Caramel Making – Isigny Sur Mer
Subject/age range: MFL, Cultural, Food Technology,
What you’ll experience:
See how the caramels are produced and learn about the process. The company has revived the production of caramel in Isigny sur Mer and produces 300 tons of caramel per year. The company continues to grow while preserving the craftsmanship.
Select says:
Don’t miss the sample tasting! Tours are in French so ensure you have a basic understanding or you have a French speaker with you. Still worth a visit though.
Allow: 1 hour
Chevrerie du Mesnil (Goat’s Cheese Farm)
Subject/age range: Cultural, Food Technology, Language,
What you’ll experience:
Located at the foot of a dell, you’ll receive a warm welcome from Mr Martin to his farm. The 40 Alpine goats are a firm favourite with our school groups and children find out about goat breeding, cheesemaking, and also experience a cheese tasting session. A room is at your disposal for picnics and there is also an outside picnic area.
Select says:
Tours are offered in English or French and this is a popular tour for all ages.
Allow: 1 hour 30 mins for tour
Les Vergers de Ducy (Apple Juice/Cider Farm)
Subject/age range: Cultural, Food Technology, Language,
What you’ll experience:
During the tour, students are shown an introductory video followed by a tour of the orchards and an overview of the production process from washing and crushing the apples to the casks where the calvados is matured.
Select says:
This is a welcoming and informative tour and students have the opportunity to taste the apple juice and purchase in the shop.
Allow: 1 hour
Oyster Farm – La Calvadosienne
Subject/age range: MFL, Cultural, Geography, Food Technology,
What you’ll experience:
During your visit students visit the oyster banks and learn about the oyster and the history of oyster farming in Europe. La Calvadosienne is accredited as an “educational farm” and the complete visit is available in English. You will also learn how the tidal system affects the farming of the oysters.
Select says:
La Calvadosienne is located to the east of Arromanches within the oyster farming area of Asnelles-Meuvaines.
Allow: 1-2 hours
Honfleur
Subject/age range: MFL, Art, Cultural, Geography, Food Technology,
What you’ll experience:
A town with a rich artistic and historical heritage, Honfleur has beautiful old houses, narrow paved streets, monuments, little shops, traditional restaurants, galleries, artists’ studios, a fishing harbour and a marina.
Select says:
The changing light on the Seine estuary inspired Monet, Boudin, Courbet, and many others. Great place to stop for lunch on route to your destination or on the way home to break up the journey.
Allow: 1-2 hours
Bakery – Boulangerie Les Co-Pains near Cambremer
Subject/age range: MFL, Cultural, Food Technology,
What you’ll experience:
The children actively participate in the bread making process, from visiting the mill and learning about the different types of flour to kneading the dough and seeing the stages in dough production such as weighing the dough, shaping it, cooking it in the oven, and cooking time.
Select says:
Each child may take the bread they have made with them. There is an indoor/outdoor picnic area on site. This is a must do excursion and one of Select’s favourites in Normandy. It has a great atmosphere and the staff are very welcoming and friendly. Tours can be tailored to ages and language abilities.
Allow: 2 hours 30 mins
Manoir d’Apreval, apple juice/cider farm
Subject/age range: MFL, Cultural, Food Technology,
What you’ll experience:
There is a guided tour to show you the collection techniques, mixing apples, fermentation, and the process of distillation.
Select says:
You will also be able to sample some of the wonderful apple juice.
Allow: 1 hour
Market Visits
Subject/age range: MFL, Cultural, Food Technology,
What you’ll experience:
The markets in Normandy are fabulous places for students to see and sample the diversity of local produce and traditions, and to experience a colourful, lively and welcoming atmosphere. It’s also a great chance to try out their language skills. A full list of possibilities can be viewed a at the Normandy tourism website market page.
Select says:
Bear in mind that most markets take place in the morning or on specific days. Some accommodations allow you to take food back and make lunches for your group after the market visit. Some groups enjoy doing this as a French language use excersise.
Allow: 1 hour
Biscuit Makers – Sablés d’Asnelles
Subject/age range: MFL, Cultural, Food Technology,
What you’ll experience:
A traditional, pure butter biscuit producer. Located in the small village of Asnelles which has been open now for over 100 years. They will give you a brief tour (normally about 10mins) then you will get the chance to sample the product itself.
Select says:
Take some euros as you will also have the opportunity to make additional purchases! Large groups are broken down into smaller groups to ensure everyone gets the full experience.
Allow: 20 mins
Chocolaterie du Drakkar
Subject/age range: MFL, Cultural, Food Technology,
What you’ll experience:
At Chocolaterie du Drakkar, students learn all about the history and production of chocolates, including a film which takes you on a trip to the cocoa plantations of Sao Tome. Students will get many insights into the production process at Drakkar, including trying to recognize the aromas that are most often mixed with cocoa.
Select says:
Of course, this visit would not be a chocolate tour without some traditional tasting!
Allow: 1 hour
