The Year 6 residential visit to Burgundy, France is the culmination of Fielding's residential programme and one of the most significant experiences of a child's time at primary school.

Having progressed through the Year 3 Camp Out, the Year 4 PGL residential and the Year 5 Isle of Wight adventure, pupils are ready for the ultimate challenge: spending five nights in France, applying everything they have learned academically, socially and personally throughout their journey at Fielding.

This is far more than a school trip. It is the point at which years of learning, preparation and personal growth come together.

Bringing Language Learning to Life

At Fielding, children learn French from Reception onwards. The Burgundy residential provides a unique opportunity to apply those language skills in authentic, real-life situations.

Rather than practising French solely in the classroom, pupils have opportunities to:

• Order food and drinks.
• Speak with local people.
• Navigate shops and markets.
• Read and interpret signs and menus.
• Experience French culture directly.

Many children return amazed by how much French they are able to understand and use independently.

A Cultural and Geographical Experience

The beautiful region of Burgundy provides the perfect classroom beyond the school gates.

Throughout the visit, children explore:

• Historic towns and villages.
• Local markets.
• French food and cuisine.
• Cultural traditions.
• Rural and urban landscapes.
• Human and physical geography.

These experiences deepen pupils' understanding of the wider world and bring their geography curriculum to life.

Personal Development at Its Very Best

As the final residential in our programme, France provides opportunities for extraordinary personal growth.

Children develop:

• Confidence and self-belief.
• Independence and responsibility.
• Resilience and adaptability.
• Leadership skills.
• Communication and teamwork.
• Cultural awareness and understanding.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Emotional maturity.

For many pupils, this is their first opportunity to travel abroad without their family. By the end of the week, children often return with a new sense of confidence and an increased belief in what they are capable of achieving.

A Sense of Belonging

One of the most powerful aspects of the Burgundy trip is the feeling of achievement and belonging that it creates.

Children travel as a year group, sharing experiences that become defining memories of their time at Fielding. Whether exploring a French market, working together to prepare a meal, kayaking down a river or overcoming a personal challenge, pupils strengthen friendships and create bonds that often last long after they leave primary school.

The trip has become a cherished Fielding tradition and an important rite of passage before children move on to secondary school.

The Final Step in the Residential Journey

Our residential programme is carefully designed to build children's confidence over four years:

• Year 3: Camp Out on the school field
• Year 4: Hooke Court, Dorset, previously PGL Liddington
• Year 5: Isle of Wight
• Year 6: Burgundy, France

Each experience builds the skills needed for the next. By the time pupils reach Burgundy, they are ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that international travel provides.

Key Information

Destination: Maison Claire Fontaine, Burgundy, France

Dates: Monday 5th July - Saturday 10th July 2027

Duration: 5 nights

Cost: £620.00 (reduced fee of £260 for pupils who have a pupil premium passport)

Booking Opens: Friday 4th September 2026 at 9.00am via MCAS, secure your child's place with the deposit payment by Friday 25th September 2026.

Financial Assistance

We expect all children to attend and work hard to ensure that finances are never a barrier to participation

under the terms of the Education Act 1996, the cost of this visit must be met through voluntary contributions. The visit can only take place if we are able to meet the costs through these contributions.

The Governing Body has adopted a charging policy which allows assistance for families in receipt of certain benefits and allowances, including (but not limited to):

• Universal Credit
• Income Support
• Income-Based Jobseeker's Allowance

If you think you may have difficulty meeting the cost of the trip, please contact Mrs Haines confidentially. We can discuss alternative payment arrangements and, where appropriate, reduced contributions. We are committed to ensuring that every child can participate and never want cost to be a barrier.

Before making payment, please read the school's Residential Trips Terms and Conditions.

Find Out More

Find out more about last year's trip below. As we get nearer to the departure day, this information will be updated. 

France experience 2026

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Bonjour! On this page you will find all the information you need to learn more about our trip to Burgundy in July! 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.

 

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 Dover using the Ferry.

It takes a full day to travel there - we arrive in time for dinner. Will will have three or four rest/toilet breaks at service stations along the way. 

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, : 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.

Here are some videos demonstrating some of our 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 Burgundy is generally very warm in July, though it can be cooler in the mornings and evenings. It is important to bring lots of layers and waterproofs. Keep your eye on the weather forecast in the run-up to the departure date to have a more accurate idea of the weather. BBC weather forecast

What do we need to bring?

Money

Between €10-20 pocket money is recommended. Money must be in Euros and not pounds. It should be kept in a purse of 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 small souvenirs when in town or at the supermarket. There will not be a tuck shop at the centre but MCF also sell their own souvenirs.

Packing List