Exploring the landmarks and discovering the culture of the country you’re visiting is essential on a school trip abroad. In Normandy, your students will get many opportunities to build an authentic French cultural experience and see important historical sites and memorials.
Read our guide to what to do in Normandy for school trips and see all the iconic places and landmarks this rich region has to offer, most of them only a short drive from our residential Château du Molay.
City sightseeing
Normandy is home to many picturesque and historic towns and cities. Explore the medieval charm and rich heritage of places such as Honfleur, Bayeux and Caen.
Visit the medieval town of Bayeux with its half-timbered buildings and enjoy its gentle pace of life. Explore its popular market (Wednesday & Saturday mornings) and its magnificent cathedral, completed during the reign of William the Conqueror.
Visit Honfleur, a picturesque seaside town of half-timbered houses and cobbled streets that was once an important departure point for maritime expeditions. Great Impressionist painters have captured its 17th-century harbour.
Explore Caen, renowned for its rich medieval heritage and vibrant life. The towering spires of its two abbeys echo the city’s medieval glory, while the Caen Memorial Museum’s remnants offer a poignant reflection on the war’s impact.
French Culture & Traditions
Normandy is brimming with local farms and independent producers. From cheese farms to sweet factories, French markets and boulangeries, your students will be able to discover the traditions and flavours that define this picturesque French region, providing a hands-on learning experience and fostering an appreciation for sustainable agriculture.
Take your students to a French market bursting with delicious local produce, where they will be encouraged to interact with French locals. This is a great way for them to immerse themselves in the hustle and bustle of daily French life.
See how dairy products such as milk and cheese are produced at a goat farm. Students can play with the cheeky goats and learn about the cheese-making process. They will also be able to taste various types of goat’s cheese.
Tour the traditional Caramel d’Isigny factory. A guide will show you the room overlooking the factory floor and explain the process of soft toffee-making. Students can also buy these delicious caramel products from the souvenir shop.
Tour a working apple farm that makes apple juice, cider and the famous Calvados. See what goes on in the cellar, the orchard and the apple processing plant, and appreciate what it takes to get juice from the blossom to the glass.
A trip to a snail farm is a must-do for any visitor to Normandy with a sense of adventure and an appetite for local delicacies. Discover the uniquely French tradition of snail farming from field to fork and enjoy a cooked snail tasting.
A visit 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!
World War II Landmarks and Historical excursions
See the famous Bayeux Tapestry, explore the historic D-Day landing beaches and war cemeteries, and learn all about World War II at the Caen Memorial Museum.
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. (N.B.: The Tapestry will be closed from Sept. 25 to Spring 27).
A 19-minute film projected on 9 screens tells the poignant story of the military planning, preparation and execution of the Battle of Normandy thanks to images gathered from English, Canadian, German, American and French archives.
Located near the remains of the Mulberry Harbour, the museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the landings on June 6, 1944. Through exhibits and artefacts, the museum vividly illustrates the scale and significance of D-Day.
The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial overlooking Omaha Beach 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 largest of the 18 Commonwealth military cemeteries in Normandy, it contains 4,868 graves of soldiers from the UK and 10 other countries. Many remain unidentified, with headstones marked simply as “A Soldier Known Unto God.”
Juno Beach was one of the main D-Day landing sites in June 1944 and stands today as a poignant memorial to the courage and sacrifice of those who fought and died there, reminding visitors of the pivotal role it played during WWII.
Fun excursions
Normandy offers many fun visits, including theme parks, rides and attractions, perfect for school groups to unwind after a busy day sightseeing.
The theme of this amusement park is based around the historical events of 1066. Students can let off steam on the roller coaster, waterborne dodgem cars and water flumes. There are also cinemas and daily live shows.
Set in a panoramic valley, the Normandy Luge is a thrilling adventure ride featuring a one-kilometre ride down the steep side of the valley that twists and turns its way, reaching speeds of up to 45km/hour.
Bayeux Aventure is an exciting outdoor adventure park offering a range of fun activities, including tree climbing, zip lines, high ropes, zorbing and inflatable obstacle courses, all set in a beautiful environment.
Further Afield
Also worth a visit over an hour’s drive from the Château, see the breathtaking Mont Saint Michel, discover the birthplace of William the Conqueror and experience the vibrant city of Paris to make this school trip the most memorable educational experience for your students.
Perched on a rocky islet and surrounded by vast sandbanks exposed to powerful tides, the Mont Saint Michel offers spectacular views. Over the centuries, the Gothic abbey has served as a prison, a fortress and a monastery.
Built in the 12th century, this medieval fortress is the birthplace of William the Conqueror. Over the years, the Falaise Castle has preserved its architectural heritage, making it a significant symbol of Norman medieval history.
Combine your school trip to Normandy with a visit to the magical City of Lights! Soak up Paris’s rich history, art and culture, and explore its iconic landmarks and places, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum and Montmartre.
Book your stay at the Château du Molay now!
Normandy is teeming with things to do and see on a school trip. There are plenty more excursions that your group can enjoy while staying at our Château du Molay.
Speak to one of our tour coordinators on 01273 244572 or request a quote now to learn more about what to do in Normandy on a school trip and see how we can cater for you and your students.
More about the Château
Read more about the Château du Molay and explore what we can do for your group on your next residential school trip to Normandy: