French Language trips to London

Bonjour! Salut! Comment ça va? We know you want to give your GCSE and A level students a grasp of more than the basics when it comes to the French language, and the best way to do that is with an immersive experience.

That’s why we’re here to tell you that your students can get all the benefits of an international school trip, right here in the UK with a French language school trip to London.

Find out how much your students really know with a cruise along the Thames with French language commentary. And you don’t need to go to France to visit the Institut Francais or watch a classic French film at the Ciné Lumière.

In fact, your students can experience what it’s like to walk the streets of France in London’s famous French Quarter (South Kensington). With a wealth of French cafes, bakeries, and patisseries to choose from, your students can get a taste of French cuisine without stepping foot on a ferry.

Plus, we’ve teamed up with E3 Trails, the UK’s premier educational trail writer, to offer a brand new, interactive activity for French language students. In the 'Race for Time’ teams will complete three different fun language challenges to earn ‘time’ for the final race – the fourth activity. The activities will all take place in one large, iconic location with enough space for teams to spread out. This unique activity is a great way for your students to explore London and use their language skills.

So, whether it’s a French language day trip you’re looking for, or a residential visit with a range of classes and activities to enhance their understanding of the language. Give your students the French experience with a French language trip in the UK.

Sample Itinerary

Tour Day 1

Morning
Depart school early morning to arrive in London mid-morning. Visit the Institut Francais for a linguistic or cultural activity in the morning
Afternoon
Followed by a chance to watch a celebrated French film in the Ciné Lumière.
Evening
Head to you accommodation to check-in. Evening meal followed by free time

Tour Day 2

Morning
In 'The Race for Time’ your will complete three different fun language challenges to earn ‘time’ for the final race – the fourth activity. This unique activity, developed by E3 trails really will enhance your students’ experience in a new and exciting way.
Afternoon
Explore the French Quarter (South Kensington) with its many French cafes, bakeries and patisseries. The enjoy a cruise along the Thames to see some of the major sites of the city - with a commentary in French for those who prefer. Depart London for your journey back to school

Accommodation

With the abundance of hotels and hostels in London, we have a superb range of accommodation to choose from, both centrally and on the outskirts, with facilities and prices to suit all needs and budgets.

Premier Inn Wembley Hangar Lane

These hotels both offer a very high standard of accommodation at a good price.  Located in quieter areas slightly outside of the busy city centre but with easy access to all the major sights and on public transport routes.

Premier Inn Harrow

If you are looking to stay on the outskirts of London for a quieter location this hotel is ideal. Located north of London you can still access the city centre by coach within 1 hour. Recommended for groups on a tight budget and is a great option if you are including a Harry Potter Studio tour in your itinerary.

YHA Thameside

Excellent youth hostel accommodation offering a range of facilities. Located in the edge of the Docklands area, this is ideally suited to younger groups travelling by coach. 

Royal National Hotel

This is our most central hotel, located in the heart of the city within walking distance of the West End. The Royal National is a large hotel offering comfortable and affordable accommodation in an excellent central location.

Wembley International Hotel

This is a large hotel, located just outside the city centre, yet close to public transport. Rooms for students are all 3 - 4 bedded and the hotel has good meeting room facilities. 

Study Visits

French

  • E3 Language Trails - We’ve teamed up with E3 Trails, the UK’s premier educational trail writer, to offer a brand new, interactive activity for French language students. In the 'Race for Time’ teams will complete three different fun language challenges to earn ‘time’ for the final race – the fourth activity. The activities will all take place in one large, iconic location with enough space for teams to spread out. This unique activity is a great way for your students to explore London and use their language skills 
  • Set French days - Immerse your pupils in French culture for a full day with linguistic or cultural activity in the morning and a school screening in the afternoon.
  • French À La Carte day - For those who want it all and the flexibility to choose their date and film, the French Day à la Carte includes an interactive library visit or a language activity on the film and a school screening.
  • French Quarter - Explore South Kensington, London's own French Quarter with its French bakeries, patisseries and cafes and enjoy the tastes of France.    
  • Walking Tours - In the 19th Century London's Soho was known as the French Colony providing a base for many French emigres. Enjoy a guided tour of the area, led by French native speaker, and see the former site of French Embassy, French House (a Huguenot Chapel) and various historical sites
  • River Tour - Enjoy a cruise along the Thames to see some of the major sites of the city - with a commentary in French for those who prefer.

Cultural Visits

West End Theatre Performance

Whatever your London trip aims, a West End show is a great opportunity to reward those on school trips to London with a thrilling night at the theatre.  Current top West End Shows include:

  • Lion King
  • Wicked
  • Frozen
  • Matilda The Musical
  • Mrs Doubtfire The Musical
  • Les Misérables
  • Back To The Future
  • Harry Potter & The Cursed Child
  • Six
  • We Will Rock You
  • Phantom of the Opera 
  • Mamma Mia

Whatever show you are interested in seeing, we can advise you on the best time to go and arrange your group seating.

Highlights Of London Guided Tour

A half day guided tour of the city on board your coach is a perfect way to see all the major sites. Highly recommended if this is a first time visit to London for many of your students.

Guided tour of the London 2012 Olympic Sites

Following the outstanding success of the world’s greatest sporting event, there is now huge interest in seeing the area where our athletes won their medals.  This 2 – 2½ hour walk begins at Pudding Mill Lane and takes in the exteriors of the Aquatic Centre, the Stadium, Handball Arena (The Copper Box), the Velodrome and also the new I-City (formerly the International Press Centre). For an additional fee we can pre-book visits inside the Copper Box, the Aquatics Centre and the Orbit within your walking tour. 

Thames River Cruise

This cruise along the Thames is a great way for students on an enrichment school trip to see some of the major sites of the city. We recommend groups take the 40 minute cruise from Westminster to Tower which takes in Westminster, Big Ben, Somerset House, London Eye, Oxo Tower, The Tate Modern, St Paul’s Cathedral, London Bridge, Tower Bridge and the Tower.

Art Galleries Of London

London has a great range of art galleries, which have free entrance and all offer downloadable resources and education programmes. The most popular galleries are: 

  • National Gallery
  • National Portrait Gallery
  • Tate Britain
  • Tate Modern
  • Victoria & Albert

Arcelormittal Orbit & 'Ride The Slide' 

With breath-taking views of London, the world’s longest and tallest tunnel slide and the UK’s highest freefall abseil, the ArcelorMittal Orbit is the UK’s most exciting viewing platform. 

Enjoy a breath-taking panorama of up to 20 miles across London through stunning floor to ceiling windows before experiencing the city’s landmarks from the outside observation walkway suspended 262ft above the ground. Discover sights including Wembley Stadium, St Paul’s Cathedral and Canary Wharf and get an exclusive bird’s eye view of the iconic sporting venues of London 2012. 

The Slide: A hair-raising experience that’s not for the feint-hearted? Hold on tight through the twists, turns and drops of the world’s tallest and longest tunnel slide as it weaves its way through the iconic red steel frame of the UK’s tallest sculpture, the ArcelorMittal Orbit. 

Enjoy the 40 second descent in the 584ft long slide through light and dark sections at speeds of up to 15mph as The Slide loops its way around the ArcelorMittal Orbit 12 times taking visitors through gentle curves, thrilling drops and a tight corkscrew.  Take a Look > https://youtu.be/N7ee2ExjhUc

British Museum

With more than 7 million objects within its collections, the British Museum illustrates and documents the story of human culture from its beginnings to the present.

KIDZANIA

We are delighted to be a chosen travel partner of Kidzania which is sure to take the UK by storm!  The visit is up to 4 hours long.

Imagine a 75,000sq.ft child-size city where kids are in charge! An incredible learning experience awaits for children from early years to age 14. Watch the excitement on their faces as they try out more than 60 real life role-play activities in the bank, on stage or fighting crime on the streets as a police officer!

Each role-play experience is crafted to teach pupils essential life skills including financial literacy, team work and independence giving them the confidence to challenge themselves and inspire them to explore the world of opportunities. Take a look at this video showcasing what to expect!

Discover More: Kidzania

Imperial War Museum

The Imperial War Museum covers conflicts involving Britain from the First World War through to the present day. The Centenary of the First World War is highly topical and with it’s new First World War galleries the IWM is a must for any group visiting London.

London Dungeon

The London Dungeon combines real history, horror and humour to bring gruesome goings-on back to life in the 21st century. A thrilling and exciting trip that students will love, with actors recreating events such as the Great Fire of London, Sweeney Todd, the Plague and Jack the Ripper.

London Eye

Breath-taking sights make the London Eye a highlight of the city which you should not miss!

Madame Tussauds

A thrilling and exciting visit containing inspiring wax works of some of the world’s most influential and famous people. Galleries include Sport, World Leaders, The Royal Family and Music along with the Spirit of London ride and Marvel Super Heroes 4D experience.

Museum Of London

Step inside Museum of London for a memorable journey through London’s unsettled history. Telling London's story students can enjoy the prehistoric, Roman and medieval London galleries through to the present day.

Natural History Museum

Hundreds of exciting, interactive exhibits including the ultimate dinosaur exhibition, a human biology section or visit 'Investigate' -an exciting new hands-on science centre perfect for engaging students. 

Ripley’s, Believe It Or Not

Based in the heart of the West End, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is the most wonderfully weird visitor attraction in London. Home to countless curiosities collected by the legendary adventurer Robert Ripley, you’ll step into a fascinating world where the bizarre and the unbelievable come to life and

where amazement is waiting around every corner. From unusual art to underwater wonders, an upside down room and even a dungeon, at Ripley’s London there are mindboggling experiences for even the wildest imagination.

Science Museum

The Science Museum allows you to introduce children to science with fun, hands-on interactives and encounter the past, present and future of technology in seven floors of galleries.

Tower Of London

See where numerous individuals lost their heads and visit the Prisoners exhibition which looks at some of the Towers more notorious convicts including Anne Boleyn, Edward V, Guy Fawkes and Sir Thomas More. 

Restaurants

Make your evening meal a night out with a restaurant visit. We can book tables at an exciting range of restaurants offering pre-theatre dinner packages to suit all budgets.