Sciences & Technologies - France
Discover a unique journey combining science, technology, and interactive discoveries to spark curiosity and immerse yourself in the heart of innovation in France.
Detailed program
Day 1: Arrival in Paris
You arrive at Charles de Gaulle airport and are transferred by coach to your accommodation to drop off your luggage. Enjoy a unique immersive experience with Eternelle Notre-Dame. You’ll then set off on foot to discover the Champs-Élysées and the Île de la Cité, the historic heart of the capital.
Dinner and overnight in Paris.
Day 2: Paris
You can choose to visit either the Cité des Sciences or the Palais de la Découverte (closed on Mondays).
- At the Cité des Sciences, you’ll explore permanent exhibitions on themes as varied as the brain, sound, the universe and robots, as well as discovering the Argonaute submarine and the planetarium.
- At the Palais de la Découverte, mediators guide you through exciting scientific experiments accessible to all.
Dinner and overnight in Paris.
Day 3: Paris – Loire Valley
You’ll visit the Musée Curie, where you’ll learn about the history of radioactivity and the discoveries of the Curie and Joliot-Curie families, in a space combining archives, technology and antique objects. Depart by coach for the Loire Valley and visit the Manoir du Clos Lucé, the last home of Leonardo da Vinci. Here, you’ll discover his inventions and machines, four centuries ahead of their time.
Dinner and overnight in the Loire Valley.
Day 4: Loire Valley – Nantes
You’ll visit the EDF nuclear power plant in Chinon, accompanied by a lecturer who will explain how the plant works and the French energy mix. You’ll then return to Nantes and explore the “Galerie des Machines”, an artistic universe combining Jules Verne, Leonardo da Vinci and the city’s industrial history.
Dinner and overnight in Nantes.
Day 5: Nantes – Saint-Nazaire – Futuroscope
You’ll head for Saint-Nazaire to visit the Atlantic shipyards, an exceptional industrial site where you’ll discover unique shipbuilding know-how and innovations linked to the energy transition. You’ll also visit the Centre Éolien EOL, the first French site dedicated to offshore wind power, with fun activities to help you understand the importance of wind as an energy source.
Dinner and overnight stay near Futuroscope.
Day 6: Futuroscope
A full day at Futuroscope, a theme park renowned for its attractions combining technology, education and entertainment. Enjoy shows and interactive experiences tailored to school groups.
Dinner and overnight stay near Futuroscope.
Day 7: Futuroscope – Clermont-Ferrand
Route to Auvergne. Arrive in Clermont-Ferrand and climb to the summit of the Puy de Dôme aboard the “Panoramique des Dômes”, a panoramic train offering spectacular views of the Puys chain.
Dinner and overnight in Clermont-Ferrand.
Day 8: Vulcania
A full day at Vulcania, a leisure and learning park dedicated to volcanoes and planet Earth. You’ll discover the science of volcanoes through exhibitions, films and activities that combine emotion and education.
Dinner and overnight in Clermont-Ferrand.
Day 9: Clermont-Ferrand – Lyon
Departure for Lyon. Stroll through Old Lyon and climb the Fourvière hill. Guided tour of the Musée Lumière, where you’ll learn all about the inventors of cinema and the history of the cinematograph.
Dinner and overnight in Lyon.
Day 10: Lyon – Annecy
Visit the Génissiat hydroelectric power station. Discover the turbines, alternators and control room, as well as the other renewable energies exploited by the Compagnie Nationale du Rhône. Arrive in Annecy and explore the old town at your leisure, with its cobbled streets, canals and colorful houses.
Dinner and overnight in Annecy.
Day 11: Annecy – Suisse – Lyon
Drive to Geneva. Visit CERN, the fundamental physics laboratory, with an introductory film and a tour of the research and engineering sites. Free time in Geneva before returning to Lyon at the end of the day.
Dinner and overnight in Lyon.
Day 12: Lyon or Paris
Return to your region
Services included
- Transportation by coach or minivan according to the number of participants
- 11 nights in a hotel, youth hostel or accommodation center
- Half-board from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 12
- Visits and excursions as described in the program
- Travel file for tour leader
- VOYEL assistance 24 hours a day
Good to know
Program duration and activities can be modified
Optional / supplement
- Services of a VOYEL guide
- Lunches