On y va: A weekend to Remember!

What a weekend, and what a journey! 

Over the weekend, our Global Navigators set off on the excursion of a lifetime, to relax and enjoy and learn together what else this beautiful region of Brittany has to discover. 

Leaving town early in the morning on Saturday, we arrived just as the town of Vannes was waking up and the Saturday market was hitting its stride. Making our way to meet our guides, our Global Navigators remarked on how lively and welcoming the town was around us. We met up with our guides for the morning, who took us on a tour of the old castle-fort, its ramparts and historic center. We found out that Vannes has almost as many historic houses in "pans de bois" as there are in Rennes. Students asked questions about the town and the lush gardens, and of course stopped to pose for photos along the way! After a picnic lunch in town, students had time to explore on their own, including a visit inside the impressive cathedral dating back to 1450! 

Then we were on to the port city of Concarneau, where many of our brave students took advantage of the beach being located right next to the Youth Hostel where we were spending the night. Many of our students swam in the water (although some had second thoughts given the cold water temperatures and cool breezes of the little seaside town!). Regardless of whether they chose to swim or watch, though, they were all laughing, and Program Leaders enjoyed the carefree and positive energy radiating from our students and permeating among the group. 

Strolling along the ramparts after dinner (cooked on the grill, yum!) many were able to catch a free jazz concert in the old fort, get some ice cream, and just enjoy the calm of the sun starting to set over a peaceful evening. After curfew hit students spend some evening time in the hostel common area playing games with friends and Program Leaders alike, and then it was time to head up to bed so we could rest and enjoy the next day and everything there was to discover. 

On Sunday, after a sleepy breakfast and cleaning up our rooms, we hit the road again to visit Locronan, considered by many to be the most beautiful village in France. (After this visit, and many pictures in front of the gorgeous hydrangeas, our Global Navigators seemed to agree!). Our students enjoyed a traditional Breton lunch of galettes and crepes, and the locals working at the restaurant made a point to tell Program Leaders how nice and polite our students were, and how their spoken French was excellent- and we agree! For the Program Leaders, this interaction was the best part of the trip- we have seen the challenge and determination of our students’ quest to learn French and stay in the Target Language, and we are thrilled to have the local hosts validate all of their efforts. When we shared what had happened and how proud we were with the kids once we were back on the bus, everyone clapped, and you could see how proud our Global Navigators were of themselves, too. 

Full of spirit, we carried on to the last adventure on the itinerary - a visit to the Trevarez Castle and its grounds. Built in 1897, it was by far the most unique castle we had seen (especially striking compared to the medieval ramparts of Vannes). Adding to its history, our students were interested to learn it had been bombed during World War II and is still standing and gorgeous despite the history of war.  To help preserve the story of the castle it was partially restored and, while you can still see the damage from the bombing, the vast majority of the castle retains the charm of its original owners. Our Global Navigators enjoyed exploring the castle as well as the grounds -  discovering fountains, waterfalls, the camelia path, and hundreds of multicolor hydrangeas.

After the castle it was time to get back to Rennes, and students arrived feeling happy and rested after a calm weekend of charming history, gorgeous flowers, and seaside breezes. Program Leaders are full to bursting with pride at how our Global Navigators embraced this trip and each other, and everyone agreed this excursion was, so far, the highlight of their time in France. 

As we look to the last week of this journey together (Already!? How can that be!?) students are refreshed and excited to finish strong, and finish together. We really are so lucky to learn, live, and laugh together here at CIEE.