What to do in Normandy on a school trip

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.

A picturesque harbour town with cobbled streets and timbered houses. Once a departure point for maritime expeditions, Honfleur inspired Impressionist painters with its 17th-century harbour.

Renowned for its medieval heritage and vibrant atmosphere. See the towering abbeys and visit the Caen Memorial Museum for a moving insight into the impact of World War II.

Bursting with fresh produce and lively chatter, markets are perfect for practising French and soaking up local life.

Meet the goats, learn about cheese-making, and taste delicious varieties.

Tour the Caramel d’Isigny factory, watch the toffee-making process, and pick up sweet souvenirs.

Discover how apples become juice, cider, and Calvados — from orchard to cellar.

Learn about this uniquely French tradition and sample cooked snails.

Experience bread-making from start to finish and enjoy the irresistible aroma of fresh French bread.

The 19 minute film ‘100 days of the Battle of Normandy’ is projected in High Definition on 9 screens. The film tells the story of the military planning, preparation and execution of the Battle of Normandy thanks to archive images gathered from English, Canadian, German, American and French archives. The Battle started with the landing of the paratroopers the night of the 5th to the 6th of June 1944, followed by the landings of troops on the Normandy beaches and lasted for three months. The end came with the liberation of Paris and the bombing of Le Havre.

In the heart of the D-Day beaches, Arromanches is renowned for its ‘Mulberry’ artificial harbour. Its remains speak of the remarkable technical feat of taking 600,000 tonnes of concrete and equipment across the Channel in wartime to serve as a base for Allied troops. The museum uses models, videos and a diorama that movingly bring life to the displays.

The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial covers 172.5 acres and contains the graves of 9,387 military dead, most of whom lost their lives in the D-Day landings and ensuing operations. The memorial, set around a bronze statue, shows maps and narratives of the military operations. Visitors’ centre staff are available to answer students’ questions.

The British Normandy Memorial officially opened on 6^th June 2021 as a place for remembrance and reflection. Overlooking Gold Beach, just outside Ver-sur-Mer, the memorial records the names of 22,442 servicemen and women, under British command, who fell on D-Day and during the Battle of Normandy. There is an option to add on a short introduction talk from staff at the memorial and an educational booklet to complete during your visit.

This is the largest of the 18 Commonwealth military cemeteries in Normandy. It contains 4,868 graves of soldiers from the UK and 10 other countries, including Germany. Many of the soldiers buried here were never identified, and the headstones are simply marked ‘A Soldier Known Unto God’. Students can reflect on the sadness, sacrifice and honour of war.

This museum and cultural centre shows the war effort made by Canadians, civilian and military, both at home and on the various fronts during World War II. Students can engage with the exhibits, which draw on documents, photographs, maps, artefacts, audio-visual and audio accounts. The many faces of contemporary Canadian society are also explored.

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.

Set in a panoramic valley by the Souleuvre Viaduct (built by Gustave Eiffel), the Normandy Luge is a thrilling adventure ride. The one-kilometre ride down the steep side of the valley twists and turns its way reaching speeds of up to 45kms an hour.

This outdoor adventure park, located in Cussy, close to Bayeux offers a wide range of activities for students. The Activity Pass includes high ropes courses, mini-golf, tubing, permanent wooden maze and maize maze (seasonal), fixed track zorbing (over 12’s), peddle karting, bubble football and more! There is an on-site café and picnic area. Open April to Sep/October (on request for school groups outside of public opening times).

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.

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.

Combine your trip with a visit to the City of Lights. Explore the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and even Disneyland Paris.