Discover Paris and France during the Winter School

A key part of the Winter School experience is the opportunity to explore Paris and its cultural, historical, and international landmarks through a carefully curated extracurricular programme. Designed to complement the academic content of the courses, these activities allow students to deepen their understanding of French culture while sharing memorable experiences with fellow participants from around the world.

Each edition of the Winter School offers a unique programme of activities. Here are some examples of activities organised in previous years.

UNESCO Guided Tour

Students were welcomed at the headquarters of UNESCO for an exclusive guided tour led by UNESCO guides. Divided into small groups, participants explored the history, architecture, and mission of the institution during a 90-minute visit. Beyond discovering this iconic international organisation, students were able to connect the visit to the academic themes explored throughout the programme and engage directly with guides through lively discussions and questions.

Louvre Museum Guided Visit

The programme also included a guided tour of the world-renowned Louvre Museum. Led by a professional lecturer-guide, students discovered some of the museum’s most emblematic masterpieces over the course of a two-hour visit. Scheduled on a Friday afternoon and evening, the tour benefited from quieter conditions, allowing participants to enjoy the collections in a more relaxed atmosphere. The visit was particularly appreciated for the quality and enthusiasm of the guide.

Musée d’Orsay Discovery

Students also had the opportunity to visit the Musée d'Orsay independently. This flexible format encouraged participants to explore the museum at their own pace while discovering some of France’s most celebrated Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artworks. Although some students expressed interest in additional contextual explanations, overall feedback remained highly positive.

Optional Day Trip to Mont Saint-Michel

One of the highlights of the programme was an optional full-day excursion to Mont-Saint-Michel, one of France’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites. Despite the early departure required for the trip, the excursion was extremely popular, attracting 33 participants. Students particularly appreciated the unique atmosphere and historical beauty of the site, making it one of the most memorable experiences of the Winter School.

A Traditional Seine River Cruise

As part of the Winter School tradition, students also enjoyed a one-hour cruise on the Seine River with Vedettes du Pont Neuf. The boat tour offered a unique perspective on Paris’s most famous landmarks and remains one of the students’ favourite social and cultural moments of the programme.