When Rocks Build Bridges Between Children from England and France

For three days, 46 students from Louis Blanc Primary School and Paul Langevin Middle School in Boulogne-sur-Mer had the chance to explore the other side of the Channel. This trip to the heart of Kent, organized as part of the School Climate Exchange program led by the Cross-Channel Geopark, was far more than just a school outing: it was a genuine geological, cultural, and human discovery for the children, who returned with memories to last a lifetime!

An adventure into geodiversity…

From the moment they arrived, the students embarked on an exploration of Kent’s landscapes through several fun and educational workshops led by the Cross-Channel Geopark team. They began at Folkestone Warren, where they discovered the local flora and fauna of this incredible Geosite (butterflies, newts, orchids, and more). Next stop: East Wear Bay, an archaeological site dating back to the Iron Age and Roman times, where they investigated traces of the area’s earliest inhabitants. Finally, time spent with Mel Wrigley, Geoambassador and chalk cliff expert from the National Trust, gave the students a close-up look at the magnificent white cliffs of Dover.

Between natural heritage and cultural discoveries

The trip wasn’t only about geology. It also offered students the chance to immerse themselves in British culture: strolling through the streets of Folkestone, visiting the fishing museum, shopping, and of course, trying the famous English breakfast! A day spent in London was another highlight: the Natural History Museum and its impressive fossil displays, a double-decker bus tour through the capital’s iconic streets, and a mini-cruise on the Thames… An immersive and educational experience that also gave many of the children the opportunity to practice English in a whole new setting.

A more than successful Franco-British meeting

On the final day, the French students were warmly welcomed by their peers at The Beacon School. A day filled with exchange, games, and activities—including a chance to try cricket! The English school, which specializes in supporting children with disabilities, proved truly inspiring with its many inclusive facilities, setting an example worth following. Their warm hospitality allowed the children to have fun and connect, easily overcoming cultural and language barriers.

An experience made possible thanks to many partners

This adventure became a reality thanks to the dedication of numerous partners: the French and British teaching teams from both schools, the educational support programs of Boulogne-sur-Mer, Le Shuttle, Kent Downs National Landscape, the Water Agency, the Geodiversity Green Fund, and of course, the Cross-Channel Geopark team, which has spent the past two years building these educational bridges across the Channel. Their work ensured that the trip was completely free for families, making the experience accessible to all—an exceptional opportunity that deserves recognition.

 A Journey Through Time for the Children

The children returned with their minds full of memories, new knowledge in geodiversity, English, and cultural and historical understanding. This experience highlights one of the key missions of the Cross-Channel Geopark: to make geology accessible to everyone, to share common history, and to connect people from both sides of the Channel.