Overview
Take your ensemble on a thrilling performance tour through four breathtaking French cities, making stops in Reims, Rouen, St. Malo, and Paris. Your musicians will explore iconic landmarks including the American Military Cemetery at Normandy, visit the Palace of Versailles, and perform for international audiences.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to France (Paris)
Day 2
Arrive in Paris
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.
Reims city walk
Discover Reims, the heart of the Champagne-Ardenne region, known for its art, history, and fine cuisine. Once the capital of the Celtic Remi tribe and later a key Roman city, Reims is home to the magnificent Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, where French kings were crowned from 815 to 1825. Visit the restored cathedral, explore the Palais du Tau, and stroll through the elegant Place Royale.
Day 3
Museum of the Surrender visit
Experience the historic site where the Germans surrendered and ended World War II on May 7, 1945. See the preserved war room where the surrender took place, along with maps and personal artifacts from that momentous day.
Travel to Rouen
Rouen Tour Director-led sightseeing
Rouen Cathedral visit, Place du Vieux Marché, Old Clock
Day 4
Travel to St. Malo via Normandy
Tall granite walls encircle the old town of St. Malo, once a stronghold for privateers sanctioned by the king. At its center stands the Saint-Malo Cathedral, blending Romanesque and Gothic styles with stained-glass windows that illustrate the city’s storied past.
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.
St. Malo interactive sightseeing activity
For centuries, this walled seaport on the English Channel was known as the city of pirates. The pirates are gone, but the granite town remains, always seeming to be reaching towards the green-blue sea. With your Tour Director, embark on an interactive adventure that will bring St. Malo to life! Including a visit to the Cathedral St. Vincent, begun in the 11th century but not finished until the spire was mounted in 1987. It houses the tomb of Jacques Cartier, who discovered the St. Lawrence River and founded Quebec.
Day 5
St. Malo performance
Performance groups often enjoy opportunities at churches (some with sacred repertoire restrictions, others open to secular works), temples, museums, cultural centers, and significant historic sites. Exchanges with local schools, universities, or community groups are also popular, and participating in cultural or performing arts festivals can be a meaningful experience. For every performance, we work closely with each group to ensure the venue aligns with their goals. Speak with your WorldStrides representative to find the best options for your group.
Mont-St-Michel excursion
Mont St. Michel guided sightseeing, Mont-St-Michel monastery visit
Day 6
Travel to Paris
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.
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.
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 7
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.
Versailles performance
Performance groups often enjoy showcasing their talents at churches (some with sacred repertoire restrictions, others open to secular works), temples, museums, cultural centers, and historic sites. Exchanges with local schools, universities, or community groups—as well as participation in cultural or performing arts festivals—can also be meaningful experiences. For every performance, we work closely with each group to find the perfect venue that aligns with their vision. Speak with your WorldStrides representative to explore the best options for your group.
Montmartre Tour Director-led sightseeing
Discover Montmartre on a Tour Director-led walk through the hilltop neighborhood that inspired artists like Picasso and Van Gogh. Stroll the lively Place du Tertre, where painters still work today, see the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret, and climb to the Basilica of Sacré-Coeur for sweeping views over Paris.
Day 8
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 to Brittany
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.