A recent Woodham Academy art trip to Paris provided students with an opportunity to explore the city’s artistic treasures, from world-famous museums to hidden street art gems.
The journey began with a visit to the stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Montmartre. The panoramic view of Paris from the basilica’s steps was breathtaking. Seeing the inspirational work of street artists in Place du Tertres provided an inspiring start to the trip before enjoying an evening meal in a traditional Parisian restaurant where Van Gogh is believed to have visited regularly.
Next on the itinerary was a visit to the Musée d’Orsay, a former railway station transformed into a haven of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces. The students were mesmerised by the works of Monet, Degas, and Renoir, amongst others. The museum’s grandeur and architectural beauty only added to the artistic experience. This was followed by a visit to Notre-Dame Cathedral, where students were able to take in the Gothic architecture and see the progress made since returning the cathedral to its former glory following the fire in 2019. The opportunity to observe an unexpected wedding inside the Cathedral made the visit extra special. Following this, students enjoyed a guided bus tour around Paris, seeing many iconic landmarks closely, such as the Arc de Triomphe and the magnificent ancient Egyptian Luxor Obelisk. After an evening meal in Paris, the day concluded with a surprise trip to see the fully illuminated Eiffel Tower, which proved a real highlight for our students.
The second day began with breathtaking views of Paris from the Montparnasse Tower Observatory. Located on the fifty-sixth floor, the rooftop platform allowed students to take some very impressive photographs of panoramic views of the city. This was followed by a cruise on the Seine on the renowned Bateaux Mouches, where students viewed the famous Paris landmarks from the river. The day concluded with a hands-on graffiti workshop at Bercy Park, where the group had the chance to express themselves artistically through spray cans and urban art. Under the guidance of a local graffiti artist, they learned about the street art culture and created their own vibrant pieces.
Before embarking on their journey home, a visit to the Louvre provided a fitting end to the trip, where students explored the countless galleries filled with sculptures, paintings, ancient artifacts and saw the world-famous Mona Lisa.
