Our Food @TheChâteau Weekend is the ultimate food adventure in Normandy, packed with exciting activities specially crafted for UK students and teachers.
Engage in hands-on activities and immerse students in the world of local food production, highlighting sustainable practices and locally sourced ingredients. It is a deliciously enriching experience that brings the flavours of Normandy to life!
Nestled in the heart of Normandy, the Château du Molay, owned by Travelbound, is more than just a place to stay – it is a gateway to an authentic French experience, deeply connected to the local community.
Thanks to our close partnerships with local producers, we are able to offer students a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse into the region’s rich culinary traditions. From visiting a goat’s cheese farm and a snail farm to experiencing a cider production tour (with apple juice for the kids, of course!), each stop promises a warm welcome and unforgettable memories.
Highlights of your Food weekend in Normandy
Exciting activities to engage, connect and collaborate with fellow food students
French Market Assignment with Travelbound exclusive activity book
Various activities to taste food and discover the rich culinary traditions of the region
Talk and Q&A with the Head Chef of the Château for an insight into the industry
What to expect?
From 18th to 21st September 2026, we are bringing together KS4 students and teachers from across the UK for a dynamic, hands-on food adventure like no other, at the Travelbound-exclusive Château du Molay in Normandy.
- Dates: 18-21 Sept. 2026
- Location: Château du Molay, Normandy
Throughout the weekend, students will engage in exciting food-based activities and get a unique chance to enhance their learning outside the classroom, while connecting with peers from other schools.
Set in the stunning Château du Molay, the weekend offers access to fantastic facilities, where students can dive into practical activities and gain invaluable insights into the local food culture. Beyond the activities, participants will also have the chance to explore the beautiful Normandy region, discovering its rich culinary heritage, from fresh local produce to sustainable techniques.
What's Included?
- Travel by British coach*
- Full-board accommodation
- 1 free teacher place per 10 students
- Return Channel crossing
- Travel insurance
- 24/7 support during the trip
*Coach sharing with other schools can be arranged
Itinerary
Morning
- Travel from the UK to the Château du Molay (coach pick-ups en route in the UK)
Afternoon
- Welcome meeting and drink.
Evening
- Dinner at the Château
Morning
- Breakfast at the Château
- Market assignment in Bayeux
Afternoon
- Packed lunch
- Afternoon activities
Evening
- Dinner at the Château
- Karaoke / Disco
Morning
- Breakfast at the Château
- Morning activities
Afternoon
- Packed lunch
- Visit a local food producer (e.g. apple juice/cider farm, snail farm, caramel sweet factory or goat’s cheese farm)
Evening
- Dinner at the Château
- After-dinner talk and Q&A with the Château Head Chef
- Campfire / Quiz
Morning
- Breakfast at the Château
- Stop off at a Hypermarket
Afternoon
- Packed lunch
- Return to the UK on coach (staggered drop-off points)
Your accommodation: the Château du Molay
Our exclusive 18th-century Château du Molay can accommodate 195 guests in 42 en-suite bedrooms and is set amongst 38 acres of beautiful private parkland.
Located only 14 kms from Bayeux, within easy reach of the world-famous Calvados coast and just a 45-minute journey from Caen, the Château is in an ideal location for school groups coming from the UK.
Your excursions
Q&A with Head Chef
Meet the Head Chef at the Château du Molay and hear about their experiences working in the food industry, what the different catering jobs at the Château involve, and careers in the food and catering industry. Have some questions ready for a Q&A!
Chèvrerie du Mesnil
Play with the goats, learn about dairy products such as milk and cheese, and try the cheeses at this working goat farm. Students can practice their language skills while learning about the region’s traditional produce and cheese-making process.
Market Assignment
Your group will visit a local French market, bursting with delicious produce. Teams complete an assignment to buy a variety of food items using their French language skills. The items will be used for a food-based activity on their return to the Château.
Château Snails & Mussels Tasting
Your students and staff can opt for a tasting session of snails (escargots) and mussels (moules) before the evening meal. This gives the adventurous ones in the group a chance to taste the famous traditional French delicacies.
Calvados & Cider Farm
Take a trip along the Cider Route with its châteaux, manors, half-timbered houses and apple orchards. This is the heart of the zone known as the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée des Cidres du Pays d’Auge and links about 19 local producers.
Odon Snail Farm
A trip to the Odon Snail Farm is an opportunity to discover the uniquely French tradition of snail farming from field to fork. A guide will walk you through each area of the farm (workshops, parks and laboratory), before offering you a chance to taste the escargots for yourselves.
Learning Outcomes
Subject Focus
Students can:
- Connect with fellow food students
- Expand their knowledge of food beyond the classroom
- Study local methods of farming and food production
- Discover typical French cuisine
- Learn about regional culinary variations
- Learn about the preparation of a selection of French dishes
- Further develop French vocabulary
Student Outcomes
Students will have the opportunity to:
- Meet and exchange ideas with like-minded food enthusiasts
- Develop team skills in workshops and activities
- Gain an appreciation of French cooking styles
- Develop interest and enthusiasm for the country, its culture and language
- Discover the heritage and importance of the region’s food culture
- Test and challenge their own abilities
Interested in our Food Weekend in Normandy?
To find out more about our Food @TheChâteau Weekend or to request a quote, please call our friendly team on 01273 244572 or fill in the quick form below.