When you choose a visit to Normandy you can be sure of a memorable and informative tour.  Whether your focus is purely European History or you wish to include elements of French language and culture your pupils will be stimulated and their curiosity enlivened.  The region is popular with schools and you can choose from a selection of youth centres and pleasant hotels.

For the Historian, Normandy’s story is so closely linked with our own history.  William the Conqueror began his life and career here and you can visit imposing Falaise Castle then chart his life’s progress in visits to Bayeux and Caen.  The D-Day Landing Beaches will be an unforgettable lesson for every pupil, and you can explore the Visitors’ Centre at Omaha Beach as well as charting our Invasion stories at Arromanches and St. Mère Eglise.

If you plan to incorporate an element of French study, you can include in your programme some lessons in gastronomy, farming and tourism plus the modern cultural developments in Rouen, Cherbourg or Dieppe.  Spend a day exploring ancient Mont-St.Michel, visit a cider-farm and relax on a shopping and sightseeing trip to Bayeux.

And if you are planning a team building element in your programme then Normandy can offer beach activities, local exploring in old-fashioned towns and tours to a bell foundry, submarine and oyster farm.

TWO - CENTRE TOUR – include the Somme

And to make even better use of your time why not consider a visit to The Somme Battlefields?  You can inspect the amazing battle sites of Albert, its famous tunnels and huge 1917 craters, visit Peronne’s modern Museum and conclude the tour at the haunting Thiepval Memorial.

Just ask for details of this and other two-centre tours.

ACCOMMODATION

Relais Bon Sejour Stay right by the sea in this popular student centre not far from Caen.  Your group can enjoy the spacious accommodation and leisure facilities of table tennis, mini-golf, football area and disco.  Each room is en-suite, and the restaurant overlooks the sea.  Book early for a stay in this fantastic venue!

Hotel Kyriad Carentan

Spend an enjoyable visit at this two-star hotel, well situated in an historic Normandy town between Caen and Cherbourg.  All bedrooms are en-suite with satellite TV.  Pupils sleep 2 – 3 per room and adults have twin or single rooms.  Your group can eat in the hotel dining room and take a packed lunch with you each day. Very convenient for Omaha Beach.

Les Tourelles

This welcoming youth centre in the coastal resort of Asnelles sur Mer, is really handy for visiting the coastal D-Day sites as well as historic Bayeux.  The centre has three buildings set in its own grounds and is very close to the beach. Full board, with packed lunches are Your group can enjoy a relaxing location after a busy day of study and sightseeing.

La Grange d’Espins

Converted farm buildings in Thury-Harcourt, south of Caen, offer your group a secure and comfortable centre in the heart of the countryside.  Your accommodation will be in four-bedded rooms, with twins for staff, and home-cooked meals are provided.  The centre has large wooded grounds with plenty of space for activities and evening relaxation. 

VISITS AND EXCURSIONS

• Falaise Castle, birthplace of William the Conqueror
• Bayeux Tapestry and 11c Cathedral
• Caen’s twin abbeys and ruined Castle
• Arromanches D-Day Beaches and town
• 360 Degree Cinema, authentic D-Day film
• Omaha Beach, cemetery and Visitors’ Centre
• Le Mémorial, Caen peace museum with changing displays
• Cider-farm with orchards tour
• Mont St. Michel, memorable day out
• Chocolate factory

TYPICAL ITINERARY FOR A 5 DAY TOUR

(Longer or shorter tours are available)

Day One

Morning departure from School, drive to Portsmouth for the afternoon ferry with a meal on board, or sail from Dover with an easy motorway drive via the Pont de Normandie.  Check in to your hotel and relax at the beach or park.

Day Two

Morning in Falaise for a guided tour of the Castle, birthplace of William the Conqueror.  Picnic lunch then afternoon visit to Bayeux to view the Tapestry and Cathedral.  Shopping and café visit.

Day Three

Morning in Caen to see the Castle and Abbeys then a tour of a cider-farm or cheese-maker.  Afternoon in Arromanches to view the Mulberry Harbour and D-Day Beaches and visit the 360 Degree Cinema or museum. 

Day Four

A full day’s tour along the D-Day beaches, including Omaha Beach and the American cemetery, St. Mère Eglise and Pointe du Hoc.  Visit the new multi-media exhibition at Merville-Franceville Battery or choose a guided tour of the Canadian museum at Juno Beach.
Or visit to Mont-St. Michel for the day, climbing the narrow winding streets to its ancient Abbey.  Inspect the ongoing project of silt removal to restore its island status.  Conclude by visiting the famous biscuit producer for sampling and purchases.

Day Five

Leave your hotel after breakfast, souvenir shopping or a chocolate-maker before your return sailing.  Arrival at School during the evening.

PRICES

based on a group of 40 students with 5 staff, including travel, full board accommodation, entrance charges, insurance and collective passport:

Cost

on application

For more information regarding this excursion please contact us by clicking here