Year 6 Trip to France

Bonjour!

Keep checking The Manor website and follow us on Twitter to find out how the Year 6′s are getting on in France.

Monday 1 June

• A rather jolly but sleepy Year 6 boarded the coach to Portsmouth at 4.30am. Their coach driver is called Tom and he’s very friendly. Whilst waiting to board the ferry, passports were checked and breakfast was enjoyed.
• Everyone made it onto the ferry and settled in ready for the crossing.

Tuesday 2 June

All slept really well last night. No problems at all. The girls are being great and very well behaved. After a delicious French breakfast, we have just set off on our first excursion to the Ferme de la Papinière! This afternoon we have our outdoor activities! And tonight it is the Crêpes evening – can’t wait!

• Super visit to the farm this morning. Katie C said “fun times in France at the farm! The rabbits were so cute and fluffy. My favourite were the guinee pigs though. They were 3 months old and very used to cuddles from people – thankfully!”
• After a visiting the farm where we saw a large array of animals, we made our own butter from creamy milk donated by the Jersey cows. It was truly delicious on home made bread with home made apple jelly and was accompanied by excellent apple juice, also made on the farm.
• Once we had consumed our piqnique back at the chateau we braved the canoes, the zip wire or the team challenge. Despite getting rather wet (thank you Anna W) or height sick or brain frazzled, we have still enjoyed making our own delicious crêpes tonight. Time for bed very soon! Phew!

Wednesday 3 June

We’ve had another lovely day! It was an early start with a 6.30am wake-up call as we were travelling to Arromanches and Bayeux. On the journey we learned facts about Mulberry Harbour from our PGL instructor, Lillie.

Our first glimpse of the remains of the harbour was extraordinary. Large concrete blocks, code-named Phoenix caissons, are still visible today and they looked impressive surrounded by the beautiful blue seas. The 360 degree cinema was equally impressive and certainly very moving. The girls were stunned by the images then wowed by the view of the actual beach and harbour.

We had lunch in a beautiful park in the city of Bayeux and after a short stroll we were viewing the spectacular Bayeux tapestry. Our audio guide helped us understand the 71 or so beautiful scenes which recount the story of the Battle of Hastings and Harold’s demise. The gift shop was a great success as was a tour of the cathedral where the tapestry was originally displayed.

Back at the ranch, aka Chateau du Tertre, and we are fuelled once more ready for wide games in the grounds. No rest in sight!

Thursday 4 June

Here is our last report from France! Today has been a fantastic day – beautiful weather and lots of fun! The girls really enjoyed going to the market and choosing their lunch creations: mermaids and hedgehogs! In the afternoon, much laughter was had by all canoeing down the river, zip wiring or solving team challenges, all in glorious sunshine. And tonight, escargots for pudding! Perfect day so far, hoping the disco will prove as exciting an end.