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

Chateau woodland village Bedroom Mock up

Our Rating:

Capacity: 187

Location: Colombiers-sur-Seulles

What you’ll experience: The Château is just 6 km from the charming seaside town of Courseulles-sur-Mer, with its yacht harbour and sandy beaches, and close to Bayeux and the D-Day landing beaches—making it the perfect base for educational excursions in this historic region. Accommodation: The estate comprises Château du Baffy, Villa Matilde, and our new Woodland Village, sleeping up to 187 guests combined in 2–5 bedded en-suite rooms. Facilities: On-site amenities include two restaurants, a teachers’ lounge, sun terrace, meeting room, lawned gardens, barbecue area, and a 100 m² sports hall. Why schools love us: All buildings can take a full coach, allowing groups sole occupancy. Schools return year after year—not just for the estate, but for our outstanding team. From our experienced operations staff and welcoming on-site team, to our fantastic French manager and renowned chef Thierry, everyone is dedicated to creating a seamless, inspiring, and fun-filled experience for students and teachers. One teacher commented: “Beautiful setting – a great place to take school groups. Plenty of outdoor space and a 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