Day 11: Paris from the Ground to the Sky – Montmartre to the Eiffel Tower
Our eleventh day on the Grand Tour of Europe was filled with incredible views, unforgettable stories, and classic Parisian charm as we explored the city by foot—from the artistic heights of Montmartre to the breathtaking summit of the Eiffel Tower.
We began our day with a guided walking tour through the iconic Montmartre district, making our way up to the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur. The climb to the top was both invigorating and rewarding, revealing panoramic views of Paris that left everyone in awe. For Nolan, the moment was especially meaningful—we recreated a photo of him taken in the exact same spot back in 2013, capturing a decade of memories in one special frame.
Inside and around the basilica, students were struck by both its architectural beauty and the rich historical stories shared by our guide. As we strolled through the charming streets surrounding the hilltop, students had the chance to enjoy authentic French macarons, sweet pastries, and visit filming locations from the beloved French film Amélie—a fun cultural connection that brought smiles all around.
Before concluding the Montmartre portion of our tour, we stopped to indulge in the local cuisine—crêpes, waffles drizzled with chocolate and fruit, and other street-side delights. Energy was high and the experience was sweet in every sense of the word.
Next, we descended the famous long spiral staircase into the deepest metro station in Paris, beginning the next leg of our adventure. With Avery confidently navigating our metro route, we arrived smoothly at one of the world’s most iconic landmarks—the Eiffel Tower.
Students were thrilled to receive their tickets to ride to the top, and as the elevators climbed, so did the excitement. Once at the summit, the 360-degree views of Paris were simply spectacular, offering a perfect moment of reflection and wonder. Cameras clicked, friends pointed out landmarks, and the grandeur of the city was felt by all.
After descending, students returned to their hotels in small groups—some by metro, others by Uber—demonstrating their growing confidence and independence.
Meanwhile, a small group of students originally staying in a hotel without air conditioning received a much-needed upgrade. They were relocated to a modern Holiday Inn, complete with air conditioning, beautifully appointed rooms, and an impressive breakfast buffet. The change was welcomed with cheers and, naturally, celebrated with milkshakes and gelato before bed.
It was a day filled with beauty, history, personal stories, and world-class sights—truly another highlight in our unforgettable Grand Tour of Europe.
