An Unforgettable Experience Awaits
The dramatic scenery of the Northern French Alps provides unforgettable Geography fieldwork opportunities for young learners.
Trip Highlights
The wonder of the Mer de Glace in Chamonix
Chilling cable car ascent to the Aiguille du Midi
The international city of Geneva
Cheese and chocolate!
Recommended excursions
Chamonix
Chamonix lies at the foot of Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps. The town was the first to embrace winter and summer Alpine tourism and has been a popular destination since the 19th century and a gateway to explore the Mer de Glace glacier and the Aiguille du Midi. The Leisure Park is popular with groups.
Montenvers Railway, Chamonix
Running from Chamonix to an altitude of 2000 metres. The railway line with its famous red train is just over 3 miles long and takes 20 minutes to reach its destination half way up the spectacular Mer de Glace glacier. From the top of the railway it’s possible to take a cable car to visit the Ice Caves (seasonal opening).
Aiguille du Midi
Starting in Chamonix this fantastic cable car ride takes 20 minutes to reach an altitude of 3,842 metres up the Aiguille du Midi. The views are stunning and perfect for studying the geographical features of the Mont Blanc region. Recent additions include a walkway around the central peak, a covered terrace at the summit and a new Skywalk.
Annecy
The picturesque town of Annecy is known as the Venice of the Savoie because of its many small canals and streams. The historic capital of the Haute Savoie has some great architecture including a chateau, churches and an old prison. Annecy is the gateway to the second largest lake in France which is renowned for its water sports and clean clear waters.
Gorges Du Fier
In between Annecy and Rumilly the Gorges du Fier is an amazing spectacle that lets visitors walk on a suspended footbridge through ravines and deep gorges that have been carved out of the rock face by the river Fier. Experience the force of river erosion, information is given about the processes involved in creating this fascinating landscape.
Seythenex Caves and Waterfall
Students can explore the underground network of galleries and passages. Above ground the St Ruph waterfall forms giant pools before flowing into Lake Annecy. A model Alpine mill helps students understand how water played an important role in daily Alpine life.
City of Geneva
Geneva is one of the most international cities in the world with a tradition of international movements such as the United Nations which can be visited. Groups can wander around the old town, stroll along the lakeside, visit the clock museum or enjoy a boat trip on the lake.
Mountain hike
Students can explore the fauna and flora at a more leisurely pace as they embark on a guided mountain hike through the foothills of the Alps. This is a great opportunity to really appreciate the landscape and sample the fresh air amidst the evergreen forests and mountain paths that wind across the mountain range.
White water rafting
This is an exhilarating way for students to experience the fast-flowing rivers of the region. Your students will learn this testing skill under secure supervision. We only work with the best alpine water sports companies.
Mountain biking – French Alps
This is a popular activity in the foothills and lower slopes of the Alps. We think that mountain biking is a fantastic way to get students in amongst the alpine terrain, with hundreds of trails crisscrossing forest, pastures and wildflower plateaus. Routes for all abilities take in areas of geographical significance with a trained instructor.
Typical accommodation
Auberge de Jeunesse Chamonix Mont Blanc
Why groups like it:
Located in Chamonix, at the foot of the Mont Blanc and facing Aiguille du MidiFacilities:
- Up to 6 bedded rooms, private shower in the rooms
- WC on the corridors
- Singles/twins with full private facilities for adults
Itinerary suggestion
1 Depart school in your full specification coach
2 Channel crossing to Calais
3 Travel overnight on your coach
1 Arrive in the French Alps for lunch
2 Afternoon to relax and enjoy the resort and mountain scenery. Due to EU drivers’ regulations your coach will not be available
3 Evening Meal then quiz at the hotel
1 Breakfast and packed lunch
2 Full day to Chamonix for mountain railway and/or cable car to Aiguille du Midi
3 Evening meal then bowling
1 Breakfast and packed lunch
2 Morning in Annecy and afternoon Gorges du Fier
3 Evening meal then swimming
1 Breakfast and packed lunch
2 Full day to Geneva or Seythenex caves and Palais de sports Megeve
3 Evening meal and evening disco
1 Breakfast
2 Local walk
3 Lunch at the hotel
4 Depart with a packed evening meal. Overnight travel
1 Channel crossing and arrive school
Learning outcomes
Subject focus
Students can:
- Study valley glaciers and glacial erosion
- Study glacial transportation, deposition and moraines
- Study plate tectonics and continental drift
- Study transhumance farming and local tourism and recreation
- Undertake a case study of sustainable tourism in the French Alps
Student outcomes
Students will have had an opportunity to:
- Develop relevant fieldwork and geographical enquiry skills
- Study human and physical geographical phenomena first hand
- Understand the effects of environments on lifestyles and vice versa
- Broaden their out-of-classroom geographical experience
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This really was a very special adventure and there was not a moment when we were not busily engaged in something exciting, remarkable and different.
Warwick School
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