5034 bsp calendarofevents2015 lowres by NDS1

Events 2015

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Welcome to the British School of Paris 2015 event programme! All sections of the wider school community are warmly invited to take part in the specially designed events contained within the following pages. After the success of last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s events, this year we have teamed up with Localers, creators of bespoke and eye-opening tours of Paris and the surrounding area, to bring you our most comprehensive and original programme yet. Each British School of Paris/Localers tour has been lovingly crafted by the experts at Localers to provide you with fantastic experiences that will live long in the memory. In order to preserve the special nature of each tour numbers have been strictly limited , so please book early to avoid disappointment. Booking instructions for all tours are displayed alongside each event. An email reminder will be sent to all event participants the day before it takes place.

In addition to the wide selection of tours conceived by our special event partners Localers, we have ensured that all the much-loved highlights of the school calendar, such as the annual BSP Society Summer FĂŞte, Christmas Fayre, Prize Giving and Carol Concert, are included. All the events are listed in our handy detachable 2015 calendar at the back of the programme, so you need never miss a thing! We hope that there is something here for everyone, look forward to seeing you at events throughout the year and thank you for all that you do in support of the British School of Paris.

Localers are celebrating their partnership with the British School of Paris by offering all school families and supporters a 10% reduction off the list price across their entire portfolio of acclaimed tours in Paris during 2015 (not applicable to the bespoke BSP tours in this programme). To access this offer, book online at www.localers.com using the promotional code provided at the back of this booklet.

The British School of Paris gratefully acknowledges the support of HSBC Premier for financially supporting the production of this brochure. 5

Alleys and Arias - A tour of historic arcades and Paris’s most celebrated Opera House Sat 10th January and Sat 12th December Start time – 10am In this specially-tailored tour, the lid will be lifted on one of Paris’s best-kept secrets: its historic and ornate covered arcades. This network of covered passages was developed in the capital over a period of just sixty years between the late 18th century and mid 19th century. Innovative in both their architectural style and social role, the passages contain breathtaking configurations of glass ceilings, mosaic floors, ornate clocks and intricate design and now house some of the most quirky, upscale and inimitable boutiques that the city has to offer. Led by a connoisseur of these unique Parisian bygone gems, your tour concludes with a queue-busting visit to that most majestic and opulent symbol of beaux arts, the Palais Garnier Opera House, the inspiration for Gaston Leroux’s classic 1910 gothic novel The Phantom of the Opera. Your guide will ensure that you take in all the major features of this stunning Paris icon, including the auditorium, acclaimed ceiling paintings by Marc Chagall and the dazzling grand staircase, aptly described as “a monument inside a monument”. (Entrance fee to the Palais Garnier is included in the price of this tour). Approximate walking distance: 3.5 km / 2.1 miles

39 € per person (Under 3’s go free, 20% discount for children aged 4–12 years) • 3 hours • Number of participants: 4min–30max • Meeting Point: 184, rue de Rivoli, Paris 1er • Nearest Métro: Palais Royale – Musée du Louvre • Most suitable for: Culture vultures, discerning shoppers, opera divas!

To Book this tour, please call 01 83 64 92 01 (Monday to Friday 9am–6pm, Saturday 10am–6pm) with your debit or credit card details. Participants are asked to be at the rendezvous point 5–10 minutes before departure. Please ring 01 83 64 92 01 if you are running late on the day. Cancellation: A full refund will be issued to participants up to 72 hours before the start of the tour.

Learn the secrets of taking great photos from a leading Paris photographer Wed 14th January and Wed 16th September Start time – 2pm Follow in the footsteps of Atget, Cartier-Bresson, Doisneau and Kertesz and capture the City of Light on camera like never before. Paris is one of the birthplaces of photography and a city whose casual, effortless beauty makes for rich material to anyone willing to walk around slowly and observe carefully. Come equipped with your own camera and whether a complete novice or accomplished enthusiast, expert tuition from our professional photographer will ensure that you master composition, camera settings and light levels, finishing up with a fantastic portfolio of shots and a permanent keepsake from all the best vantage points in Paris. It’s never too early or too late to learn how to take great photographs!

35 € per person (Under 3’s go free, 20% discount for children aged 4–12 years) • 3 hours • Number of participants: 5min–30max • Meeting Point: Pont Marie Métro station, Paris 4e (outside main entrance) • Most suitable for: Budding Mario Testinos or Annie Liebovitzs of all abilities

A unique interactive family space adventure, where it’s your little monsters vs. aliens on the streets of Paris’ Sat 31st January, Sat 21st March and Sat 21st November Start time – 10am Trendy ‘big sister’ of neighbouring Montorgueil, the area of Etienne Marcel, one of Paris’s oldest and most endearing districts, offers an incredible plethora of vintage boutiques and tempting cafes. It is the perfect backdrop for our bespoke adventure, devised for the whole family to enjoy. The inspiration of the tour stems from an eighties video game, Space Invaders. While the game has disappeared from the market, mosaic representations of these little creatures have literally invaded some of the world’s biggest cities that include Paris, Hong Kong and Los Angeles, thanks to a mysterious French artist who ingeniously calls himself….dum, dum, dummm: Invader. Your first target will be the Jean Sans Peur tower, an old fifteenth century fortress steeped in legend. Next, the troops will march through the rue Quincampoix to attack more alien enemies and discover some of Paris’s funkiest street art. The route continues on to the world famous Centre Pompidou, which houses works by celebrated artists such as Andy Warhol and Vassily Kandinsky.

49 € per person (Under 3’s go free, 20% discount for children aged 4–12 years) • 3 hours • Number of participants: 4min–10max • Meeting Point: Étienne Marcel Métro station, Paris 1er/2e (outside main entrance) • Most suitable for: Adventurous families, space cadets

The final leg of the hunt takes you through the energetic Marais quarter where the clash of tradition and the avant-garde is the setting for chic venues and beautiful people. While the kids continue their pursuit, you’ll learn about the quartier’s rich history and quirky personality. Finally at Bastille, following a thorough description of the events of the French Revolution that took place on those very grounds, you and the little space cowboys will be sent off to continue exploring Paris solo. Oh, and guess what you will not have heard for the past 3 hours?: “I’m bored!” Approximate walking distance: 2 km / 1.2 mile 9

Private Wine Tasting Evening Thu 5th February, Thu 9th July and Thu 8th October Start time – 7pm For this entertaining and informative evening you will meet your host, a connoisseur of fine wine and professional sommelier, at Le Pharamond, a legendary and intimate Belle Epoque restaurant in the centre of the Les Halles District. In its time, the restaurant has had a distinguished clientele which has included Georges Clémenceau, F Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Coluche, Lino Ventura and François Mitterand. Famous in its day, its private dining salons on the top floor gave ideal anonymity to actors and politicians who came here to dine in private. An alternative, hidden door to the front of the restaurant assured the ultimate discretion as diners were ushered up a hidden stairwell. Today the restaurant is a national monument. Your lesson in the subtle art of wine tasting will begin down in the historic and renowned wine cellar of the restaurant, not usually accessible to the public. A glass of bubbly champagne from the north in a cavernous room dating from the medieval period will kick off the evening in style. Afterwards, you will be given a short tour of the cellar and its fabulous stock. Back upstairs in the private dining room − with its exquisite mirrors, powder-blue wood panelling, and ornate enamelled glass − you will be invited to head to more southerly climes with a light-tasting PouillyFumé from the Loire Valley; a Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Burgundy; a full-bodied Merlot from SaintEmilion, Bordeaux; and to finish: a rich, sweet-tasting Pacherenc du Vic Bilh. You will be invited to pair off each wine with a different cheese from a platter of regional cheeses and cured meat. Learn the surprising combinations and flavours created as you match a Pont-l’Eveque with a wine from the Loire valley. Wine maps and notes will also be provided to take away with you at the end of your opulent evening. 10

69 € per person (Regrettably this event is unsuitable for children) • 2 hours • Number of participants: 4min –10max • Meeting Point: Le Pharamond, 24 rue de la Grande Truanderie, Paris 1er • Nearest Metro: Étienne Marcel/Châtelet les Halles (RER) • Most suitable for: Bons viveurs, wannabe wine buffs

“Let them eat cake” – An indulgent tour of Paris’s finest sweet treats Sat 7th February and Sat 11th July Start time – 3pm Seeking the ultimate in Parisian pâtisserie ? Why not treat yourself and sink your teeth into something lush and decadent with a walking tour of the chocolate and patisserie emporiums of Saint-Germain-des-Près? The French don’t do pleasure by half − so why should you? Saint-Germain-des-Près’s mouthwatering selection of sumptuous bakeries and chocolatiers will convince even the abstemious that the French art of living is the way to go. Guided by a French chef, you will be transported to gourmet heaven, flitting from one boutique to another, biting into soft caramel macarons or sampling glorious chocolate truffles. Your guide will give you a detailed explanation of the ingredients and the concept behind of many of the sugary works of art you will be devouring. A whistle-stop tour of prize-winning pâtisseries and artisan chocolatiers has been specially arranged which includes a stop to taste cream filled sponge tarts (Brigitte Bardot’s favourites), a chocolate tasting at Pierre Marcolini, and a must-do pit-stop to munch on macarons at a chic boulangerie. Treats along the way will include samplings of delicious middle eastern pastries, mouth-watering waffles from Lille, creamfilled puff pastries, and of course, more chocolate tastings! A coffee break at a suitably gourmand Saint-Germain haunt will give you a breather before you continue on your heavenly tour. Are you ready to give in to your cravings?

49 € per person (Under 3’s go free, 20% discount for children aged 4 –12 years) • 3 hours • Number of participants: 5min–15max • Meeting Point: Café de Flore, 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris 6e • Nearest Metro: Saint-Germain-des-Près • Most suitable for: Chocoholics, hedonists

Louvre Museum Tour: VIP access to the finest art collection in the world! Wed 11th February and Fri 11th December Start time – 5pm Enjoy privileged access to the world’s most visited museum. From the Italian sculpture and painting sections to the impressive French grand format paintings, the Louvre’s great treasures will be revealed during an expertly designed itinerary which takes in the highlights of the collection, led by a passionate and enthusiastic art-historian, accredited by the museum. No queuing, no waiting, no boring lectures − this is the ultimate way to experience the Louvre’s masterpieces up close and personal! (Entrance fee to the Louvre Museum is included in the price of this tour.)

59€ per person (Under 3’s go free, 20% discount for children aged 4–12 years) • 2 hours • Number of participants: 7min–20max • Meeting Point: 184, rue de Rivoli, Paris 1er • Nearest Métro: Palais Royale – Musée du Louvre • Most suitable for: Art lovers, aesthetes

To Book this tour, please call 01 83 64 92 01 (Monday to Friday 9am – 6pm, Saturday 10am–6pm) with your debit or credit card details. Participants are asked to be at the rendezvous point 5–10 minutes before departure. Please ring 01 83 64 92 01 if you are running late on the day. Cancellation: A full refund will be issued to participants up to 72 hours before the start of the tour.

Montmartre: In the footsteps of Amelie Poulain Sun 22nd February, Sun 28th June and Sun 25th October Start time – 10am Explore the rich artistic history of Montmartre. Wander the cobblestones and marvel at the bohemian streets, spiralling round the mound below the sugary-white dome of the Sacré-Coeur as you make your way to the breathtaking view at the highest point in Paris. This area remains the most wildly romantic part of Paris – a place in which to climb tranquil stairways, peer down narrow alleys and into ivy-bedecked houses. Like stepping onto a movie set, or entering an Impressionist painting, a walk around the stunning Montmartre village is an opportunity to experience the beauty of one of the most picturesque parts of the city. Seeing it with your very own local expert, however, is the icing on the cake. Once home to a whole legion of artists from Picasso to Modigliani, Montmartre still retains the legendary cabarets, cafés, and old winding streets where these artists took refuge. The Moulin Rouge, Place du Tertre, Sacré Coeur, and the Moulin de la Galette are just a few must-see spots that will be included on this fun and informative walking tour.

19 € per person (Under 3’s go free, 20% discount for children aged 4–12 years) • 2 hours • Number of participants: 4min–30max • Meeting Point: The Moulin Rouge, Paris 18e • Nearest Métro: Blanche/Place de Clichy • Most suitable for: Hopeless romantics, dreamers, bohemians, flâneurs

As you get to know the real Montmartre, you will discover a district that has more to it than just its fabled history — it is also a vibrant, lived-in neighbourhood. Home to a young cosmopolitan population, some of the most interesting shops, bars, and cabarets can be found in the area. We guarantee that you’ll be smitten by the time your tour of this enchanting neighbourhood draws to a close. (Please note, the terrain covered in this tour means that it is unfortunately not suitable for those with mobility restrictions.)

Macaron masterclass – confectionery classics created by you! Thu 5th & 26th March and Thu 5th & 26th November Start time – 10am

85 € per person (Regrettably this event is unsuitable for children)

The ubiquitous macaron in an array of pastel hues is a Parisian staple, so much so in fact that the City declares March 20 every year as global ‘Macaron Day’. Your entry into the exquisite world of macaroons will begin in the Batignolles district, where you’ll be welcomed into your chef ’s renowned cooking school and fully equipped kitchen. Once you’ve donned your apron it’s time to jump in! You’ll be guided step by step to ensure you end up with a delicious finished product, and your chef will have plenty of techniques and wisdom to impart along the way. Whatever your level of cooking experience, your chef is a professional who will unlock your inner pâtissier. You’ll certainly be in capable hands: she has trained under the best French chefs at the prestigious Lenôtre culinary school. And at the end, all that will be left is the thrill of biting into one of France’s exquisite modern classics, lovingly and painstakingly handmade by you!

• 2 ½ hours • Number of participants: 2min–7max • Meeting Point: Batignolles, Paris 17e • Most suitable for: Masterchefs in the making

Paris World War Two tour Sun 15th March and Sun 13th December Start time – 2pm

19 € per person (Under 3’s go free, 20% discount for children aged 4–12 years)

Your tour starts in the heart of Paris’s historic Marais district where you’ll jump right into the action as your guide explains the events leading up to the German invasion of France. Once the stage has been set you’ll make your way past buildings and details that tell the story of life in occupied Paris. You’ll stop at the Shoah Memorial – Paris’s Holocaust museum. Next you’ll head to iconic buildings such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Paris Préfecture, and the Saint-Michel fountain where some of the war’s key battles were won and lost. The Louvre will be your next destination, followed by a walk through the Jardin des Tuileries on your way to the Hotel Le Meurice, a major component of the German stronghold.Your tour finishes at Place de la Concorde, where seventy years ago, thousands gathered to celebrate the liberation of the city. A thought-provoking and important tour that charts one of the most dramatic and turbulent periods of Paris’s history.

• 3 hours • Number of participants: 4min–20max • Meeting Point: Saint Paul Métro station, Paris 4e (outside main entrance) • Most suitable for: History buffs To Book this tour, please call 01 83 64 92 01 (Monday to Friday 9am–6pm, Saturday 10am–6pm) with your debit or credit card details. Participants are asked to be at the rendezvous point 5–10 minutes before departure. Please ring 01 83 64 92 01 if you are running late on the day. Cancellation: A full refund will be issued to participants up to 72 hours before the start of the tour.

Approximate walking distance: 6.4km/4m

Père Lachaise cemetery – Macabre-celebrity-spotting and terrific views of Paris at the world’s most famous city of the dead Sun 8th March & Sun 11th October Start time – 11am Père Lachaise cemetery slumbers on one of Paris’s seven large hills where it harbours the graves of seemingly endless numbers of French and foreign dignitaries. In addition to being the final resting place of many a well-known historical figure, the cemetery is crammed with artworks, many of their creators leading lights in art history. During your specially-crafted tour, you’ll be able to say RIP to the following VIPs: Oscar Wilde, Gertrude Stein, Edith Piaf, Molière, Jim Morrison and Frédéric Chopin and many others as you stop off at their graves. As you wander this maze of mausoleums, you’ll be regaled with stories and anecdotes surrounding Père Lachaise, which draws people from all over Paris wishing to enjoy a peaceful retreat from the city. A riveting, expert commentary will ensure that this most famous of cemeteries is brought to life.

19 € per person (Under 3’s go free, 20% discount for children aged 4–12 years) • 2 hours • Number of participants: 4min –30max • Meeting Point: Gambetta Métro station, Paris 20e (outside main entrance) • Most suitable for: Those wanting to get up close and personal with Morrison, Mogdigliani and Marcel Marceau

Family Photo Shoot in Paris – a flashbulb frenzy where you are the star! Saturdays and Sundays in April and December 2015 Start time – 10am or 2pm A unique family keepsake, this tour takes in all the major Parisian landmarks and puts a leading professional photographer at your disposal to expertly capture you and your family in the City of Light. Your photo shoot starts at the Palais Royal in the very centre of Paris. Soak up the beauty of the gardens as you discover the rich history of this former royal residence. Next on the list are the Louvre museum and Jardin des Tuileries, both great photo opportunities with intriguing pasts. Then, you’ll cross Place de la Concorde, Paris’s biggest square and head to the Champs-Elysées. Here you will pass by the Grand and Petit Palais, the only remaining testaments of the World Exposition of 1900, and maybe shop a little as your personal paparazzi captures all your best angles. Time to explore the other side of the river, starting with the Hôtel des Invalides. The gilded dome and vast garden make for great backdrops for your next set of gorgeous pictures. The last leg of the tour takes place at the Champ de Mars and Eiffel Tower nearby. What better way to conclude your visit than with a pose in front of this immortal Parisian symbol? Your professionally compiled portfolio is nearly ready— around 300 top quality digital images on a memory card for you to keep forever. In the event of rain, the tour will start at the Palais Royal, from which you’ll subsequently explore Paris’s covered passages: a place where mystery and tradition merge. Don’t worry, your photos will be equally fabulous! Approximate walking distance: 3.5 km / 2.1 miles 20

59 € per person (Under 3’s go free, 20% discount for children aged 4–12 years) • 3 hours • Number of participants: 3min–10max • Meeting Point: 184, rue de Rivoli, Paris 1er • Nearest Métro: Palais Royale – Musée du Louvre • Most suitable for: a unique family memento

Private Tour of the Musée Rodin Wed 8th April and Fri 25th September Start time – 3pm

49 € per person (Under 3’s go free, 20% discount for children aged 4–12 years)

“Nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely.” (Auguste Rodin)

• 2 hours

The Rodin Museum is housed in the 7th arrondissement’s regal Hôtel Biron, a masterpiece of 18th century architecture and an oasis of calm in the bustling streets of the French capital. You’ll learn how such a lofty residence became a museum as you work your way through room after room of remarkable sculpture. Not only will you discover details about the works themselves, but also how the events of Rodin’s life - often dramatic and tumultuous - influenced his art. Masterpieces such as The Thinker, The Kiss, and the imposing Gates of Hell based on Dante’s Inferno will be just some of the highlights of your visit. Listen as your personal guide recounts tales of the intriguing working process Rodin employed to create such unsurpassed three-dimensional expressiveness. A walk through the tranquil sculpture-packed flower gardens will only enhance the impact of this artist’s oeuvre and give you a deeper appreciation and understanding of one of art’s true giants. (Entrance fee to the Musée Rodin is included in the price of this tour).

• Number of participants: 4min –20max • Meeting Point: Musée Rodin, 79 rue du Varenne, Paris 7e • Nearest Métro: Varennes/Invalides • Most suitable for: Classicists, garden-lovers, those hoping to recreate the poses of The Kiss and The Thinker!

To Book this tour, please call 01 83 64 92 01 (Monday to Friday 9am–6pm, Saturday 10am–6pm) with your debit of credit card details. Participants are asked to be at the rendezvous point 5–10 minutes before departure. Please ring 01 83 64 92 01 if you are running late on the day.

Cancellation: A full refund will be issued to participants up to 72 hours before the start of the tour.

Versailles Palace & Gardens – Go through the keyhole of France’s most prestigious address for a special guided tour of the most spectacular home imaginable Sun 12th April & Sun 15th November Start time – 1.30pm There is no better way to learn about France’s history than by visiting its No.1 site of royal opulence. You will see how the ostentatious follies of the Sun King and his successors became the ultimate symbols of French decadence, and like fuel to the fire, set ablaze revolutionary zeal. We don’t just stop there. Our expert guide plans to show you around the glorious gardens, which form a natural extension of the opulence found within the Palace. Breathtaking in their sheer scale and beauty, the Gardens of Versailles, designed by the King’s gardener Le Nôtre, are a magnificent sight to behold. Covering almost 2,000 acres − most of them landscaped in the traditional French style –the gardens encompass numerous fountains, follies, sculptures and manicured lawns. At Versailles nothing is done by half. Give in to a sensory journey of excess and experience the undisputed epitome of grandeur.

75 € per person (Under 3’s go free, 20% discount for children aged 4 –12 years) • 4 hours • Number of participants: 4min –40max • Meeting Point: Outside the gilded gates to the royal courtyard at the Palace of Versailles, Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles • Most suitable for: those with ostentatious taste

Chateaux de la Loire – Full day Sat 25th April and Sat 17th October Start time – 8am Leaving the bustle of the city behind, this full day tour takes in two of the most beloved of all French chateaux located in the Loire Valley, often referred to as the ‘Garden of France’ due to the abundance of vineyards, fruit orchards and fields of asparagus and artichoke. Achingly beautiful, moated Chenonceau Castle is an exceptional site not only because of its original design, the richness of its collections, furniture and decoration, but also because it has the distinction of being owned, administrated and protected throughout its history by women, who were all extraordinary and who, for the most part have marked history. The “Château des Dames” was built in 1513 by Katherine Briçonnet, and successively embellished by Diane de Poitiers then Catherine de Medici. Chenonceau was protected from the hardship of the revolution by Madame Dupin. Given its history, it is little wonder that Chenonceau’s coat of arms depicts an iron - but very feminine - fist in a velvet glove. The royal Château de Chambord at Chambord, the jewel of Loir-et-Cher, France, is one of the most recognisable of all châteaux in the world because of its very distinctive French Renaissance architecture which blends traditional French medieval forms with classical Renaissance structures. The building, which was never completed, was constructed by King Francis I of France. Chambord is the largest château in the Loire Valley; it was built to serve as a hunting lodge for Francis I, who maintained his royal residences at the châteaux of Blois and Amboise. The original design of the Château de Chambord is attributed, though with some doubt, to Domenico da Cortona, although the great Leonardo da Vinci may also have been involved. 24

Doubtless giddy after your personal tours of these spectacular fortresses, it seems only fitting to stop for an appreciation of another of the Loire Valley’s worldfamous attractions before the day draws to a close: its wine! We will sample a range of regional wines at a picturesque vineyard and even have a chance to stock up the cellars at home. The Loire Valley is France’s most diverse wine region, producing exemplary wines in every style, often at exceptional value. This tour comprises return luxury coach transport to the Loire Valley, the services of expert guides, entrance tickets to Chenonceau and Chambord Castles and wine-tasting in a Loire Valley Vineyard. 149 € per person (Under 3’s go free, 20% discount for children aged 4 –12 years) • 12 hours • Number of participants: 20min –50max • Meeting Point: British School of Paris, Senior School, 38 quai de l’Écluse • Most suitable for: Fairytale aficionados To Book this tour, please call 01 83 64 92 01 (Monday to Friday 9am–6pm, Saturday 10am–6pm) with your debit or credit card details. Participants are asked to be at the rendezvous point 5–10 minutes before departure. Please ring 01 83 64 92 01 if you are running late on the day. Cancellation: A full refund will be issued to participants up to 72 hours before the start of the tour.

Paris Fashion Tours Thu 7th May and Thu 19th November Start time – 3pm Rendez-vous at Saint Paul métro: your stairway to style heaven. Once a sort of hinterland, the Marais has experienced a complete rejuvenation in the past few decades.Today this quirky quarter houses a trendy population of young sophistiqués. Of course, your guide will elaborate on this and much more before you move on to the Place Sainte Catherine, a beautiful hidden gem just above Saint Paul. Enjoy a drink under a lovely canopy of mulberry trees as you spill the beans on your ideal style, your shopping budget and preferences, so that your guide can plan the perfect experience for you. A tidy sum of the ubiquitous French brands started out as small boutiques in the Marais. Here you’ll find many of the brands that don’t exist outside of France.This includes Claudie Pierlot, known as typically parisienne and flawlessly chic; Manoush, which has a savage and oriental flare; and the classic Comptoir des Cotonniers, just to name a few. More of a vintage addict? Your expert guide will help you uncover the best vintage shopping spots in the area in the blink of an eye. Perhaps you’ve got a taste for the unconventional. Discover the boutiques of some of the freshest minds in fashion and even go behind the scenes at the atelier of a young designer. Let loose and lap up every minute of your stylish joyride! Take advantage of your guide’s style savvy. Just when you thought that your fashion dream come true couldn’t get any better, we have one more question: “Are you ready to accessorize, darling?” (A similar tour is available in Saint-Germain-des-Près, where upscale shopping and eating opportunities abound. There is no obligation to buy on either tour.) Approximate walking distance : 2 km / 1.2 miles

69 € per person (Regrettably this tour is unsuitable for children under 13) • 3hours • Number o f participants: 2min–6max • Meeting Point: Saint Paul Métro station (outside main entrance), Paris 4e for the Marais tour/ Saint Sulpice Métro station (outside main entrance) for Saint Germain tour • Most suitable for: fashionistas

Paris Literature Tour Mon 11th May and Mon 12th October Your guide’s first mission will be to catapult you a few centuries back in time by re-constructing bohemian Paris as great writers like Balzac would have experienced it. From the Carousel du Louvre, you’ll follow the Seine to the Île de la Cité, where big names such as Anatole France found many of their inspirations. You’ll continue over to the Rive Gauche the intellectual nerve centre of Paris and stomping ground of Lost Generation personalities such as Gertrude Stein, Ernest Hemingway, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. After visiting the place where Oscar Wilde died, you’ll pass by the Beat Hotel—the famous hangout of Beat Generation writers such as William Burroughs and Allen Ginsberg. Continuing on to the Odéon area, where Sylvia Beach founded her legendary bookstore and artistic paradise, Shakespeare and Co. Although the shop no longer exists, the spirit of regulars such as James Joyce, Paul Valéry, and André Gide still lingers in this cozy cave of literature. On your way out of Shakespeare and Co., plunge into the worlds of Baudelaire and Flaubert as you follow the meandering streets and alleys to the Hôtel de Lauzun on the Île St. Louis. It is this sumptuous structure that moved Baudelaire to write L’Invitation au Voyage. Be seduced by the wonder of Paris, see the world through the eyes of these maîtres of literature.

19 € per person (Under 3’s go free, 20% discount for children aged 4–12 years) • 3hours • Number o f participants: 4min–20max • Meeting Point: 184, rue de Rivoli, Paris 1er • Nearest Métro: Palais Royale – Musée du Louvre • Most suitable for: bookworms

Approximate walking distance : 4 km / 2.5 miles

Chateau de Fontainebleau – half day Sat 30th May and Sat 26th September Start time – 9am Château de Fontainebleau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the largest and most beautiful castles in France, yet attracts far fewer visitors than Versailles. Its interior decorations are especially interesting as a fine example of the French Renaissance style and its historical significance is hard to overestimate, being the preferred residence of French kings and emperors for seven centuries. The first mention of the castle dates back to 1137 but by the time when François I decided to make it his principal residence (1527), the medieval castle was mostly in ruins. This monarch undertook an ambitious reconstruction program, playing himself the role of the chief architect and inviting two prominent Italian artists, Rosso and Primatice to decorate the interior. Their collaboration resulted in such treasures as the François I gallery with wooden panels, stuccos and frescoes depicting various episodes from the life of the king; the Church of the Trinity and the Ball room are also from this epoch. After your visit to the main building, do not forget to take a stroll in the park and the gardens around the castle; you will see Diane’s fountain and (if you are lucky) meet one of the peacocks who live there. This tour comprises return luxury coach transport to Fontainebleau, the services of an expert guide and entrance tickets to the chateau and surrounding

parkland; all ingredients for a memorable day out discovering one of the most spectacular of all French chateaux. 79 € per person (Under 3’s go free, 20% discount for children aged 4 –12 years) • 8 hours • Number of participants: 20min–50max • Meeting Point: British School of Paris, Senior School, 38 quai de l’Écluse • Most suitable for: those who appreciate the finer things in life

Boat trip on the Canal de l’Ourcq – Watch the world go by as you meander along a Parisian canal Dates: Sundays in June & July 2015, tbc Start time – 10am The Canal de l’Ourcq, which has three distinct sections, is 110 km in length, features ten locks and weaves picturesquely into the dense forested areas to the north east of Paris. It is considered part of the 130 km (80.7 mi) Parisian canal network, along with the Canal Saint-Denis, the Bassin de la Villette, and the Canal Saint-Martin. The canals were created to facilitate the efficient transport of water in Paris during the nineteenth century. In 1800 the residents of Paris had access to only 100 litres of water per person per day; the construction of the canal, financed by a tax on wine, brought the supply to well over 400 litres per day. Modern day residents of Paris can therefore thank wine for their water. Your fully guided cruise is a great way to gain a new perspective and greater understanding of the city, in a relaxed, leisurely and convivial setting. We recommend you pack an indulgent picnic to really get the most from your time on the water or savour it when your boat comes alongside the Parc de la Bergére in Bobigny which throngs with all manner of exhibitions and street entertainment throughout the summer months.

75 € per person (Under 3’s go free, 20% discount for children aged 4–12 years) • 4 hours • Number of participants: 5min –25max • Meeting Point: Marin d’Eau Douce, Bassin de la Villette , 37 quai de la Seine, , Paris 19e • Most suitable for: Those wanting a different perspective on Paris

Annual School Events International Quizine Evening*

Annual Prize Giving

Sat 7 March Junior School Hall

Fri 3rd July, starts 10.45am

A really fun evening in which teams of parents are pitted against one another in a general knowledge quiz as well as being treated to a veritable smorgasbord of tasty dishes from around the world. Why not bring your friends and put a team together? For more information, or to volunteer to assist with the event, please get in touch at contactus@bspscoiety.fr

Senior School Sports Day Fri 19th June, 9.45am–3.30pm, Parc Omnisports de Croissy Members of the wider school community are warmly invited to take their seats in the stands and show their appreciation as the biggest inter-house competition of the year gets underway. Refreshment stand provided by the school Charity Committee.

Please join us as we celebrate student success and achievement across the curriculum. Prize Giving is both a celebration and a poignant farewell to those families who are leaving us for pastures new. We welcome all students and parents – past and present – to join us for this special event

Annual Summer Fête* Sat 20th June 2015 SS lawn The midsummer fête is one of the most anticipated events on the school calendar. Traditional stalls and crafts, cream teas and a barbecue, all located on the spectacular setting of the Senior School lawn, mean that there will be something for everyone. If you can assist with the Fête, please get in touch with the BSP Society at contactus@bspsociety.fr

Back to School Barbecue – A whole school event* Sat 19th Septembe Brought to you by the British School of Paris Society, Development Office and Area Welcome Representatives Start the new school year in style with friends old and new with entertainment provided for all the family. Delicious barbecue, champagne tent and cash bar kindly provided by the British School of Paris Society. School staff, British School of Paris Society parents and Area Welcome Representatives will be on hand to meet new families and to answer any questions which you may have about your first days or weeks living in France.

Annual Christmas Fayre* Sat 28th November, 11am–3pm, Junior School Get into the festive spirit in the specially-decorated Junior School for the annual Christmas Fayre. Pick up original Christmas gifts from a wide range of craft stalls and treat yourself from a mouth-watering array of homemade cakes in the Salon de Thé. Plenty of attractions for the whole family, including the famous British School of Paris Society raffle with wonderful prizes up for grabs. Supervised seasonal craft activities for youngsters. If you are interested in helping to organise the Fayre, volunteer your time or to have a vendor table, please get in touch at contactus@bspsocierty.fr

Annual Christmas Concert Wed 16th December, 7.30pm prompt Église St Léonard, Croissy-surSeine The whole school community comes together for this traditional service of readings and carols in the splendid setting of the Church of St Leonard in Croissy. Under the musical direction of Mrs Calvert with Mr Calvert conducting, this is a rousing festive evening’s entertainment featuring choirs, ensembles and orchestra, and is the perfect start to the Christmas holiday.

*Brought to you by the British School of Paris Society

Some of the following events have been organised by or in collaboration with the British School of Paris Society (BSPS), the British School of Paris’s very active and supportive parent organisation. All parents and staff are automatically members. The aim of the BSP Society is to promote community spirit by organising activities and fun events and by so doing raise additional funds for the benefit of the school. To find out more, or to volunteer your help, please get in touch at contactus@bspsociety.fr 32

Full calendar of events Jan Alleyways & Arias – p2

Sa 10

Photo Class – p4

We 14

Space Adventure – p5

Sat 31

Feb

March

April

May

June

July

Sa 21

Nov

Dec

Sa 21 Th 9

Sweet Treats – p7

Sa 7

Sa 11

Louvre – p8

We 11

Montmartre – p10

Su 22

Th 8

Fr 11 Su 28

Su 25

Th 5 & Th 26

World War Two – p13

Su 15

Pere Lachaise Cemetary – p14

Su 8

Th 5 & Th 26 Su 13 Su 11

Photo Shoot – p16

Every Sa & Su

Musee Rodin – p17

We 8

Versailles – p18

Su 12

Chateaux de la Loire – p20

Sa 25

Every Sa & Su Fr 25 Su 15 Sa 17 Th 7

Literature Tour – p23

Mo 11

Chateau de Fontainebleau – p24

Sa 30

Boat Trip – p26

Oct

We 16

Th 5

Fashion Tours – p22

Sept

Sa 12

Wine Tasting – p6

Macarons Masterclass – p12

Aug

Th 19 Mo 12 Sa 26 Every Su Every Su

Parisian promenades with a pro The secret ingredient that makes every Localers tour of Paris and surrounding area so special and memorable lies in the quality of the specially selected personal guide leading the group. Each one has carefully selected our according to their expertise. The excursions laid out in the following pages have been built using that expertise, from the ground up, with emphasis placed on an original, intimate and entertaining immersion into French life from some of its most passionate and knowledgeable English-speaking devotees. You’re in truly expert hands. Here’s a small selection of the guides who will be looking after you* Noémie developed a passion for cooking from quite a young age through an appreciation of her mum’s cuisine. She learnt the importance of cooking with fresh local produce. She is a real Parisian born and bred. Trained at the prestigious Lenôtre School of Cuisine, she cut her teeth during lessons with some of France’s most renowned chefs — she can safely say that she learned all of the most important cooking techniques thanks to them! Alberto grew up in Italy, where he studied Politics and History in Milan. After living in Rome, Spain, London, San Francisco and New York, he moved to Paris to join the Parisian artistic scene. He hosts a weekly open mic called Spoken Words Paris. He lives very close to Pere Lachaise cemetary, which he considers the best museum in Paris. “Imagine if the Louvre were free, not crowded, and surrounded by 5,300 trees. You’d go there every day!” He knows Paris Catacombs by heart, having visited them over 200 times. He writes about the hidden alleys in and around Paris. Among other awards and literary prizes, Alberto is one of the writers included in Strangers in Paris (Tightrope Books 2011), an anthology of short stories by Anglophone writers about Paris Bruno was born in Jakarta, Indonesia. During his childhood, he never stayed put in a single country for more than two years. As a result, travelling has become somewhat of a passion for him. His career as a professional photographer began in 2006. Ever since, he’s attempted to highlight, through his own eyes, the character of every landscape and culture he has encountered. The son of an architect, he has always been interested in architecture making Paris the perfect playground to focus his lens on. Seven years on, the richness and diversity of the Parisian setting still offers him new discoveries, and encourages him to find new perspectives.

Isabelle, born in England, is a graphic designer specialized in books and games for children. She has been living in Paris for 20 years, loves the city, and knows it like the back of her hand. She adores children and enjoys showing them around Paris and having fun with them. Isabelle feels comfortable playing and talking with young children as well as teenagers. A tour with Isabelle will be an experience you and your little ones won’t forget in a hurry! Thomas was born in Ireland and has been living in Paris for the past three years. He has a degree in Art History from Goldsmiths College, London, and a master in French Literature from the Sorbonne. Understanding Paris is a full time job and he takes great delight in helping you to work it out. His interest is ‘literature as transgression’ and if you read any short history on Paris you will discover that it was a city transformed by revolution and transgression. His main points of interest are the places that were the homes and gathering places for romantics, bohemians, flaneûrs and beatniks. Cordelia is a true Parisian and loves music, gastronomy, literature, fashion, design and art. After studying fashion at Esmod Paris where she focused on designing women’s clothes and underwear, she became a production assistant for Issey Miyake while simultaneously freelancing for other brands. Cordelia has a uncanny knack of spotting the latest ‘must haves’ and latest trends and the inside track on up and coming designers.

British School Discount

Families of the British School of Paris will benefit from a year-round 10% discount on all of Localers’ tours (excluding the tours proposed on the dates included in the brochure). In order to claim their discount, families of the British School will simply need to enter the promo code BRITISHSCHOOL2015 in the box provided when booking with Localers. www.localers.com

*Please note that we cannot guarantee which Localers guide will lead your chosen tour.

All tours and events arranged through our official event partners Localers can be booked through our dedicated phone line 01 83 64 92 01 (Monday to Friday 9am–6pm, Saturday 10am–6pm) with your debit of credit card details. Adeline, Romain and Lucy are waiting to take your call. A confirmation email will be sent following payment to register your place on your chosen tour and a reminder email will be sent the day before the event re-stating all the details.

SPeCIAL OFFeR 35

01 34 80 45 90 â&#x20AC;˘ enquiries@britishschool.fr www.britishschool.fr