Year of the Normans
There’s possibly no better way to understand the Norman Conquest and its impact on British history than by crossing the channel and exploring the origins and life of William the Conqueror and the Normans. A stay at our Château du Molay is the perfect base to experience the region and bring history to life.
The Château du Molay for your Normans school trip
Travelbound’s 18th-century Château du Molay is the ideal retreat after a busy day of exploring. With 38 acres of open parkland, students can enjoy outdoor activities freely or participate in various organised events.
Our dedicated château staff are here to help with all activities and anything you may need during your stay. For any unexpected needs or concerns off-site, a 24/7 helpline also ensures immediate assistance and peace of mind throughout your stay.
Suggested itinerary
1 Depart school on your coach
2 Channel crossing to Calais – journey time from Calais about 5 hours
3 Optional short stop in Honfleur enroute to the Château du Molay
4 Château entertainment and evening meal
1 Breakfast and packed lunch
2 William the Conqueror’s Castle in Falaise
3 Visit a local snail farm or cheese factory
4 Château entertainment and evening meal
1 Breakfast and packed lunch
2 Ornavik Viking Village
3 Evening meal at the Château and bowling in Medieval Bayeux
1 Breakfast and packed lunch
2 Walk across the bay of Mont St Michel
3 Château on-site activities such as Archery Tag or Multi-sports
4 Chateau entertainment and evening meal
1 Breakfast and packed lunch
2 Return to Calais and channel crossing
3 Arrive at school
Trip highlights
Walk in William the Conqueror’s footsteps at Falaise Castle
Explore the Bay of Mont St Michel with a knowledgeable guide
Immerse yourself in Medieval Normandy at a Viking village
Enjoy our Château activities such as Archery Tag and Campfire
Recommended excursions
Falaise Castle
William the Conqueror was born at this castle in about 1028 and grew up here. Students can visit the ruins and follow the prosperous times and disasters the castle has seen – intermittent fighting in the Hundred Years War from 1337-1453, and again in 1944 bombing raids.
Tip: There are educational tools available to complement the visit.
Abbaye aux Dames and Abbaye aux Hommes
Situated at opposite ends of the city of Caen, these abbeys are the final resting place of one of the most important couples in British history: William and Matilda. Built by the pair in order to gain the favour of the Pope, they also served as a refuge for civilians during WWII, and were the inspiration for many of the Norman Cathedrals built in England after the conquest, such as Durham, Canterbury and Ely.
Allow 1 hour for each abbey
Ornavik Viking Village
Travel back in time to Medieval Normandy at this immersive Viking village. Explore how the region came to be and see what life was like leading up to the Norman Conquest through trying on a helmet or chainmail, watching a demonstration of Viking crafts and meeting the village’s 10th-century inhabitants.
A new education centre is scheduled to open in 2027.
Caen Castle
Now home to the Museum of Normandy, this historic site has completed a major two-year renovation, making it an exciting stop for school groups. Originally built by William the Conqueror and later used as a barracks during the Second World War, it offers a fascinating journey through a thousand years of Norman history. An immersive film brings its past to life, and its central Caen location makes it easy to combine with a visit to the local market or other nearby landmarks.
Mont Saint-Michel
Mont Saint-Michel, a gothic Benedictine abbey, is perched on a rocky islet amid vast sandbanks exposed to powerful tides. Over the years the island’s abbey has served as a prison, a fortress against the English and a monastery. As well as the abbey, your group can explore the medieval buildings of the village that grew up beneath its walls, along with stunning views.
Mont Saint Michel Walk across the Bay
Follow in the footsteps of early pilgrims as you take a guided barefoot walk across the stunning Bay of Mont St Michel. Immerse yourselves in the tranquil beauty of this spectacular landscape as you make your way to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mont St Michel.
Bayeux Tapestry
This long embroidered scroll is the most important relic to have survived from the 11th century. Students can see the epic story of William of Normandy’s conquest of England in 1066, and consider the French and British interpretations of events.
Please note: The Bayeux Tapestry Museum is currently closed for a complete renovation and is due to re-open in Autumn 2027.
Bayeux
Explore this medieval town with its half-timbered houses and gentle pace of life. Visit the magnificent cathedral, built during William the Conqueror’s reign, and browse the bustling market on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.
Château activities
You can choose from a range of fun and educational activities, and experienced chateau staff are on hand to ensure that the students are having fun all day and night. Available activities include: a blind trail walk, survival skills, initiative exercises, using various sports facilities for sporting games (such as the seasonal outdoor swimming pool), planting a tree and circus frenzy to name a few.
Festyland Theme Park
The theme of this amusement park is based around the historical events of 1066 and proves to be hugely popular with visitors. Students can let off steam on the roller coaster, waterborne dodgem cars and water flumes. There are also cinemas, daily live shows and gardens with snail-shaped vehicles on fixed tracks that take visitors on tours. Seasonal opening and excellent for younger students.
Longues Abbey
Travel back to the 12th century at Longues Abbey, once a contemporary of Notre Dame de Paris and one of the finest examples of Norman religious architecture. Thanks to impressive restoration work, the abbey is now an exciting short stop for school groups studying history, offering a vivid glimpse into medieval monastic life.
The Longues Abbey is open to the public in June and July.
Bread-Making in Normandy
Learn the art of bread-making from scratch at a farm in Normandy in this interactive activity. Students will create their own bread roll using local ingredients and traditional methods under guidance from a boulanger. While the bread is baking in the traditional wood-fired ovens, your group can explore the farm and meet its animals, and even enjoy a game of farmyard golf or taste some local produce. Students will be able to take away their freshly baked bread at the end of the session.
Graindorge Cheese Factory Visit
This factory, located in Livarot, has been run by the same family since 1910 and produces three of Normandy’s best loved cheeses: Livarot, Pont l’Eveque and Normandy Camembert. Visitors can discover the different stages of cheese-making with a view of the casting process, the maturing cellar and packaging.
Cerisy-la-Forêt Abbey
This abbey is a textbook example of Norman architecture in France. Built by Robert the Magnificent, it offers a tranquil atmosphere and is just a stone’s throw from the Château du Molay.
Dives-sur-Mer
Dives-sur-Mer is the point from which William the Conqueror and his sailors departed for the Norman Conquest. A walk through the town brings the Conquest to life for students, from exploring the Medieval Art Village, to practising your French at the Saturday market in the covered market.
Typical accommodation
Château du Molay, Normandy
Our exclusive 18th century Château du Molay can accommodate 195 guests in 42 en-suite bedrooms and is set amongst 38 acres of beautiful private parkland.
Located only 14kms from Bayeux, within easy reach of the world famous Calvados coast and just a 45 minute journey from Caen, the Château is in an ideal location for easy school trips from the UK.
See more about our exclusive Château du Molay
Learning outcomes
KS2/3 learning outcomes
KS2 Curriculum Links
- Significant Individual: William the Conqueror
- The Norman Conquest
- The Viking and Anglo-Saxon struggle for the Kingdom of England to the time of Edward the Confessor
KS3 Curriculum Links
- The development of Church, state and society in Medieval Britain 1066-1509
GCSE learning outcomes
GCSE Curriculum Links
- Norman England, c1066-c1100
- Anglo-Saxon and Norman England
- The Norman Conquest, 1065-1087
- The Battle for Caen, 1944
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A unique experience that our students will never forget! Travelbound was instrumental to the success of our Normandy visit. The Château du Molay is such a lovely place!
Maidstone Grammar School for Girls
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