HS: Saint-Brieuc French Exchange Trip
After a smooth journey, we arrived in Saint-Brieuc at around 5:00 p.m. The French exchange students were already waiting eagerly on the platform. Despite some initial nervousness on both sides, everyone was excited for the adventure to begin.
On Monday, we visited the LPO (Ligue de Protection des Oiseaux) on Grande Île. There, we learned about the many bird species nesting on the seven islands off the Côte de Granit Rose. In the afternoon, we had planned a boat trip to observe these islands and their birdlife, but rough seas made boarding impossible. Instead, we enjoyed a coastal hike, during which the students had great fun climbing and jumping across the rocks.
Tuesday was dedicated to exploring the iconic Mont-Saint-Michel. Known from films and admired worldwide for its breathtaking beauty, the site did not disappoint. We began with a visit to the abbey at the summit, which features a beautiful garden with panoramic views of the surrounding bay. After lunch, we took part in a guided walk across the mudflats, learning about the history and legends of Mont-Saint-Michel and the bay. For many students, the highlight was experimenting with quicksand and learning how to escape it safely — an unforgettable experience for all.
On Wednesday, the students spent two hours attending classes at the French school, gaining insight into the French education system. Afterwards, they took part in a town rally, navigating through Saint-Brieuc while answering questions along the way. The winning team received a full bag of Carambar sweets, while the others shared another bag. Since French students finish school early on Wednesdays, the day with us teachers was relatively short. Later, our French colleague jokingly reported that one of her colleagues could not buy her usual Wednesday crêpe at the market because our students had bought them all.
On Thursday, the students returned to school for another two hours before writing letters and playing Taboo with their exchange partners. We then visited a mussel farm in Hillion, where the French students joined us. Before seeing the mussel harvesting process, we learned about a remarkable marine worm that contributes to advances in modern medicine. During the walk across the sandbanks, the students were especially fascinated by the many small shellfish and marine creatures. They also discovered that mussel farming is physically demanding work and not particularly lucrative.
Friday took us to the historic corsair city of Saint-Malo, a fortified coastal town dating back to the 12th century. We walked along the impressive city walls, enjoying spectacular views of the beach and the sea while learning about the city’s history. The students also visited a nearby island that is accessible only at low tide, where they observed a natural tidal pool. Of course, there was also time for souvenir shopping.
On Saturday, the students spent the entire day with their host families. Activities ranged from beach outings and football matches to laser tag, figure skating practice, and even boat trips — a wonderful opportunity to experience everyday life in France.
On Sunday morning, we said goodbye to Saint-Brieuc and travelled to Paris, where we arrived in time for lunch. We had about two hours to explore the Montparnasse district before continuing to the airport for our return flight to Berlin.
Apart from Monday, we were very fortunate with the weather, which made the trip especially enjoyable. Throughout the week, the students learned about tides and the influence of the moon on coastal environments. Most importantly, they formed strong bonds with their host families and exchange partners. By all accounts, the experience was extremely positive, and the students returned home with wonderful memories that will stay with them for years to come.
L. Kimmen and A. Schlicht
Photo credits: Kimmen & Schlicht
