Educational Trip To French Alps For International Schools

As an area of outstanding natural beauty, The Alps is a popular tourist spot. With this comes the danger of overcrowding and damage to the environment. This lecture  discusses the ways in which tourism is managed and how the local economy is being sustainably developed.

The fortified town of Briançon is the highest town in Europe and reputedly one of the sunniest. The Old Town was rebuilt following a fire in 1692 by the great engineer, Vauban in the classic fortress star shape. The narrow pedestrian streets have fresh water running through gulleys called gargouilles. The new town of Briançon has good shopping facilities and a large sports complex with indoor swimming and ice skating.

Departing from the traditional mountain village of La Grave, the cable car takes passengers up to the Girose Glacier at an altitude of 3,200m. The route is snow capped right through the summer and provides spectacular views of the glacial landscape, Mont Blanc and the Meije valley.

Tip: At the summit there is an ice cave decorated with authentic ice sculptures to explore.

Monêtier is a natural spa town and much of the hot water there is supplied by the springs. Being able to bathe in the water is a unique way for students to experience the mountainscape above. The outdoor pool with fountain jets is open all year. A series of indoor pools have a magical underwater music feature.

This outdoor park specialises in tree top adventures. Over 120 activities take place in the canopy including climbing, balancing wires, monkey ladders and Tarzan jumps. There are activities for all ages and at multiple levels, with trained instructors and surveillance at every stage.

This is an exhilarating way for students to experience the fast-flowing rivers of the region. Your students will learn this testing skill under secure supervision. We only work with the best alpine water sports companies.

Medaqua activities don’t end where the sea does. A guided bike tour will take you along the beach, through the nature reserves of the coastal marshes, along river banks, through the countryside and even into the mountains. There are many bike routes to choose from, some easy, some a bit more challenging.

Students can explore the fauna and flora at a more leisurely pace as they embark on a guided mountain hike through the foothills of the Alps. This is a great opportunity to really appreciate the landscape and sample the fresh air amidst the evergreen forests and mountain paths that wind across the mountain range.

Chamonix lies at the foot of Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps. The town was the first to embrace winter and summer Alpine tourism and has been a popular destination since the 19th century and a gateway to explore the Mer de Glace glacier and the Aiguille du Midi. The Leisure Park is popular with groups.

Running from Chamonix to an altitude of 2000 metres. The railway line with its famous red train is just over 3 miles long and takes 20 minutes to reach its destination half way up the spectacular Mer de Glace glacier. From the top of the railway it’s possible to take a cable car to visit the Ice Caves (seasonal opening).

Starting in Chamonix this fantastic cable car ride takes 20 minutes to reach an altitude of 3,842 metres up the Aiguille du Midi. The views are stunning and perfect for studying the geographical features of the Mont Blanc region. Recent additions include a walkway around the central peak, a covered terrace at the summit and a new Skywalk.

The picturesque town of Annecy is known as the Venice of the Savoie because of its many small canals and streams. The historic capital of the Haute Savoie has some great architecture including a chateau, churches and an old prison. Annecy is the gateway to the second largest lake in France which is renowned for its water sports and clean clear waters.

In between Annecy and Rumilly the Gorges du Fier is an amazing spectacle that lets visitors walk on a suspended footbridge through ravines and deep gorges that have been carved out of the rock face by the river Fier. Experience the force of river erosion, information is given about the processes involved in creating this fascinating landscape.

Students can explore the underground network of galleries and passages. Above ground the St Ruph waterfall forms giant pools before flowing into Lake Annecy. A model Alpine mill helps students understand how water played an important role in daily Alpine life.

Geneva is one of the most international cities in the world with a tradition of international movements such as the United Nations which can be visited. Groups can wander around the old town, stroll along the lakeside, visit the clock museum or enjoy a boat trip on the lake.