🇫🇷 ULTIMATE SCHOOL TRIP TO FRANCE | Saint-Omer Christmas Markets, Chocolate Factory & Ferry Adventure
Join us on the BEST school trip ever as Bishop Milner Catholic College students travel from Dudley, UK to the magical town of Saint-Omer, France! Experience authentic French culture, stunning Christmas markets, delicious chocolaterie visits, and unforgettable moments with friends across the Channel.
🎄 What We Explored in Saint-Omer
Saint-Omer Christmas Market (Marché de Noël)
The enchanting Christmas market in Saint-Omer’s historic center! We explored festive stalls selling handcrafted decorations, mulled wine (vin chaud), roasted chestnuts, French pastries, and holiday gifts. Twinkling lights, carousel rides, and live music created pure Christmas magic. One of Northern France’s most beautiful marchés de Noël!
French Chocolate Factory Tour (Chocolaterie)
Behind-the-scenes access to an authentic French chocolaterie! We watched master chocolatiers craft pralines, truffles, and seasonal chocolates. The smell of melting chocolate, intricate molds, and FREE TASTINGS made this everyone’s favorite. We learned Belgian-French chocolate traditions and bought gifts for family.
Saint-Omer Cathedral & Town
Stunning 13th-century Gothic cathedral with towering columns and beautiful stained glass. Plus charming cobblestone streets, French bakeries (boulangeries), crêperies, and authentic café culture. We tried real croissants, pain au chocolat, and practiced French with locals!
Ferry Crossing Experience
Our journey started with an exciting ferry ride across the English Channel from Dover to Calais. Watch us explore the ferry, enjoy onboard food, take in sea views, and experience international travel excitement!
🎥 Video Timeline
0:00 – Departure from Bishop Milner, Dudley
1:30 – Ferry crossing adventure
4:15 – Arriving in France!
6:00 – Christmas Market tour
9:45 – Chocolate factory behind the scenes
13:20 – French bakery breakfast
16:00 – Cathedral & town exploration
19:30 – Souvenir shopping
22:00 – French restaurant dinner
24:45 – Ferry home & reflections
🌟 Why This Trip Was Unforgettable
✅ Cultural Immersion – Speaking French, trying authentic cuisine, meeting locals
✅ Educational – History, language practice, geography brought to life
✅ Friendship – Creating lifelong memories with classmates
✅ Christmas Magic – European holiday traditions firsthand
✅ Independence – Navigating foreign country, managing euros
🎓 Perfect For
📚 Students planning France/Europe school trips
🏫 Teachers organizing educational travel
👨👩👧 Parents considering exchange programs
🎒 Young travelers seeking European adventure
🇫🇷 Francophiles & Christmas market lovers
📍 Trip Details
From: Bishop Milner Catholic College, Dudley, UK
To: Saint-Omer, Northern France
Duration: 3 days
Route: Dover to Calais ferry
Best Time: November-December for Christmas markets
🎁 Christmas Market Highlights
Location: Place du Maréchal Foch, Saint-Omer
Must-Try: Vin chaud, hot chocolate, crêpes, roasted chestnuts
Shopping: Handmade ornaments, French nougat, local crafts
Hours: 10am-8pm daily (November-December)
🍫 Chocolate Factory Tour
Live chocolate-making demonstrations
Belgian-French chocolate history
Tastings (milk, dark, white chocolate)
Factory shop with exclusive treats
Perfect souvenirs!
Tip: Book tours early during Christmas season
🚢 Ferry Tips
✓ Book group tickets early for discounts
✓ Arrive 90 minutes before departure
✓ Bring entertainment for crossing
✓ Duty-free shopping available
✓ Currency exchange onboard
💭 Student Reviews
“Best school trip EVER! Christmas market was magical!” – Year 10
“Loved practicing French with locals. Ferry was so cool!” – Year 9
“Can we go again? Saint-Omer at Christmas is perfect!” – Year 11
🏫 About Us
Bishop Milner Catholic College (Dudley, UK) provides enriching educational experiences including international trips that broaden horizons and cultural understanding.
🎬 More Coming Soon
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🗼 Paris day trips
🏰 Castle tours
🎿 Ski adventures
🌍 More school travel
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