French Exchange | 18 September – 10 October 2025

Four VCASS students, Ava, Isabella, Sophie and Innes, set off on 18 September to spend three amazing weeks in France.

The exchange commenced with a two day visit of Paris where students visited the ‘must-sees’ such as The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the Louvre. Students also had the opportunity to attend La Bohème at Opéra Bastille.

From Paris, the group spent three days in the Loire Valley visiting the beautiful castles of this historic region; Chenonceau, Chambord and Villandry, before making their way to Les Sables D’Olonnes for a stay with their host families. 

The trip ended with a short stay in Paris to visit highlights such as the Musée D’Orsay, Sacre Coeur and Opéra Garnier before a beautiful final dinner on a péniche on the Seine and the opportunity to see Racines at the Opéra Garnier. 

Students have shared some of their wonderful photos and highlights:

My highlight of the trip was going to Puy Du Fou; it was a fair with historically informed shows which included stunts, elaborate sets and trained animals. 

– Ava

Les machines in Nantes – a bunch of robot animals that go around. 

Visiting the Louvre. We got to see some of the inside with a guide. I didn’t realise how huge the Louvre was.

– Sophie

I’m so grateful for this amazing experience with Albert Park and for all the memories we created together.

– Belle

Two highlights of the exchange were having a lesson with Alexandra Mauriac, the bassoon teacher at the Nantes conservatory and seeing the opera La Bohème in Paris. It was an incredible opportunity to have a lesson with a teacher in France and get very useful and insightful feedback on my playing. Seeing the opera was amazing, everything from the sets on stage to the singers and orchestra were incredible.

– Innes

We are grateful to Albert Park College for inviting our students to participate in this incredible experience.