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Château Beaumont Fun - French - Active Education

Contents:

Introduction - 3

Our Programmes - 6

The Complete Package - 20

Party Leader Information - 28

“Super, authentic French experience—friendly

helpful staff, beautiful settings…”

Let us take the stress out of organising your next school residential!

Residential trips have a proven positive impact on both the individual student and on

class morale as a whole, with many educational benefits: enhancing social skills,

promoting a healthier lifestyle and breeding active minds, to name but a few.

A family run company, Château Beaumont has over 16 years’ experience in

delivering specialised holidays in both France and the UK. We firmly believe that all

residential trips, from initial enquiry to the moment our guests arrive home, should be

a seamless and stress-free experience. We encourage learning to be fun and

appropriate to student needs, all the while providing teachers with a safe and

supportive environment.

A Château Beaumont stay has everything a great residential experience needs:

comfortable accommodation, three delicious meals a day, thrilling on-site activities

and educational local excursions. We offer a variety of holiday packages to suit any

preference, curriculum or budget, with a selection of tailor-made programmes, and

individually designed itineraries to choose from.

The Château itself is perfectly located, on the borders of Normandy and the Loire

Valley, for immersing students in both French language and the fascinating culture of

Normandy, with exciting excursions such as Le Mont St Michel and Bayeux nearby.

The Stress-Free Residential

INTRODUCTION

[Zipwire]

We are extremely proud of our high level of returns, with

our guests returning year after year.

But don’t just take our word for it:

If you would like to read more, we post all of our up-to-date Party Leader Reports on our website,

at: www.chateau-beaumont.co.uk/our-visitors/

“Absolutely wonderful experience again! For the past 2 years you guys have

honestly gone out of your way to accommodate us, and give us anything we

need. The kids loved the trip so thank you for all of your help!”

AA - Hertfordshire

“An excellent blend of language, culture and fun. We cannot recommend this

Château, staff and everything else highly enough. Can’t wait for next year!”

Rep - Berkshire

“Our trip has been a huge success, mainly down to the efficiency, friendliness,

patience and good humour of the staff. The site is beautiful and a great space for

the kids to enjoy”

AA - Hampshire

“A fantastic weekend made so good by the helpfulness and enthusiasm of our

Group Leaders and staff at the Château. It made it so easy for the teachers and

took the stress out of it all, as the Group Leaders had everything sorted.”

LGW - West Yorkshire

High Return Rates

INTRODUCTION

Originally known as The Château des Courgés, Château Beaumont was named after

the Gallo-Roman landowner Corvius, who owned much of the surrounding land when

France was a province of the Roman Empire.

The Château itself was built between 1837 and 1852, during a turbulent period that

saw the fall of Louis Phillippe, the installation of the Second Republic and a

coup d’état by Napoleon III. In 1922 the Château and its land were bequeathed to the

De Branche family, whose descendants still live next door in the Orangerie, the

former stables and tropical plant house.

In 1939, the Château was requisitioned by the retreating French and then by the

Gestapo, who based their headquarters there. The nearby villages of Chailland and

St. Hillaire-du-Maine saw scenes of great sabotage by the local résistance. General

Patton’s troops drew on the hospitality of the Château in 1944 when it became their

local headquarters, before finally being returned to the De Branche family in 1947.

During the liberation the Château was without electricity and suffered a great deal of

damage. As a result, the village of Chailland bought the Château in 1963, restoring it

to it’s former glory and establishing a finishing school for the young ladies of the

village.

From 1999, the Château has operated successfully as an educational centre and

provided popular school trips to France ever since.

Fascinating Heritage

INTRODUCTION

[On-site Climbing Wall]

The Perfect Programme for your School

OUR PROGRAMMES

At Château Beaumont we offer 4 main holiday options:

Action Adventure (AA)

Usually a Monday to Friday stay

A combination of excursions and on-site activities

Reportage (Rep)

Popularly a Monday to Friday stay

A combination of excursions and on-site language based

activities

Le Grand Weekend (LGW)

A shorter AA, usually a Friday to Monday stay

A combination of half day excursions and activities

Château Paris Disney (CPD)

A combination of excursions and onsite activities

Additional 2 days in Paris / Disneyland with overnight stay in a

nearby hotel

We are also highly flexible and can mix a combination of holidays to create

a bespoke package tailored to the needs of individual groups, should you

like an AA with an additional trip to Paris en-route home, for example.

Best for

Adventure

Activities

Best for

Seeing the

Sights of

Paris

Best for

More Intense

French

Best for

Those on a

Budget

Excursions are a fundamental part of any Château Beaumont

programme, as they immerse our guests in the real culture, language and

heritage of Normandy; because of this, we offer a great selection of

excursions and boast many strong local contacts.

Upon arrival you will be assigned your own personal Group Leader,

pre-chosen specifically for your group based on contributing factors such

as: holiday choice, language level and more.

For every excursion we can provide fun and exciting worksheets to

highlight points of interest, encourage students to use their French and help

extend their existing vocabularies. Your designated Group Leader will

accompany your group on all of your excursions, providing useful tips and

interesting facts to help your group get the very best from their visit to

Normandy.

Your dedicated Group Leader will explain each worksheet whilst en route to

all of your excursions and students may complete their worksheets in small

groups.

We offer 3 levels of worksheet:

Level 1 aimed at students aged 8-11 years.

Level 2 aimed at students aged 12-16 years or more advanced younger

pupils.

Level 3 for older, or more confident students.

Normandy is a beautiful and diverse region. Whilst staying with us

you can choose from a variety of interactive excursions.

The following pages will provide further information the most Experts

Favourite excursions for both Historical and Cultural focus. [Le Mont St Michel]

Excursions & Worksheets

OUR PROGRAMMES

“Captivates, stimulates and encourages the exploration

of all things French…”

Historical Excursions.

OUR PROGRAMMES

“A magical experience for our children! They will

remember this for the rest of their lives…”

[Saint Malo]

Le Mont St Michel:

Often classed as the “8th Wonder of the World, this UNESCO World Heritage site’s vast

history stretches back to 460 AD. Your Group Leader will share many facts and stories and

provide guided tours of the historic and infamous walls. This can ideally be linked with a

visit to Saint Malo or Fougères as a part of a full day excursion.

Interesting Fact: the streets of Le Mont St Michel are said to be part of the inspiration

for J K Rowling’s Diagon Alley (from the Harry Potter franchise.)

Saint Malo

Behind the impressive defensive walls of the port city, lie the cobbled streets, elegant

houses and quaint French atmosphere of Saint Malo. Your Group Leader will bring the

history of Saint Malo to life! Ideally included as part of a full day excursion with

Le Mont St Michel.

Interesting Fact: Notorious for Piracy, Saint Malo is historically significant for

asserting its independence from France, albeit briefly, from 1590 - 1593.

Fougères

Dating back to the Middle Ages, the town of Fougères is home to one of the most

architecturally impressive castles in France. Your Group Leader will tell many an animated

tale about the history of this magnificent fortress.

Interesting Fact: Fougères Castle is also the biggest Medieval castle in Europe

Arromanches

A pleasant seaside town with long sandy beaches and a clear view of the famous

“Mulberry Harbour,” Arromanches provides an interesting introduction to the Second World

War with both the Musée du Debarquement and the 360° Cinema.

Recommended en route to Château or ferry port as an interesting way to break up the

journey, and can be combined with a visit to the Bayeux tapestry, a 20 minute drive

away.

[Saint Malo]

Laval Market / St Hilaire Market

Less than 20km from the Château, the perfectly unspoilt Market at Laval

opens on Tuesday and Saturday mornings. Our strong local contacts are very

welcoming and more than happy to communicate with the children and help

with their worksheets. There is also the option to visit St Hilaire market on a

Wednesday morning.

For a great cultural exercise combine a morning trip to the traditional

market in Laval with a visit to a typical French Hypermarket.

Refuge De L’Arche

The nearby Animal Refuge is home to a wide variety of animals rescued by

activists such as Green Peace. Popular favourites include crocodiles,

chipmunks, tigers and baboon island.

Pair with a visit to our local Chocolate Factory en route back to the

Château.

Cider Museum

Conducted solely in French, our bilingual Group Leaders will aid your

students through a tour of a local Cider Museum; looking at the techniques

and machinery, both old and modern, used for cultivating and producing

cider. There’s even a chance to sniff some calvados, as well as sample the

produce (Apple juice for students of course...)

Recommended for Reportage & older age groups

Goat’s Cheese Farm

Tour a local Cheese Farm, meeting the goats who produce the cheese,

discovering how it is made - from the curdling and maturing processes, to the

cold room. There is also the opportunity to sample a selection of the cheeses.

Recommended for Reportage & older age groups [Laval Market]

For more information on our extensive range of excursions visit our website:

www.chateau-beaumont.co.uk, or call our Holidays team on 01388 741 370

Cultural Excursions

OUR PROGRAMMES

[Laval Market]

Other Popular Excursions...

OUR PROGRAMMES

“… So easy for the teachers and took the

stress out of it - the Group Leaders had

everything sorted…”

[Fougères Town]

If you would like any further information about

these excursions, or anything else in this brochure

you can visit us at: www.chateau-beaumont.co.uk,

or call our Holidays team on: 01388 741 370

Some of our other Historical

based Excursions include:

Vitré

Bayeux

Jublains

Sainte-Suzanne

And some of our other Cultural

based Excursions include:

Hypermarket

Monbana Chocolate Shop

Cancale Oyster Museum

Robert Tatin Museum

Our Château Paris Disney

exclusive Excursions include:

Parc Asterix

L’Arc de Triomphe

Disneyland Paris

Les Bateux Parisiens

Archery - Our outdoor range provides an unique

opportunity to learn a new skill whilst in a beautiful

forest setting. Students (and teachers...) will develop

their dexterity, control and hopefully accuracy!

French? - This is a great opportunity to learn some

additional vocabulary for older students.

Climbing - Learning the basic skills and techniques

on our indoor climbing wall helps students to develop

coordination and stamina. It is also one of the most

valuable ways to gain high levels of individual

achievement and satisfaction whilst on residential.

French? - Also a valuable opportunity for older

students to learn some additional vocabulary.

Adventure Activities

OUR PROGRAMMES

[Climbing the Zipwire

Tree]

Fencing - Where better to learn the ancient art

than in a real French Château? The ideal activity

for developing strength, skill and balance and for

an extra bonus, it’s so much fun to take on Sir with

a sword!

French? - A great opportunity to adapt new

vocabulary and terminology for older students.

Swimming - Choose between: organised games,

competitions or just splashing around in our very

own outdoor swimming pool. This is a very popular

choice during the summer months and a great way

to cool off after an action-packed day.

Zipwire - A regular favourite of all our returning

guests. The thrill of personal achievement can be a

very powerful memory, especially for those who

have conquered their fear of height or speed to

complete the Zipwire run...

[On-site Swimming Pool]

Initiative Exercises - An unparalleled exercise for

helping students develop their own initiative, leadership

and team work skills. Students will take part in a variety

of problem solving challenges, designed to test their

ability to listen, communicate and collaborate.

French? - Perfect for lots of French vocabulary practice

Nightline - Our course is the perfect opportunity to

overcome challenges and obstacles. Whilst blindfolded,

students must work as a team to navigate their way

through a purpose built obstacle course. This is a

brilliant way for students to bond and develop their

teamwork skills.

French? - Undoubtedly the best activity to practice

French vocabulary! Using directions, commands and so

much more...

Team Games - Students will enjoy sharpening their

skills in team orientated activities such as: basketball,

rounders, football and many more. It’s also simply great

fun!

Team Building Challenges

OUR PROGRAMMES

[Nightline Course]

For those interested in our Reportage

Programme, we can also offer a number of

activities of a more French-focused or classroom

based nature.

Previous Reportage programmes have included:

Diary sessions

Role Play sessions

French Initiative

French Nightline

Interview sessions

Various other classroom sessions.

If you would like any further information about our

Reportage options, or about any of our activities,

you can visit us at www.chateau-beaumont.co.uk/

activities/

Or call our Holidays team on 01388 741 370

Activities - Reportage Programme

OUR PROGRAMMES

[Classroom Session]

After an action-packed day, students need a sensible space to lay

their head for the night. Clean and warm, all of the dormitories

have en-suite toilet and shower facilities, ample storage for clothing

and lockable doors. All of our dormitories are regularly decorated

and improved, most recently with new terracotta tiles.

Accommodation for Teachers and accompanying adults is located

between student dormitories allowing close supervision. Similarly,

teacher rooms have: en-suite toilet and shower facilities, ample

storage for clothing and lockable doors, with additional tea and

coffee making facilities. The majority of teacher rooms are for

single occupation, although we also have a number of twin rooms

available.

Dedicated Free Time allows access to the following on-site

facilities:

Teachers’ Retreat (strictly off-limits for students!) - with a

refrigerator, SKY TV access, free WiFi, an open fire, tea and

coffee making facilities, and complimentary drinks.

A Students’ Common Room - with Table Football, TV and

Video access

Outdoor Basketball Court

Football Pitch

Classroom facilities

Evening Tuck Shop - selling T-shirts, Caps, Souvenirs,

sweets, postcards, stamps and much more...

Fantastic Facilities

THE COMPLETE PACKAGE

“Very impressed with all of the improvements… staff are

always friendly and ready to meet your needs and

expectations…” [Teachers’ Retreat]

The Very Best Staff

THE COMPLETE PACKAGE

“The Staff are a credit to the company and

couldn’t do enough to help…”

Our staff are comprehensively trained to take responsibility for the safety of all

children in their care, making everyone’s stay at the Château: fun, safe and

educational.

Our rigorous recruitment process ensures that our staff team are selected for

their enthusiasm and aptitude to work with children, with thorough background

and DBS checks carried out on every member of staff.

All our staff members undergo complete in-house training to the highest of

levels, holding NGB (National Governing Body) certificates where applicable:

Archery - Archery GB Instructor Award

Climbing - Site-specific award in Climbing instruction. Our instructors are

trained and assessed by a mountain instructor and an independent

member of the Mountain Leader Training Board.

Fencing - BFA (British Fencing Association) Leaders Award

Swimming - NPLQ (National Pool Lifeguard Qualification)

Zip Wire - Site-specific award in Zip Wire instruction. Our instructors are

trained and assessed by a mountain instructor and an independent

member of the Mountain Leader Training Board.

Initiative, Nightline & Team Games - for these activities we operate our

own in-house training course. Any instructor taking these activities will have

been fully trained and assessed by a member of the senior management

team.

Staff are First Aid trained and well-versed in our accident and incident

procedures, with every staff member wearing a clearly recognisable uniform

when on duty and on site.

We have over 16 years’ valuable experience, are bonded by the TTA (Travel

Trust Association), hold the LOtC Quality badge and are members of the AAIAC

(Adventure Activities Industry Advisory Committee.) Château Beaumont is also

a member of BAPA (the British Activity Providers Association) and our centre is

regularly inspected to ensure that we continue to meet the high standards set.

We offer Risk Assessments for each of our activities, excursions and general

site work which are easily accessible, with downloadable PDFs available on our

website, at: www.chateau-beaumont.co.uk/teachers/useful-downloads/

The Château is set in Private Grounds, with limited and controlled access to

authorised personnel only, and all members of staff wear a clear and

recognisable uniform when working and on site.

On the day of arrival, our guests are informed of all emergency and accident

procedures by senior staff members during a Safety Instruction Talk. We will

also conduct a controlled fire drill during the first day to make sure everyone is

familiar and happy with all safety procedures

All Activity Equipment used on-site is routinely tested; repairs and replacements

carried out wherever necessary. An accurate and up-to-date record of

equipment is kept on file and available to view on request from senior staff

members.

All Dormitory Blocks are locked at night and are only accessible from the outside

using a key or security code; entry codes are regularly changed. All dormitory

doors and windows can be opened easily from the inside, in case of emergency /

for evacuation purposes.

Each evening the Duty Manager is responsible for patrolling the site between

9:30pm and 11pm to make sure all windows and doors are secure. In the event

of an emergency you can contact the Duty Manager via the Duty Manager

mobile at any time (you will be provided with this number upon arrival as part of

the safety instruction.)

Comprehensive Safety Procedures

THE COMPLETE PACKAGE Safety is at the forefront of everything we do,

and we take every possible precaution to ensure

the wellbeing of our visitors.

“A beautiful and safe environment… Prepared

to go that extra mile to ensure both Children

and Staff have a fun and well organised week…”

[Zipwire preparations]

“Such an accommodating place, they went out of

their way to help us…”

“Our pupils have benefitted hugely in terms of

language and personal development...”

“Tailor made quality of packages... to be able to pick

and choose what you need & know that it will be met is

fantastic!...”

You’re our Top Priority

THE COMPLETE PACKAGE “Staff that actually put the children

at the centre of what they do…”

“It gets better and better, we can’t thank you enough… the

children have had a fantastic time and don’t want to leave! …”

[Making Crêpes at the Market]

We occupy your group from breakfast until bedtime; our staff

run entertainments each evening and ensure everyone's safe

and sound at the end of the night...

[French Night]

Day One Day Two Day Three Day Four

Starter Garlic Bread Paté on toast

& Cornichons

Frogs’ legs &

Snails

Pizza

Veg. Starter Garlic Bread Bruschetta Garlic

Mushrooms

Pizza

Main Spaghetti

Bolognaise

Cordon Bleu &

Roast Chicken

Beef

Bourguignon

Pasta

Carbonara

Veg. Main Spaghetti &

Tomato Sauce

Stuffed Pepper Ratatouille Vegetarian

Carbonara

Side Dish Potato

Wedges

Rice

Vegetables Salad / Peas Salad /

Sweetcorn &

Carrots

Salad / Green

Beans

Salad /Broccoli

Dessert Chocolate

Éclair

Crème

Caramel

Chocolate

Crêpes

Apple Strudel

Sample Four Day Menu

PARTY LEADER INFORMATION

Daily Breakfast:

Orange Juice

Cereal selection & Low-Fat Milk

Pain au Chocolat

Croissant

Baguette

Jams & Butter

Yoghurts

On-site Buffet Lunches:

Baguettes & various fillings

Green Salad

Coleslaw

Tabouleh

Pasta Salad

Rice Salad

Jacket Potatoes, with Beans / Cheese

Quiche

Salad Nicoise

Packed Lunches (Excursions):

Baguettes & various fillings (Ham / Cheese / Garlic

Sausage / Paté, Tuna / Egg Mayonnaise / Chicken)

Crisps, Biscuits, Fresh Fruit & Water

Evening Meal:

Booking Information

PARTY LEADER INFORMATION At Château Beaumont you can stay for as long as you

like, two to four nights during the week, or over a

weekend. Just choose the type of visit you’d like and we’ll

take care of the rest.

To make a Provisional Booking:

Call us to check availability, discuss the type of course you wish to

follow and make a provisional booking. We’ll send you an information

pack and confirm the price of your holiday.

“Every member of the team has been so

helpful, kind and welcoming… We will

remember our stay for a long time..”

Confirmation of booking

Confirm your booking by sending us your first (non-refundable) deposit.*

Second Deposit

The second (non-refundable) deposit is payable at an agreed point between the set

dates of first deposit and final payment.

Final Payment

Your final balance payment should be received no later than six weeks before your

arrival date. Final information including travel details, itinerary, and dormitory

allocation will be sent to you approximately four weeks prior to your visit.

*Where booking is eight weeks or less before arrival date, we will require the full

amount to be paid immediately.

Your Holiday Price includes:

Full board and accommodation

Travel arrangements

Full programme of activities and entertainments from breakfast to bedtime

Entry costs, with some exceptions; confirm at time of booking

One free adult place for every eight full-paying students

Full services of Château Beaumont staff both prior to and during your stay

Itinerary planning

For full terms and conditions please check our

website: www.chateau-beaumont.co.uk

http://www.chateau-beaumont.co.uk

Return travel from your school to the Château by coach and ferry is

organised for you, by us. All of our coaches are fitted with seatbelts.

All our drivers comply with EU regulations relating to driving hours.

We have vetted our coach companies and only ever use a select

few, in order to guarantee a high standard of coach, with an

efficient, helpful, courteous driver, who will remain with you for the

duration of your holiday. Your coach will normally be a 49-seater,

although we can accommodate larger groups on a bigger single - or

even double-decker coach.

Ferries

Our standard ferry crossing is the P&O Dover—Calais route which

takes approximately one and a half hours. A popular alternative is

the Brittany Ferries Portsmouth – Caen route. This crossing takes

six hours but greatly reduces the coach travel time in France. A

price supplement applies to this crossing.

The Euro Tunnel is another option for those who prefer to avoid sea

travel. This takes only 35 minutes from the Folkestone terminal to

Calais and a very small supplement is applicable.

Passport Application

Full details are given on the website where you can download an

application form.

Travel Information

PARTY LEADER INFORMATION

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) – Reciprocal

Health Agreement

It is advised that each member of your group carries an EHIC to

cover them for reciprocal health insurance whilst they are abroad.

The EHIC will facilitate a reduction in the amount you are charged

should you, or a member of your group, require any medical

treatment whilst in France. An application form for the EHIC, which

is free of charge, can be obtained from the Post Office, or online. It

is also advisable to make a photocopy of your card and carry it with

you in France.

Claiming for Medical Costs

A Helping Hand

If anyone in your party should need medical treatment whilst in

France, please refer initially to the centre manager who will be

pleased to help you.

Paying for Medical Treatment (other than in-patient hospital

care)

In cases of doctors’ visits, dental treatment, hospital out-patient care and prescription costs it is necessary to pay for treatment at the time and claim the money back from the insurer afterwards. It is therefore recommended that Party Leaders carry a medical

contingency fund. You should obtain an official receipt (Feuille de Soins), signed by the medical practitioner.

[Archery Range]

If there is a prescription (Ordonnance), the dispensing chemist will also make entries on the Feuille de Soins. The Ordonnance will have detachable stickers (Vignettes), which show the name and cost of the prescribed item. The vignettes should be stuck in the appropriate space

on the Feuille de Soins.

You should also obtain receipts for ancillary services associated with any

treatment for which you make direct payment, such as taxi, ambulance

etc.

Making a Claim

On your return to the UK, please contact Fogg Travel Insurance and ask

them for details of exactly what paperwork they need from you for your

claim.

Hospital Admission

Normally, in cases of hospital admission, no payment is required if you

have an EHIC. If one of your party is admitted to hospital you should

inform the following as soon as possible:

Your school emergency contact so that parents can be informed

International medical rescue

Financial Assistance

We recommend that the Party Leader should hold a contingency fund of

approximately €500 to cover any small bills that may arise from the need

for medical treatment.

Insurance policy excess

Please note that there is an excess for medical claims, of £20 for children

and £50 for adults.

If there is anything we have forgotten to mention, or if

you would like any further information

Please contact us on: 01388 741 370

Alternatively you can email us at:

[email protected]

For Further Information:

Visit us: www.chateau-beaumont.co.uk

Like us: www.facebook.com/ChateauBeaumontFun

Follow us: www.twitter.com/Frenchtrips

Or call us: 01388 741 370

download our shiny new pdf brochure!

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