French language school trips to Strasbourg

Set on the German border in northeastern France, Strasbourg has been a favourite among Equity staff for years, owing to its unique culture and architecture which blends both German and French influences. Don’t miss the daily shows from the clock of the city’s cathedral, or the sweeping views of the Rhine you’ll receive from climbing its 142-metre spire – both highlights of this charming city your students will enjoy.

With its outstanding Gothic architecture, sky-grazing height and a history that extends all the way back to the Middle Ages, there’s little wonder the Strasbourg Cathedral was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988. Students can explore the cathedral in all its splendour on this excursion, and develop their understanding of this ‘gigantic and delicate marvel’, as dubbed by dramatist Victor Hugo.

Give your students the unrivalled opportunity to soak up the unique atmosphere of the world’s largest transnational parliament with this excursion in Strasbourg. Here, groups will not only stand in the setting of some of the world’s most important debates and historic votes, but will also be able to visit the Parlamentarium – a dynamic exhibition outlining the role of its members.

Students can learn the secrets of making the traditional Alsace speciality Flammekueche in this workshop, which presents a hands-on cookery lesson. We know they’ll love this simple yet delicious dish, which vaguely resembles a thin-crust pizza topped with crème fraiche, onions and bacon, and makes for a perfect lunchtime treat.

See the beautiful historic centre of Strasbourg from the water on this beautiful river cruise, where your students can rest their feet while still taking in the city’s sights. With a focus on ‘La Petite France’, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site located at the western end of the Grande Île, the tour offers a great opportunity for students to see Strasbourg’s cultural locations and sites from another perspective.

During your trip to the Strasbourg, why not cross the border and treat your students with a visit to Europa-Park – Germany’s largest theme park? Home to country-themed zones, rollercoasters galore, an interactive laser course, and even a space exhibition, Europa-Park offers an experience we know your school group will love. Being so close to the border, many of the park staff are bilingual, so there are still opportunities for students to try out their French language skills.

Known for its charming architecture and vibrant floral displays, the picturesque city of Colmar is often referred to as the 'Little Venice' of France due to its canals and quaint bridges. With its well-preserved medieval buildings and cobblestone streets, Colmar offers your students a glimpse into the past; experiencing its museums and art galleries is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

Once one of the city prisons and a defensive tower, the Tower of Thieves holds a fascinating history for student groups who can visit the tower's guard room, torture chamber and dungeon. Nearby, the Dolder Museum is housed in an historic watchtower and belfry, where students to learn about the history of Colmar and see the impressive views over the city and Alsace.

Discover the very best of picturesque 'Little Venice' with a flat-bottomed boat ride, which will take you and your student group along the city's canals through the heart of the old city. Cruise past Colmar's half-timbered houses and enjoy the serenity of the market gardeners' quarter, experiencing the full charm of the city.

Situated between the peaks of the Vosges mountains and the Plain of Alsace, Riquewihr is a medieval town right in the heart of the Alsatian vineyards. Courtest of its cobbled streets and half-timbered houses, the town is consistently classified among the most beautiful villages in France.

Located on a perch that overlooks both France's Vosges and Germany's Black Forest, the Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg is far more than the fairytale castle you'll see at first glance. Fought over by two of Western Europe's main superpowers over the course of 900 years, the Château has a rich and turbulent history that we've seen captivate many school groups visiting the Alsace region.

Famed for its cobblestone streets, canals and 500-year-old half-timbered homes, La Petite France is brimming with Alsatian eateries and traditional souvenir shops that offer the perfect place for students to practise their language skills. Head to the terrace above the 17th-century Barrage Vauban, a covered bridge and dam, for panoramic views across the city.

One of the oldest in Europe, Strasbourg’s Christmas markets offer students a beautiful shopping and cultural opportunity in the heart of the city’s historic Grand Île – a UNESCO world heritage site. Let the fairy-lights guide you around the market’s 300 wooden chalets, where you’ll sense the city’s delicious aromas and warm atmosphere that are characteristic of an authentic Alsatian Christmas.

Located in the ruins of the Château de Kintzheim, La Volerie des Aigles offers student groups the opportunity to observe eagles, vultures, black kites, falcons, buzzards, owls and more in a unique historic setting. On this excursion, groups can experience a 40-minute flying display of a selection of birds of prey, as well as view the birds up close, in the first ‘volerie’ created in France.

Immerse your students in the lives and social habits of monkeys at this animal park, where you’ll join around 200 Barbary macaques roaming free. There’s plenty of space for exploration in the park’s 24-hectare forest, and you can expect to observe natural monkey behaviours within close proximity.