Normandy school tour

One of the most popular destinations for schools, tours to Normandy cover a number of subjects, including Languages, History, Art and Cuisine. Normandy’s rich historic past includes Bayeux with its tapestry and the birth place of William the Conqueror.

Plus the Normandy Landing Beaches where the Allies landed to liberate Europe from the Nazis. Other highlights include Mont St Michel, Monet’s house at Giverny, Honfluer, Caen and the cliffs at Etretat. Based in Seine Maritime, Calvados or La Manche.

French language immersion

Normandy is the location for one of our Language Immersion tours. Utilising the fabulous facilities of our Chateau de la Baudonniere, the philosophy of our Language Immersion tours is to create an extension to our normal programme, where cultural visits combine with chateau based activities and all involve using practical spoken French. All groups are accompanied by a French native Tour Manager.

History Excursions back to top

Preceded by air attacks along the French coast and paratroops landing behind enemy lines, the 6th June, 1944 or D-Day marked the start of the Allied Forces invasion of mainland Europe and its liberation from the Nazis.

Bayeux

This visit takes you to the entrancing and ancient city of Bayeaux, with its rich artistic and architectural heritage, including the magnificent medieval cathedral. You can also visit the Bayeux Tapestry, a unique 70m long document, made in the 11th century of woollen embroidery on linen cloth. The tapestry tells the epic story leading up to the Battle of Hastings and the defeat of King Harold by William the Conqueror.

Arromanches and Caen

Arromanches is at the heart of the D-Day Landings. There are museums with vivid and emotive displays, including the famous 360˚cinema with unreleased footage from war correspondents, filmed on D-Day. There is also the Musee du Debarquement in Arromanche des Bains, built on the site of the Mulberry Harbour, with working models and film to explain this incredible technical feat.

The Caen Memorial stimulates thought and debate about the future of the planet, presenting a wealth of material from the 20th century in an innovative way.

St Malo and Dinan

Normandy is rich in towns where every stone is steeped in history, with medieval ramparts perched over picturesque valleys. Two of the finest are St Malo and Dinan.

St Malo has a magnificent cathedral, Wax Museum and the Old Market Hall, shops with local crafts and open markets. It’s also home to one of the largest aquariums in Normandy, where you can ride on a submarine or even touch living fish – a real hands on experience!

Dinan is one of the most attractive medieval walled cities in France. The old town is full of half-timbered houses, churches, castles and cobbled streets overlooking the river Rance. Its fortifications made Dinan an almost impregnable fortress.

Le Mont St Michel

Possibly the most beautiful place in Normandy. Built in the 11th century, the Abbey is a feat of medieval architecture with outstanding and panoramic views over the bay – and its rooms are as impressive as its exterior. As a centre of Christian pilgrimage, the Abbey has been kept in good condition throughout its life. The nearby Maison de la Baie explains the history of Le Mont St Michel with an audiovisual tour.

The adventurous can approach by crossing on the tidal causeway, but wearing shorts is recommended! One of our expert French native guides will be keeping you on course, whilst noting the local flora and fauna, pointing out some of the many points of interest, and explaining about the famous salted sheep.

Local Markets and Beaches

French markets are always lively and colourful. You will see all kinds of stalls, including fruits and vegetables of the season, fresh fish and sea food, and French livestock such as chicken and rabbits. You can join the bustle, buying all kind of souvenirs from French fashion, jewellry and sunglasses, to the traditional Camembert or Normandy cider. You’ll certainly find the ‘hot produce’ stalls with their evocative smells of pancakes, saucisses grillées and more, are impossible to walk by without sampling!

If your group would like have a little R&R and unwind a little, there are many delightful sandy beaches, perfect for an impromptu picnic. One of our French native guides will be happy to organise beach games. Alternatively, your guide can take you on a beautiful coastal walk, and tell you about the wildlife, and the reasons for the rapid transformation of the coastline.

Goats Cheese Farm

Observe all the processes involved in the production of this unique product, culminating in a tasting session.

Art Excursions back to top

Giverny

Monet’s house and gardens which inspired many of his paintings. www.fondation-monet.com

Villedieu les Poeles

Bell and copper foundry.

Cross Curriculum Excursions back to top

Mont St Michel

Taking over 400 years to construct, Mont St Michel is often described as the Eighth Wonder of the World. A place of pilgrimage, Mont St Michel has also served as a prison, fortress against the English and monastery. Not recommended from Seine Maritime.

Cite de la Mer, Cherbourg

Deep sea aquarium and submarine. Not recommended from Seine Maritime. www.cite-de-la-mer.com

Full day to Caen

With two Abbeys, a castle and a good range of shops.

Half day to Granville

Ramparts and citadel. Not recommended from Seine Maritime.

Full day to Paris

Because of driver’s hours, your coach will not be available all day, so you may be required to use the Metro.

Fecamp and Etretat

Fecamp is home of the Benedictine abbey as well as a historic French fishing port. The cliffs at Etretat have been sculpted by the elements into needles, stacks and arches. Not recommended from Seine Maritime.

Honfleur

One of the most picturesque ports in France and possibly the most painted harbour in the world.

Deauville

Smart seaside resort.

Calvados and Cider Production

Various locations around all regions.

 

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