Discover Our Range of Excursions.
We offer a fantastic range of different things to do – start planning your days out
Battlefields
- Ver-sur-Mer
British Normandy Memorial
History
The British Normandy Memorial commemorates the 22,442 servicemen and women under British command who fell on D-Day and during the Battle of Normandy, representing over 30 countries. The site also features a French Memorial honoring local civilians lost during the conflict. Visitors can now explore the new Winston Churchill exhibition, offering insight into the leadership and decisions that shaped this pivotal moment in history.
- 15 mins
- Arromanches
D-Day Landings Museum
History
The museum has five different sections including: a gallery of working models overlooking the historic site (guided tour), a diorama with special light and sound effects that brings the early hours of D Day to life, the hall of the Allied Nations museum collections, a film featuring archive footage, and shops.
- 16 mins
- Ranville
Pegasus Memorial Museum & Bridge
History
A museum about WWII, dedicated to the heroic action of the 6th British Airborne Division during the battle which took place on the beaches of the landing in Normandy in June to September 1944. Guided visits, within a thematically laid out exhibition hall, enable the visitors to discover the missions of the division and view hundreds of historical objects and photos.
- 30 mins
- Commes
D-Day Beaches
History
Utah, Omaha, Gold Beach, Juno Beach and Sword Beach were stormed by Allied soldiers in the morning of June 6th 1944. A visit to the beaches will help your students gain a real feel for the environment and help them imagine events within the settings.
- 20 mins
- Courseulles-sur-Mer
Juno Beach Centre & Juno Park
History
This is a memorial and an educational museum. The Juno Beach Centre shows visitors the importance of Canadian involvement in the Second World War – its troops, navy and industrial effort, which proved vital to the Allies. There are various multimedia interactive terminals available to visitors.
- 12 mins
- Pointe du Hoc
Pointe du Hoc
History
Heavily defended by the Germans, this headland was an ideal post from which to survey the whole coast and the highest point between Utah Beach to the west and Omaha Beach to the east. It was here that the American troops landed in 1944 and on D-Day (6 June 1944) the United States Army Ranger Assault Group captured Pointe du Hoc after scaling the 100 ft cliffs.
- 45 mins
- Bayeux
Bayeux British Cemetery
History
Heavily defended by the Germans, this headland was an ideal post from which to survey the whole coast and the highest point between Utah Beach to the west and Omaha Beach to the east. It was here that the American troops landed in 1944 and on D-Day (6 June 1944) the United States Army Ranger Assault Group captured Pointe du Hoc after scaling the 100 ft cliffs.
- 20 mins
- Colleville-sur-Mer
Normandy American Cemetery
History
The cemetery site covers 172.5 acres and contains the graves of 9,387 military dead, most of whom lost their lives in the D-Day landings. On the Walls of the Missing there are 1,557 names inscribed. The memorial consists of a semi-circular colonnade with an exterior gallery at each end containing large maps and narratives of the military operations. There is also an orientation table depicting the landings in Normandy.
- 40 mins
- Longues-sur-Mer
German Battery – Longues-sur-Mer
History
This formidable German battery, built on a picturesque cliff, included four fearsome 150mm canons, capable of firing on targets 20km away. It took a bombardment carried out by the Royal Air Force and two hits by a French cruiser to destroy it definitively on 6 June 1944.
- 25 mins
- La Cambe
La Cambe German Cemetery
History
La Cambe is a war cemetery containing in excess of 21,000 German military personnel of World War II. There is an Information Centre to the memory of the losses of Operation Overlord. Human fates and reconciliation are special themes. An adjoining peace-garden with 1,200 maple-trees symbolises that peace ought to grow.
- 35 mins
- Colleville-sur-Mer
Overlord Museum
History
Located a short distance from Omaha beach, Overlord Museum covers the period of the Allied landing until the liberation of Paris. The collection was put together by Michel Leloup who was both a witness to the conflict and involved in the reconstruction of Normandy. You will see numerous items including a reconnaissance plane, V-1 flying bomb, more than 10 armoured fighting vehicles, 30 soft skin vehicles, artillery pieces, posters, signs, documents and personal items from individual soldiers.
- 40 mins
- Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer
Les Braves – Omaha Memorial Sculpture
History
Les Braves is a war memorial created by French sculptor Anilore Banon in 2004, located on the shores of Omaha Beach in St. Laurent-sur-Mer. It was commissioned by the French government to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the D-Day Invasion. The memorial represents three elements: the wings of hope, the rise of freedom, and the wings of fraternity. The tallest of the columns stands at 30 feet.
- 40 mins
- Falaise
Chateau de Falaise
History
Remnants of a medieval castle, dating from the 12-13th Century and on the site of the birthplace of William the Conqueror. Using tablets, students are invited to recreate the interiors of parts of the castle and meet historical figures from the Anglo-Norman period.
- 50 mins
- Caen
Abbaye aux Hommes
History
The more ornate counterpart to the Abbaye aux Dames, this Abbey houses the tomb of William the Conquereror. Behind these buildings lies the story of William the Conqueror’s love affair with his cousin, whom he married in 1050 despite papal opposition. The couple obtained a pardon from Pope Nicholas II in 1059, but each had to build an abbey.
- 30 mins
- Carentan-les-Marais
Normandy Victory Museum
History
A museum with a different angle, giving insight into life in the 100 days following the D-Day landings, known as the ‘Battle of the Hedges’. Journey through 27 hyper-realistic, sound-enhanced settings which groups walk through in chronological order. The visit ends with an exhibition on the importance of the role of women during the war.
- 45 mins
- Arromanches-les-Bains
Arromanches 360 Circular Cinema
History
A film about the terrible Battle of Normandy taken from archive images from around the world is projected in high definition on 9 screens. This film is a tribute to soldiers from all countries and to the 20,000 civilians who were killed during this battle for the liberation of Europe.
- 15 mins
- Arromanches-les-Bains
Arromanches
History, Geogrpahy
Arromanches: environmental quality investigation, tourism survey and evaluation of coastal management strategies. Arromanches is a significant tourist location on the Normandy beaches with an important role to play in telling us the history of the successful landings. But what can we learn today about how the impact of tourism is managed to sustain the environment of this coastal environment.
- 15 mins
Food & Culture
- Isigny Sur Mer
Caramel Making
MFL, Cultural, Food Technology
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.
- 40 mins
- Sablés d’Asnelles
Biscuit Makers
MFL, Cultural, Food Technology
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.
- 15 mins
- Ducy-Sainte-Marguerite
Les Vergers de Ducy
Cultural, Food Technology, Language
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.
- 20 mins
- Seulline
Les Escargots de l’Odon
Food Technology, Cultural, Primary
Nestling in a small dale at the heart of the Odon valley, Les Escargots de l’Odon offers visitors the chance to discover the world of snail farming. From the egg to the plate, groups will see the reproduction workshop, nursery, snail parks as well as the laboratory, before ending the visit with a tasting.
- 40 mins
- Carentan-les-Marais
Chevrerie du Mesnil
Cultural, Food Technology, MFL
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.
- 45 mins
- Beussent
Les Chocolats de Beussent
Cultural, Food Technology, MFL
Discover how real French chocolate is made in this family-friendly chocolaterie. Watch skilled chocolatiers at work, enjoy a delicious tasting, and let the kids experience the magic of chocolate making up close.
- 1 hour 20 mins
- Unknown
Farm and Bread making
History, Cultural, Food Technology
Groups will enjoy an afternoon learning about the active life of a farm. The children will make their own bread rolls and be told about the magic of baking by their host François. While the bread is cooking, the children can meet the animals on the farm before tucking into their bread. Groups have the option to add other activities at a supplement, such as farmer’s golf, milking a cow or making apple juice.
- TBC
- Unknown
Market Visits
MFL, Cultural, Food Technology
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.
- TBC
- Bayeux
Bayeux
Cultural, Geography, MFL
Land use transects and the location and clustering of services in the CBD. Work focussed on the urban landscape, showing through a city transept, the disposition of services and business as well as residential areas in the city
- 25 mins
- Bretteville-sur-Odon
Festyland
Cultural, MFL
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.
- 25 mins
- Douvres-la-Délivrande
Swimming – Aquanacre
MFL, Physical Education
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).
- 15 mins
- Le Havre
MuMa Museum of Modern Art
Art & Design, Cultural
MuMa at Le Havre is known for its late 19th and 20th century collections and has one of France’s largest collections of Impressionist art. Students can experience the work of artists including Monet, Boudin, Bonnard, Dufet, Renoir, Pissarro, Sisley, Degas and Courbet.
- 1 hour 40 mins
- Fontaine-Henry
Château de Fontaine-Henry
MFL, Art & Design, History
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.
- 15 mins
- Bayeux
Bayeux Cathedral
MFL, Art & Design, Cultural, History, Religious Studies
The cathedral of Notre-Dame in Bayeux is an impressive building with a mix of Romanesque architecture in the 11th century crypt and Gothic in the 13th-century nave. The crypt contains some beautiful murals and the stained-glass windows in the chapel are stunning.
- 25 mins
- Rouen
Rouen Cathedral
Art & Design, Cultural, History
Claude Monet painted more than thirty canvases depicting Rouen Cathedral between 1892 and 1894. The paintings in the series capture the façade of the Cathedral at different times of the day and year, reflecting changes under different lighting conditions. This intricate and flamboyant building is the tallest cathedral in France with a spire that reaches 151 metres high.
- 2 hours
- Rouen
Rouen Musée des Beaux-Arts
Art & Design, Cultural
The Rouen Musée des Beaux-Arts features paintings, sculptures and drawings from the 15th century to the present day. The collection includes works by Rubens, Caravaggio, Velázquez, Poussin, Géricault, Delacroix, Corot, Gustave Moreau, Degas and Monet Modigliani, Dufy and the Duchamp brothers, amongst many more.
- 2 hours
- Arromanches
Sketching & Creating beach art at Gold Beach
Art & Design, Cultural, History
This is a great opportunity to discuss art and its place in commemorating history. Students could create their own sand art – see the artwork called The Fallen, the idea of Bradford sculptors Jamie Wardley and Andy Moss. You can view a time lapse of the beach art tribute created in 2013 here. Arromanches has the remains of the Mulberry harbour in its bay which also provides thought provoking sketching material.
- 20 mins
- Caen
Musée des Beaux Arts (Museum of Fine Arts)
Art & Design, Cultural
Musée des Beaux Arts in Caen houses collections with many sixteenth and seventeenth century French, Italian and Flemish works of art, along with some contemporary art. The medieval castle also hosts a sculpture park.
- 30 mins
- Courseulles-sur-Mer
Courseulles-sur-Mer
Art & Design, Cultural, MFL
The beach of Courseulles-sur-Mer is renowned for being one of the most beautiful and unspoilt coastlines of France. Courseulles-sur-Mer town is small but lively with a harbour – perfect for sketching opportunities.
- 15 mins
- Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer
Les Braves – Omaha Memorial Sculpture
Art & Design, History
Les Braves is a war memorial created by French sculptor Anilore Banon in 2004, located on the shores of Omaha Beach in St. Laurent-sur-Mer. It was commissioned by the French government to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the D-Day Invasion. The memorial represents three elements: the wings of hope, the rise of freedom, and the wings of fraternity. The tallest of the columns stands at 30 feet.
- 40 mins
- Caen
Abbaye aux Hommes
History, Cultural, Religious Studies
The more ornate counterpart to the Abbaye aux Dames, this Abbey houses the tomb of William the Conquereror. Behind these buildings lies the story of William the Conqueror’s love affair with his cousin, whom he married in 1050 despite papal opposition. The couple obtained a pardon from Pope Nicholas II in 1059, but each had to build an abbey.
- 30 mins
- Caen
Abbaye aux Dammes
Cultural, Religious Studies
Founded in the 11th century by Matilda of Flandre, this abbey features beautifully restored Romanesque architecture and a serene atmosphere. Students can learn about the abbey’s role in religious and cultural development, admire its impressive church and cloisters, and gain insights into the daily lives of nuns during the Middle Ages. This visit provides a hands-on approach to studying history and architecture in a historically rich setting.
- 30 mins
- Caen
Chateau de Caen
Cultural, Religious Studies
Built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, the château features impressive defensive structures, including ramparts and towers, as well as a rich collection of historical artifacts. Students can explore the castle’s extensive grounds and learn about its strategic significance during various historical periods, providing a deeper understanding of medieval military architecture and the region’s role in shaping European history.
- 30 mins
Further Afield
- Le Mont-Saint-Michel
Mont Saint-Michel
Geography, Cultural/Cross Curricular
Mont Saint-Michel is in the heart of a great bay that has the highest tides in Europe. Strong tides protected the abbey during the wars that ravaged France. At high tide, the tidal island is surrounded by the cold, fast-moving waters of the North Atlantic. At low tide, the landmass rises from the beach. Your group can experience the beautiful view over the bay from the ramparts path.
- 2 hours
- Giverny
Giverny
Art & Design, Cultural
Giverney was Monet’s home from 1883 until he passed away in 1926. Monet created some of his most celebrated work at Giverny and students will have the opportunity to see his house and the beautiful ‘Water Garden’ – sketch books are essential!
- 2 hours 30 mins
- Étretat
Étretat
Art & Design, Cultural, Geography
Étretat is known for its cliffs which include three natural arches and the ‘needle’. This beautiful area attracted artists including Monet, Boudin and Courbet.
- 2 hours
- Coupvray
Disneyland® Paris
MFL, Cultural
A favourite for students of all ages. A day or two at Disneyland® Paris is often the highlight of the tour with many attractions to be found in Frontierland, Discoveryland, Fantasy and much more! A great way for students to practice their French speaking and listening skills whilst having fun.
- 3 hours 45 mins
- Honfleur
Honfleur
MFL, Art & Design, Cultural, Geography, Food Technology
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.
- 1 hours 20 mins
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