A French school trip to Futuroscope and the Loire Valley offers your students the exciting opportunity to explore modern and historic France in a truly spectacular setting!
Exploring the beautiful Loire Valley, your students will love exploring the history of fairy tale châteaux, like the one at Chambord. And make sure you take the time to explore the historic cities of Orléans, liberated by Joan of Arc, and Chartres, with its world-famous cathedral.
Futuroscope is one of Europe's largest educational theme parks and will be sure to amaze your students, playing on their senses and involving them in the action as they escape into new worlds of fun!
However you spend your time on your French school trip to the Loire, your students will have plenty of opportunities to practice their French skills with native speakers on an everyday basis.
Key Stage 3 students will be able to practise and learn vocabulary around topics including hobbies and pastimes, food and drink and likes and dislikes.
GCSE students can work on improving their ability to discuss topics including social media and technology, environmental issues and travel and tourism. Plus, they’ll develop their understanding of French culture and identity.
A-level students will also learn more about French culture, while also developing their ability to discuss online media and artistic culture in French. The Loire also offers A-level students individual research project opportunities.
Suggested Itinerary (4 days, 3 nights)
Day 1/4

Morning
Depart from school
Channel crossing

Afternoon
Arrive in Calais

Evening
Arrive at Futuroscope and check-in to accommodation in time for evening meal
Day 2/4

Morning
Full day at Futuroscope (guide included)

Afternoon
Continue visit to Futuroscope

Evening
After evening meal, group to return to the park for the spectacular evening show
Day 3/4

Morning
Visit Patisserie Bigot

Afternoon
Visit the Château d’Usse

Evening
Evening meal
Day 4/4

Morning
Depart accommodation for Calais

Afternoon
Ferry/Eurotunnel crossing

Evening
Arrive back at school
What's included?
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3 nights' half-board accommodation
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Comprehensive travel and medical insurance
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Detailed information pack
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Free staff place ratio 1:8
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Itinerary planning service
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Motorway tolls and taxes
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One-day pass to Futuroscope including guide
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Return Channel crossings
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Return executive coach travel
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Vamoos travel app - giving you access to all your trip documents on your phone or tablet
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VAT at current rates to tour operators
Curriculum Links
A-Level
- Aspects of French-speaking cultures
- Cyber society and online media
- Artistic culture - music, art and cinema
- Festivals and traditions
- Individual research project opportunities
GCSE
- Social media and technology
- Environmental issues
- Daily life and free time activities
- Travel and tourism
- Understanding French culture and identity
- Food, drink and eating out
- Customs, celebrations and festivals
Key Stage 3
- Hobbies and pastimes
- Food and drink
- Eating out
- Introducing yourself
- Describing others
- Likes and dislikes
- Plants and animals
- Cultural traditions
Educational activities and visits
Chateau de Chambord
This castle, located in the heart of the Loire Valley, is one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in… Read More
Chateau de Chenonceau
The Château de Chenonceau is a French castle, built on the River Cher in the Loire Valley in France. It… Read More
Château d'Ussé
Literature describes this château, overlooking the banks of the river Indre, as the original Sleeping Beauty castle. Charles Perrault… Read More
Parc des Mini Chateaux de la Loire
This tour gives you a chance to explore the Loire's most prestigious castles in miniature. Thanks to the exceptional quality… Read More
Cultural activities and visits
Bioparc de Doué-la-Fontaine
The zoo is in an old quarry with much evidence of troglodytic dwellings. This makes it ideal for a hot… Read More
La Vallée des Singes
La Vallée des Singes, or Monkey Valley, is the only site of its kind in France. Home to thirtyspecies of… Read More
Patisserie Bigot
The Maison-Bigot is a patisserie, chocolate shop and Tea House in Amboise. Opened in 1913 opposite Amboise castles, for over50… Read More
Accommodation
The CIS Saumur is in a five hectare park bordering the Loire, with unequalled views of the Saumur castle.
Groups are accommodated in multi-bedded rooms, and group leaders in twins. The majority of the centre's dormitories have communal facilities on the same floor as the room. Bedding is provided, and towels are available for hire. WiFi is available in all rooms.Breakfast is served in the main dining room, and evening meals and packed lunches can be provided on request.Facilities include a games room with arcade machines, table football, pool table, table tennis and a TV. Use of the indoor pool carries a small charge, but the outdoor swimming pool is free. Also available in the grounds are a volleyball court and a Pétanques area.
Hotel du Futuroscope is well located, just a footbridge away from the main theme park.
The hotel offers 1300 beds in 290 rooms, all with an en-suite, a TV and a telephone available on request. Students will usually be accommodated in multi-bedded rooms and staff in twins. A continental breakfast will be provided by the hotel (hot drink, croissants, baguette, jam, yoghurt etc) and a three course self service meal is available in the evening.
Supporting you every step of the way
1 Creating Your Perfect Trip
We'll tailor make your school trip to meet your specific requirements
2 Launching your trip to parents and students
Head to our resources section for FREE promotional materials
3 After you've booked
Your dedicated Itinerary Coordinator will work with you on the finer details of your trip
4 While you're away
You'll be able to reach us 24/7 during your trip if you need our help
5 After your trip
Head back to our resources section to continue the learning
Need help?
Gail Biggins — Tour Adviser
Don’t hesitate to contact me for any advice or further information on how your school trip can be tailored to your requirements.
Valencia is a tremendous place - easy to navigate and brilliant for practising Spanish.— Whitworth Community High School
Your School Trip is Fully Protected
As a fully-accredited school travel company, booking with Halsbury Travel offers you complete peace of mind. Our accreditations are your guarantee that:
- Your school trip will be fully financially protected
- Your group’s safety will be prioritised
- Your trip will be a quality educational experience
Safety prioritised

As an Assured Member of the School Travel Forum (STF) we have an effective Safety Management System in place.
As well as reassuring you that your group's safety will be prioritised at all times, this will also help you to meet your due diligence and reduces the amount of External Provider paperwork required.
Financial protection

Our ABTA bond means all our school trips are financially protected. Plus, all air tours and flights arranged by us are also ATOL protected.
Quality educational experiences

The Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge is your reassurance that Halsbury Travel is committed to offering LOtC activities that are safe and beneficial to learning.