From 20 to 30 June 2024, 17 students from S.3, S.4, and S.5 had the chance to go on a study tour to France accompanied by Mr. Martinez and Ms. Kwok.

After a short transit in Paris, the group arrived in Lyon in the morning. They enjoyed their first French meal before visiting the Croix-Rousse district in the afternoon. The district is a hill formerly home to the silk workers and is now a vibrant cultural district. The hill is famous for its "trompe l'oeil" murals and city views. This was the beginning of our students' deep cultural immersion in France.

The following day, after a ride in the famous funicular, they reached the top of Lyon's second hill, where the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière is located. After a guided tour of the city's historical district, they visited a food court where students could taste some typical local dishes. After discovering another part of the city, they then took the road to the city of Vichy, where the students were welcomed by their host families and spent the evening with them.

On the third day, students spent the morning with their host families, immersing themselves in the local culture, and had the chance to enjoy a bike ride by the river.

From Monday to Friday, students had French lessons every morning at the CAVILAM- Alliance Française, a renowned language and culture school in Vichy, followed by various activities in the afternoon. Our students learned how to play Pétanque or cook Crêpes. They also learned about French culture by doing quizzes. They also visited a scientific park where they could learn a lot about nearby volcanoes. We visited the cities of Clermont-Ferrand, which have typical buildings and monuments made of volcanic rocks (hence the black colour of the walls), and Charroux, a beautiful medieval village.

On Sunday, after ascending the "Puy de Dôme" volcano, the group returned to Clermont-Ferrand to explore the city before flying back to Hong Kong.

With this tour, our students got a great opportunity to embrace French culture and lifestyle.