Bayeux
Subject/age range: MFL, Cultural, History,
What you’ll experience:
Famous for its Tapestry relating the Battle of Hastings and accession of William the Conqueror to the throne of England, Bayeux has also seen the first official appearance of General Charles de Gaulle, only a few days only after D-Day. Walking through the wonderful narrow medieval streets, squares and alleys of Bayeux, you’ll see the ancient buildings, timbered houses and historical landmarks. A highlight is the beautiful Bayeux Cathedral and there are scenic views over the little river Aure.
Select says:
Bayeux was the first French town to be liberated from Nazi occupation during the 1944 Battle of Normandy and survived almost completely unscathed. Great place to stop for lunch and enjoy a nice quiet village in the heart of Normandy.
Allow: 1-2 hours
Bayeux Tapestry Museum
Subject/age range: MFL, Art, Cultural, History,
What you’ll experience:
The Bayeux Tapestry is a unique source on the 11th century beginning with Harold’s eventful journey to Normandy through to the Battle of Hastings. Visits are by audio-guide giving commentary on the scenes.
Select says:
There is a simplified audio version in English especially for children.
Allow: 1 hour
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
Festyland
Subject/age range: Cultural, Language,
What you’ll experience:
Festyland is the biggest amusement park in Normandy and offers around thirty rides. A great fun day out for students and great for activity weeks.
Select says:
Located in Bretteville-sur-Odon near Caen.
Allow: Half day/all day
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
Swimming – Aquanacre
Subject/age range: MFL, Physical Education,
What you’ll experience:
Aquanacre is located in Douvres-la-Délivrande, just 10 minutes from the Château du Baffy. The swimming centre has 3 pools, one outside, and a pentagliss (parallel slides).
Select says:
Swimming is always a fun activity to choose for the students and great for unwinding as an evening activity.
Allow: 1 hour 30 mins
Château de Fontaine-Henry
Subject/age range: MFL, Art, History,
What you’ll experience:
Château de Fontaine-Henry is a family Renaissance residence handed down over the generations and has a collection of period paintings and furniture. Guided group tours are in English as well as French.
Select says:
A great location for students to bring their sketch pads and pencils. The château has distinctive high, steep roofing and sculpted exterior.
Allow: 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
Mont Saint-Michel and Abbey
Subject/age range: MFL, Cultural, History, Geography, RS,
What you’ll experience:
Mont St-Michel is in the heart of a great bay that has the highest tides in Europe. After going through the Boulevard Gate and the King’s Gate fortified with its portcullis, you will find the main street with museums, shops and houses dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. After admiring the Abbey church, you can enjoy the beautiful view over the bay from the ramparts path.
Select says:
The Abbey was turned into a prison during the days of the French Revolution and Empire, and needed to be restored before the end of the 19th century. You must transfer to the local bus over the causeway as coaches and cars are now restricted. This is due to a regeneration project going on in the area currently – more information is available at the visitors centre near the car park before you go over the causeway.
Allow: Half a day
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
