Religious Studies trip to Normandy: 4 Days, 3 Nights
A Select Religious Studies educational trip to Normandy offers a chance to explore the region’s deep Christian heritage, from its stunning medieval cathedrals to ancient abbeys like Mont-Saint-Michel. Normandy also holds significance as a pilgrimage destination and offers insights into the role of faith during pivotal moments in history, such as World War II. Our 4 days, 3 nights trip to Normandy provides students a rich experience of spiritual history, blending religious, cultural, and historical exploration in one remarkable region.
Suggested itinerary
Day one
- Arrival day
- Fecamp Abbey
Day two
- Bayeux Tapestry Museum
- Bayeux Cathedral
- Chateau de Falaise
Day three
- Abbaye aux Hommes
- Abbaye aux Dammes
- Chateau de Caen
Day four
- Travel home
Excursion Ideas
Fecamp Abbey
Subject range: Religious Studies
What you’ll experience: Fécamp Abbey offers students a fascinating journey into medieval monastic life and the rich history of Normandy. As one of the oldest Benedictine monasteries in France, Fécamp Abbey allows students to explore its stunning architecture, including the grand church and cloisters, while learning about the abbey’s influence on religious and cultural life in the region. This visit provides an immersive experience into the spiritual and historical significance of the abbey, connecting students with the legacy of monasticism and its role in shaping European history.
Bayeux Cathedral
Subject range: MFL, Art, Cultural, History, Religious Studies
What you’ll experience: 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.
Bayeux Tapestry Museum
Subject range: MFL, Art, Cultural, History, Religious Studies
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.
*Please note this museum will be closed for renovation work from September 2025-Spring 2027.
Chateau de Falaise
Subject range: Cultural, Religious Studies
What you’ll experience: Château de Falaise offers students a captivating glimpse into medieval history and the life of William the Conqueror, who was born there. The well-preserved fortress allows students to explore its impressive towers, ramparts, and interactive exhibits that bring Norman history to life. Through this visit, students gain insight into the feudal system, medieval warfare, and the pivotal role Falaise played in shaping both French and English history, making it a valuable educational experience.
Abbaye aux Hommes
Subject range:
What you’ll experience: Founded in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, this remarkable abbey showcases stunning Romanesque design and beautifully preserved medieval structures. Students can explore the abbey’s grand church, tranquil cloisters, and informative exhibits, offering them a deeper understanding of religious life in the Middle Ages and the significant role of the abbey in historical and cultural contexts.
Abbaye aux Dammes
Subject range:
What you’ll experience: 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.
Chateau de Caen
Subject range:
What you’ll experience: 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.
Religious Studies trip to Normandy: 4 Days, 3 Nights Accommodation
Château du Baffy
Location: Colombiers-sur-Seulles
Capacity: 110
The Château is only 6 kilometres from the picturesque seaside town of Courselles-sur-Mer with its yacht harbour and sandy beaches, and is also on the doorstep of Bayeux and the World War II landing beaches. It's the perfect base for groups to enjoy the wealth of excursions and educational experiences on offer in this historical area.
Rooms: The Château sleeps up to 110 persons in 2-5 bedded rooms, all with en-suite bathrooms.
Facilities: There are two restaurants, a teachers' lounge, a sun-terrace, and a meeting room. Outside there are lawned gardens and a tennis court, as well as a barbeque area, plus a new 100 metre squared sports hall! Select says: The Château du Baffy has a main building and the adjacent Villa Mathilde - both buildings accommodate a full coach capacity, so groups can enjoy sole-occupancy of their building. Our Château has been a highly popular choice for dozens of UK schools in the past fifteen years and will now be operated by our own team, including our renowned French chef Thierry! One of our teachers says, “Beautiful setting – a great place to take school groups. Plenty of outdoor space to run around and very French feeling dining room. Ideal location to explore this wonderful area.”
UNCMT Tailleville
Location: Tailleville
Capacity: 50
Tailleville is a traditional rural hamlet just 3km from Courseulles and 12km from Arromanches. The UNCMT is set in its own grounds and is a great accommodation for school groups, with classrooms available if required as well as plenty of enclosed outside space.
Rooms: Mostly en-suite rooms, some shared facilities.
Facilities: Restaurant, meeting rooms, table tennis, volleyball.
CPCV Normandie
Location: Houlgate
Capacity: 94
Located in its own grounds in the attractive seaside resort of Houlgate, just 50m from the seafront and beach, also within easy walking distance of the town centre.
Rooms: All rooms have en-suite facilities.
Facilities: Restaurant, TV room, lounge area, table tennis.
Hotel le Canada
Location: Ouistreham
Capacity: 55
Located in Ouistreham 200m from Sword Beach, one of the famous sites of the Second World War where British troops landed. The town centre is only 500m away.
Rooms: All rooms have en-suite facilities.
Facilities: Breakfast room, free Wi-Fi. Select says: Groups can get packed lunches delivered and take evening meals at a local restaurant close by.
Le Home du Cotentin
Location: Agon-Coutainville
Capacity: 169
This property occupies an ideal position just 50m from the seafront in Agon-Coutainville. Le Home du Contentin is located between Mont-Saint-Michel and the landing sites from June 1944, in front of the islands of Jersey and Guernsey.
Rooms: All rooms have en-suite facilities.
Facilities: 2 dining rooms, meeting / classrooms, free Wi-Fi, games room.
