Play Bridge & Explore the French Château & Alps
Our base for this wonderful, relaxed bridge holiday is the hugely popular and charming Château des Comtes de Challes. Overlooking mountain peaks and valley in Savoy, this original 15th-century château has been lovingly restored to reflect its history by the family Treves, who will proudly welcome you into their home. We play bridge in the delightful Granier Room of the Orangerie and dine with fine wine on the hotel terraces. Set in 2 hectares of its own land, you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and ancient trees and be mesmerised by the stunning views from the hotel terraces as you relax by the outdoor pool. An excursion to the historic town of Chambery is included on market day. We also include a full day tour to Annecy, the Venice of the Alps, where we enjoy a guided tour of this old town, crossed by numerous canals and bridges, and take a cruise on the lake. Not to be missed is our wine tasting in the cellars of the château.Your Tour Includes
- Return flights from London Gatwick to Geneva. Regional flights from Manchester are available at a supplement
- 7 nights half-board accommodation
- Return airport transfers
- Fine wine with dinner
- Services of our friendly bridge hosts
- Relaxed bridge and interactive seminars
- Masterpoints and prizes awarded
- Full day excursion to Annecy with a guided walking tour and lake cruise
- Wine tasting in the château cellars
- Excursion to Chambery with guided walking tour
- All local taxes and porterage
John and Sarah Barker
Passionate about bridge, John is a fully qualified professional bridge teacher and runs his own bridge club where he also teaches. He has worked within the travel industry all his life - Area Manager for Crystal Ski Holidays in the Alps, photographer on cruise ships, and running his own very successful photography business. He plays regularly for Norfolk and is either playing or teaching bridge nearly every day of the week. Before bridge, John also represented his county at both chess and field hockey.
When Sarah is not playing bridge, she is an independent funeral and wedding celebrant. Prior to this, she has been responsible for all the weddings in Norfolk and was also a school nurse. She brings her people skills and organisation to help make sure everyone has a fabulous holiday.
Itinerary
Fly from London Gatwick or Manchester to Geneva and transfer to the château. Join us for our evening meal on the château terraces with wine included, followed by evening bridge.
Includes Dinner
On day two, we have a welcome meeting followed by a wine tasting in the château cellars.
Play & Explore holidays are suited to intermediate players who wish to learn new skills, and regular players looking for a relaxed holiday with bridge.
Our bridge programmes will vary according to the length of your break, and, in addition to playing bridge, our host will aim to include interactive bridge seminars. Your duplicate bridge will be available every evening between 7:45pm and 11:15pm. We endeavour to vary these evening sessions, balancing between teams and pairs and playing relaxed and friendly bridge. Bridge will also be offered some afternoons between 2:30pm and 4:45pm. These sessions are normally given over to open pairs/teams. Masterpoints are awarded on evening sessions, and on day sessions with over 5 tables. 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, giving the opportunity for you to explore the surrounding area.We visit the old town of Chambery on day 3, enjoying a guided tour of this historic city high in the French Alps. You will then have time at leisure to explore the alleyways and sights and to shop in the weekly market
We spend our sixth day surrounded by breathtaking Alpine scenery in Annecy, known as 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 before returning to port for free time in Annecy centre.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
Depart the château after breakfast for your transfer to Geneva airport and return flight to the UK.
Includes Breakfast
Accommodation
You will stay for 7 nights at the Château des Comtes de Challes.
Château des Comtes de Challes
Ideally located for touring the French Alps, the hotel is only five miles from the town of Chambery and a short walk takes you to the small resort of Challes-les-Eaux, with spa, cafés and shops. The hotel is comprised of three buildings, built around a courtyard which retains much of its original character; with antique artefacts and beautifully furnished public rooms. The hotel has been lovingly restored with the period fireplace and exposed beams in the dining room. Enjoy fine traditional cuisine, where the emphasis is on local produce. Relax by the outdoor pool and on the terrace, which affords magnificent views over the valley and surrounding countryside. The hotel also has its own private chapel and boasts well-appointed rooms which, in keeping with the château, all vary in size and style. The château also has its own historic wine cellar where you'll enjoy a wine tasting session in the 15th century wine cellar. The Treves family will be proud to welcome you to their château.
Hotel Facilities
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General
- 3 Star
- Bar
- Restaurant
Room
- TV
- Hairdryer
- Shower or Bath
- Telephone
Hotel
- Bar
- Restaurant
