YOUR STAY & ACCOMMODATIONS
Is it really free?
Yes. Your stay is fully covered by our ministry, with no fees or donations required. Guests are responsible for arranging and paying for their own travel to and from the ministry, including any airfare, train tickets, or rental-car expenses.
What is there for kids to do?
Children can enjoy our outdoor play area, which includes swings, a playhouse, a flying fox, and hammocks. Arts and crafts are also available. Families may independently explore a 1,000-year-old medieval castle ruin just one block from the house, along with many beautiful nature walks in the surrounding area.
Is there a pool?
Yes, we have a pool available for guests to use. It's a great spot for relaxation and fun, open during the warmer months.
Do you have baby needs?
Absolutely! We provide essential baby items such as pack n play, baby bath, high chairs, and stroller. If you have specific needs, please let us know in advance, and we'll do our best to accommodate them.
Is the water drinkable?
Yes, the water at Chateau ClaireFontaine is completely safe and drinkable.
What’s the meal arrangement?
Meals are served community-style, fostering a sense of fellowship among our guests. Breakfast is self-service and available from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. Lunch is served at noon, and dinner is served at 6:00 p.m. We cater to dietary needs, so please fill out any dietary restrictions or preferences in advance, and our kitchen staff will accommodate them.
I have a serious food allergy. Can you accommodate my dietary needs?
Yes. We are glad to accommodate serious food allergies and medically necessary dietary restrictions. Please tell us as early as possible—ideally on your stay request form or by emailing us well before your arrival—so we have time to plan and prepare appropriately. You are never a bother by letting us know; advance notice is genuinely helpful and makes accommodating your needs much easier. While we may not be able to accommodate every personal food preference, we truly want to know about allergies and medically necessary restrictions in advance.
What are the room arrangements?
Our private guest rooms accommodate different family sizes and needs. They are not dormitory-style rooms, and guests from different parties are never placed together in the same bedroom. When space allows, we try to provide families with more than one bedroom, often connected by adjoining doors. Please note that bedrooms do not have private toilets or en-suite bathrooms; bathrooms are shared with other guests.
Are there animals at the house?
Yes, we have our beloved poodle, Teddy, who is an emotional support dog. He is hypoallergenic, very friendly, and loves to interact with guests. Teddy helps create a warm and welcoming environment. We also have chickens that provide us with fresh, delicious eggs. Many young children enjoy watching them from outside the coop and feeding them grass.
REST, SUPPORT & EXPECTATIONS
What are your expectations of us?
We hope that you come with an open heart and mind, ready to rest, renew, and engage with the support offered. We ask that you respect the community environment and communicate any specific needs or concerns during your stay. We truly expect and encourage you to rest. Guests are not assigned work duties, cleaning jobs, or chores; your time here is meant for genuine rest and renewal. Parents and guardians remain responsible for the care and supervision of their children throughout the stay, as childcare is not provided by our staff team.
How much time does counseling/life coaching take?
Counseling and life coaching sessions are tailored to fit your needs. Participation is entirely optional, and guests will never be pressured to receive counseling or coaching. After arrival, guests who would like support are invited to reach out to our staff when they feel ready so we can discuss the type of support they would like and how frequently they would prefer to meet. Typically, sessions last about one hour each, and the frequency can be adjusted based on your preferences and the guidance of our counselors. Guests are often given exercises or homework to complete independently between sessions. We strive to provide flexible support that fits into your restful stay.
GETTING HERE
Where are you located?
We are located in France’s Grand Est region, and our closest train station is Neufchâteau. For privacy and safety, we do not publish our exact town or address. Approved guests receive the full address and arrival details before their stay.
Which airports should we consider?
Guests commonly fly into Luxembourg Airport (LUX, Luxembourg; about a 2½-hour drive), EuroAirport Basel–Mulhouse–Freiburg (BSL/MLH, France; about a 3-hour drive), Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG, France; about a 4-hour drive), Paris Orly Airport (ORY, France; about a 4-hour drive), or Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport (LYS, France; about a 3½-hour drive). From the airport, you may continue by train or rent a car. Driving times are approximate and may vary with traffic, weather, and route conditions. Because routes and schedules vary, please compare options for your travel dates before booking.
Can you pick us up from the train station?
Yes. We provide complimentary pickup from Neufchâteau or Chaumont between 4:00 and 9:00 p.m. On departure day, station drop-off is available between 7:00 and 10:00 a.m. Please coordinate your train plans with us in advance so we can confirm the arrangements.
Should we rent a car?
If you are able to rent a car, we recommend it. A car gives you the greatest flexibility to explore the surrounding area during your stay. However, a rental car is not required; we are also happy to arrange pickup and drop-off at Neufchâteau or Chaumont within our scheduled times.
SUPPORTING FUTURE STAYS
Can I make a tax-deductible donation to help provide future missionary stays?
Yes, but donations are not required or expected. Your tax-deductible gift helps make restorative stays possible for future missionaries and their families. You can donate securely here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/help-us-serve-more-missionary-families
