From Train to Télécabine: The First Challenge of the Year
Last weekend marked the first Beau Soleil Challenge of the new school year, as students took on the Train to Télécabine Challenge, a 10km trail run or hike through the mountains surrounding our home in Villars.
It is the first of seven Challenges that will take place throughout the year. There is, of course, a competitive element, but the Beau Soleil Challenge Series has always been about much more than crossing the finish line first.
It is about trying something new, doing something difficult and being willing to step outside your comfort zone. For some students, that means pushing for the fastest time. For others, simply completing the route is the challenge. What matters is having the courage to take part and experiencing the sense of achievement that comes from discovering you are capable of more than you thought.
A tradition spanning generations
Challenges like these have been part of Beau Soleil life for more than 35 years, with their roots closely connected to the educational philosophy that has shaped the school throughout its history.
Founded in 1910, Beau Soleil was led across three generations by the de Meyer family. Building on the school's original philosophy of educating both mind and body, former owner and Director Jérôme de Meyer believed strongly in giving young people opportunities to challenge themselves, try new things and experience situations that took them beyond what felt comfortable.
That ethos can still be felt in our Challenges today.
They may be what we would now describe as "Type 2 fun", experiences that do not necessarily feel fun every moment you are doing them, but leave you with an enormous sense of achievement afterwards.
There is also something special about doing something difficult together. Along the route, students encourage one another, make new connections and share the highs and lows of the experience. The camaraderie and school spirit that emerge are every bit as important as the physical challenge itself.
It is a tradition that stays with our students long after they leave Beau Soleil. Over the years, alumni have returned to take part in Challenges alongside current students, continuing something they first experienced during their own time at the school.
More than 35 years later, we are proud to continue celebrating the ethos and giving each new generation of students the opportunity to challenge themselves, step outside their comfort zones and experience that unmistakable feeling of knowing: I did it.
And this was only the beginning. Next up, the Obstacle Course.
Enjoy the video and relive the first Beau Soleil Challenge of the year.
Discover more
IB Success for Class of 2026
The Class of 2026 at Beau Soleil International School has once again demonstrated exceptional achievement in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. With an average score of 35 points and a highest score of 45/45, our graduates continue to perform well above the global average. Their success reflects not only academic excellence, but also perseverance, ambition, and a truly global outlook. Graduates have received offers from leading universities including New York University, Vanderbilt University, the London School of Economics and Political Science, Imperial College London, UCLA, USC, and many more around the world.
A Warm Welcome to Our New Students at Beau Soleil
Welcome to Beau Soleil and discover how we welcomed our new students and families to Villars for two sunny days of introductions, activities and new beginnings.
The Beau Soleil Podcast – Episode 3: What does art teach us that other subjects cannot?
In Episode 3 of The Beau Soleil Podcast, Grade 12 Visual Art students join our Art Faculty Lead Carla Meisel and Dr Paul Lynch for a conversation that moves far beyond exhibitions, technique or assessment.
From vulnerability and artistic identity to politics, emotion and self-expression, this episode explores how art education engages something deeper within us — memory, experience and the courage to create.
What is Model United Nations?
Discover what really happens inside Model United Nations as members of the Beau Soleil MUN club share their experiences of debate, diplomacy, collaboration, and fast-paced crisis committees. From representing different countries to thinking under pressure, students explain why MUN is far more than just public speaking.
Dance Showcase at Beau Soleil
Beau Soleil students took to the stage in a vibrant Dance Showcase featuring ballet, jazz, contemporary and hip hop performances.
Learning Beyond the Classroom: Grade 11 HL Physics at CERN
Our Grade 11 Higher Level Physics students recently visited CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, one of the world’s leading centres for particle physics research and scientific collaboration.
This educational trip allowed students to experience cutting-edge research in action while strengthening their understanding of key IB Physics concepts.
From Train to Télécabine: The First Challenge of the Year
Discover the Beau Soleil Challenge Series, a tradition spanning more than 35 years that encourages students to step outside their comfort zones, challenge themselves and achieve something together.
End of Winter Reflections: A Season with the Off Piste Club
From powder-filled descents to technical alpine terrain, this winter’s Off Piste Club has taken students beyond the pistes, building skills, confidence, and a true spirit of adventure.
Beau Soleil Student Wins Global Campus Writing Competition
Beau Soleil student Lolowa has been named the overall winner in the 14+ category of the Nord Anglia Global Campus Writing Competition. Chosen from over 4,282 entries across 89 schools worldwide, her story Rook Lantern and the Whispering Root impressed judges with its vivid imagination and exceptional use of language.
The Beau Soleil Podcast – Episode 2: Kilimanjaro and Lessons from the Mountain
What happens when a group of students attempt to climb Africa’s highest mountain — and don’t reach the summit?
In this episode, students Bella and Momo join our Head of PE and Sport Science, Ms King, to reflect on their recent Mount Kilimanjaro expedition and the difficult decision to turn back when weather conditions made it unsafe to continue.
Admissions
We’re delighted that you’re interested in joining the Beau Soleil family. Your journey starts with our expert Admissions Team, who will guide you through the process – from helping you submit your application form to arranging a guided tour.
Our school – which is home to around 300 students – is small but diverse. This means places are limited, and we’d encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
