Our Castell to château trip 2025

Our international adventure for adults

Our highly anticipated "Castell to Château" trip has come to a close, with happy memories and newly forged friendships across Girlguiding Cymru!

Castle adventure
This unique adventure, building on our leaders' exploration of UK castles such as Castell Coch, Roch Castle, and Powis Castle, culminated in an unforgettable trip to a French château. Our very own Deputy Chief Commissioner, Sarah-Jane Burns, even brought the castle spirit full circle with visits to Ogmore Castle and the iconic Disney Castle in Florida! From Friday 11th to Monday 14th April 2025, leaders from every corner of Wales embarked on a Parisian adventure, swapping the familiar landscapes of our Welsh strongholds for the enchanting charm of a French château.

Planes, trains and automobiles
The Journey itself was the start of the excitement! In true adventurous spirit, our leaders embraced the saying "planes, trains, and automobiles" as they made their way to the French capital. Whether by minibus, car, train, or plane, the anticipation was palpable as everyone set their sights on Paris.

Our destination was the delightful PGL Chateau de Grande Romaine, where the Welsh contingent arrived on Friday evening. The air buzzed with excitement as leaders from Anglesey to Pembrokeshire, and everywhere in between, were introduced to each other. Girlguiding Cymru International Adviser, Carol Waldron, proudly welcomed everyone, sharing the journey of planning this special event and introducing her fantastic task and finish team. The ice was quickly broken with some fun "getting to know you" games expertly led by Kathy Gunner, setting the tone for a weekend of camaraderie.

Paris takeover!
Saturday dawned bright and early, and the adventurers eagerly set off to explore the iconic sights of Paris in their own small teams. The city unfolded before them, with groups taking in the majestic Eiffel Tower, the historic Notre Dame Cathedral, the artistic wonders of the Louvre Museum, the vibrant atmosphere of Montmartre, the stunning Arc de Triomphe, and the bustling Champs-Élysées. Adding to the joy of the day, we were delighted to be joined on the Champs-Élysées by four members from Girlguiding Cardiff and East Glamorgan! They were celebrating a birthday in Paris and were thrilled to connect with the Girlguiding Cymru group for our Parisian exploration, having also shared the magic of Disneyland Paris on the Friday.

That evening, the château echoed with laughter and chatter as the leaders gathered for their evening meal, sharing tales of their Parisian escapades. Some embraced the traditional PGL experience with a fun-filled s'mores making session under the stars, while others took the opportunity to rest their weary feet after a day of sightseeing.

Sunday adventures
Sunday offered a chance for more individual exploration, with Girlguiding Cymru members splitting into various groups to pursue their own interests. One group journeyed to the magnificent Château de-le-Vicomte, immersing themselves in its opulent history and stunning gardens. Another indulged in the delectable delights of a traditional French patisserie in Lesigney, Val D'Europe, savoring the sweet treats and soaking in the local atmosphere. Meanwhile, another group enjoyed a leisurely scenic walk, embracing the charm and ambiance of the French countryside. There was shared laughter, blossoming new friendships, and the creation of truly incredible memories.

Disneyland Paris
Adding a touch of fairy-tale magic to the weekend, a group of Girlguiding Cymru members from Ceredigion and Cardiff & East Glamorgan swapped traditional castles for the enchantment of Disneyland Paris! They were thrilled to be joined by our incredible Girlguiding Cymru Chief Commissioner, Bev Martin, and our very own beloved mascot, Delyth the Dragon! The day was a whirlwind of laughter, thrilling rides, and unforgettable encounters with beloved Disney characters. This special trip marked a remarkable milestone for Bev – her 50th visit to Disneyland!

Sunday evening
Sunday evening back at the château was filled with fun and laughter. The majority of the "Castell to Château" group enthusiastically participated in a lively quiz, testing their knowledge and teamwork. Culinary skills were also put to the test with a crepe-making session, resulting in some delicious (and perhaps some slightly less perfect!) creations. For the more adventurous leaders, there was a special opportunity to sample a French delicacy – escargots (snails)! Meanwhile, the Disneyland adventurers stayed to witness the spectacular fireworks and light show, a dazzling end to their magical day.

The journey home
Monday saw the leaders begin their journeys back to Wales, their hearts full of memories from an unforgettable "Castell to Château" trip to Paris. Just as their arrival was varied, their departures also showcased the diverse travel options, with planes, trains, cars, and the trusty minibus from Pembrokeshire all playing a part in bringing everyone home safely.

For some, the adventure wasn't quite over! Adding extra layers to their experience, one group revisited the iconic sights of Paris, including the world-renowned Louvre Museum, while the leaders from 10th Barry Guides embarked on a delightful "Emily in Paris" walking tour, soaking in the charm of the city through a different lens. Another group made a poignant detour to visit the powerful Memorial of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, a moving reminder of history. We even heard reports of some leaders making the most of their travel time by sewing on their newly acquired badges en route!

We sincerely hope that every leader who joined us on this incredible adventure had a wonderful time!

Our "Castell to Château" trip was a resounding success! Our members from across Wales experienced the magic of Paris, built lasting connections with fellow leaders, and created memories that will undoubtedly be treasured for years to come. We hope that the leaders are inspired to bring their own units on an international adventure.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to the amazing team who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this dream a reality:

• Carol Waldron, our brilliant Girlguiding Cymru International Adviser, whose vision and dedication brought this trip to life.

• Kathy, Caroline & Bev, the dedicated members of the "Castell to Château" Task and Finish team, for their hard work and meticulous planning.

• Amanda, our fantastic First Aider, who ensured everyone stayed safe, healthy, and smiling throughout the adventure!

Your hard work made this trip truly special for every leader involved. Thank you so much for your incredible efforts. Diolch o galon!

So, the question on everyone's lips is... where shall our Girlguiding Cymru adventures take us next?!