Protected: Norman History Trips to the Château du Molay

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.

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

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. 

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, 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.

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.

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.

Visit the medieval town of Bayeux with its magnificent Romanesque and Gothic cathedral. The original building was completed during the reign of William the Conqueror. Enjoy the gentle pace of life as you walk around this beautiful provincial town with its half-timbered buildings and local produce markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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 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.