Le voyage en Normandie 2008

If you've been invited to stay in the home of a French friend, consider yourself fortunate! You are about to experience French culture first hand. This is much more educational and exciting than staying in a hotel as a tourist. To make the most of your stay and also increase your chances of being invited back, we offer the following suggestions on how to be an excellent house guest.

Young French girl with bubbles Never arrive empty handed.

No, I don't mean carry your own luggage! I mean be sure to arrive with a small gift for your hosts. It is very important to begin your visit with a gesture that says you appreciate the invitation and acknowledge the trouble they've already gone through to accommodate you. Typical gifts are a box of chocolates, a bottle of liquor or wine - or some item from your home country that is not easy to get in France. If the house you are staying in has young children, it is also nice to remember them with some small toy or even a bottle of bubbles. Although everyone enjoys nice things, the monetary value of the gift is not as important as the gesture behind it. If you arrive empty handed, you begin the stay with an unspoken, imbalanced rapport. Do not forgo this step. Honoring this custom will surely start your visit off on the right foot.

Don't expect your host to play tour guide.

Take responsibility for your holiday. Arrive with an agenda, or at least a brief list of things you'd like to see and do. If there is nothing in particular you'd like to see or do, that is fine too, but do not strain your hosts by imposing on them to entertain you or create an itinerary on your behalf. Do your research in advance. For instance, if you'd like to visit a certain monument, take the time to research how to get there on your own. If in Paris, familiarize yourself with the subway system [1] and busses. If you'd like someone to go with you, invite them cordially, but never presume they will accept nor go with you everywhere. Just because you are on holiday doesn't mean they are. Finally, be courteous and treat your hosts to your absence from time to time throughout your stay. Every family needs a little 'breathing room'. An hour here or there allows them time to relax without you watching, and perhaps catch up on some chores.

Speak for yourself.

Having a native-speaker on your arm as you dine, shop and wander through Paris is a wonderful crutch - but never forget it is in fact a crutch. Do not lean on it too heavily, else it may break. Never impose on your host to order all of your drinks and meals, or to be your on-call interpreter when interacting with sales people. Once in awhile is fine, but a constant habit of it can be exhausting for them. You will become a pest. Make the effort to order things yourself in French. If you are confused about something, try to ask someone nearby. Not only will your friend be appreciative of your willingness to speak for yourself and stand on your own feet, but you will improve your communication skills as well.

Don't presume your host knows everything.

How many times have you entertained friends from another city, only to have them ask you the most ridiculous questions about yours? For instance, "What is the population of San Francisco?" or "How do Californians feel about beekeeping?" You might have an answer for these questions, but you might not. When visiting another country, it's terribly easy to presume the native knows everything about everything from religion, to history, to politics to the every day life of every person. They don't, not anymore than you would. Initiating conversations on various topics is wonderful, but don't treat your host like a living encyclopedia. It's annoying.

In general, being a good guest in a French home is not unlike being a good guest in any home in the world whether it be America or China. Some behaviors translate beautifully in any culture.

Other tips: Don't wander into areas of the home you haven't been shown, but do offer to help with chores or meal preparation and clean up. Be generous and gracious. Before leaving, treat your hosts to a nice meal in a restaurant, especially if they have been cooking for you all week. Surprise the family with a few gourmet items from the food shop, or offer to cook (but don't insist if you feel this offer makes them uncomfortable). Be conscientious of their time and daily schedules. Do not monopolize conversations, impose uncomfortable topics or make loud noises that might disturb other family members or neighbors. Keep your room and bathroom tidy, hang up your towels and come prepared with your own toothbrush, toothpaste and aspirin. Don't try to be 'at home', meaning sloppy. You are not at home. Dress before breakfast unless absolutely no one else does, and even then, consider coming down dressed and groomed anyway. Also, keep in mind that because there is little private space in many French homes, your presence will impact everyone. Try to minimize that impact whenever possible.

Based on these tips, you may suddenly feel the French are highly structured and intolerable! Not so at all. Respect for others and their personal space is key in the French culture. If you offer it, it will be returned to you ten fold. The French make generous, highly sociable hosts who love to entertain and celebrate life with friends. If you are lucky enough to be invited, you've reached a certain level of intimacy with your French family or friend. Respect it! Enjoy it! Be considerate and generous in return, and you can't go wrong.

France Travel

Source URL:
http://www.frenchfriends.info/french_culture/how_to_be_a_good_guest_in_a_french_home

Pour faire du shopping...

Accueil des élèves de Belton et de Carrollton du 10 au 17 juin 2008

· mardi 10 juin

arrivée des élèves américains en fin d’après-midi au collège Balzac

accueil par les correspondants français puis retour dans les familles d’accueil

· mercredi 11 juin

8.00 – 9.50 : cours avec les Troisièmes

10.00 – 12.00 : accueil au réfectoire par M. Roussel, Principal du collège

collation puis visite du collège

12.00 : retour dans les familles d’accueil puis après-midi libre avec le correspondant

· jeudi 12 juin

8.00 – 9.50 : cours avec les élèves de Troisièmes

10.10 : visite du lycée Alain

12.15 : départ pour le Haras national du Pin

visite guidée du Haras à 13.30 puis « Les jeudis du Pin » à 15.00

(présentation d’étalons et d’attelages en musique)

16.45 : retour au collège

· vendredi 13 juin

9.00 – 12.00 : visite guidée de l’Hôtel de Guise, rue Sainte Blaise puis quartier libre en ville.

(bus à 9.12 à l’aller, 11.26 au retour)

12.00 : départ pour Saint Cénéry (l’un des « 100 plus beaux villages de France ») avec les élèves français

pique-nique près de la chapelle puis visite du village

arrêt à la cidrerie La Pommeraie à La Lacelle : visite guidée puis dégustation

16.45 : retour au collège

· samedi 14 et dimanche 15 juin

week-end en famille

· lundi 16 juin

9.00 – 12.00 : réception à la mairie , puis visite de la ville

(bus à 9.12, accueil en mairie à 9.30, retour au collège à pied)

12.00 : départ pour Carrouges

pique-nique dans le verger puis visite guidée du château de Carrouges

arrêt à la Maison du Parc Normandie-Maine : espace d’accueil puis sentier d’interprétation

arrêt à la cathédrale de Sées

16.45 : retour au collège

19.00 : « potluck dinner », soirée repas au collège (familles d’accueil, correspondants français et américains)

· mardi 17 juin

départ des élèves américains en matinée

Liens internet vers les sites visités du 10 au 17 juin 2008

Alençon :

http://www.paysdalencontourisme.com/

http://www.tourisme.fr/office-de-tourisme/ALENCON.htm

Le collège Balzac :

http://www.etab.ac-caen.fr/balzac/

Le lycée Alain :

http://www.etab.ac-caen.fr/alain/

Le Haras du Pin :

http://www.haras-nationaux.fr/portail/uploads/tx_vm19docsbase/plaquette_pin.pdf

http://www.cai-lepin.com/site-du-pin.html

http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haras_du_Pin

L'Hôtel de Guise (Préfecture) à Alençon :

http://www.ville-alencon.fr/alencon.asp?IdPage=10660&id=25498&tp=

Saint Cénéry :

http://vttsi.free.fr/Pages/Page_Pratique/Infos_Tourisme/Infos_SaintCeneri/Infos_SaintCeneri.htm

http://www.saintceneri.org/

http://195.7.104.1/normandy/fr/02ville/S/StCenery.html

Cidrerie La Pommeraie :

http://www.cidreslapommeraie.com/

Château de Carrouges :

http://carrouges.monuments-nationaux.fr/fr/

http://www.jedecouvrelafrance.com/f-977.orne-chateau-de-carrouges.html

http://www.visitorama.com/ppi/61/chateau-carrouges.htm

Cathédrale de Sées :

http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cath%C3%A9drale_Notre-Dame_de_S%C3%A9es

http://diocesedeseez.cef.fr/cathedrale/histoire.htm

LAST RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PARTICIPANTS

INFORMATION FROM THE GROUP LEADER (S):

Day of Departure Meeting Point & Time:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
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TRAVEL DOCUMENTS Prométour is not responsible for participants who are not able to enter their destination

· American Passport / Canadian Passport does NOT require a visa to enter Great Britain or the Schengen Group of countries (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden and Spain)

· Travelers of other nationalities must check if a visa is required with authorities of all destinations on your itinerary - INCLUDING flight entry points prior to final destination (example via England, via United States, via Canada etc.)

· All passports must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the conclusion of your trip in Europe

· Non-American Citizens in possession of a green card must bring it with them in order to return to the United States

· Minors (less than 18 years) in addition to a valid passport & any applicable visas, should have a signed Parental/Legal Guardian Travel Consent Form

INSURANCE

Emergency Medical Insurance covering the length of the group’s stay is included in all tour prices.
Cancellation Insurance is included for trips to Europe & trips to Mexico with flights.
Your Prométour Director & Group Leader(s) will have a copy of the Insurance Policy for your group.
Should an emergency occur and you are not in the company of your Prometour Tour Director contact the insurance company for assistance:

Europe & Mexico by plane (Medical & Cancellation)	Québec & Mexico by bus (Medical Only)
Universal Assist - Policy # HTP 04204	Assured Assistance Inc
Collect: (703) 549-3745	Collect: (905) 816-2561
Toll Free: 1-800-279-5590	Toll Free: 1-800-387-2487

You may be required to pay on site for medical aid - keep all associated receipts & unused travel documents to submit with your claim.

HOTELS AND HOST FAMILIES:

· Parents must have the address and phone number of the hotels and/or host families you will be staying with.

· Room phones, hotel laundry and in-room facilities are to be used at the participant’s expense

· Speak quietly in hotel halls and avoid disrupting the peace of the other guests

· Respect the curfew

POCKET MONEY & CURRENCY EXCHANGE:

· Check the internet for up-to-date exchange rates www.xe.com

· We recommend $25 - $30 USD in pocket money per day in Europe

· We recommend $20 - $25 USD in pocket money per day in Québec / Mexico

· It is always wise to enter a destination with some local currency for first expenses

· It is best to have an ATM card that has been verified with your financial institution that it can be used abroad. You will require a PIN number in order to withdraw local currency from an ATM machine. Advise your financial institution that you intend to use the card abroad to avoid a stop being placed on the card due to unusual activity

· Cash or traveler’s cheques should be in small denominations - You can change money and cash traveler’s cheques at the airport, commercial money exchanges, banks and hotels

· VISA and MasterCard are widely accepted

· In Europe, Prométour currently recommends a 3 Euro tip per day for your tour director and a 1 Euro tip per day for your bus driver (including transfers). Unless stated on your price sheet, tips are not included in the tour package.

· In Canada and Mexico, Prométour currently recommends a US$2.00 tip per day for your tour director and a US$1.00 tip per day for your bus driver (including transfers). Unless stated on your price sheet, tips are not included in the tour package.

LUGGAGE LIMITATIONS FOR ALL TRIPS WITH FLIGHTS:
Checked Luggage

· International flights generally have the same size and weight allowances but may limit the number of pieces that can be checked in. Checked bags are usually limited to 2 pieces, maximum weight of 50 or 70 pounds per bag. The largest piece of luggage cannot exceed 62” in any dimension, and the second piece of luggage cannot exceed 55” in any dimension. International baggage weight allowance can differ depending on the airline and on the destination country. Check with your airline for more information

· As you will be on the move and may have to carry your luggage through airports, on/off buses & up/down stairs, Prométour recommends 1 bag (50-60 lbs) per person for all tours

· Do not pack anything in your suitcase that you may need before your first night on tour Carry On Luggage

· Some U.S. carriers allow 2 carry on bags, not to exceed 22” x 9” x 14”. Airlines based outside of North America may only allow one carry-on bag not to exceed 11 pounds and 22” x 9” x 14”

· Prométour recommends that you bring a small backpack as your 1 small carry-on item

WEATHER CONDITIONS

· Check the internet for up-to-date weather information www.worldweather.org

· We will often be outdoors, dress wisely and comfortably (layers are best)

· Do not wear new shoes

· Bring clothes that would be suitable for rainy conditions

CELL PHONES & PHONE CARDS:

· Verify with your cell phone provider if your cellular phone will function in your destination and the associated costs

· It is generally easier & less expensive to purchase a Local Telephone Card in destination

· Telephone cards are sold at newsstands and convenience shops

· To call the United States from the Schengen Group of countries: 00 + 1 + area code + the number you are calling

· To call the United States from Canada: 1 + area code + the number you are calling

HOW TO CONTACT PROMÉTOUR WHILE ON TOUR
France - Paris Office: 01-55-78-22-58
Spain - Malaga Office: 952-121-690
North America - Montreal Office: 00-1-514-848-7292 / 6157 (Local) (514) 848-7292 / 6157

AND FINALLY………

· This is a school trip and school rules do apply

· Leave a photocopy of your passport at home

· If you hold a student I.D. card bring it with you

· Label your suitcase and camera with your name and address

· All medications should be packed in their original container with affixed prescription

· The night before departure go to bed early and have a good breakfast the next morning

· Participants are always to be seated as soon as they enter a bus and/or train, so attendance can be taken

· When the bus driver, Prométour Director or chaperones give you information, stop talking, face front and listen to instructions

· Keep your bus clean at all times

· Immediately report any illness or injury to the nearest chaperone or Prométour Director

MEXICO Police : 060 Medical Emergency : 060
FRANCE Police : 17 Medical Emergency : 15
SPAIN Police : 091 Medical Emergency : 061
ITALY Police : 112 Medical Emergency :113
BRITAIN Emergency (All) : 999
CANADA/USA Emergency (All) : 911

Itinerary

June 9 2008
	Flight number : 48	Airline : AA - AMERICAN AIRLINES
	From : DFW - DALLAS/FT. WORTH, TX	To : CDG - PARIS, CHARLES DE GAULLE

	AT : 17:10	AT : 09:40+

June 24 2008
	Flight number : 49	Airline : AA - AMERICAN AIRLINES
	From : CDG - PARIS, CHARLES DE GAULLE	To : DFW - DALLAS/FT. WORTH, TX

	AT : 11:40	AT : 15:20

Hotel Information

HOTEL ANNE DE BRETAGNE **
  10 RUE ST THOMAS
  SAINT MALO,
  FRANCE
  PHONE : 02,99,56,18,00
  WWW/EMAIL :

KYRIAD CAEN CENTRE**
  1, PLACE DE LA REPUBLIQUE
  CAEN,
  FRANCE
  PHONE : 02-31-86-55-33
  WWW/EMAIL :

CAMPANILE BASTILLE**
  9 RUE DU CHEMIN VERT
  PARIS,
  FRANCE
  PHONE : 01-43-38-58-08
  WWW/EMAIL : WWW.ENVERGURE.FR/CAMPANILEFR.HTML