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 at the Musée d’Orsay, a former railway station transformed into a haven of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces. The students were mesmerized 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 The Louvre, where students explored the countless galleries filled with sculptures, paintings, ancient artifacts and saw the world-famous Mona Lisa.
Next on the itinerary was a walk to Notre-Dame Cathedral where students were able to take in the Gothic architecture and see the progress made on returning the cathedral to its former glory following the fire in 2019. The first day concluded with a cruise on the Seine on the renowned bateaux mouches where students viewed the famous Paris landmarks from the river. As daylight faded, the cruise culminated passing the fully illuminated Eiffel Tower which proved a real highlight for our students.
The second day began with the Paris Fly View experience which offered a unique twist to the art trip. Students marvelled at Paris from the sky in a breathtaking virtual reality flight over the city. It provided a new perspective on the city’s layout and architecture, inspiring a fresh wave of artistic expression. This was followed by a visit to The Galleries Lafayette where students were able to take in the spectacular skyline of Paris from their expansive roof terrace.
In a hands-on graffiti workshop at Bercy Park, students 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.
The trip culminated 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 a fitting end to their artistic journey.