Scoil Muire agus Padraig

The transition year Paris trip 2011 started bright and early on a Thursday am as they loaded the bus in Swinford en route to Dublin Airport.

Once their flight landed in Paris a busy schedule lay ahead. As activities were planned for the very first day there was no time to waste. Bags were dropped at the hotel and they departed for the Museé D'orsay were they were able to see the original work of artists such as Van Gogh and Cézanne.

Next up for the students was a 30 minute walk across Paris to the Eiffel Tower. The group were amazed by the sheer height of the building and the scenery which they viewed from its summit. For some students it was the highlight of the trip.

The following day they set off for Versailles where they walked through its lovely gardens and palaces where the kings had once lived. After a wander around the town of France the group departed for the river Seine trip were they cought a glimpse of the many tourist attractions around Paris from the boat and went up the arc de triumph. The famous Paris Street the Champs Elysée was next on their agenda for day 2.

On the third day the group visited the Louvre museum where they saw the works of Leonardo Da Vince including the world famous Mona Lisa and Michaelangelo. Later on in the day they climbed up the steps to see the beautiful white- domed basilica of the Sacre Ceour.

Then the long awaited day came for the visit to Euro Disney, the day began with Sunday mass in Notre dame Cathedral and then on to Euro Disney which was the highlight of the trip for everyone.

On the final day of the trip the students visited the Irish Embassy in Paris - the only one to be owned by the Irish State. They were welcomed by His Excellency the Irish Ambassador Mr Paul Kavanagh and his wife Rosemary, who generously gave up her time to bring students and teachers on a guided tour of the building during which she explained its history and origin and the work undertaken by the Embassy. Students and teachers were honoured and privileged to enjoy the hospitality of the Embassy.