Since September 2023, institutions must justify each educational trip with specific educational objectives, or risk having their requests denied by the regional education authorities. However, certain French and European sites benefit from systematic approval, escaping this strengthened obligation. The new safety directives also require prior notification to local authorities, even for destinations considered low-risk.
Regional grants, once reserved for trips abroad, are now extended to stays in France, changing funding strategies. The reform of the school calendar in several academies has also disrupted the traditional departure periods.
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What trends are shaping school trips in France and Europe this year?
It is impossible to ignore the shift that has taken place in recent months regarding the organization of school trips. From kindergarten to high school, educational teams are rewriting their practices to align with the new rules. From now on, nothing is done without a solid educational project, validated by the head of the institution and the board of directors; this is the backbone of every file. This administrative tightening does not hinder collective investment: teachers, chaperones, and parents unite to ensure that every student has the opportunity to go, even when family budgets are tight.
In practice, the offerings are diversifying. Stays in France are gaining ground, supported by expanded grants and the desire to rediscover national heritage. The classics, Paris, Normandy, as well as Madrid, London, Stuttgart, Bonn, remain popular, but teams are innovating: short formats, thematic stays focused on science, history, or citizenship. To ensure everything runs smoothly, many institutions turn to specialized organizations, labeled UNOSEL or Office, with the Quality Contract in mind.
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The logbook has become a reference tool. Designed by teachers, it structures the preparation, supports students during the stay, and serves as an evaluation tool upon return. It is also a concrete way to value the collective experience. Practically, local authorities, associations, and insurance companies are getting involved: logistical support, financial aid, advice for organizing a school trip that is both accessible and secure. To learn more about Partir en Classe, visit the News page – Partir en Classe.
Focus on must-see destinations and educational activities
The choice of destination determines the richness of the school stay. Paris continues to assert itself as the beating heart of French culture and history, between major institutions and iconic neighborhoods. Students continue to roam Normandy, a living memory of World War II, or cross borders to explore Madrid, Bonn, Stuttgart, or London. Each city brings its own palette of learning experiences, tailored to the age of the participants.
Activities are also being reinvented. Educational teams are designing custom itineraries, blending guided tours, scientific workshops, artistic discoveries, or meetings with local actors. Language stays in London or Madrid immerse students in a language-rich environment, with exchanges and real-life situations to make genuine progress. Autonomy and responsibility are learned on the ground, in contact with varied contexts.
The logbook, managed by teachers, accompanies each step: it prepares students before departure, structures discoveries on-site, and allows for alternative evaluations, far from traditional tests.
Here are some concrete examples of activities often integrated into the program:
- Discovery of major historical sites: such as the D-Day beaches, national museums, or certain must-see monuments
- Language and artistic workshops: theater, writing, exchanges with other classes or local students
- Civic initiatives: partnerships with associations, projects focused on sustainable development
The balance between the destination and the educational content gives these stays their strength: curiosity, openness, and learning take root well beyond the classroom.
Practical tips for planning an enriching and serene school stay
The success of a school trip relies on the harmony between the educational project and the concrete organization. It all starts with a well-constructed budget, incorporating every expense: transportation, accommodation, meals, activities, insurance, and the unexpected portion that avoids many hassles. To gather the necessary funds, one must play on several fronts: family contributions, public aid, the institution’s own resources, self-financing actions, and, if needed, support from the social fund. This organization ensures that no one is left behind for economic reasons.
The administrative file must be solid: collect parental permissions, obtain institutional validations, centralize medical information, and prepare emergency contacts. This preparation limits surprises and facilitates on-site management.
On the security side, nothing replaces good insurance: medical expenses, civil liability, repatriation, 24/7 assistance, cancellation, baggage management. Risks—medical, legal, logistical, geopolitical, or health-related—require rigorous anticipation, clear protocols, and training for chaperones. Partnering with specialized organizations like IMA Assurances allows for adapting coverage to each context.
In this alchemy between educational ambition and organizational rigor, the school trip becomes much more than a break: it is a springboard for every student, a shared adventure where learning takes on its full meaning.