Mobility to Marseilles Sept 22 – 27th September
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- Category: Mobilities
Comenius Mobility to Marseilles Sept 22 – 27th September
22nd September
Everyone was looking forward to some sunshine and not only were we greeted by the blue skies we were also met by the sun shine smiles of Sophie and Didier.
We were taken to our hotel conveniently located between a beautiful part of the town and the school, Collége Jean Claude Izzo. On the first evening, teachers and students from partner countries ate together in a fabulous restaurant close to the Old Port of Marseilles. 
Marseilles held European Culture capital at the time so there was much to admire during our evening constitutional after dinner.
23rd September
On Monday we visited the school. We learned about the French situation and the particular situation of the Collège Jean-Claude Izzo. We were treated to a guided tour of the wonderful facilities.
The students were particularly enamoured by the amazing gym complete with climbing wall.
That afternoon we travelled to the governing centre of Marseilles and got to speak to one of the city councillors about how education is planned for and funded in Marseilles.
We visited some of the many sights of Marseilles that evening and our students got the chance to get to know each other a bit better. 
24th September
The next morning it was time to work. Students and teachers met early at school. Students went to classrooms to get a firsthand experience of ‘going to school in Marseilles’. Teachers discussed the project: work to be completed and best practices from the different partner schools.
That afternoon we visited the beautiful Notre Dame de la Garde, the Romano-Byzantine basilica visible from all over the city (530ft/162m).
The domed basilica is ornamented with coloured marble, murals and mosaics. However some of the students were more interested in the view of Marseilles football stadium!!!!
The views were incredible and something that will not be forgotten for a long time.
25th September
In the morning we met at the school. We exchanged information about best practice and about the next mobilities to Greece and Ireland. In the afternoon we were treated to a memorable hike in the hills on the outskirts of Marseilles, followed by a boat ride back to the old port. What a fantastic day with many opportunities for team building as the hike got quite difficult in places.
Again the views were quite spectacular which made all the effort worthwhile.
The boat ride back to the Old Port was a welcome relief after the exertion of the day and gave everyone a new perspective on the city of Marseilles. 
That evening we returned to Collège Jean-Claude Izzo.. There the students and teachers were presented with their certificates and some gifts were exchanged. 
A delicious meal had been prepared by the students and parents of our French hosts. This was followed by music and dancing and a great evening was had by all.
26th September
Morning came too quickly, everyone was tired but happy as we walked through the Marseille streets to Collège Jean-Claude Izzo.. There was lots of chatting and laughing about the previous day’s activities and spirits were high. Students went to classes and teachers used their last meeting to finalise decisions that had been made and to lay out teacher and student work to be completed for the Greek mobility.
We were visited by a representative from the French agency responsible for funding European Projects and she complimented the project and the group on the work so far.
That afternoon we visited the “Galerie de la Méditerranée", The Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations. There were a host of interesting exhibitions from around Europe and the building itself is a work of art.
.We were back in school that afternoon to make some final arrangements for the project. Later that afternoon the group (smaller now as we had said goodbye to some of our partners) wound its way through the streets of Marseilles looking for the best pizza place in town. Pizza was the last supper for the following morning we said goodbye. Many friendships were forged on this trip and I know for a fact that both teachers and students will keep in touch long after this mobility and this project has finished.