Last day in Paris

Today started with a whirlwind visit to the Louvre.

After that, we walked to Notre Dame cathedral.  It's a busy weekend in Paris since due to the Easter weekend holiday - everyone in France has Monday off.  We got a picture at point zero which is the place people use for distance to say they are so many kilometers away from Paris.  Then we went to the Pont de l'archeveché, famous for its locks of love.  Students had time to explore and buy a lunch in the area.  We also stopped at Berthillon, the famous ice cream shop for some glace.

After that we went to the Quartier Latin, the former student center full of small streets, cafés and places to shop.  Students had time to explore in small groups through the neighborhood and the bouquinistes along the Seine.Then it was time to head to dinner for the last night in France.  The restaurant even provided a special dessert for Christian's 18th birthday.  We also sang Joyeux Anniversaire (happy birthday) to him.

Then back to the hotel and time to pack bags for a grey early wake up call.

See you tomorrow!

Goodbye Vannes, hello Paris

So, today was the day students said au revoir to their French families and boarded the TGV to Paris.  It was a quick goodbye, since the trains in France wait for no one - just ask John Harnsberger!  Students had a chance to sleep, and some even got some work done!

After a wonderful welcome in Brittany, it was time to explore the capital.  We dropped off our bags in the hotel and students had time to explore the neighborhood, including the Cour Saint Emilion full of boutiques and cafés.  Then the tour began.  We got a brief view of the Champs Élysées then it was
back on the metro to the bateau mouches - the boat ride down the Seine where students loads of photos of the famous sites.

After that, we all went to the top of the Eiffel Tower even Kat who is not too fond of heights.  Students got loads of selfies from the top.

After that, we had dinner at an Italian restaurant before returning to the hotel to settle in for night.  Tomorrow it's another packed day of sites.

Mont Saint Michel + Soirée

Today was a busy day.  We boarded the coach to head to Mont Saint Michel in Normandy.  As with many days here, it was a bit chilly in the morning but then we had a beautifully sunny day to enjoy this 1000+ year old landmark.  We ascended to the top where the Abbey is located to start our tour.  Aided by audio guides, students were able to take their time walking around the Abbey, home to Benedictine monks and a destination for many pilgrims as well as tourist
s like us.  Then, students stopped to enjoy their picnic lunches from their French families.  Then there was more free time to enjoy the ramparts, the shopping and cafés.

We then left for Saint Malo, a charming walled back in Brittany.  Students had free time to wander this seaside town.  Some shopped, stopped at cafés or walked the ramparts.

Then it was back on the bus for the soirée organized but the principal, Mme LeGrand, M. El-Amiri and the parents who all brought something to eat for this potluck dinner at the school.  We received many compliments about how much the French families have enjoyed having the American students stay with them.  Then it was time to go home to pack bags since it's an early departure tomorrow for Paris.  Hopefully there is wi-fi at the hotel so I can continue to post updates.

Here is a link to an article that appeared in the local paper today about our visit to the town hall yesterday: http://www.letelegramme.fr/morbihan/vannes/l-image-du-jour-17-04-2014-10128764.php
That was one of two newspapers that reported on our visit!