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Château de Pourtalès was built in 1750 by the wealthy industrialist Bussière family from Strasbourg. It was built on the plot of a country house. Between 1870 and 1914 Château de Pourtalès was an important meeting center of European nobility, who were always invited to the castle by the Countess Mélanie and the Earl Pourtalès. You will probably recognize many of the frequent guests of the Château such as Albert Schweitzer, Franz Liszt, Napoléon III, Queen Eugenie, Princes from Belgium an Russia, Ludwig I from Bavaria, the Grand Duke from Baden and the Duke Metternich just to name a few. 

But after the glory era of the late 1800’s and surviving two world wars, life at the Château became rather dim. Much of the castle structure was damaged during wartime and various occupants of the castle, including German and American troops, contributed to the state of the castle. 

After World War II, an eastern European university was briefly housed at the castle, but it was soon closed because of new boundaries which were established.  The castle fell almost completely to ruins until 1972, when Dr. Walter Leibrecht, President and founder of Schiller International University, bought the property and began drastic renovations to open it as a new study location for the university.

The Château de Pourtalès has remained a campus of Schiller International University ever since. Today, student groups from North America attending CEPA programs in Europe are able to use this enchanting location as a base for their programs.

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Strasbourg is not only an important business center. It is the capital of Alsace. As the seat of the European Parliament and the Council of Europe, it is also the new capital of Europe.

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Many cultures overlap in France. Historically part of the Holy Roman Empire, the nationality has passed between French and German control numerous times, resulting in a rich cultural blend. In 1945, Strasbourg became the seat of the first European institution, as a symbol of the reconciliation.

The stork is a main feature of Alsace and was the subject of many legends told to children. The bird practically disappeared around 1970, but re-population efforts are continuing. They are mostly found on roofs of houses, churches and other public buildings in Alsace.

The cultures in Strasbourg have become one of charm and character and you will find an international atmosphere of beauty and friendliness which is usually found in European cities.

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Home of a well known university, the city of Strasbourg plays a significant role in the emerging European community. Only the Rhine River separates Strasbourg from Germany and with Switzerland nearby, the city is positioned in the heart of Europe, and is a key location for international business and government.

The Château de Pourtalès, in the north of Strasbourg. It is only one mile from the European Parliament and Court of Human Rights, surrounded by a marvelous park. Together with the adjacent buildings, the Château has classrooms and a library as well as excellent banquet and seminar facilities.

The Château and the city of Strasbourg are a stimulating place for any students who are seeking mutual understanding of other cultures and open minded cooperation in a diverse, multicultural atmosphere.

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The Château de Pourtalès, in the north of Strasbourg. It is only one mile from the European Parliament and Court of Human Rights, surrounded by a marvelous park. Together with the adjacent buildings, the Château has classrooms and a library as well as excellent banquet and seminar facilities.

The Château and the city of Strasbourg are a stimulating place for any students who are seeking mutual understanding of other cultures and open minded cooperation in a diverse, multicultural atmosphere.

The Château is located in the Strasbourg suburb of Robertsau. It is very close to the Strasbourg city center, less than one mile, which makes it easily accessible by bike, tram and bus.

Classroom and seminar space for groups with up to 100 participants

Student library and computer lab, with wireless Internet connections throughout the Château

40 dormitory rooms with shared bathrooms which can house up to 80 students

Centrally air conditioned rooms available upon request

Student kitchen and dining facilities

Free use of laundry facilities

Bike rental and numerous recreational facilities are located nearby

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Students enjoy a complimentary French continental style breakfast with bread and rolls, butter, marmalade, honey, various cold cuts and cheeses, a cereal assortment as well as coffee, teas and juices.

A vending machine isalso available in the breakfast room for students or guests at the Château.

In their free time, students are able to relax in this charming student recreational area which is also sometimes utilized by faculty as an informal classroom. The view of the inner courtyard and gazebo is wonderful.

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Students have 24 hour access to their own self-catering kitchen facilities which includes a refrigerator, oven and electric stove top. The local grocery store is just a short walk away from the Château.

Students have free access and use of both laundry rooms. A washer and dryer is located in both the student kitchen (left photo above) and also on the ground floor near the breakfast room (right photo above). The laundry facilities are free for students to use during their stay at the Château.

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Wireless Internet access is available through the Château and there are also two computer labs open 24 hours for student use.

A relaxing place to sit back and unwind, the Château offers a TV room with DVD player. Videos can be rented in the village of Robertsau.

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Courses can be held in one of our various classrooms or seminar rooms at the Château and adjoining buildings.

The following presentation supplies are available for use in any course, for guest speakers or lectures etc.:

Projection screen

Flipcharts

Video and overhead projectors

Whiteboards

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The 40 guest rooms of the castle can house up to 80 people. The rooms offer single, double or triple occupancy and are simply yet tastefully furnished. The shared showers and restrooms are located on the floor.

Centrally air conditioned student rooms are available upon request.

There are also rooms with private bath available for those seeking higher standards. Each room is decorated with an individual style and offer the guest a comfortable and relaxing stay.

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Whether student groups are staying just a week or as long as a semester, students are always provided a warm welcome and thorough orientation session upon arrival at the Château by the key staff members who live and work at the Château.

Enjoying Alsatian Specialties

The quaint restaurant at the Château named "Le Jardin de Pourtalès" is located in the former gatehouse. The restaurant offers a wide variety of fresh Alsatian specialties at affordable prices. This is a convenient place for students to grad a quick bite to eat or enjoy a cup of coffee at the outdoor cafe.

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The Parc de Pourtalès, on the edge of the Robertsau Forest, offers not only scenic, natural surroundings, but it is home to a permanent colllection of contemporary art and sculptures hidden among the trees. The park surrounds the Château, which was made famous by the Countess Mélanie of Pourtalès, who was well-known for entertaining some of Europe’s most famous royalty.

Today, the park is also known for its collection of contemporary sculptures scattered throughout the extensive grounds. Featuring national and international artists including Ernest, Flanagan and Krouth, some sculptures, such as Claudio Parmiggiani’s “La Forêt regarde et écoute” (the forest watches and listens) are so well blended within the landscape that some locals still have not discovered them all. The collection is administered by the Centre European d’Actions Artistiques Contemporaine.

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A wonderful addition to the facilities available at the Château are the multiple team building and outdoor activities which are available to student groups.

We offer an extensive choice of Outdoor Team Building Exercises including: Bike Tours, Spiders Web, Magic Stick, Human Table Football and many others.

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We can set up our team building packages in the grounds of the Château or, for the more adventurous, we have some great outdoor activities available such as canoeing and spending a daytime or evening BBQ dinner spent around a campfire.

These or any of the outdoor activities can be built in to a group program or organized after arrival as a stand alone activity for any day of the tour.

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Our team activities are designed to be fun, interactive and all inclusive. We aim to encourage team interaction, and communication within the student groups.

Utilizing the natural outdoor surroundings provides an excellent environment for team building events. It's great to get students out of the classroom and into the fresh air!

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We look forward to working together with you on your study abroad programs in Europe!

From left to right : Row 1 Renate, Uli, Achim, Heide, Willi, Antje, Sarah, Marion, Silke and Katrin

Château de Pourtalès161 rue Mélanie67000 StrasbourgFrancewww.cepa-europe.cominfo@cepa-europe.com

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