Located in northern France, Normandy is a stunning region best known for its beautiful coastline, rich history, and delicious cuisine. Recently crowned the ‘Most Desirable Region in Europe’ at the Wanderlust Travel Awards, voted for by more than 50,000 people, it is the perfect destination for school trips, and offers a wide range of educational and cultural experiences for students.
In this blog, we outline a few of the reasons Normandy is set up to be an unforgettable destination for your group – read on to find out more and inspire your next school trip to France.
Don’t miss the chance to see the Bayeux Tapestry up close
One of the most significant attractions for a history school trip to Normandy is the region’s abundance of landmarks and museums related to the Norman Conquest. It goes without saying that the Bayeux Tapestry and Bayeux Cathedral are must-see locations for students interested in this period of history! The tapestry, a 230-foot-long embroidered cloth, depicts the events leading up to and including the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. It’s housed in its namesake’s cathedral, which is in itself a stunning example of Romanesque architecture and is home to a number of important historical artefacts.
Contemplate the struggles of war in Normandy’s D-Day museums
In addition to its attractions surrounding the Norman Conquest, Normandy is also home to an abundance of war cemeteries and war museums, owing to its geographical significance during the Second World War. These locations offer a sombre but significant opportunity for students to learn about the sacrifices and struggles of the past.
The American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer, located parallel to the site of the D-Day landings, is the final resting place for over 9,000 American service members who lost their lives during World War II. Meanwhile, in nearby Arromanches, you’ll find the Landing Museum – due to be newly refurbished in March 2023 – which offers students the opportunity to further their understanding about this important moment in history.
Our history trips to Normandy frequently include the excursions listed above.
Find out more about our school trips to Normandy >>>
Enhance your students’ culinary skills with Normandy’s exciting cuisine
By taking your school group on a food technology trip to Normandy, you’ll be able to immerse them in a varied local cuisine and develop their knowledge of the food production industry, courtesy of the region’s wide variety of food artisans. From caramel makers and cider producers to a chocolate factory and goats' cheese farm, there’s something to inspire every student. They’ll also be able to experience the wondrous aromas and flavours of a French bakery, or boulangerie – something any budding chef or home cook will love.
Practise language skills at Normandy’s stunning seaside resorts
Normandy is not all about history and food – it also boasts beautiful seaside resorts like Deauville and Honfleur. Deauville, located on the Normandy coast, is known for its beautiful beach and luxury hotels. Honfleur, on the other hand, is located on the estuary of the Seine River, is a charming port town with narrow streets, half-timbered houses, and several stunning art galleries. Both Deauville and Honfleur are excellent locations for students to relax and enjoy the beauty of the region. In fact, our modern foreign languages school trips to Normandy includes a stop in both, as our students find these towns’ beachy backdrops so inspiring.
Coastal beauty, Bayeux and brilliant cuisine – what’s not to love?
Overall, a school trip to Normandy is a fantastic way for students to learn about the rich history and culture of the region, while also enjoying all that it has to offer. And it’s only a short distance away, making it accessible to most UK schools. From historical landmarks and war museums to seaside resorts and delicious local cuisine, there is something for every student to enjoy. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to explore the wonders of Normandy with your school group.
To find out more about our school trips to Normandy, or enquire specifically about our food technology, MFL, and history excursions in Normandy, please call us on 01273 648248. You can also get in touch, and our school trip experts will get back to you as soon as we can.