Domaine de Bel Air
The Summer School takes place at the Domaine de Bel Air estate located in Cérans-Foulletourte about 30 minutes south of Le Mans in the département de La Sarthe (72).
The Domaine consists of a small 19th century chateau with outbuildings surrounded by a park and woods. There is a heated covered pool and sauna.
Travel to THE DOMAINE
Most participants coming from the UK take the Eurostar train from London/ Paris then change to Paris Montparnasse station for trains to Le Mans. The Domaine is a 30 minute taxi ride from there.
It is also possible to drive from the UK taking either the Eurotunnel or various ferry routes to France.
A third possibility is flying to Paris CDG and connecting directly to a TGV train to Le Mans bypassing Paris.
We can give advice about train timings and other travel options.
The Loire Valley
Domaine de Bel Air estate is located south of Le Mans and about one hour to the north of the Loire Valley in Western France. UNESCO inscribed the central part of the Loire river valley on its prestigious list of World Heritage sites in 2000. It is famous for its numerous Renaissance chateaux, gentle landscape and vineyards producing fine wines. If you are driving to the Summer School consider adding a few days sightseeing to your trip.
Accommodation
There is a choice of single rooms (chateau or chalet), double rooms and twin rooms (in the chateau) with different pricing options. All Chateau rooms have air conditioning.
Chateau single and twin rooms all have en-suite bathrooms with bath. Each one is decorated differently and has period features. Chalet rooms are in a several new buildings in the grounds. They have a similar standard of comfort (with en-suite shower room ). Hair dryers and kettles are provided in every room.
Food & Drink
The Domaine de Bel Air restaurant provides all the meals during the course (meals are invoiced separately by the restaurant( please see Booking Information). The cuisine is broadly French in style with plentiful vegetables, salads and fruit. There is a vegetarian option if required.
- 8.30am: Continental breakfast
- 1pm: Buffet style two course lunch
- 7.30pm: Three course dinner
Tea and coffee are available during the day and there are coffee and tea making facilities in single and twin rooms. The participant drinks committee appointed for each course is in charge of collecting everyone’s drink contribution and keeping supplies of wine and soft drinks topped up. There is draught lager on tap in the evenings.
Please note lunch is not included on the half day off and that evening a picnic is organised instead of the usual dinner.
