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0115 9404 303School Geography trip to French alps
This region of France is renowned for its stunning scenery complete with beautiful mountains, rolling foothills and pristine lakes and rivers. There is something for everyone in this area with many opportunities for geography field trips to study glaciation and glacial landforms. The Rhone Valley is ideal for studying Hydro-electric generating plants, agricultural developments and lakes and waterways. Town studies are also a topic that this area lends itself to, with towns such as Chamonix, the lake towns of Annecy and Aix les Bains and the city of Grenoble suitable for study.
from
£269 pp
7 days/4 nights
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Includes:
- 4 nights half board accommodation
- Return executive coach travel (TV/Video/WC/Seatbelts)
- Return Ferry crossings
- Free staff place ratio 1:8
- Detailed information pack
- Comprehensive travel and medical insurance
- Cost of group passport (youth groups)
- Itinerary planning service
- Motorway tolls and taxes
- VAT
Suggested Activities
Sample Itinerary
Example AccommodationAiguille du Midi Cable Car
The Aigulille du Midi is the highest alpine lift system in Europe. Starting at 1,030 metres at the valley bottom, the cable car takes you 3,842 metres, to “the roof-top of the world”.It is best to visit the Aiguille in the early mornings to avoid the crowds (and see the sun rise!)The cable car opens around 06.00-08.00 (depending on the time of year) and closes around 17.30. (On days of bad weather...
Mer de Glace
The glacier attracts more than a million visitors every year. In 1909, the first mountain railway was built taking visitors to the glacier. In 1946, a tunnel and grotto were carved into the ice to provide a gallery penetrating to the core of the glacier and permitting an insight of this fascinating natural phenomenon.
Train de Montvers
The train was originally built in 1909 to carry tourists up to the Mer de Glace. Originally it took 50 minutes but the improved electrified line now copes with the journey in 20 minutes. The train runs in summer and winter. First train around 08.00 until 17.00-18.00 (depending on season)
Beaufort Cheese Cooperative
Situated in the traditional alpine village of Beaufort. Cheese making techniques are explained and samples available. There is a cooperative shop with many different kinds of cheeses and examples of honey, cider, jams and local wine.
Lac d’Annecy
Annecy is a fascinating city of contrasts, ancient and modern. The Chateau, situated on a hill dominating the lake, the watercourses of the Rhone running through the city offer a picturesque back-drop to a study of Urban Structure
Albertville Olympic Capital and la Cite de Conflans
Albertville was the site of the 1992 Olympics. This world famous city houses the ice skating stadium and the 80,000 capacity outdoor arena that was purpose built for the games. Study the effects of tourism and influence of urban change. Visit the fascinating Olympic Arena and Ice Stadium.
Study of the Rhone Valley
This visit is an ideal opportunity to study Hydro-electric generating plants, agricultural developments, industry, tourism, land use, pollution, lakes and waterways, as well as motorways and trade routes.
| Morning | Afternoon | Evening | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Depart school for overnight Ferry/ Eurotunnel crossing | ||
| Day 2 | Arrival in The Alps. Local familiarisation on foot | Return to accommodation for evening meal | |
| Day 3 | Visit to Bossons for visit and exploration of the Glacier, followed by a visit to the Merlet Avalanche Protection. | Free time at the Luge D' Etè de Chamonix (summer only) | Return to accommodation for evening meal |
| Day 4 | Take cable car up the Aiguille du Midi for a 12,400 feet glacial panorama | Visit to the Emosson Dam | Return to accommodation for evening meal |
| Day 5 | Morning departure to Annecy for a visit to the Annecy Lake | Visit to the Beaufort Cheese Cooperative for group to learn cheese making techniques | Return to accommodation for evening meal |
| Day 6 | Free time to explore Chamonix on foot (coach not us use until departure). Visit to the Alpine Museum and the Museum of Crystals | Depart The Alps | |
| Day 7 | Ferry/ Eurotunnel crossing | Arrival back at school | |
UCPA Chamonix Cosmique
Located just 3 minutes walk from the centre of Chamonix, the centre was recently renovated and upgraded. Whilst modern in appearance internally, its typical Alpine architectural character has largely been preserved externally. There are 215 beds over 4 floors in spacious and comfortable rooms for 2, 4, 5 or 6 people (mainly with full en-suite facilities). The centre boasts an outdoor Boules/Petanque (French bowls) pitch, a volley ball court, and an inner courtyard and activity area with Basketball practice rings and table tennis table. There is an attractive reception, bar and lounge area with patio and plenty of social and meeting areas.
FUAJ Annecy "La petite Venise des Alpes"
Annecy Youth Hostel is a modern hostel located at an altitude of 50 metres above the lake, right at the foot of the Semnoz massif, a wooded limestone range of mountains, yet only a 15-20 minute walk from the centre of town.
The dining room offers a healthy breakfast in a calm and relaxed atmosphere overlooking a beautiful view of Lake Annecy and the amazing mountains that surround it.
The hostel has 117 beds in collective rooms of 4-5 beds a piece. All rooms are equipped with showers and wash basins. There is: internet access; laundry facilities; a storage area for the safe keeping of bags, bicycles etc. and a newly named “Tavern Ac”, an airy, spacious leisure room from which you can enjoy a beautiful view of the mountains, play pool or lounge on the sofas for a while.
The dining room offers a healthy breakfast in a calm and relaxed atmosphere overlooking a beautiful view of Lake Annecy and the amazing mountains that surround it.
The hostel has 117 beds in collective rooms of 4-5 beds a piece. All rooms are equipped with showers and wash basins. There is: internet access; laundry facilities; a storage area for the safe keeping of bags, bicycles etc. and a newly named “Tavern Ac”, an airy, spacious leisure room from which you can enjoy a beautiful view of the mountains, play pool or lounge on the sofas for a while.
Résidence Le Refuge de la Cigogne
Situated in the typical Savoyard village of Combloux and in front of the Alp’s highest mountain, Mont Blanc, the Refuge de la Cigogne is extremely friendly and welcoming to school groups. There are 36 rooms each with shower and WC. Pupils will be accommodated in multi-bedded rooms, staff in twins.
It has a games room for evening entertainment and a large dining area where you can try the local specialities: fondue, raclette, berthoud, tartiflette and pierrade, as well as local cheeses like reblochon, beaufort and tomme.
It has a games room for evening entertainment and a large dining area where you can try the local specialities: fondue, raclette, berthoud, tartiflette and pierrade, as well as local cheeses like reblochon, beaufort and tomme.
