Religious Studies Trip to Normandy

About this trip

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.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 Find out more

Arrival day
Fecamp Abbey

Day 2 Find out more

Bayeux Tapestry Museum
Bayeux Cathedral
Chateau de Falaise

Day 3 Find out more

Abbaye aux Hommes
Abbaye aux Dammes
Chateau de Caen

Day 4 Find out more

Travel home

Day 5 Find out more

Day 6 Find out more

Day 7 Find out more

Day 8 Find out more

Excursion Ideas

Bayeux Cathedral Find out more

Bayeux Cathedral

Subject Range: MFL, Art & Design, 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.

Select Says: Read the diagram on the stairs before you descend into the crypt, as it gives some information about the images below.

Bayeux Tapestry Museum Find out more

Bayeux Tapestry Museum

Subject Range: MFL, Art & Design, 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 Find out more

Chateau de Falaise

Subject Range: History, Cultural , Primary

What you’ll experience: 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.

Abbaye aux Hommes Find out more

Abbaye aux Hommes

Subject Range: History, Cultural, Religious Studies, Primary

What you’ll experience: 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.

Abbaye aux Dammes Find out more

Abbaye aux Dammes

Subject Range: Cultural, Religious Studies

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 Find out more

Chateau de Caen

Subject Range: Cultural, Religious Studies

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.

Accommodation Options

Château du Baffy Find out more

Château du Baffy

Our Rating:

Capacity: 110

Location: Colombiers-sur-Seulles

What you’ll experience: 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: Rooms: The Château sleeps up to 110 persons in 2-5 bedded rooms, all with en-suite bathrooms. Facilities: 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 Find out more

UNCMT Tailleville

Our Rating:

Capacity: 50

Location: Tailleville

What you’ll experience: 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: Rooms: Mostly en-suite rooms, some shared facilities. Facilities: Facilities: Restaurant, meeting rooms, table tennis, volleyball.

Accommodation 15 Find out more

Curriculum Links

KS4 (GCSE)
AQA: Religion, war and peace; moral and ethical responses to conflict; remembrance and reconciliation
Edexcel: Religion and conflict, pacifism, forgiveness, and humanitarian response
OCR: Religion, peace and conflict / Ethics and moral responsibility in historical contexts

KS5 (A-Level)
AQA: Religious perspectives on war, peace, and reconciliation; ethics of conflict; human suffering and moral decision-making
Edexcel: Religion, ethics, and war; moral philosophy; responses to human suffering and reconciliation
OCR: Philosophy of religion, applied ethics, and religion in historical and contemporary conflict situations