Over the March spring break, 86 eager students from Leduc Composite High School (LCHS), along with their 10 dedicated chaperones, set out on an epic eight-day excursion through the stylish boulevards of Paris, France, and the vibrant streets of Barcelona, Spain.
The students has a great time immersing themselves in the French and Spanish cultures to gain a deeper understanding understanding of the local people and their customs; they check out historic landmarks, marveled at artistic wonders, and ate wonderful, delicious food.
In Paris, the group dove headfirst into the city’s rich tapestry of fine art and public architecture. From climbing up the iconic Eiffel Tower to touring the many masterpieces housed in the Musée du Louvre, every moment was pure magic for the visitors.
They wandered through the opulent galleries of the Palace of Versailles, took in the bohemian charm of Montmartre, and explored the vibrant street scene in the 13th arrondissement, where the diverse cafes, restaurants, and outdoor murals still recall the heyday of artistic rebellion and reinvention.
The adventure didn’t stop there! Guided walking tours led the way through Parisian marvels like the Tuileries Gardens, Les Invalides, and the legendary Avenue des Champs Élysées. The students enjoyed a cruise down the Seine River for a different perspective on the city of lights. And no visit to Paris would be complete without a rendezvous with the imposing L’Arc de Triomphe, which stands as a testament to French resilience.
The group’s whirlwind tour continued southward to the sunny streets of Barcelona, where students marveled at Barcelona Cathedral and Antoni Gaudí’s La Sagrada Familia, the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world. With audio guides in hand, students wandered the halls of this awe-inspiring basilica, each intricate, contoured detail whispering secrets of its visionary architect.
The students also enjoyed the famous night life of the city, taking in a toe-tapping Flamenco show and indulging in delicious tapas, churros, and other yummy Spanish dishes.
On the last day of their trip, the students strolled through the famous Park Guell, which contains amazing stone structures, stunning tiling, and fascinating buildings. They enjoyed a picnic lunch in La Barceloneta, then headed to Barcelona’s medieval El Born neighbourhood, one of Barcelona‘s trendiest and most popular historic neighbourhood
As the trip drew to a close, the many memorable experiences and adventures were etched into the hearts of every young traveler, which will undoubtedly last a lifetime.
“From the cobblestone streets of Paris to the sun-drenched boulevards of Barcelona, the Europe spring break trip was more than just a getaway for our students,” said Monica Polanica, the LCHS Spanish and French Immersion social studies teacher. “It was a journey full of new discoveries and experiences, new friendships, and learning to look at the world through new eyes.”
