Cross-Curricular School Trip To Normandy & Paris

This long embroidered scroll is the most important relic to survive 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 interpretation of events. Tip: A workbook is available in French for MFL students. A workspace can be pre-booked for one hour for school groups with a replica tapestry image.

Students visit a French market, bursting with delicious local produce. While they are there they have an assignment to complete. Each student is given three Euros and has to use their French-speaking skills to buy ingredients to make a cold lunch back at the château. After they have prepared the meal, it is then judged by the château’s head chef.

A trip to a traditional French bakery lets pupils learn about the complete process of bread making. Students can actively participate and eat in or take away what they help to create. This tour is worthwhile just for the smell alone, but there are also great opportunities to ask the baker some questions in French

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.

This is a hands-on goat farm that allows students to see how dairy products such as milk and cheese are produced. Students can play with the goats and take part in the milking process. It’s a great way to find out more about the traditional produce of the area and also presents a good chance to practice language skills and develop vocabulary.

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. Activities can include: archery, 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.

This film is projected in High Definition on 9 screens and tells the story of the terrible Battle of Normandy thanks to archive images gathered from around the world. This film is a tribute to soldiers from all countries and to the 20,000 civilians who were killed during this battle for the liberation of Europe, a battle which gave rise to so much hope.

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.

This quality artisan chocolaterie close to Deauville allows students an insider view into how chocolate is made and why it tastes so delicious. A master chocolatier gives a historical and geographical account of the chocolate making process. There is a demonstration of chocolate being moulded  and chocolate covered specialities. Students also get to test the product and there is a gift shop for present buying.

Look out from Paris’ highest roof terrace on the 56th floor of the Montparnasse Tower for unsurpassed views of the Eiffel Tower and iconic Parisian skyline. Students can explore the city’s layout and beautiful architecture, while enjoying the panoramic views, interactive exhibitions and 360° Café that make this a highlight on any tour to Paris.

Tip: Educational work material available.

An impressive monument of Classical inspiration, this celebration of Napoleonic success provided a model for decades of nationalist building projects. Since 1920, it has also contained beneath its vault the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, commemorating those who died in World War I.

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart dominates the city skyline thanks to its position on top of Montmartre, the highest point in Paris. The Basilica of Montmartre was dedicated to atone for the sins of the Paris Commune. It is a building of great beauty reflecting the hopes, fears and attitudes of fin-de-siècle France. Behind the Sacré Coeur is the Place du Tertre with its artists’ colony.

The beautiful Gothic Cathedral of Notre Dame was completed in 1345, badly damaged in the Revolution, and restored in the 19th century. You can climb the 387 stone steps of the south tower up to the famous bell tolled by the fictional Quasimodo, in Victor Hugo’s 1831 Notre-Dame de Paris. (An entrance fee applies to climb the steps).

For those looking for a particularly French experience, head to the Musée D’Orsay, set in a former railway station. It boasts the largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces in the world, by painters such as Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, Cézanne, Seurat and Gauguin. Students can also view sculptures, furniture and photography.

Tip: Pre-booking is essential for groups

The main park of Disneyland® Paris, the action is spread out across five different themed lands. There’s more than 40 rides and attractions including Space Mountain, the Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast® and Pirates of the Caribbean, along with spectacular parades and shows.

Tip: Use the free fast pass service to cut down on queuing times – available for most popular attractions.

This theme park uncovers the magical worlds of cinema and television. Students can explore four studio lots, from animation at Toon Studio to car stunts at Backlot, Hollywood blockbusters at Frontlot, plus the secrets of film sets and costumes at Production Courtyard®. High-octane rides include The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Crush’s Coaster. Photo © Disney.

Based on the famous Astérix books, this is the second-largest theme park in France. It is set in the forest 30km from Paris and has lots of attractions to keep students happy, from Goudurix, the roller-coaster that turns you upside down seven times; to log flumes, river rafting and a ghost train. Themed areas range from Gaul to Ancient Greece and Egypt. There is live entertainment and a dolphinarium (seasonal opening).

A self-guided walk takes students on a discovery of the wonderful city of Paris. The quest, punctuated with a wide range of head-scratching tasks and challenges, takes in many iconic sights including The Eiffel Tower, The Louvre and The Grand Palais. An enjoyable mix of treasure hunt-style clue solving and team activities keep students engaged until the very end when the winning team is finally revealed. Enrichment or MFL version available.