Overview
Explore the rich history and culture of Paris and Normandy with your student ensemble. Your talented young musicians can look forward to performing in beautiful and iconic venues like La Trinité and the Landing Museum in Normandy. The group can also look forward to participating in an expert-led masterclass and visiting the Chartres Cathedral, the Museum of Music, and the D-Day landing beaches.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to France (Paris)
Day 2
Meet your Tour Director
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
Paris city walk
This city was made for walking. Stroll grand boulevards with sweeping views of the city, pristine parks with trees planted in perfect rows, and narrow streets crowded with vendors selling flowers, pastries and cheese. Then head to the Île de la Cité, a small island in the Seine, to see Notre Dame Cathedral.
Day 3
Musée de la Musique visit
Since its opening in 1997, the Museum of Music has become world-renowned for its collection and presentation of musical instruments. The historical heritage within its walls spans centuries, from the 16th century to today, and is a testament to the wealth of musical invention in every culture in the world.
Choir masterclass
Get ready for a life-changing experience as your ensemble attends a masterclass given by a college professor or local expert. You can choose the area of focus or let the instructor determine what’s best.
Eiffel Tower ascent
Line up to climb to the top floor of this iconic landmark for a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the glittering City of Light.
Paris performance
Potential venues include (but not limited to): La Trinité, where Messiaen served as organist and where Hector Berlioz had his funeral, Saint-Étienne-du-Mont, The American Church in Paris, and the Église de la Madeleine, which is another of our most popular venues for attracting good audiences. Finally, the Église St-Roch regularly hosts concerts. It is an excellent venue for visiting choirs and has good facilities and very organized publicity.
Day 4
Travel to Chartres via Versailles
Versailles guided excursion
The ultimate palace, Versailles was begun by Louis XIII and transformed by Louis XIV into the seat of royal power until the French Revolution. Inside, admire the 250-foot Hall of Mirrors, flanked by the salons of War and Peace, and the State Apartments where lavish ceremonies unfolded. Step into the magnificent Gardens of Versailles, a masterpiece of fountains, sculptures, and sweeping vistas. Be sure to visit Marie Antoinette’s rustic hamlet, where she escaped court life by tending sheep and playing at village life. Please note: Versailles is closed on Mondays.
Day 5
Chartres city walk
Enjoy a walking tour with your Tour Director through the Vieux Quartier (Old Town), exquisitely representing Medieval France with its cobblestone streets, graceful bridges, and gabled houses.
Chartres Cathedral visit
Built on an ancient holy site to house a relic of the Virgin Mary’s veil (still on display), this 13th-century Gothic cathedral is best known for its stained glass. With more than 20,000 square feet of windows, stepping inside feels like entering a jewel box. On the floor lies the only surviving medieval labyrinth, a 300-yard path once followed on pilgrims’ knees toward the image of paradise at the center.
Chartres performance
Choirs often enjoy performances at churches (some have restricted sacred repertoire and others allow secular,) temples, museums and cultural centers, significant historic sights or exchange concerts with local schools, universities or community groups. Participating in a choral or cultural festival can also be a rewarding experience. For all performances we work closely with each group to ensure the perfect venue to meet their vision. Speak with your Worldstrides representative about what options would be best for your group.
Day 6
Travel to Normandy
Normandy D-Day landing beaches
See the D-Day beaches where on June 6, 1944, thousands of Allied troops landed in an effort to recapture the coast from Germany. All along the beaches, deserted German bunkers have been turned into memorials and the stark white crosses and stars that mark the cemeteries are grim reminders of the war.
American Military Cemetery and Memorial visit at Colleville-sur-Mer
Visit the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer that honors American troops who died in Europe during World War II.
Day 7
Juno Beach Centre visit
Gain a profound understanding of the Canadian military’s extensive role in the World War II Allied invasion on D-Day through immersive exhibits, historical artifacts, and personal stories.
Normandy performance
In Normandy, venue options include, but are not limited to: The American Military Cemetery, Musee Du Debarquement (Landing Museum) or an exchange with a local school, university or community group.
Day 8
Travel to Paris via Honfleur
Satie House and Museum (Maisons Satie) visit
Seine River cruise
See the city from the water on an hour-long cruise along the River Seine. The Seine cuts right through Paris, dividing the city in half. Spot the Eiffel tower rising up on the Left Bank, the walls of the Louvre on the Right Bank. A guide will point out other monuments and architectural marvels as you pass, many of which are illuminated by clear white light at night.
Day 9
Return home
Already Included
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Meals (unless otherwise noted on your itinerary)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Adjudicated group performances and an optional solo/duo competition
Scenes from Paris and Normandy
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
WorldStrides provides over $2.5 million in financial assistance each year to thousands of families. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of less than $85,000 may qualify. One simple call to Customer Service and you’ll know how much may be available for your trip even before signing up. Please note: financial assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.