Don't miss these local seasonal highlights on your next school trip to Normandy

Experience authentic Normandy with these local cultural events

With three residential centres in Normandy, our local teams know exactly where to find authentic Normandy experiences. Our French team share their top picks of seasonal festivals and cultural events to help your students discover the true spirit of Normandy. 

To experience Normandy like a local, make sure to plan your school trip to Normandy around one of these seasonal regional highlights:

September

• Dieppe Kite Festival (every two years), this magical experience will enthral your students as thousands of kites take to the sky, a truly magnificent spectacle that draws visitors from all over the world.
• Normandie Impressionniste Festival (every few years) celebrates the Impressionist movement with exhibitions and events across Normandy, including in Honfleur, Le Havre, and Rouen. It's a great way for art students to explore the region's close links to the movement.

 October

• Fêtes Normandes, Caen – a wonderful opportunity to celebrate all things Norman! This festival is an opportunity for your students to taste all that the Normandy region has to offer from delicious cheeses to freshly caught scallops. Ideal for groups studying French or food tech.
• The FENO (Festival de l’Excellence Normande), Rouen, showcases the best of everything Normandy has to offer from artisan crafts to local produce — ideal for exploring Normandy’s identity and economic life.

November

• Visit one of the region’s seasonal festivals, Normandy has a regional timetable of apple, cider, scallop and seafood festivals throughout the month — ideal for groups studying French, food tech, or geography.

December

• Normandy undergoes its annual transition into winter wonderland, from Christmas Markets to the Rouen Christmas parade, you cannot fail to get wrapped up in the magic of the festive season in Normandy. A great way to experience French Christmas customs.

January  

• See the towns and villages across Normandy illuminated and enjoy the stunning light show inside Bayeux’s magnificent cathedral.  

February / March

• Granville Carnival, the highlight of the Normandy calendar, is a five-day celebration of wonderful colours, vibrant costumes and confetti fights! An authentic insight into local culture that is not to be missed, the annual always finishes on the Tuesday of Mardi Gras.

March

• Architecture Month sees exhibitions and workshops across the region focused on sustainability, design, and heritage — a unique angle for art, design, or geography students.

May

• Fête du Fromage, Pont-l’Évêque is a cheese festival in one of Normandy’s most charming towns. Students can try local specialities, practise their French, and learn about regional agriculture.

June

• Commemorating the historic Normandy landings, the D-Day Festival includes parades, concerts, and reenactments along the coast, from Pegasus Bridge to Sainte-Mère-Église. It's a poignant educational experience for WWII history students.

Get in touch with our Normandy experts today for more tips and advice.

Normandy planning resources 

1. Wondering what to include in your Normandy itinerary? These Normandy Destination Guides reveal the top educational visits and excursions in Upper and Lower Normandy.
2. Read why teachers love Normandy as a school trip destination.
3. Find the right Normandy centre - use our handy tool to discover which of our French residentials is best for your group.
4. Take a look at our range of French Immersion, D-Day and Escorted trips to Normandy, staying either at Voyager's residential centres or partner accommodation.