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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
Page 3
[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
Page 4
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
Page 7
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.
Page 8
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.
Page 11
[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]
Page 12
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
Page 16
[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...
Page 17
[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
Page 18
[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
Page 19
[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...
Page 20
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.
Page 23
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.)
Page 24
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!...”
Page 26
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! …”
Page 27
[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:
Page 29
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
Page 31
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
Page 32
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.
Page 33
[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.
Page 34
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:
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