Discover Normandy With Your Students.

Curriculum Travel

Prices from £275.00*

Normandy has a wealth of historical interest and wide ranging natural beauty which is an obvious choice for those school groups wanting to experience many different aspects of France without covering vast distances overland.

The most popular parts of Normandy are Calvados and Manche because they can offer a great combination of history, beauty, museums, beaches, and culture.

Curriculum Travel is an experienced, specialist provider of educational tour programmes for primary and middle schools. Being a proud member of the School Travel Forum and a holder of the Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge, you can rest assured that Health and Safety is paramount on all our trips.

Destinations in France

The Calvados département includes the D-Day landing Beaches, Bayeux with its tapestry, the Mémorial Peace Museum in Caen and the picturesque Honfleur and stylish Deauville.

The Manche département spans from the port of Cherbourg in the North to Mont St Michel in the South and has no end of educational and interesting places to visit such as the war torn cathedral of St Lô, the cathedral and architecture of Coutances, the museums and workshops of Villedieu les Poêles and of course the iconic Mont St Michel.

Most school groups will fill their tour itinerary in these two départements, but for those who want to travel further afield, a trip towards Paris will take them to Rouen or to Monet’s Garden at Giverny.

What they will learn

Subjects available: History, Geography, Activities, Languages, Cultural, Farming, Architecture, Media Studies, Performing Arts, Archaeology, Engineering

Visiting these iconic sites in Normandy, France, can offer students a rich and diverse learning experience, covering various subjects from history and geography to art and culture. Let's explore what each site offers:

1. D-Day Landing Beaches: Students can learn about World War II, particularly the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944, which was a pivotal moment in the war. The beaches (Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword) offer insights into military strategy, the complexity of planning and executing such a massive operation, and the human cost of war.

2. Mont Saint-Michel: This UNESCO World Heritage site provides lessons in medieval history, architecture, and religion. The abbey is a prime example of medieval fortress architecture and offers insights into the religious and cultural life of the Middle Ages. The tidal island also presents an interesting case study in geography and environmental science.

3. Bayeux Tapestry Museum: The Bayeux Tapestry is an invaluable artifact for understanding the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. It offers insights into medieval art, storytelling, and political propaganda. Students can learn about the techniques used in creating the tapestry and the historical context it represents.

4. Memorial de Caen: This museum focuses on the history of the 20th century, particularly World War II and the Cold War. It offers an in-depth look at the causes, events, and consequences of these global conflicts. The museum is also a center for peace, promoting understanding and reconciliation.

5. Falaises d'Etretat: The cliffs of Étretat are known for their natural beauty and have inspired many artists. This site is perfect for studying natural geography, coastal erosion, and environmental conservation. It's also a great place to discuss the inspiration of natural beauty in art and literature.

6. Suisse Normande: This region, known for its rolling hills and picturesque landscapes, is an excellent site for studying rural French culture, geography, and outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking. It offers a contrast to the more historically focused sites.

7. Côte Fleurie: Known for its beautiful beaches and charming towns like Deauville and Trouville, this area is great for studying tourism, coastal geography, and modern French culture. The contrast between the peaceful holiday resorts and the nearby D-Day beaches can be a point of discussion.

8. Rouen: This historic city offers a wealth of learning opportunities in medieval and religious history, art, and architecture. Key sites include the Rouen Cathedral and the spot where Joan of Arc was executed.

9. Honfleur: This port town is known for its picturesque harbor and is associated with the Impressionist art movement. It offers lessons in art history, French cultural history, and the influence of the natural environment on artistic expression.

10. Calvados and Cider Route: This region is famous for its apple orchards and the production of Calvados, an apple brandy. It's an excellent opportunity for students to learn about agricultural practices, local economies, food culture, and the process of fermentation and distillation.

Each of these sites can provide a unique and enriching educational experience, highlighting different aspects of history, culture, geography, and art. The diversity of the locations also allows for a comprehensive view of the Normandy region's rich heritage.

What's included

Proposed Itinerary for a Four-Day Educational Tour

Day 1: Departure and Arrival

- Morning: Gather at the school for departure.

- Travel to Folkestone/Dover to embark on a ferry crossing to Calais.

- Afternoon: Arrival and check-in at the designated hostel.

- Evening: Enjoy a welcoming dinner at the hostel.

Day 2: Cultural and Educational Exploration

- Morning: Explore the historic Bayeux Tapestry, offering insights into medieval art and history.

- Midday: Engage in an interactive experience at a local goat farm, including cheese-making activities.

- Afternoon: Visit the Caen Peace Memorial Museum to learn about global peace and conflict history.

- Evening: Dine at the hostel, reflecting on the day's learnings.

Day 3: Historical Insights and Local Traditions

- Full Day: Journey to Arromanches for a day of diverse activities:

- Spend time on the beach, absorbing the local natural beauty.

- Explore the D Day Museum for historical understanding.

- Experience the 360 Degree Cinema for a unique visual perspective of history.

- Witness traditional biscuit-making processes.

- Evening: Return to the hostel for dinner.

Day 4: Culinary Discovery and Return

- Morning: Visit a traditional French bakery to observe the art of Baguette and Croissant making.

- Afternoon: Depart from the bakery and commence the journey back to the school.

Note: The itinerary is subject to adjustments based on weather conditions and operational hours of the sites.

Transport

- Comprehensive round-trip transportation via ferry or Eurotunnel, facilitating travel between the United Kingdom and France. - Premium executive coach services for all transfers, meticulously aligned with the planned itinerary. - Expert tour management support, ensuring seamless planning and execution of your tour. - Access to 24-hour emergency assistance, available on call for any urgent needs during the tour.

Accommodation

We collaborate with a diverse range of accommodation providers in France, spanning from hostels to four-star hotels. A dedicated tour manager will meticulously assess your requirements and tailor the accommodation options to align seamlessly with your preferences.

Teacher checklist

Risk Assessments, Free Places, Inspection Visit, LOtC, ABTA, School Travel Forum, Adventure Mark, ATOL, Adventure Activity Associates, WYSE, RYA Centre, RYA Centre, BCU Centre, IATA, ETOA, Expedition Providers Association, ASDAN Centre

* Guide prices are per person for a 4 day/3 night experience based on 44 students and 5 staff. Subject to availability and may vary by departure date, groups size and itinerary. Please ask for details.

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