Three Great European Cities for School Trips

Some of the best memories people have of their school days are the trips to foreign cities.

Yes, there was an educational aspect to the long weekend, or week if you were really lucky, but for the most part it was great fun just heading abroad to a new and exciting city.

So, what are the best destinations for a school trip to Europe?

Paris

When you’re young (or even as an adult) Paris is one of the most enchanting cities of the world. It has a well-deserved reputation as a city of romance, art, music and culture.

Paris, France by Trey Ratcliff

While the romance will be strictly off the cards for the youngsters they will all have heard of the magnificent Eiffel Tower; erected in 1889 and standing 320 metres tall it is the most recognised icon of Paris, and indeed France.

Not far from here is the Louvre, Paris’ stunning, not to mention enormous museum and of course the home of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, her curious smile put to canvas more than 500 years ago.

Don’t forget Notre-Dame Cathedral, the centre point of Victor Hugo’s famous tale “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame” and the resting place of the Unknown Soldier, the Arc de Triomphe.

As the first major destination once you’ve passed through the Channel Tunnel, Paris is by far the most popular, but don’t forget about the next two great cities.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a fabulous city, made up of 90 islands created by miles of canals, with 1,280 bridges connecting them all together.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands by MorBCN

The best way to see the city is by canal tours which stop at all of the major landmarks. One of the most famous stories of World War Two is The Diary of Anne Frank, a German-born girl who sadly didn’t survive the war following her arrest in 1944 when her family and four other Jewish families were discovered hiding in a cramped house. The house in now a museum, a testament to Anne and all of those who didn’t survive.

An impressive stop that must not be missed is the Royal Palace of Amsterdam. Built in 1855, citizens of the city were so impressed by its grandeur they declared it the eighth wonder of the world. It was once even home to the French king Louis Napoleon.

Brussels

It might be famous as the home of the European Parliament, but for literature fans out there you’ll be more excited by its connection to Hergé and his famous creation, the intrepid journalist Tintin.

The city is festooned with tributes to Belgium’s most famous cartoon character. There are walks, statues, museums, and even hotels that pay tribute in some way. Check out this list of Tintin related sights and landmarks.

Of course, let’s not forget that other thing that Belgium is famous for, and a favourite of children, chocolate! In November 2012 is the first Belgian Chocolate Fair, which will be kicking off Chocolate Week, how can you resist?

These cities are great for children of all ages you get a real taste of (chocolate) and exciting European cultures.

Catherine Halsey writes for a digital marketing agency on a range of subjects. This article links back to https://www.eurostar.com

Tags: arc de triomphe, best destinations, born girl, canal tours, culture paris, curious smile, deserved reputation, diary of anne frank, educational aspect, eiffel tower, enchanting cities, fabulous city, hunchback of notre dame, leonardo da vinci, louvre paris, mona lisa, notre dame cathedral, unknown soldier, victor hugo, world war two

Category: Travel Tips