Geography Scheme | Year 3 | Block 1: Allons à Paris! (Let’s Go to Paris!)| Lesson 2: What Are the Physical Features of Paris?
Year 3 Geography Lesson – Physical Features of Paris
This Year 3 geography lesson from our Allons à Paris! unit introduces pupils to the physical features of Paris. Using maps, atlases and digital mapping tools, children explore rivers, hills, forests and islands to understand how natural geography shapes a capital city.
Pupils will learn that even in an urban environment like Paris, there are important physical features such as the River Seine, Montmartre Hill, and the city’s surrounding forests, often described as the “lungs of Paris”. They will compare these features with those in their own local area, reinforcing knowledge of human and physical geography.
What’s included?
- Complete lesson plan with objectives, misconceptions and prior learning links.
- Interactive slides and a Paris photo pack for visual reference.
- Differentiated worksheets and checklists for identifying features.
- Opportunities for research and fact-file creation about Paris landmarks.
- Cross-curricular links with science and French vocabulary.
Learning outcomes
- Identify and describe key physical features of Paris using maps and resources.
- Recognise rivers, forests, hills and islands within the city.
- Challenge misconceptions that cities lack natural features.
- Record and present findings through writing, drawing or digital work.
This lesson builds essential map skills and locational knowledge, forming part of our KS2 Geography Scheme of Work, recognised as Highly Commended by the Geographical Association.
