The France Camp Experience 2024
French Foil/Epee Fencing Camp July 28 to August 6 Vichy, France
An adventure for the entire family with enrichment beyond the blade
Back by popular demand, Way of the Sword welcomes you to our 3rd annual France Camp to be held again in Vichy, France. It's more than just a fencing camp but an adventure for the entire family. Bring your blade, French-English dictionary, and your appetite and experience one of the most beautiful regions of France as you draw your sword with French national coaches and their students.
Last year was a huge success as families, fencers, and coaches from both the U.S. and France shared their love of fencing and French culture. Everyone had a wonderful time, from single fencers to larger families who forged new and lasting friendships along the way. Perhaps most notable was the community created as parents and siblings came together to enjoy daily excursions while their athlete trained. After practice the fun continued with extraordinary impromptu meals whether at small outdoor cafes or Michelin-rated restaurants. On any given day, families could be heard at dinner recounting tales of the best baguette, shopping, art, wine, and surprising discoveries.
This extended eight-day, two-weapon (foil, epee) camp includes expert fencing instruction, conditioning, and competition. Camp is led by Coach Coumba Ndofene, Maitre d’armes au stade Clermontois Escrime, Head Coach Ibrahima Ndiaye of West Point Military Academy, Way of the Sword Owner Michael Martin, and special guest Master Jean Paul Chevalier. This camp promises to provide fencers with a wonderfully engaging, inspiring, and culturally diverse experience.
Trip Details (need to know)
Location: Omnisport National Training Center - Vichy, France.
This is a very large well equipped facility, with older buildings but updated interiors, catering to athletes from around the world. The park is huge with miles of track and field as well as water sports. In fact, last year we were there during the World Series of Jet Skiing. Wild fun!
The dorms, cafeteria, and fencing studio are all within walking proximity of each other. There is also an amazing promenade with excellent restaurants around the lake.
Who:
Novice to advanced fencers ages 7+ (breakout groups will be created based on skill level and age).
What is it all about?
A fencing-focused French vacation for the whole family. Enrichment beyond the blade typically starting with flying into Paris, visiting, then taking a train ride to Vichy. Many parents plan vacation around the camp dates, arriving early and/or staying later. Note: This year the Olympics are in Paris so plan ahead!
When:
July 28, 2024 - Aug. 6, 2024 (10 days) if you are staying on campus
July 29, 2024 - Aug. 5, 2024 (8 days) if you are living off campus
Family waterpark fun:
We will take the kids to a waterpark on the lake at least once but more if the weather is good. This is in walking distance to the fencing studio and is a great way to cool off and have FUN. There is a $10 euro fee to participate.
Insurance:
Parents should arrange their own travel insurance. We do not offer any coverage with this camp and it is unproven that USA Fencing members are covered internationally for fencing activities.
Camp minimum:
Typically, we require a minimum of 20 campers to run this program (In the last two years we had no problem making those numbers). Purchase your camp enrollment and optional room and board package first, but hold off on purchasing airline tickets until we notify you. You will receive 100% refund in the unlikely event that we have to cancel camp.
Passports:
Passports are required if you are not a French citizen! Check your expiration date now! You can get expedited service from the US Passport at your local post office).
Fencing equipment:
Bring your own fencing uniform and electrical gear (non-FIE is ok). The studio has a repair shop but you will need to bring your own supplies like extra tips, springs, wires, sockets etc. Coaches are happy to help fix equipment on the spot.
Travel:
Flight and travel are additional costs and not included with your camp fees. Typically, families fly into Paris and take the train or rent a car to Vichy. However, other options do exist which include shorter distances by flying into Lyon or Clermont-Ferrand. Coach Mike can help you plan your travel as we are familiar with the various routes. On July 28 we will have a van to shuttle those staying on campus to the dorms for check in. Those choosing to live off campus must find their own way to their respective accommodations.
Lodging:
You have two options: Families can live on campus with all meals provided or live off campus. On campus, dorms are simple, clean and convenient, but not luxury. There is no A/C but fans will be provided. Dorms are double occupancy but there are a few with triple occupancy (first come, first serve). Each room has its own private bath, bedding, sheets, and towels. There is also a pay laundry room on campus. Campers 13+ have the option to live on campus without their parents.
Meals:
If you stay on campus by purchasing the room and board package then all three meals will be provided. The food is excellent, this is France after all. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in the large cafeteria where all the athletes gather (It is very cool to be in proximity of World Cup and Olympic athletes from many different sports).
Communications:
Every morning and afternoon we will have live in-person meetings to discuss plans and answer questions. We also have an active Whatsapp chat group to communicate so everyone can connect before, during, and after the trip. Join the group here
Need a virtual SIM card? Download the app AIRALO and use the code MICHAE9299 and save US $3 on your first purchase. This app does not require you to physically remove your SIM card from your phone. We have used it each year and the coverage is great. Note: Using a virtual SIM will give you a temporary French phone number for cell calls, but your data and apps will all work the same. In short, I use Whatsapp, Facetime, or Google Voice to make phone calls to the USA.
Money is in EURO:
USD is not accepted anywhere in France. We recommend you plan for a combination of credit card and euro cash. Before departing, your local bank can likely arrange for you to have euros in hand. This is better than trying to exchange at the airport, in my opinion. Alternatively, cash machines are everywhere but there will be a fee with each withdrawal. Tapping cards and Apple Pay work here as well but cash is always king.
Cancellation policy:
If we do not make our minimum of 20 campers, you will receive a full refund on your camp fees (Again, DO NOT buy airline tix until we notify you).
All other refund request must be received in writing no later than May 15, 2024 to be honored. Sadly, after May 15th we are committed to our vendors, and no refunds can be issued past this date.
Fun for the whole family
Q & A
More questions? Coach Mike will call you right back.
Purchase Online. You will receive a welcome package shortly after.
Fencing Camp (Foil & Epee)
- Fencing camp with French fencers and National Coaches. 8 days of camp July 29 to Aug. 5 .
Room and Board Package
- Optional: Price per person. On-campus dorm rooms, double or triple occupancy with fans (no A/C). Plus all meals prepared by French chefs on campus for 10 days July 28 to Aug. 6. The rooms are basic dorms, the food is cafeteria style and is the same chefs preparing for the Olympic teams training at this location.
NOTE: We do not have an official "host hotel" because every family has a different situation. Vichy is a small city and you can drive, walk or ride a bike into the main town from the sports complex (check google maps to see exact distances). Last year 50% of parents selected to live off campus and found it to be a wonderful experience. Everyone was able to meet up for meals and fun easily. Here are some map suggestions from Booking.com. In short, you can not go wrong picking a hotel that is near the lake. The area is magnificent.
FYI...many parents stayed at the Vichy Celestins Spa Hotel and had good things to say.
