 1914. Its Roman-Byzantine architecture and stunning interior artwork contrast perfectly with the Gothic atmosphere of Notre-Dame.

History and Religious Studies students can enjoy a visit while also taking in the unforgettable views of Paris from above.

6. Château de Versailles

Best for: History, Art and Design

An enduring symbol of the former French monarchy, Versailles is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site where students can take in the same atmosphere as Marie Antoinette and Louis XIV. The chateau features landscaped gardens, intimate looks into royal chambers, and many original portraits and artwork from the 1800-1900s.

French language and History students will find much to enjoy here, from the scenic train ride outside of Paris to the sprawling halls walked by iconic royals shortly before the French Revolution. Art and Design students will marvel at the colour-coordinated rooms, as well as the sheer craftsmanship of the palace’s interior, as they discover the historical context that surrounds the site.

7. Touring Montparnasse

Best for: Science, Maths

The Montparnasse skyscraper is 56 floors tall, and contains Europe’s fastest elevator. This marvel of modern technology takes 38 seconds to transport students to the observatory, where they can see up to 40 km across the panorama of Paris.

Maths and Science school trips to Paris can enjoy this view of the city, as well as the engineering that makes it possible, when they plan a visit.

5 free things to do in Paris

Sometimes you may find yourself with more free time than expected on a trip, but finding extra budget is much rarer! If you’re anticipating a free afternoon after visiting the above landmarks, why not visit one of the many free (and no less iconic) attractions Paris has to offer?

1. The Petit Palais

Best for: Art and Design, History

For a perfect combination of art, antiquities, and architecture, the Petit Palais is the ideal attraction. Its collection of art and artifacts dates from antiquity to 1914, offering a stunning visual timeline of various artistic movements.

The building itself, built for the 1900 Exposition Universelle, is also a spectacle, with domed galleries, a grand staircase, and an interior garden perfect for inspiring Art and History students.

2. Visit a contemporary art gallery

Best for: Art and Design

For a more art-focused trip, you don’t have to focus on the history. Paris has many contemporary art galleries that offer students inspiration in the form of experimental, political, and bold exhibitions from both emerging and established artists. Popular galleries with free entry include the Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac and the Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris.

3. Montmartre / Sacre Coeur area

Best for: Art and Design, History, French

The Sacre Coeur is the crowning jewel of the Montmartre district of Paris, but the surrounding area is full of things to see and do on a tight budget as well. Once home to the city’s Bohemian movement and stomping ground for iconic artists like Van Gogh and Picasso, Montmartre’s cobbled streets are perfect for History and Art school trips to Paris. Likewise, language students on a school trip to Paris can also enjoy immersing themselves in the local culture, as there are plenty of street vendors here selling souvenirs!

4. The Arc de Triomphe

Best for: History, French

Go to the Western end of the Champs-Élysées, and you’ll find one of the most well-known landmarks in all of France: the Arc de Triomphe. Napoleon Bonaparte commissioned this monument in 1806 to commemorate the many victories of the French army, particularly after the battle of Austerlitz. Below the arch, you’ll also find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (though to observe it you will have to pay an entry fee), with a memorial that commemorates those lost in both world wars.

French and History students alike can appreciate the concepts symbolised by the Arc de Triomphe, and you can encourage reflections on French culture, heroism, and the impact of war in your next language lesson plan.

5. Visit one of Paris’s many markets

Best for: French

For students to understand the beating heart of what Paris is all about, you’ll need to venture beyond the museums and well-trodden landmarks. The best way to encourage language immersion is by giving your class the opportunity to interact with native speakers, and what better place to do so than an open-air market? With options like the vibrant Rue Cler or the Marché d’Aligre, students can explore a world of colourful stalls, handmade goods, and delicious foods, all alongside locals.

While students on most school trips can benefit from this immersion, language students are likely to find special enjoyment in practicing their skills outside of the classroom.

Tips for planning a school trip to Paris

Now that you know where to visit, there are a few other factors to consider when planning your Paris school trip:

• Budgeting - small things like planning and booking your trip early, including a buffer for unexpected expenses, and looking into group discounts at museums and popular landmarks can all make a big difference.

• Managing your group - divide your class into smaller groups of ‘buddies’, and make sure each group has an adult leader. When exploring busy areas like the Eiffel Tower, Montparnasse, Sacre Coeur, and open-air markets, it’s vital to establish times to rendezvous and check in with the group as a collective. 

• Balancing free and paid attractions - while you’ll want to visit classic landmarks like the Louvre, Disneyland, and Versailles, it’s worth balancing your visit with low-budget or free attractions for a more authentic experience, like markets, street tours, or free-entry museums.

• Accommodation - think about whether you need breakfast included, a central location, and any communal spaces. In addition, consider general safeguarding and ensure the hotel has previous experience hosting school groups, just to be on the safe side.

• French etiquette and culture - even language students can typically benefit from brushing up on key phrases and cultural expectations, like table etiquette, greeting shopkeepers, and general politeness. If visiting religious sites, make sure to include a dress code when you brief students and parents about what to pack for the trip.

You can take a lot of pressure off of your planning process - and avoid unforeseen issues - when you work with travel experts at NGT. We provide subject-specific school tours that can be tailored to your needs, along with 24/7 support and expert-led excursions with knowledgeable guides.

Things to do in Paris: FAQs

What are the best free things to do in Paris?

Exploring the Montmartre area, visiting the Sacre Coeur Basilica, the Arc de Triomphe, and the outside of the Eiffel Tower can all offer students a good overview of these Parisian landmarks. Likewise, it’s worth checking to see if any open-air art installations or free museum exhibitions are showing over the course of your stay. 

What are the must-see landmarks for a school trip to Paris?

The Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre Dame, Sacre-Coeur Basilica, and Arc de Triomphe all offer students the opportunity to immerse themselves in local culture while you can provide valuable context and points of reflection to encourage them.

Do I have to teach French to plan a school trip to Paris?

Absolutely not! At NGT, our trips are tailored to a variety of subjects like History, Art, and Maths. We make sure your school tours are relevant to the curriculum, and work with local guides to make sure all students get the most from their trip. However, we encourage you to give your students a summary of useful phrases like hello, please, and thank you if they are not already familiar with the language.

Explore subject-specific, tailored Paris school trips with Next Generation Travel

With a collection of the world’s best-known landmarks and fascinating museums, school trips to Paris offer more than just language immersion opportunities. Students can enjoy history, art, and culture while building their confidence and reinforcing topics covered in the curriculum. 

With Next Generation Travel, your school trip to Paris can be smooth as chocolat chaud - we take care of the itinerary (where you can visit many of the attractions listed in our guide) and offer 24/7 support, as well as subject-specific excursions with the help of our trusted guides. We help you focus on what really matters: your students' learning experience.  

Request a quote today to learn more.