Since 2005, study trips to Tuscany have enabled students from the Lycée des Arts et Métiers to discover art history through direct contact with artworks and the places in which they were created. Conceived as an extension of the school environment, the project offers a cultural immersion over several days in emblematic cities of the Italian Renaissance, such as Florence, Siena or Pisa.

The initiative originated from a request to organize a study trip to Italy for students from artistic sections. At the time, school trips to Paris or London already existed, but travelling for around ten days with roughly forty students represented a significant step up. “It was a real challenge, both logistically and pedagogically, ” recalls Joseph Tomassini, professor and co organizer of the project, who has been involved from the very first editions alongside his colleagues.

The project is based on the conviction that discovering works in situ fundamentally transforms the way art is perceived. Observing a fresco, a sculpture or a building in its original context allows students to understand the relationship between the artist, the space and the historical period.

The trips are primarily aimed at students in artistic classes, particularly in the 3rd and 2nd years. The programme combines demanding visits, in depth explanations and more informal moments of exploration and relaxation. Finding the right balance between knowledge acquisition, collective experience and shared enjoyment is one of the keys to the project’s longevity.

A stable team formed around these trips from an early stage. This continuity, based on trust and strong collaboration between accompanying staff, has ensured smooth organisation over the years. Everyone knows their role, contributing both to student safety and to the overall quality of the experience.

Like any project of this scale, the trips have not been without unexpected challenges. One of the most memorable episodes occurred upon arrival in Tuscany in 2013, after fifteen hours of travel, when the group found their hotel still under construction. A solution was quickly found in a nearby village, illustrating the team’s ability to adapt to unforeseen situations.

The project’s impact is best measured over time. Years after taking part, many former students still refer to these trips as one of the most memorable experiences of their school years. Some have even chosen to pursue studies in art history, sometimes directly inspired by this experience.

Beyond academic orientation, these stays contribute to the development of curiosity, autonomy and self confidence. The relationship of mutual respect established during the trips has always been upheld, reinforcing both individual and collective responsibility.

After more than twenty years, the project is now reaching a turning point, with the gradual retirement of the founding team. However, all knowledge, contacts and organizational practices have been documented, reflecting a clear intention to pass this experience on to a new generation of teachers.

Through these study trips to Tuscany, a distinct vision of learning has taken shape: a pedagogy built on direct experience, curiosity and trust in young people. An approach that, generation after generation, has left a lasting impression on those who took part.