More than travel —
live the French culture

A 17th-century château in the Pas-de-Calais. 90 minutes from the Channel Tunnel. Led by Dr. Christophe Gilliot — medieval historian, published author, former museum Director .

ABOUT THE DOMAINE

Where history comes alive

for British students

The Domaine de la Traxène is a beautifully restored country manor nestled in the heart of Northern France. Its central location makes it the perfect base for exploring the Opal Coast, Amiens, Arras, and the historic battlefields of the Pas-de-Calais — all while staying in a calm, safe, and immersive French environment.

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A Genuinely Historic Setting

The Domaine's origins date to the Middle Ages. The current manor and outbuildings were built in the 17th century and lovingly restored in 2009. Barns became reception halls, stables became dormitories — a perfect metaphor for bringing the past to life.

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Academic Expertise at its Heart

Our school group programme is designed and led by Dr. Christophe Gilliot — a published medieval historian who spent 12 years as Director of the Centre Historique Médiéval d'Azincourt. His expertise transforms every stay into a curriculum-enriching experience.

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Perfectly Placed for UK Schools

Just 90 minutes from the Channel Tunnel, the Domaine is reachable by coach without flights or airports. Easy logistics mean more time learning — and a stress-free trip for teachers and parents alike.

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Authentic French Food Experience

From the first French breakfast (croissants, pain au chocolat, fresh baguette) to evening meals prepared by local partner food trucks, every meal is an immersion in French culture. Vegetarian options always available.

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Teachers Deserve Comfort Too

Teachers are accommodated in private suites — entirely separate from students. A private lounge with tea, coffee, wine, sauna and jacuzzi access ensures they return refreshed. 1 free teacher place per 10 pupils. Driver accommodation fully included.

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Safe, Contained, and Secure

The entire group — up to 50 students and their teachers — stays together on-site. No dispersal across multiple accommodation sites. English-speaking staff are available throughout, providing the reassurance teachers and parents need.

Activities & Programme

Everything your students need,

on-site and beyond

All on-site activities are led by the Domaine's own staff and included in the full-board package. No travel time, no additional coordination.

⚽ Sports & Outdoor Activities

Pétanque — a quintessentially French experience Included
Obstacle course — teamwork and agility Included
Franco-British Treasure Hunt Exclusive
Orienteering — map and compass exploration
Archery and Capture the Flag
Football, volleyball, badminton, table tennis, baby-foot (Included)

🎭 Evening Activities

Karaoke night — student-curated playlist (Included)
Magic show — professional magician
Circus show — juggling, acrobatics, clowning
Laser game — dedicated room
Movie night — French or English film, indoor or outdoor

🍞 Cultural Workshops

Bread-making — students make their own pain
Pottery and ceramics painting
Stonemasonry — traditional craft
Nature art and recycling experiments
Natural paint-making from plants and spices
Open-air cinema

🗺️ Day Excursions

Wellington Quarry, Arras — WWI underground tunnels
La Coupole WW2 Centre — former Nazi bunker, planetarium
Goat farm — cheese-making, tasting (30 min away)
Chocolate factory — bean to bar (30 min away)
Nausicaá Aquarium — Europe's largest (1h away)
Cap Gris-Nez — views of the White Cliffs of Dover (1h)

For Heads of MFL

Directly aligned with the

GCSE French curriculum

Every element of the Domaine's programme has been designed with the AQA and Edexcel GCSE French specifications in mind. Making the case to your Head of Department and school leadership is straightforward.

📥 Download our Teacher's Pack — a ready-made document to share with your Head of Department, including curriculum mapping, sample programme, per-pupil budget, and parent FAQ. Request it here →

Pricing & Packages

Transparent pricing,

tailored to your group

All packages include full-board accommodation, French breakfast, packed lunch, dinner, outdoor activities, full use of facilities, 1 free teacher place per 10 pupils, and free driver provision.