2017 Visit To France

Lavaré Visit 2017:

Join us on a fun-filled 5 days / 4 nights coach trip to Lavaré in France, 24 May to 28 May 2017

This date is CONFIRMED and the Booking Form is at the bottom of this page

Travel by Eastons luxury air-conditioned coach (with toilet); cross the Channel by Shuttle, comfort breaks at service areas on the way down to Lavaré, arriving around 6pm for welcome drinks. You may provide your own packed food for the journey or buy things during the various stops.

We have again secured the services of Carl Sturman, a highly experienced driver with Eastons who has made the journey with us three times during the past 6 years. Eastons pride themselves as being Norfolk's only CoachMarque and CITO approved coach operator, assuring quality of service and high standards.

Stay with French hosts includes two days of trips/activities arranged by the French using our coach, to historical monuments, vineyards, general sight-seeing and a party night. Get shown around the area by the locals and get a feel for real French life and customs.

It is not necessary to be able to speak French. Outings are either together with the whole group or on the free day in smaller groups and meals are usually in small groups so there are other English people around most of the time.

Richard Moore, the Chairman, speaks fluent French and can help out if any difficulties arise and also translates on the excursions. He has experience of his two daughters staying on their own (or with a friend) in a separate French family. His youngest daughter Joanne first experienced this at the age of 9. And his older daughter Stephanie went into the local French schools (middle and high school) for a day at her own choice. And yes, she survived quite happily!

Lavaré 2017 Confirmed Visit Programme

Wednesday 24th May 2017

Early departure from Norwich - 5AM

Welcome drinks - vin d'honneur - on arrival around 6pm at Lavaré.

Evening with hosts.

Thursday 25th May 2017

Morning: Visit to Goat Farm at Champrond - Making Cheese and Cheese Tasting

Lovely visit to a rural Goat Farm near Lavaré.

Lunch: Le pique-nique - Outside Lavaré Priory

Afternoon: Visit to Snail Rearing Farm + Park + tasting (for those who want to!)

Evening: with host families.

Friday 26th May 2017

Morning: Visit to The Zoo de la Flèche

Lunch: Le pique-nique

Afternoon: Visit to The Zoo de la Flèche

Evening: Dinner dance - no requirement to dress up, only to have fun!

Saturday 27th May 2017

Traditionally a Free Day with hosts.

Taken out to lunch and afternoon visit to Troglodite Houses

Sunday 28th May 2017

Early departure from Lavaré - 8AM

Back in Norwich towards 10pm

 Many of your travelling companions will have made the trip to Lavaré several times.

A trip like this should cost £450 per head upwards with everything included. For example, at the time of posting, a May 2017, 5 day coach trip to Paris, Loire Valley, and Monets Garden costs £499 on www.coachholidays.com and does not include the full and very real French experience.

We are offering a fully-inclusive 5 day trip to Lavaré at £200 per head and a heavily discounted rate of £50 for children for the full, authentic French experience.

Good food and wine, good company, at a good price for fun times in France.

Will you join us?

On the return journey, we aim to arrive back in Norwich by 10pm (timings will be firmed up nearer the time).  Your French hosts should provide packed food for the return journey.

All-inclusive trip to Lavaré  = £200 per adult/youth

(excludes insurance)          = £  50 per child (age 3-14) [must be accompanied by an adult]

If you are currently not a member of the Old Catton Twinning Association, £7/adult, £12/couple or £14/family will be added to make you a member for 2017 so you will then be covered by The Old Catton Twinning Association’s third party liability insurance under the Norfolk Association of Twin Communities block insurance policy. 

Any monies paid to OCTA will be non-refundable. You must take out travel insurance to cover yourself and your property during the trip and for any unexpected eventualities that may prevent you taking up your place on the trip.

Book your place(s) now by completing and returning the attached booking form along with a deposit of £50/head. 

The balance of £150/head to be paid by Fri 31st March 2017.

Any questions, please phone Richard (Chairman) on 01603 469133/400690

Return the form (download below) with payment to either the Treasurer or the Secretary:

Keith Lake 

28 Mansel Drive 

Old Catton 

Norwich 

NR6 7NB 

Ann Moore

22A Billing Close

Old Catton

Norwich

NR6 7EL

FAQ

Can children go on the trip?

Yes, all children under 18 must be accompanied by their parents or by an adult willing to take full responsibility for them.

What travel incurance documentation do I need?

Passports / E111 cards-(optional) / Travel Insurance is the responsibility of each individual traveller or responsible adult.

The Old Catton Twinning Association has third party liability insurance under the Norfolk Association of Twin Communities block insurance policy. 

Do I have to pay entry fees on local excursions?

No, the French pay your entry fees

Do I have to pay anything to our French hosts?

No, there is nothing to pay to your hosts. However, it is customary to bring a small gift for the home with you.

What happens if I don't get on with my hosts?

In the Chairman's tweve years of involvement with Old Catton Twinning, this has never been known to happen. The people of Lavaré are such genuine, lovely and welcoming people that I am sure you will get on OK. It's only for a short time. Yes, there needs to be a little give and take, but there is a common understanding of what it is like to experience foreign cultures and people. Try to be curious about your hosts, where they live and what they do and I'm sure you will be fine. And in many cases life-long friendships develop.

Will I be obliged to host a family when the French return?

No, you are not under any obligation. However, if you have made friends with the family you stayed with in Lavaré you may well be keen to return the hospitality. You will find the Lavarians genuinely interested in our way of life and keen to have a real English family experience.

I don't speak any French. How will I communicate?

Many French will be able to speak English to some degree or other. And if you can remember the odd word or two of school French, then you will be able to communicate. And you will be with other English travellers during the day, and some of the evenings.

If you have any real difficulties, your Chairman speaks fluent French and can help out if required. If you'd like a little help with communicating, just ask him.

I'm worried I won't like the food.

It is common practice among Twinning communities to keep food fairly simple and neutral and to cater to a wide range of tastes. If there is something you don't like, then say so politely. They will understand. Just be prepared for French meals to be a real family affair and they can often take a long time - the French take their food very seriously.