Voyager unveils expansion at Moulin Centre: new activities, accommodation & more!
28 Jun 2024, 16:32 by Kate Moore
The Moulin centre is expanding to meet new demand
The new minifarm offers students access to the natural environment
Schools can try archery & other onsite activities from 2025
A new wing will accommodate up to 60 students and teachers
The centre has 22 acres of grounds and a large pond fed by river La Lène
To meet increased demand from schools getting back into the swing of French trips, Voyager School Travel is adding an exciting range of onsite activities, new accommodation and green initiatives to enhance the experience of school groups staying at the Moulin aux Draps centre.
Fantastic new on-site facilities & activities
A full range of supervised language activities will be available at the Moulin centre from 2025. Groups can spend up to a day enjoying these onsite activities as part of their stay:
Aeroball – a thrilling sport combining basketball and trampolining
Bread making – the chance to make delicious French twists
Archery – on the Moulin's new archery range
Orienteering – a fun way to develop navigation skills
Mini-farm – care for the goats, ducks and sheep at the Moulin's smallholding
Drama & circus skills – to unleash their creativity
French lessons – with our trained instructors
As with all Voyagers immersive programmes, all onsite activities are conducted in French by the centre’s experienced animateurs to ensure students not only progress in their language, but have fun during their stay.
New accommodation and indoor activity space
In response to growing demand, two new accommodation wings will be opened in 2025 on land purchased adjacent to the current centre grounds. Designed with school groups in mind, the comfortable facility offers a welcoming home away from home for up to sixty students and teachers. Each room will be equipped with bunk beds, ample storage, and private bathrooms, ensuring a restful stay.
A new indoor activity space is being built in the main Moulin building so that groups can enjoy their French activities whatever the weather.
New environmental initiatives
Research shows that establishing a connection with nature from an early age is essential for fostering a lifelong commitment to protecting the environment.
The centre's expansion provides new opportunities for students to learn in the natural environment and the new mini-farm gives students first-hand experience of caring for animals.
Voyager is committed to sustainably managing its woodlands and natural habitats and is actively working with the French Forestry Commission to rewild the Moulin's meadowland.
Expansion will meet pent-up demand
CEO Nigel English explained that the Moulin’s expansion is in response to increased demand for escorted tours and residentials.
"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to expand the facilities at Le Moulin and accommodate the increased demand for our instructed French programmes.
It’s taken a while for some schools to get back to normal after the pandemic as many experienced teachers retired or left the profession after COVID, leaving fewer teachers with hands-on experience of organising international visits. We're seeing more interest in our residential programmes because our animateurs are there to lead the group and make sure that both students and teachers alike have a successful trip."
More about Voyager's Le Moulin aux Draps centre
The Moulin aux Draps centre is named after the 18th century water mill
Set in a verdant 18-acre estate bounded by La Lène river, the centre is named after the estate’s watermill and the picturesque remains of the 18th century mill house can still be explored today. The centre is conveniently located in Pas de Calais, near the historic town of Desvres, which is famous for its decorative blue pottery.
Previously a 3-star Best Western Hotel, Voyager transformed the Moulin into a comfortable residential centre for schools in 2015. Since then the Moulin’s dedicated centre managers and instructors have refined the programme to provide authentic and immersive French experiences for schools.
