A cultural and language experience in Burgundy, France

Monday 1st - Saturday 6th July 2024

Click here for countdown!

Bonjour! On this page you will find all the information you need to learn more about our trip to Burgundy in July 2024! If you are lucky enough to be going on the trip, make sure you read everything carefully and prepare yourself well so that you can get the best out of this wonderful adventure!

What is the purpose of this trip?

The most important purpose of this trip is to have an unforgettable time with your friends and teachers as you reach the end of your primary school experience.

Undoubtedly, you will also gain some other very valuable experiences while we are away. You will be able to:

• put your French into practise by speaking to local people;
• learn more French;
• experience French culture and way of life;
• enjoy nature;
• try new foods;
• become more independent when travelling without your family;
• improve your team working skills.

When are we going?

You will need to arrive very early on Monday 1st July and will be back on Saturday 6th July in the afternoon. We will be staying five nights and will have four full days of activities in France. 

Which part of France are we going to?

We are going to the region of Bourgogne (in purple) - we often refer to this region as Burgundy.

How will we get there?

The journey itself is one big adventure!

We will be travelling by coach. We will cross the English Channel at Folkestone using the Eurotunnel or Ferry (click here to learn more about the history of the Eurotunnel).

It will take approximately 10 hours, which includes three or four rest/toilet breaks at service stations along the way. There are toilet facilities on the coach in case you need to use them inbetween stops.

You will need to bring a packed lunch and snacks with you for the journey.

Where will we stay?

We will be staying at the Maison Claire Fontaine centre, at their Lac Sauvin site.

Address: Centre D’Acceuil  du Lac Sauvin, 89270 Arcy-Sur-Cure,  France

Telephone: + 33 386 34 36 04 / + 44 7961 331 577

http://www.maisonclairefontaine.com/

We will be the only school on the site which makes it extra special for us. You can learn more about the site and it's facilities by visiting their pupil page.

You will be sleeping in shared dormitories on site - these all range in size. Girls and boys dorms, showers and toilet facilities are completely separate from one another. You will be asked to provide your teachers with a short list of friends with whom you would like to share your dorm, and will do our best to make sure you are with at least one of these friends during your stay.

What activities will we be doing out there?

Here is the general emploi du temps (timetable) to you give you an idea of the activities we will be doing. Use this online dictionary to help you understand the activities.

What will we eat?

Food is an important part of any visit to France. Burgundy is a particularly gastronomic region and during the trip you will get to try some of these foods during your meals at the centre. The exact menu will be a surprise! You will be having two full three course meals each day for lunch and dinner along with a continental style breakfast. A small snack is also served in the afternoon.

You will even get to try foods from the local markets and producers when we go on some of our excursions.

If you have any special dietary needs, the chefs at Lac Sauvin will take good care of you and make sure that you have all the right foods.

Be prepared to speak lots of French at meal time!

What will the weather be like in Burgundy?

The weather in July should be quite warm, but it can also be rainy so come prepared for all weathers.

What do we need to bring?

Money:
Between €10-20 is the recommended amount for the trip. Money must already be in Euros and should be kept in a purse or wallet clearly labelled with your name. You will be responsible for your money throughout the trip. There may be opportunities to buy an ice-cream and/or some small souvenirs when in town. There will not be a tuck shop on site. Maison Claire Fontaine also sell their own souvenirs/merchandise, should you wish to purchase something.

Packing List:

Please ensure that all items are clearly labelled with your name, especially those that can be easily confused with someone else's such toiletries, water bottles, towels etc.

Year 6 French Residential 2023

Packing List

For the journey:
•    A small rucksack
•    A packed lunch, healthy snacks and a water bottle (in a disposable bag)

•    A small pack of tissues
•    Travel games*/mp3 player/book/kindle/magazine/notebook & pens/cuddly toy

For the activities and lessons:
•    Small pencil case with basic stationery
•    French/English dictionary (optional)
•    A water bottle

Clothes:
•    T-shirts/shirts
•    Sweatshirt/fleece/jumper
•    Trousers/jeans
•    Tracksuit bottoms
•    Shorts
•    Plenty of socks and underwear
•    Trainers for outdoor activities (these may get dirty!)

•    Shoes/trainers for indoor activities/evenings

•    Anorak/waterproof jacket
•    Sunhat/cap
•    Sunglasses
•    Pyjamas/nightwear
•    Slippers/flip-flops
•    Plastic bags for laundry

Toiletries:

•    One small hand towel

•    One big bath towel
•    Personal toiletries
•    Wash bag: soap, shampoo, flannel, toothpaste, toothbrush, comb, brush etc.
•    Mosquito repellent (and bite relief cream)
•    Sun cream

Other items:

•   A personal item of comfort (e.g. teddy bear, book, photo)

•   Camera (ideally disposable camera, as children will be responsible for looking after these throughout the trip) 

Kayaking:
An additional set of clothes are required if participating in kayaking:
•    Extra t-shirt and shorts
•    Swimsuit to wear underneath (optional)
•    Extra towel
•    Extra lightweight waterproof jacket/poncho
•    Extra pair of old trainers or wet shoes (for safety reasons flip-flops/crocs will not be permitted)

* NOTE: Small electronic devices (not including mobile telephones or tablets) are permitted during the coach trip only. These must then be handed to staff at the end of the coach journey in a zip-lock bag clearly marked with child’s name and class. These will be kept in a safe place during our stay and returned for the journey back (however, please note that there are no facilities to charge appliances).

Which adults will be coming to France?

Pictures/videos from France 2023