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Camp Chateau
Summer Camp for Women
Created by Women for Women
Why
The Why, When & How to visit...
This triple SHE certified start-up is on a mission to provide women with a joyful, tranquil and rejuvenating, all-inclusive adult summer camp experience. It's an opportunity to reset by experiencing fun activities, while staying at a chateau in France, indulging in French cuisine, and forming connections with interesting women from around the world.
When
How
Camp Chateau is located in Beduer, a small historic, medieval town, a 5+ hour drive south of Paris and north of Barcelona and 2 hours mostly north of Toulouse. The large international airports in Barcelona (BCN) and Paris (CDG) are each ~5.5 hours+ drive away.
Camp Chateau is open for Summer Camp sessions starting late June through mid-September (varies). The first 2 sessions are Founders Weeks for Founding Members to attend. Each session is for 5 nights, 6 days with check-in at 3pm on Tues and check-out at 11am on Sun.
The closest major international airport is in Toulouse (TLS), a 2 hour drive. Other smaller, closer airports include Rodez and Brive Souilac (60-75 min away). There are connecting trains available to the closest train station in Figeac that take a minimum of 6 hours from Paris Austerlitz and 2.5 hours from Toulouse Matabiau. Pick-up from the nearby airports and train stations is offered for an additional cost. Pick-up from the neighboring Figeac, Capdenac and Assier train stations is free.
Where
to stay...
1) Camp Chateau - A 13th century medieval chateau fort totaling 13,000 sf on 20 acres with 2.5 acres of gardens and 2 outdoor pools overlooking the Cele valley in the Quercy region. Campers can choose from a shared room inside the chateau with up to 7 roommates (typically 4) or an outdoor glamping tent for 2. Each camper has a twin bed and side table with under-the-bed storage and hanging space for clothes. Wifi is available in the salon of the chateau. The stay includes all on-property meals & wine and activities, except for massages. For more information and the ability to book, click here.
If staying in Toulouse or Paris before and/or after Camp Chateau, check out:
In Toulouse:
2) Hotel Les Capitouls Toulouse Centre - Hotel Les Capitouls opened in June 2023 part of Accor's Handwritten Collection. The hotel is conveniently located a short walk from the Toulouse train station and near one of the bus stops, providing transportation to and from the Toulouse airport. The hotel has a bar that doubles as the reception area and breakfast room. Decor is a mix of flower wallpaper and Manchester 90's music inspiration. Rooms are comfortable with a Nespresso machine to start the morning with a caffeine boost. More details on the hotel with the ability to book is accessible here.
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In Paris: For ideas on where to stay and what to do in Paris before or after, click here.
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For more information and the ability to become a Founding Member and/or attend camp, check out the Camp Chateau website here.
What
Do
to...
1) Choose Your Own Adventure - Each day, campers have instructed activities to choose from to fill 3 optional activities, plus a group activity across culture, nature, culinary, fitness, and art. Some activities include: hiking, flower pressing, candle making, jewelry making, photography, painting, wine & cheese tasting, cooking, horseback riding, kayaking, yoga, badminton, games, and dancing. Massages are also available for an additional cost. There are also 2 outdoor pools and lots of space indoors & outdoors to spend time however you like. Evenings consist of movies, concerts, campfires and stargazing.
My favorite activities included: making a candle and bath bombs with lavender from the garden (providing a great Camp Chateau souvenir), wine tasting, yoga, and hiking. *Fun fact: part of the famous pilgrimage of The Camino de Santiago passes by the property for an opportunity to walk on part of the grounds.
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2) Explore Figeac - One of the excursions provides the opportunity to visit the neighboring town of Figeac on Saturday morning when the weekly market occurs. Figeac is another medieval town with buildings dating back to the 13th century and a population of approx. 10,000. It has much to offer and explore for a small, historic town with a bustling weekly market on Saturdays, along with many restaurants & shops. The market contains stalls selling produce, cheese, dried meats, macaroons, olives, clothes, jewelry, etc. to pick up some souvenirs or food to add to your picnic lunch.
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3) ​Relax & Rejuvenate - A visit to Camp Chateau provides the chance to unplug, relax and rejuvenate. So whether that's by spending time laying by or floating in the pool, resting in a hammock, strolling the grounds, reading, or painting, there are plenty of opportunities to reset.
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4) ​Make Lasting Friendships - Attending Camp Chateau provides the opportunity to meet and form friendships with women from all over the world. Becoming a Founding Member also includes the ability to attend camp annually to reconnect with women year-after-year and meet new ones.
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5) ​Have Fun - With all the activities available and wonderful group of women to meet, it's difficult not to have fun at Camp Chateau.
Eat
Delicious French cuisine made by the in-house French Chef using locally sourced products. Breakfast typically includes croissants, baguettes, fruit & coffee on the terrace. Lunch is provided as a picnic to enjoy on the grounds with your roommates, including salad, charcuterie and dessert. Dinners are 3-course meals with a salad, traditional French entree & dessert with wine.
Drink
French wine & champagne through wine tastings, aperitifs on the terrace, picnic lunches, and grand dinners. *If of legal drinking age to drink responsibly
Wear
Chateau Casual Chic.
See Packing List.
Read
Kathleen McGurl
Listen
"Le château" by
Ginger Root
Gift
Click here for Gift ideas
Packing List
-T-shirts & l/s
-Shorts & pants
-Athletic wear
-Dinner Attire
-Undergarments
-Socks
-PJs & light Robe
-Toiletries
-Athletic Shoes
-Sandals
-Dressier Shoes
-Shower Shoes
-Swimsuits
-Sunhat
-Sunglasses
-Sunscreen
-Water Bottle
-Belt bag & clutch
-Bug Repellent
-[Rain Gear]
-Charger
-Passport
-Euros
-Anything else?
France strictly enforces the liquid limits for a carry-on going through airport security to limit each liquid, aerosol, gel, cream and paste to 100 ml (3.4 oz), which must all fit into a 1 liter clear bag to be placed separately in the security bin. This includes any liquid-like or canned food items brought through security, like condiments. Purchasing items in the airport after security mitigates any potential size limits.