GEMS World Academy | Paris

Follow along with GWA as they visit the capital of France!

February 2^nd, 2025

Day 1 | Paris Bound!

An action packed first day after our flight from Dubai! We got the opportunity to see the famous Eiffel Tower from Trocadero before an amazing visit to home of PSG Football Club, Parc des Princes. After a traditional French dinner and checking into our hotel, we are heading to bed early - plenty more to come this week!

Day 2 - Cathedrals and Cuisines

A fantastic morning viewing the famous Notre-Dame cathedral and walking in the beautiful le Marais district of Paris. We arrived at our cooking class where everyone got stuck into their jobs to create a culinary feast of cream chicken, mushroom and mash potato with a herb de Provence. They finished their meal with a beautiful dessert of crème brulée all made from scratch. Michel Roux Jr's of the future!

Day 2 - Treasures and towers

In the afternoon we split into groups to complete the mystery tour of Paris and In the afternoon, we divided into groups for an exciting mystery tour of Paris, solving clues in a treasure hunt that took us all around the city. Next, we made our way to the Montparnasse Tower, where we were treated to a stunning sunset view of Paris, with panoramic sights of its iconic landmarks. To cap off another full day, we enjoyed a delicious meal at Flam's before returning to the hotel.

DAY 3 - Shopping, sights and sparkles

On the third day of our Paris adventure, we ventured to the famed Champs-Élysées, often called 'the world’s most beautiful avenue'. At the top of this iconic street stands the majestic Arc de Triomphe, where we climbed 284 steps to learn about its history and see more great views of the city. After lunch we had free time to explore the area, including plenty of opportunities for shopping. Later, we embarked on a scenic Bateaux Mouches cruise, taking in the stunning Parisian landmarks along the River Seine. To cap off the evening, we watched the Eiffel Tower sparkle in all its splendor. Another fantastic day in Paris, full of unforgettable sights and memories.

DAY 4 - Palaces and Paintings

Today, we made our way across Paris to visit the stunning Palace of Versailles, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This grand palace is a symbol of France’s royal history, with its incredible architecture and immaculate gardens. We were able to take an audio tour through the palace which really brought its fascinating history to life.

In the afternoon, we headed to Montmartre, one of the most charming and artistic neighbourhoods in Paris. Famous for its cobblestone streets and the beautiful Sacré-Cœur Basilica, Montmartre has an artsy vibe that’s hard to beat. Once home to artists like Picasso and Van Gogh, we were able to follow in their footsteps and even created our own masterpieces, soaking up the Parisian atmosphere and enjoying the areas unique cultural energy. The day was finished with a delicious traditional French meal at the chic and quaint la Mere Catherine.

Another full day of history, art, and culture – the perfect way to experience the magic of Paris.

Day 5 - Scents and Sounds

Our last day in Paris was packed with amazing experiences. We kicked off the morning at the famous Fragonard Perfume Museum, where we learned all about how perfumes are made. It was fun discovering different scents and notes, and we each found a few favorites along the way.

Afterwards, we had the opportunity to visit the stunning Opera Garnier. This beautiful building is still used for live performances today, and it was incredible to see it up close. The grand architecture and rich history made it feel like stepping into another time.

DAY 5 - Lafayette and Louvre

Our last afternoon in Paris was the perfect chance for some final shopping at the famous Galeries Lafayette. Known for its luxury fashion, beauty, and gourmet goodies, it was the ideal place to pick up a souvenir or two. Afterward, we headed to the incredible Louvre Museum, home to the legendary Mona Lisa and so much more. We explored its vast collection of art, from ancient treasures to Renaissance masterpieces, all set within the stunning architecture of the museum.

We wrapped up the trip with a final dinner together, sharing laughs and reflecting on all the amazing experiences we had. The night ended with a fun Twedex quiz about Paris, and we were all super impressed with how much everyone had learned throughout the week.