Château de la Baudonnière 2015

Thank you Mr Jones for your help, and Prep 5 for being so brilliant and full of fun!

Vendredi

The weather wasn't quite as good as we were promised but we had a lovely morning nonetheless, first at Jullouville Market, then at the beach at Carolles. The boys and girls competed in a sandcastle competition judged by Guillaume, and the boys won thanks to their inventive Stonehenge feature! This afternoon we had French and archery, with Seb and Bella best boy and girl in group H and Josh and Lucy winning for group G. We had a treasure hunt this evening and are all packed ready to leave at 9.30 tomorrow. The children have been good company and have made the most of a wonderful opportunity to bond as a group and to improve their French. Well done Prep 5! À demain!

Jeudi

We had fantastic weather today for canoeing and climbing. Both groups loved the activities, but I think canoeing came out top due to the hot weather. All the children enjoyed races and pirate games on the lake, and most jumped in at the end! The talent show went well this evening, with Betsey, Matylda and Gené roller skating, Freddy performing an impressive magic trick in front of an appreciative crowd, and finally our Prep 5 (certificate-winning) performance of Les Trois Petits Cochons. Last full day tomorrow!

Saint Malo

We had a picnic lunch outside the Château, then set off on the coach for Saint Malo. The sun came out on the way, so the views of the bay were amazing. We managed to fit in a walk along the ramparts and a little shopping too (mostly sunglasses - sorry!) before heading back to the Château for a French evening with snails, a typical Normandy three course meal and then a quiz.

La boue!

Another year, another mud course! The children, without exception were fantastic. Everyone threw themselves into it (even Kerstin managed somehow to get muddy!) and several of the children are hoarse after a deafening sing-off of the Château song between the two groups!

La fabrication du pain

On a fabriqué du pain...

...et on l'a mangé!

Mardi matin

Everyone had a good night's sleep and enjoyed their pains au chocolat for breakfast. The two groups both did orienteering and visited the mini-farm this morning. We didn't lose anyone in the woods this year and everyone especially loved stroking the rabbits and chinchillas at the farm. We had melon, fish with rice, cheese and fruit for lunch and then went to feed the ponies with Sophie. We have just started bread-making, so the children will get to eat the bread at supper later.

Lundi

The children started the day with a tour of the Château and some games on the tennis courts with Julien. After a lunch of tomato salad, hachis parmentier, cheese, salad and fruit, they played aéroballe and had a French lesson with Émilie. Dinner was rillettes de saumon, pork with couscous and crème caramel. There was general agreement that the food here is GOOD! More outdoor sports this evening. They should sleep well...