2011 Visit to France
Fun-filled 5 days / 4 nights coach trip to Lavaré in France.
Leave early morning on Wednesday 1st June 2011, arrive in Lavaré 6pm for welcome drinks.
Travel by luxury, air-conditioned coach, crossing the Channel by ferry to give a break for walk around and food (not included)..
2 hour stop in a French town for late lunch on the way down to Lavaré - mmmm, proper French lunch in a little bistro on the central square.
Includes two days of trips arranged by the French, to historical monuments, vineyards, general sight-seeing. Get shown around the area by the locals and experience real French life and customs.
4 nights accommodation with hosts. This is where you spend time in the company with a real French family and get the real French experience. In practice, there are only usually two evenings with the family, as there is an evening dinner dance (no dressing up required!) and several families get-together on the final evening, often round a barbecue.
This photo shows several English / French families together.
Friday evening dinner dance where everyone gathers for a sit-down meal, speeches, and dancing to a live band. This is where they really roll out the red carpet treatment for us. Great fun.
Saturday is usually a free day where your hosts will take you shopping or you can do whatever you would like to do, including simply relaxing over cup of French coffee.
Depart Sunday 5th June 2011 to travel home, inc stop at another French town for lunch. Arrive in Norwich by 10pm.
All entrance fees for visits included, along with all meals, including lunch (often substantial - the French are not known for skimping on their food).
Lavaré Visit Programme
Thursday 2nd June 2011
Mid morning: meet up at the beautifully restored Lavaré Priory for various activities. Midday aperitif and picnic in the beautiful grounds of the Priory.
Afternoon: Visit to nearby Cider Farm. Learn how cider is made and a tasting session!
Evening: with host families.
Friday 3rd June 201
Morning: visit to Heritage Village - Le Domaine de la Petite Couère - A fabulous journey back in time to learn about French rural life as it was in the 1900’s. Includes 1900 village museum, farming museum, car museum, tourist train around the grounds and animal park. Something for everyone.
Afternoon: Visit to La Mine Bleue, near the city of Angers. Discover the work done in the mines at beginning of 20th Century. Guided tour by underground train! Visit includes a tour around the surface factory which made roof tiles.
Evening: Dinner dance - no requirement to dress up, only to have fun!
Saturday 4th June 2011: Free day with groups of families getting together for the final evening.
