Bridge at the Château Des Comtes De Charles, French Alps
This First for Bridge holiday is both something special and a little unique. The 15th-century Château des Comtes de Challes is situated in the Rhone Alps, with stunning views over the valley and mountain peaks from its terraces – making this a very popular holiday with our guests. A short 10 minute walk will take you into the centre of Challes-les-Eaux, which is a spa and resort town situated in the valley of the Bauges close to Chambery. Here you can take a bath in the sulphur rich waters of the thermal baths or chance your luck at the casino, or take a leisurely walk through the park or around the lake. There is a small selection of shops in the typical French town that include a patisserie, boulangerie, tabac, bank & supermarket and a couple of cafes and pizzeria. There are many beautiful walks in this region and Monsieur Treves, a former member of the French Olympic Ski Team, is more than happy to advise. It is also famous for its wine and the Château's sommelier will introduce you to its grand selection of wines on a tour of the cellars with a tasting of 3 different wines. We play bridge in the Granier Room in the Orangerie which can accommodate up to 20 tables. Included to enhance your holiday: A visit to Chambery where you can shop on market day and have a guided tour of this historical old town with its cathedral and narrow alleyways, Piedmont-inspired mansions and picturesque squares. We spend the day surrounded by breathtaking Alpine scenery in Annecy known A Venice of the Alps. On our morning guided walking tour you will discover many interesting buildings. Including the imposing 12th century Palais de L'isle situated in the middle of the River Thiou, as we wander through the old town crossed by numerous canals. During the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the lake. Optional excursion to Aix-les-Bains which includes a boat trip on Lake Bourget to Hautecombe Abbey where we have a guided audio tour of this impressive Benedictine monastery, which for centuries was the burial place of the members of the House of Savoy. Admire the unique neo-gothic architecture, frescoes and marble sculptures and the outstanding Grange Batelierel. Followed by free time at the Grand Port of Aix les Bains for shopping. This tour can be booked locally for £60, subject to minimum numbers.Your Tour Includes
- Return flights from London Heathrow to Geneva (Manchester available at a supplement)
- Airport transfers to and from Geneva airport
- 9 nights' half-board accommodation
- Services of an EBU-qualified director and bridge host
- Varied bridge programme with sessions and seminars
- Masterpoints and prizes awarded
- Excursion to Annecy with guided tour and boat trip
- Guided tour of Chambery on market day
Mark Hooper
Mark is a bridge Premier Life Master, having played competitively for over 30 years. After retiring from a career in IT, Mark has been able to indulge his passion for bridge. While allowing time to play more bridge, he also threw himself in to other aspects such as bridge directing and teaching.
He is an EBU-qualified tournament director, and an EBU-accredited bridge teacher, teaching beginners at his local bridge club. Mark continues to play lots of bridge at a high level, having represented Dorset in major competitions such as the Tollemache, the Corwen and the Pachabo. He can be seen at most of the major bridge congresses across the South of England.
Itinerary
Fly from London Heathrow to Geneva with our flight inclusive package. Departures from Manchester may also be available for an additional supplement. On arrival in Geneva, your transfer will also be included and will take approximately 1 hour, 30 minutes.
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
At the start of your Bridge holiday you’ll be invited to join our Bridge director and host for a welcome meeting in the hotel. Any single travellers will have the opportunity to find a partner for the Bridge room. Our Bridge programmes will vary according to the length of your break, and, in addition to playing Bridge, we try to include interesting Bridge seminars, hosted by your Bridge Director. Your duplicate Bridge will be available every evening between 7.45pm and 11.15pm and we endeavour to vary these evening sessions, balancing between teams and pairs, with at least one Swiss style event during a two-week Bridge break. Bridge will also be offered some afternoons between 2.30pm and 4.45pm. These sessions are normally given over to open pairs/teams. During your Bridge holiday nothing is obligatory and you can play in as many, or as few, Bridge sessions as you wish. We don’t forget you are on holiday and our Bridge programmes also allow time to relax and the opportunity for you to explore the surrounding area.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
Return home.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
Accommodation
You will stay for nine nights at the Château des Comtes de Challes.