I am a professor that is taking a group of science (mostly biology and premed) students to Paris in March. I wanted to do one day trip out of Paris to some other sort of site. Thinking about Normandy, Chartes, Reims and others. Checking with AI had Lyon recommended to me. It was stated that there would be lots of medical related muesums and tours. Is this true and would it be worth being my day trip out of Paris for my college students. Thank you for whatever help you can give me.
Posted by
Virginia
1009 posts
The three places you mention are all very worthwhile. And there are others such as Versailles. Your other post has already given you lots of science ideas for Paris. How about giving the kids a break from that, and focusing your day trip on the glorious art and history unique to France, and closer than Lyon, rather than trying to find some second rate medical museum somewhere, which they can do at home?
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thank you, It is easy to think about all the art, culture and history so I have not asked questions about those experiences. We are going to be doing those things also. It is actually hard to fit the science in which is why I have been looking for advice on the best options so I can make sure it would be worth it. I was curious about Lyon because it was supposed to be the medical capital of France and has the remains of an 800 year old hospital active until 2010. Getting an experience at one of the worlds biggest vaccine hubs, and see innovations in medicine over the last 800 years in a place that has consistently been at the front could be a good historical, cultural and scientific experience. We want to get the experience of seeing more than Paris. But there are so many great places it is hard to choose. If a place had intrinsic value and also had science value it would help determine where to go. We are planning on going to Versailles already. Thank you again for any help and comments.
Posted by
France Southwest - Occitanie
4240 posts
I assume you’ve already considered the Montpellier Faculty of Medicine, but that it’s too far for a day trip (a little over 3 hours by train).
If not...
https://www.montpellier-france.com/offers/faculty-of-medicine-montpellier-en-3835487/
It includes several museums.
Posted by
SoCal
2571 posts
You might also consider going to Beaune to visit the Hospices. It provides insights into how the French have thought about public health for centuries, and it gives your students a chance to drink some excellent wine.
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
3643 posts
I vote for Beaune. The history of medical care (and lots of medical artifacts) is a nice divergence from the modern scientific approach. Plus the beauty of the place is legendary (see the roof!). And Beaune is a lovely town in itself. Check out the story of how the Hospice was established and financed. Most interesting!
P.S. Are you going to the Musee Curie in Paris? It would be on my list and impart some nice perspectives on medical history.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
12051 posts
I assume you have Arts & Metiers in Paris on your list. It is a science museum and has Lavoisier’s laboratory on display.
Posted by
374 posts
I also assume that, in Paris, you have the Musée d’histoire de la médecine on your list.