This WWII school history tour follows in the footsteps of the Allied forces who landed on the Normandy beaches in June 1944. From the D-Day beaches and museums to cemeteries and memorials, students gain a deeper understanding of one of the most significant turning points of the war. Tour includes optional expert guides and the opportunity to stay at Voyager's own residential centre in Normandy.
Using more than 20 years’ experience operating school trips in Normandy, Voyager will help you create an unforgettable WWII history tour, specially tailored to your needs. Our experts offer support throughout the planning process and during your trip, with opportunities to enrich the D-Day itinerary with some local French culture.
To gain even more from the tour, include a dedicated history guide to bring the events of D-Day to life at the key sites. Alternatively, opt for a full-time Voyager animateur to accompany your group, providing practical support and evening entertainment throughout your trip.
Speak to our expert team today to start planning your unforgettable journey into the past.
La Grand’Ferme is Voyager's gite-style school centre for history and language trips. There's plenty of outdoor space, sports courts, an outdoor pool (seasonal) and large indoor activity area. The centre has two separate accommodation buildings and 24/7 duty manager to support supervision and safeguarding. Stay at La Grand'Ferme to benefit from a range of supervised activities, school-friendly menus, and evening entertainment.
The centre is a safe base with a great choice of onsite activities and additional opportunities for cultural immersion, making it ideal for groups looking for a more varied residential experience.
Explore the La Grand'Ferme's facilities here.
Our local team will recommened accommodation based on your itinerary, group size and students’ age range. All our hand-picked partner hotels are audited by our Normandy team to ensure they meet our high standards for safety, comfort and suitability for school groups. All offer ensuite rooms and dedicated activity spaces for evening entertainment.
Speak to our expert team today to start planning your unforgettable tour of Normandy.
Expert tip - make this trip cross-curricular by adding:
© https://www.cherbourg.fr
Located within the hilltop fortress of Fort du Roule, and with stunning views over Cherbourg harbour. Students can explore the former German stronghold and learn about the liberation of Cherbourg, life under occupation, the French Resistance, and the impact of WWII on the local civilian population.
Students will gain an unparalleled look at the defensive logistics and daily operations of the German occupation forces. As the primary command post for the area, the exhibits focus on how the Axis forces monitored the coastline and coordinated defences. Students climb through six floors of meticulously recreated operational rooms, such as the radio centre and the observation deck overlooking Sword Beach.
© JamesWoolley
Students stand inside the original concrete bunkers to understand the immense scale of the Atlantic Wall and learn about the role of the 9th Battalion Parachute Regiment who, against overwhelming odds, neutralised the heavy guns before the D-Day landings began. One of the casemates features an immersive sound and light simulation of the assault, and the grounds house a restored Douglas C-47 Dakota aircraft.
There are many cemeteries in France which serve as poignant memorials to the fallen of WWII. Visits to these sites complement History tours and allow students to gain a greater understanding of the loss of life and the human effects of the war.
Experience the 360° cinema in Arromanches displaying brilliantly captured and informative footage from the war across multiple screens.
Visit one of the most arduous landing zones of the D-Day invasion. Remnants of the combat, such as the Mulberry harbours, are still present today and a striking metallic memorial interrupting the scenic stretch of coast invites visitors to reflect.
Pointe du Hoc site upon a 100-foot cliff and overlooks the English Channel with stunning panoramic views. It was important during WWII as it was the highest vantage point between Omaha Beach to the east and Utah Beach to the west.
With the mission of promoting peace, this emphasizes the importance of learning from the atrocities of the Second World War and, in particular, the D-Day landings to prevent future conflicts. Expect an immersive experience featuring artefacts, films and interactive displays investigating the causes and consequences of WWII.
See first-hand the original Pegasus Bridge, daringly captured in an overnight operation by British airborne forces, at this WW2 museum near Caen. Learn about the crucial role of the airborne troops in the early hours of D-Day through an array of informative displays, films and wartime artefacts.
This museum commemorates the Canadian troops and their contributions. There's a fantastic optional guided bunker tour. The surrounding park still has remnants of WWII-era defences.
Understand the role of the American paratroopers at this modern, immersive museum where your students can even step inside the WWII gliders for themselves!
Explore the history of the D-Day landings, specifically the role the Mulberry harbours played in the allied invasion. The museum even overlooks the remnants of Mulberry B.
Festyland is a brilliant theme park for all ages of students from the younger ones to the thrill-seekers. Although the park feels busy, you'll find that you never wait too long in queues for the rides.
© Monica Arellano-Ongpin
At a local boulangerie, a baker will perform a baking demonstration for your group in French. Students will walk away with a croissant and a pain au chocolat each!
Visit a local goat's cheese farm to meet the goats and find out how cheese is made. Students can even have a try at milking the goats, and trying some cheese for themselves!
This island and its surrounding bay are a UNESCO World Heritage site. Scale the cobblestoned streets to reach the churches and the famous gothic-style abbey. Groups with an Animateur will experience a guided barefoot walk across the bay, which is a highlight for students.
Famous as the home of the 70 metre-long Bayeux Tapestry, the medieval town is also home to the largest British military cemetery in France, making it a key destination for groups studying WWII history. Also, don't miss the Cathedral, located in the centre of town. Note the Bayeux Tapestry is closed until Summer 2027.
Take advantage of the centre's heated outdoor swimming pool with leisurely swimming or organised pool games. Teachers are responsible for supervising children in the pool as we cannot provide a lifeguard.
Aeroball is a fun, totally unique sport! The trampoline-basketball-volleyball game is suitable for all ages and is played by two teams of 2. Simple instructions are given in French and the students will have the chance to learn/practise the vocabulary for the body parts. It’s also a great opportunity to practise the numbers (scoring and counting down the end of the match). Aeroball is quickly becoming a favourite activity for students and teachers alike!
Good old fun (and SUPER competitive!), the French game of pétanque takes place on our traditional boule pitch where players are challenged to throw the boule as close to the jack as possible to win.
Your students will be split into teams to play volleyball on the centre's own court. The game is a great way to practise numbers, instructions and directions in the target language.
Making the most of Château de Chantereine's fantastic multi-sports complex, students will work in teams to compete for the prestigious Coupe de Normandie. But there's a catch. All games, rules, refereeing and team-talk is conducted in French. Strictly no English allowed - and the animateur's word is final!
Suitable for all ages bread making is not just a case of making bread, it’s also a golden opportunity to practise your singing talents, as we sing French songs. Students will be guided from the very beginning with simple French instructions. From the measuring of the flour to the kneading of the bread, this activity will keep their enthusiasm going throughout. They will even get to taste the fruits of their hard work as their bread will be baked in time for the evening meal.
Our Normandy Landing Beach history tour includes:
Optional extras:
Extras to budget for:
Incorporating the key sites of Operation Overlord, this tour encourages students to reflect on the causes of war, the rise of Nazism, the role of the Allies, and the pivotal impact of the D-Day landings on the outcome of the war.
GCSE & A-Level History Topics
Trip Planning and Teacher Resources:
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