By Cécile Gervais and Landon Shannahan
Our journey to France with 19 GWA students was nothing short of incredible. As a native Frenchwoman, it was a joy to share the beauty, culture, and history of my country with them.
We began in Paris, where the students had countless "FaceTime" moments from the Eiffel Tower, capturing memories that will last a lifetime. The cooking class in the heart of the city was a hit, full of laughter and delicious food. And of course, the crêpes! I’m fairly certain our group singlehandedly boosted the crêpe economy.
At Versailles, the students enthusiastically embraced their roles as Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, making history come alive as we wandered through the Hall of Mirrors and the stunning gardens.
In Lyon, we explored the fascinating Gallo-Roman ruins and delved into the powerful stories of World War II at the Musée de la Résistance. It was a meaningful and educational experience for everyone.
Finally, our time in Chamonix was nothing short of magical. Sliding through the snowy streets of this alpine town brought so much joy, but the real highlight was our ascent to the Aiguille du Midi. Standing on top of the world, surrounded by glaciers, was awe-inspiring. The students also loved snowshoeing through the pristine trails, where we even organized a friendly race—an experience filled with laughter and unforgettable views. And the food in Chamonix? Simply fantastic.
Ninth grader Landon Shannahan shared his thoughts about the trip, "Imagine standing on the highest mountain in the Alps. Well, I don’t have to. My favorite place we visited in France was Chamonix. There we went to the top of Mont Blanc, snowshoed in the Alps, and ate delicious cheese fondue. I’m glad we visited in January, as there was plenty of snow for snowballs or sledding, so the fun didn’t end when we got back to the hotel. I’m very thankful for this opportunity, since it was my first trip to Europe, and I did not want to leave."
