Pony, Sea and Sailing Autumn Camp in Brétignolles-sur-Mer

A multi-activity autumn holiday camp for children aged 6 to 12, built around three things the site makes possible: the ocean, the ponies that live at the centre, and large enclosed grounds. Sailing sessions teach children to steer and navigate; shore fishing takes them out among the rocks to look for crabs, winkles and other marine finds; pony time covers brushing, feeding and care as well as riding with rides and small equestrian games. A tree-top adventure outing and the rehearsal and performance of a group show of theatre, dance and music complete the week.

The rate covers the stay at the centre, accommodation, all meals and the full activity programme. Supervised travel to the centre by train or coach from a choice of departure cities is charged as a supplement, listed separately; families who bring their child to the centre themselves pay the base rate. A health record form and a copy of the vaccination record are required before departure.

Children are accommodated at Les Gatinelles, the operator's own centre, in rooms of four to five beds. The grounds are enclosed, planted with pines, and the beaches are a few minutes' walk away. The centre is open all year and takes groups of many kinds; its stated capacity is 120 people.

Meals are prepared on site: they are cooked by the centre's own cook; some meals are prepared together with the activity leaders, so children take part in the kitchen as well.

Sailing, beach days for swimming and games, shore fishing, pony care and riding, and a tree-top adventure outing. Children also build a show together — inventing a story, making the set and performing it for the whole camp. Each day carries grand games, themed days and evening activities: treasure hunts, challenges, fancy-dress evenings, storytelling and nights under the stars.

The centre has a football pitch, a basketball court, a minigolf course, several play areas and an educational farm, set in six hectares of enclosed grounds. Two rooms are available for classes and indoor activities. Many activities nearby are reached on foot or by bicycle along secure cycle paths.

Supervision runs at one adult for every eight children, with a director holding the French BAFD qualification, a leader qualified in first aid (PSC1) and a swimming supervisor. Children arrive at the centre in the late afternoon of the first day and leave in the morning of the last.