Excursions
In addition to the weekly sorties linked to our taught curriculum, there are less formal excursions each weekend, which are culturally enriching or just great fun. We are incredibly fortunate to have many local attractions and places of interest in close proximity and being only an hour and a half from the Pyrenees and two and a half hours from the coast, make a day trip very achievable.
Carcassonne
Carcassonne is one of the Europe's medieval architectural jewels. A UNESCO World Heritage Site that takes the breath away when you glimpse it for the first time. The pupils spend an entire day exploring and learning about a place that is simply dripping with history.
Cité de l'Espace
Toulouse is the aerospace capital of Europe; home not only to the European Space Agency and the headquarters of Airbus, but also the fascinating Cité de l'Espace, which documents humankind's exploration of the universe.
Les Marchés
The pupils have the opportunity to attend a number of wonderful French markets in the local area during their stay at Sauveterre, including the marché au gras in Samatan famous for its foie gras.
Toulouse
La Ville Rose is the closest major city to Sauveterre. Considered by many to be the finest city in the country beyond Paris. There is a huge range of things to do and see in the city, including some first-class shopping opportunities.
Musée de l'Aurignacien
Southwest France is home to some of Europe's most important prehistoric sites. In the 19th Century, a chance discovery in a cave near the town of Aurignac changed our understanding of how our ancient ancestors lived, giving its name to an entire period in the Upper Palaeolithic. Pupils spend an afternoon at the museum learning about the period and taking part in interactive workshops.
Les Pyrénées
The stunning Pyrenean mountain range stretches across the horizon to the south of the Château and is easily accessible throughout the year. Depending on the season, groups spend time hiking or tobogganing.
Auch
The capital of the Gers département, Auch is another architectural gem perched on a rocky outcrop above the river that gives the area its name. A partnership with a local collège allows the pupils to spend time with local children of a similar age and to explore the city through guided activities and games.
Accrobranche
High in the canopy of the local forest can be found exhilarating high-rope adventure playgrounds, know as accrobranche. There are a number of sites in close proximity which always prove a hugely popular excursion for the pupils.
Albi
Albi is the capital of the Tarn département and is a beautiful city with a majestic cathedral sitting proudly above the river that gives the region its name. It is the largest brick-built cathedral in Europe and its painted interior is a masterpiece of Renaissance art.
Ferme Pédagogique
The Gers is a département renowned for its farming and agriculture. On this visit the pupils get hands-on experience with the animals. They learn about their life cycle and produce, ranging from cosmetics to cheese.
Lac de Carbonne
This former gravel pit near Toulouse has been converted into a water sports venue, with space to relax in the sun and a lakeside restaurant with a terrasse. The pupils spend the whole day at the lake, knee-boarding and wake-boarding in the morning, followed by a delicious lunch in the restaurant and fun on the inflatable obstacle course.
Aéroscopia
A real treat for anybody with an interest in planes. The pupils spend the morning learning about the history of aviation before heading into central Toulouse for the rest of the day. The museum houses its very own Concorde, Airbus A380 and Super Guppy!
Halle de la Machine
This whacky venue showcases some incredible feats of engineering hosted by the eclectic machinistes. The hall is filled with weird and wonderful machines performing all sorts of crazy tasks. The visit culminates in a ride on the enormous mechanical minotaur.
Rugby
Southwest France is the hotbed of French rugby; indeed French Captain, Antoine Dupont, is from just down the road. The Château is in close proximity to clubs playing at every level and there is always a game to watch on any given weekend throughout the season.
