Could you imagine devouring fresh, buttery breads and cheeses under the gleaming sunset of Paris or gazing into the vibrant lavender fields of Provence and smelling the aroma and fragrances of thyme, honey, and lavender? Furthermore, Paul Cézanne, a French artist and painter, once said of Provence France, “Everywhere are the fragrances of honey, thyme, lavender, all the herbs of the nearby hills.”
Evidently, these descriptions sufficiently demonstrate the tremendous amount of culture that is present within France. France is known for its delectable cuisine, beautiful beaches and emerald oceans, gorgeous villas and markets, and of course the Eiffel Tower!
If one desires to travel to France or learn an abundant amount of information about French culture, then they should embark on an odyssey to France this summer with Mme McCoy and Mme Smith! The chaperones for this trip are Mme McCoy, Mme Smith, and Mrs. Kondrot. I conducted an interview with Mme McCoy and asked her numerous questions about the trip to France; the interview adequately explains what the trip is all about.
Adam: “Is the trip to France open to all students that attend BPHS or just French students?”
Mme McCoy: “The trip is open to just French students. However, if there aren’t enough students to make the trip possible, we will open the trip up to other students if there is a teacher recommendation.”
Adam: “When exactly is the trip to France? How long is the trip?”
Mme McCoy: “The trip is 9 days. The tentative dates are July 16th – July 24th. The reason the dates are tentative is because Bethel Park will be combining with other school districts that want to travel within the same time frame.”
Adam: “How much does the trip cost? Are there any fundraising opportunities available to students interested? If so, what are those fundraisers?”
Mme McCoy: “The trip is roughly a little over $3,000. The trip includes round trip airfare, hotels, breakfast and dinner, and entrance fees to anything we visit. We have offered fundraising opportunities but students may be too busy to participate. Also, we have offered fundraising opportunities in the past and are willing to do more. Some examples of fundraisers are selling Sarris candy and/or cookie dough.”
Adam: “What cities and/or monuments will the students be visiting?”
Mme McCoy: “On day one we will be flying overnight to France. Then, on day two we will arrive in Paris, take a walking tour of Paris, and visit the Notre Dame Cathedral. On day three we will take a guided tour of Paris which will include the Arc de Triomphe, Versailles, and Eiffel Tower! Next, on day four and five the group will visit the Louvre and travel on a TGV train to Avignon. On day six we will be staying in Provence and visit the Pont du Gard, take a tour of the Nimes, and tour Avignon. Then, on day seven we will travel to Cassis and continue on the French Riviera. Finally, on day eight the group will take a tour of a French perfume factory in Eze and then take a walking tour of Nice.”
Adam: “What are some of the activities that the students will be performing within France?”
Mme McCoy: “The students will have the opportunity to travel to a local market for lunch and to purchase fresh fruits, breads, and cheeses. Then, they can picnic or find a café to eat their food. There will also be free time and independence over the duration of the trip. Basically, it’s a trip of a lifetime!”
Adam: “How many spots are available and when’s the last day to sign up?”
Mme McCoy: “The travel company, EF Tours, has many spots left and would never turn away anyone that wanted to sign up. The deadline to sign up is at the end of May. If one waits to sign up later, then the price will increase. Also, students that signed up early paid monthly and are fully paid for the trip.”
Clearly, based on the interview I had with Mme McCoy, the trip to France this summer is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity and students will have the chance to experience unique cuisine, culture, and landscapes. Lastly, if you embark on this terrific journey to France, you will develop a better understanding of different countries and cultures.
