FRANCE
PARIS THROUGH THE LENS
France is waiting! Capture iconic Parisian landmarks, dramatic Normandy coastlines and historic open-air landscapes on this creative photographic journey through France's most inspiring regions.
Program Overview
From the iconic streets of Paris to the dramatic coastlines of Normandy, student travelers will develop their photography skills while capturing the beauty, history and everyday life of France. Through interactive workshops with professional photographers, explore the art of visual storytelling, portraiture, street photography and creative composition. Whether you’re an aspiring photographer or simply love capturing moments, no prior photography experience is required.
Beyond the camera, experience the best of French culture and adventure. Explore world-famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Palace of Versailles, discover the artistic charm of Montmartre and step into the colorful world of Impressionism at Monet’s Gardens in Giverny. Cycle through the beautiful Versailles estate, hike along Normandy’s breathtaking white cliffs and explore the picturesque harbor town of Honfleur. Along the way, enjoy authentic French cuisine, discover local markets and get hands-on during a French cooking workshop.
On GLA’s France: Paris Through The Lens program you will:
- Develop your photography skills through hands-on workshops with professional photographers, exploring composition, lighting, portraiture and visual storytelling
- Capture Paris’s most iconic landmarks and neighborhoods through creative photography challenges
- Discover world-famous art at the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay and other iconic landmarks
- Cycle through the magnificent Palace of Versailles estate, capturing its grand architecture, beautiful gardens and scenic landscapes
- Venture to Normandy’s breathtaking coastline and the picturesque harbor town of Honfleur
- Experience authentic French culture through bustling local markets, Parisian cafés and a hands-on French cooking workshop
- Create your own collection of photographs through guided challenges and editing workshops, developing your personal style and sharing the stories behind your favorite images
Program Menu
FRANCE
PARIS THROUGH THE LENS
Sample Itinerary Coming Soon!
Let’s take a sneak peek at what your program experience might look like this summer! Please note that the order of activities may differ for each program session. The details provided here represent a general outline of what you can anticipate, though community service projects and activities are subject to change based on the needs of our local community partners, cultural celebrations and traditions, weather conditions and the specific requirements of the student group.
FRANCE
PARIS THROUGH THE LENS
Program Details
Dates & Tuition
2027 Session Dates
June 25 – July 06, 2027
What's Included in Tuition
In-country transportation
Lodging
3 meals per day
Professional full-time staff and experts
24/7 parent support hotline during program
Secondary medical and evacuation insurance
Cultural activities, lectures and excursions
Pre-departure materials and support
Educational materials
to hold your spot on-program.
Program at a Glance
Every GLA Program is Backed by our 5-Point Safety System™
GLA HOME BASE:
SAFE & SECURE LODGING
CARING SUPERVISION &
EXPERT LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
SAFE
TRANSPORTATION
HEALTHY FOOD
& PURE WATER
24/7 SUPPORT &
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Recommended by Students and Parents
Shauna M. | 2026 Alumni Parent
“Both of my daughters participated in GLA before 9th and 10th grade, and they absolutely loved it. They had fun while learning a lot and serving others, and I never once worried about their safety while abroad. Even the act of navigating international travel was confidence-building for them. The GLA staff made each family feel like they truly cared about our child.”
The Program Experience
Career Exploration
Step into the creative industries through professional engagement with working photographers, visual storytellers and culinary artists across Northern France. Student travelers participate in hands-on field workshops focusing on digital media pathways, street photography, environmental portraiture, architectural composition and landscape framing. Examine how professional photographers develop a personal brand, curate visual portfolios and use editing software to tell compelling cultural stories gaining firsthand exposure to potential pathways in media, design, fashion and commercial photography.
Exploratory Travel
Transform travel into an active visual study as you examine how geography, architecture and light shape cultural identity across urban and coastal France. Student travelers explore the artistic evolution of France from Paris’s historic neighborhoods to the birthplace of Impressionism in Giverny. Learn how artists and photographers use color theory, natural light and composition to capture a sense of place, while discovering how historical landmarks like the Palace of Versailles and Montmartre continue to influence global culture, fine art and contemporary design.
Adventure
Embrace the creative journey through dynamic outdoor excursions and immersive cultural experiences across Paris and Normandy. Student travelers cycle through the sweeping pathways of the historic Versailles estate, embark on a sunset photography cruise along the Seine River and hike above the Atlantic Ocean along the dramatic, towering white chalk cliffs of Étretat. Off the camera trail, navigate the picturesque harbor town of Honfleur, participate in a hands-on French pastry and culinary workshop and test your skills during live street photography scavenger hunts in Le Marais and Montmartre.
Country Spotlight
Immerse yourself in the world-renowned art, timeless architecture and breathtaking natural scenery of Northern France, using the country’s most inspiring settings as your living photography studio.
Lodging: Stay in safe, comfortable Home Bases selected for their central and inspiring locations. Shared common areas provide a creative setting for photo editing workshops, group reflections and evening portfolio reviews.
Meals: Food is an essential part of French culture, and Paris offers countless opportunities to experience it firsthand. From fresh baguettes and pastries to crêpes, cheeses and classic French dishes, meals become another way to discover the country’s traditions and practice your language skills. You’ll sample French specialties while also learning about the role that cafés, markets and shared meals play in everyday French life.
FRANCE
PARIS THROUGH THE LENS
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