Since 2004 the school has owned a chalet in the Alps. It is located in the Savoie region in the small village of Hauteville Gondon which is on the outskirts of Bourg St Maurice just below the famous ski resort of Les Arcs.

All children have the opportunity to visit the chalet twice during their time at Abberley Hall and experience the French way of life first hand. Their first visit is at the age of nine and takes place during the summer term. They stay for two and a half weeks and spend their time living and learning about a different country. At the age of eleven they visit again, this time during the autumn term.

The chalet provides an ideal base for a multitude of different activities, lessons and language opportunities. Mornings are devoted to formal French lessons. The children are encouraged to put their language skills into practice at the table during meal times, when we use a local guide or instructor and when we visit the market or the town. The children have a different activity every afternoon, some of which are cultural and some physical but all of which relate to the Savoie and the mountains. They are chosen according to the time of year and the weather conditions and will include any local events whenever possible.

Typical activities may include:
• local history dating back to Roman times
• study of glaciers
• comparison of lifestyle, countryside and architecture with those in England
• hydroelectricity and the Barrage de Tignes
• tourism and construction of ski resorts
• a guided tour of a local Baroque church
• visits to local museums
• local fêtes
• production of local cheeses
• preparation of a French meal with our local chef Magali
• mountain walks and a hike with Olivier, our mountain guide
• study of local mountain animals and plants
• rock climbing with a qualified instructor
• cycling
• recreational activities such as bum boarding, swimming, sports and visits to the park

The small numbers allow for intensive teaching and a superb opportunity for learning.
Living together gives the children the opportunity to learn much more about each other and also themselves. They gain respect and tolerance for others and improve their own self esteem and independence.

The time spent in the Alps is a unique experience at this age and gives an unrivalled opportunity for the children to broaden their outlook on life.

The visits to the chalet will leave the children with lasting memories!