France

Following the terrorist incidents which took place in Paris on Friday 13 November 2015, the Foreign Office is advising exercising extreme caution whilst in Paris and in France in general. There is no need to arbitrarily cancel school trips but staff should be mindful of additional security measures which will also add significantly to travel times and queues. Parisian police advise restricting movement around the city to a minimum.

Travel to and from France is already subject to disruption due to the migrant crisis. It is also worth noting that a UN convention on climate change is due to take place in Paris in December 2015 which will attract global attention and is already the focus of peaceful protest.

Handsam's advice is to plan carefully, leave additional time for travel and ensure all administration is completely up to date. Should you have a concern please contact us on 03332 070737 or at info@handsam.co.uk.

Find out the Foreign Office's latest advice here: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france

Types of trips: Historical, Guided tours, Amusement parks, Seaside trips, Food and Drink, Art and Music, Battlefield Tours, Skiing and adventure sports, Walking

Best known for: Excellent food, Culture, Brimming with history, Fine wine and Champagne, Vibrant art and music scenes 

Why Go?: Just the other side of the channel, France is a country with wide open spaces as well as lively cities crammed with history and culture. Become easily immersed in a language which is taught in schools throughout the UK and enjoy sights such as Mont Saint Michel (pictured below).

Fact File

Population: 67,000,000

Capital: Paris

Language(s): French

Ties to the UK?: Close trade relations and good tourism between.

Landscape: Flat farm land to mountain ranges such as the French Alps, Pyrennes and Massif Central.

Climate/Seasons: Hotter in south, usually vary sunny during the summer months

When to Go: In the summer, although places like Paris are idyllic all year round places such as the French Rivera are particularly enjoyable during the summer season

Reasons to Visit: Great food, an amazing amount of history captured in museum exhibits, beautiful capital city with a world renowned reputation for being a beautiful place to visit.

How to Get There: Being so close there a few more options, you could fly there although with a larger group of pupils it may be more convenient to take a coach onto a ferry leaving your options more open of the other side of the channel.

Places to Go: Paris, Vineyards in Dijon, Bordeaux or Epernay, Riviera, Normandy, Somme, Bayeux

Famous People: Napoleon, General de Gaulle, Joan of Arc, Louis XIV, Thierry Henry, Zinedine Zidane, Juliette Binoche, Bridgette Bardot, Gerard Depardieu, Amelie Mauresmo

Natural Wonders/Wildlife: Alpine Wildlife, Dune de Pilat, Lavender Fields, Gavarnie Falls, Etretat Cliffs

History: French Revolution, Napoleonic Wars, Battle of the Somme, the Invasion of Normandy, Bayeux Tapestry

Architecture: Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Arc de Triomphe, the Pompidou Centre, Pont du Gard, Chartres and Reims cathedrals, Millau Viaduct

Culture: The Louvre museum, Moulin Rouge

Sport: Tennis, Rugby, Football, Bull-running

Events: Tour de France, French Open, Euro2016

Watch Out For: Pickpockets in Paris, asylum seekers attempting to enter the UK as you return

Medical Issues: No vaccinations necessary. You should apply for a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before you travel. If you already have an EHIC, make sure it hasn’t expired.