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France

France: Paris, City of Light — Custom School Trips

Groups of 8+ | Custom Dates | Fully Supported | 4.9 on GoOverseas

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Let Paris, France inspire you with timeless charm, while immersing you in the dynamic modern culture of change. See the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and Champs Elysées. Explore Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis, island oasis within the city of Paris, and journey to Versailles to see the French royal palace. Get hands-on with an art workshop in Montmartre or French cooking class,  then spend an afternoon supporting our local service partner to shelve, prepare, package, or groceries and healthy meals to Parisian families in need. Conclude your program with a day at the Louvre, then cruise the Seine before a final evening of Parisian cinema.

Custom School Trip

Contact us for a custom quote

Custom dates & duration. Groups of 8+.

Response within 1 business day

Anna Beckerman

Anna Beckerman

Head of School Group Travel

Dartmouth · 15 years at Rustic

321+ school partners since 2010

What Does a 7-Day Program Include?

A typical program. Daily activities are subject to change based on group logistics and weather.

1

Depart Home Airport

Meet up with your group at a pre-selected location at your home airport. Once everyone has arrived, check your bags and go through security as a group. From here you will board your flight and depart for your international flight to Paris. This first day is counted as a full day of travel because the standard travel time to this destination exceeds 12 hours. This may change depending on your departure location. Flight Details: Rustic Pathways will be happy to book your flight as an add-on service.
2

Welcome to Paris

Arrive at Charles de Gaule (CDG) airport. Meet your Rustic Pathways program leaders in the arrivals hall, then head to your hostel. Have a program orientation, discussion about the week ahead, expectations for your adventure, and an introduction to the local culture. Enjoy your first French meal, then settle in for a good night’s rest. Overnight: Hostel or Hotel, Paris
3

Parisian Palette: A Day of Art, Food, and Iconic Landmarks

Get in touch with your creative side at an outdoor watercolor workshop in the charming Montmartre neighborhood. Follow a curated route, starting at Place Suzanne Valadon, and capture the beauty of Paris through your brushstrokes. Immerse yourself in the picturesque surroundings, drawing inspiration from the vibrant colors and captivating architecture that define this iconic district. Alternatively, try a cooking class at the Foundation Good Planet, where you'll discover the environmental footprint of our food. Learn sustainable practices and understand the impact of our culinary choices. After a delicious lunch prepared with care, immerse yourself in the art at the Fondation Louis Vuitton museum. Explore the exhibitions housed within this stunning architectural masterpiece, marveling at the creative expressions that grace its halls. As the day draws to a close, experience the grandeur of the Arc de Triomphe and stroll along the legendary Champs Élysées. Let the enchanting atmosphere of Paris at night captivate you, as you soak in the energy and charm that emanate from this global cultural capital. Whether you choose to hone your artistic talents or deepen your understanding of sustainable food systems, today's experiences promise to leave an indelible mark on your Parisian adventure. Overnight: Hostel or Hotel, Paris
4

Eiffel Tower Views & Food Aid

Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower, soaking in the breathtaking views of Paris in the morning. Marvel at the city's iconic landmarks and winding streets from this renowned vantage point, allowing the grandeur of the French capital to wash over you. After a delicious lunch, shift your focus to a meaningful community service activity with our partners at a local food shelter. Here, you will have the opportunity to distribute food packages to French students facing food insecurity. Roll up your sleeves and make a tangible difference, contributing to the well-being of the community while gaining a deeper understanding of the current challenges they face. Through this immersive service experience, you will not only provide crucial aid, but also cultivate a profound connection to the people and culture of Paris. Witness firsthand the resilience and determination of those overcoming adversity. As you engage with the local community, let your compassion and dedication shine through, forging meaningful bonds that transcend borders. Overnight: Hostel or Hotel, Paris
5

Island Charms and Royal Splendor

Begin your day with a captivating exploration of the Parisian Islands, Ile de la Cité and Ile Saint-Louis, immersing yourself in their rich history and charm. Enjoy a delightful lunch at Le Petite Maison Dans La Cour, where you can savor delicious French cuisine in a cozy setting, adding a touch of culinary delight to your adventure. In the afternoon, journey to Versailles Castle, stepping into the world of French royalty. Marvel at the opulent halls, lush gardens, and intricate details of this grand palace, experiencing firsthand the splendor of France's royal heritage. Let yourself be transported back in time as you wander through the magnificent estate, soaking in its timeless beauty. Overnight: Hostel or Hotel, Paris
6

Louvre, River Rhapsody, and Cinematic Enchantment

Immerse yourself in the world of art at the renowned Louvre Museum, where you'll encounter masterpieces from across the ages. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the Tuileries Garden, basking in the tranquil atmosphere and admiring the stunning landscapes. In the afternoon, embark on a serene boat ride along the river, treating yourself to breathtaking views of Paris from a different perspective. As night falls, indulge in the enchantment of French cinema with a film screening at one of Paris's esteemed cinemas, adding a touch of cinematic magic to your day in the City of Light. Overnight: Hostel or Hotel, Paris
7

Au revoir, Paris!

Begin your day with a final Parisian breakfast at a cozy local café, savoring the flavors of French cuisine one last time. Take this moment to reflect on the incredible experiences and cherished memories you've made during your time in Paris. As you prepare to bid farewell to this enchanting city, let the memories of its beauty and charm linger in your heart, knowing that you carry a piece of Paris with you wherever you go. Flight Details: Rustic Pathways will be happy to book your flight as an add-on service.

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

Trained Program Leaders

Background-checked, first-aid certified, deep local knowledge

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Customizable Itinerary

Custom dates and duration

France

What Do School Organizers Ask?

How do flights work?

School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup and handles all in-country logistics.

What's included in the price?

Included: Lodging, all meals, in-country transport, all activities, 24/7 staff.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending ($150–200).

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. Rustic Pathways recommends that families purchase travel insurance. Get a quote from our recommended provider →

Who supervises the students?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a 7:1 student-to-staff ratio. All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and most have led multiple Rustic Pathways programs. Leaders range from 25 to 35 years old.

Are rooms gender-separated?

Yes. Students room with same-gender peers. Staff stay in adjacent rooms.

What about medical emergencies?

All Program Leaders are first-aid certified. Nearest hospitals are mapped out in all locations. Our health & safety team reviews all medical forms before departure and works with families to plan medications, allergies, and dietary needs.

Can students contact home?

Yes. Rustic Pathways’ policy is that students can call, text, or WhatsApp anytime. Rustic Pathways is happy to defer to established school policies instead.

How do families stay informed?

Rustic Pathways sends daily photo updates throughout the program.

How big is the group?

Group size varies based on the school’s needs. Contact Rustic Pathways for a custom quote.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Rustic Pathways provides a room list prior to travel. Schools can assign rooming allocations or allow students to choose their roommates.

Will students have unsupervised time?

Structured independence with staff nearby. No unsupervised time in public areas.

Can Rustic Pathways accommodate food allergies? 

Yes. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment and shared with all meal providers.

How much spending money should students have?

$150–200 recommended. Tipping is included, no extra cash needed.

What if a student gets homesick?

Homesickness can be common during the first few days; Rustic Pathways is well-prepared. See how staff support students through homesickness

Does Rustic Pathways support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students. Read how Rustic Pathways supports neurodiverse students.

What Should Teachers Know?

Which students thrive on this program?
Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required.
What will students do each day?
Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.
France offers a unique combination of cultural richness, safety, and meaningful engagement opportunities for student groups. Rustic Pathways has operated programs here for years and maintains strong local partnerships.
How Do Flights Work?
School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways program leaders meet the group at the arrival airport and manage all in-country logistics from there.
What Meals Are Included?
All meals included. Dietary needs accommodated.
Included:
  • All lodging
  • All meals
  • In-country transport
  • All activities and excursions
  • 24/7 staff support
Not Included:
  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal spending money

What Other Program Types Are Available?