Two-centre Trip to Normandy & Paris

About this trip

There are a variety of options for your two centre tour to Normandy and Paris. You may choose to spend 4 nights in Normandy and 2 nights in Paris for example, or 4 nights in Normandy and 1 in Paris. For the Paris section of your itinerary, you may opt to visit a range of the iconic sites, or your group may take the opportunity to visit Disneyland® Paris. Contact us to discuss the options and to tailor-make your next school trip!

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 Find out more

Fly from the UK to Washington DC
Transfer to hotel in Washington DC
Fly from the UK to Washington DC
Transfer to hotel in Washington DC

Day 2 Find out more

4 hours Walking tour of DC “Civil War to Civil Rights” ending at Ford’s Theater
Ford’s Theatre Museum
The National Museum of the American Indian
The National Museum of African American History and Culture
4 hours Walking tour of DC “Civil War to Civil Rights” ending at Ford’s Theater
Ford’s Theatre Museum
The National Museum of the American Indian
The National Museum of African American History and Culture

Day 3 Find out more

Depart Washington by coach
Arlington National Cemetery
Gettysburg National Military Park
Welcome Centre, Cyclorama and follow a Ranger guided tour of the Battlefield (by coach)
Depart Washington by coach
Arlington National Cemetery
Gettysburg National Military Park
Welcome Centre, Cyclorama and follow a Ranger guided tour of the Battlefield (by coach)

Day 4 Find out more

Depart for Antietam, Maryland – visit Antietam park visitor centre
Continue to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia – ranger guided tour of the town
Depart for Fredericksburg, Virginia
Depart for Antietam, Maryland – visit Antietam park visitor centre
Continue to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia – ranger guided tour of the town
Depart for Fredericksburg, Virginia

Day 5 Find out more

Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness, and Spotsylvania
Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Centre OR the Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Centre
Depart Fredericksburg for Washington DC
Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness, and Spotsylvania
Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Centre OR the Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Centre
Depart Fredericksburg for Washington DC

Day 6 Find out more

Washington DC Supreme Court
Courtroom lecture and introductory film
Visit the US Capitol for a guided tour
The National Archive Museum
Overnight in Washington DC
Washington DC Supreme Court
Courtroom lecture and introductory film
Visit the US Capitol for a guided tour
The National Archive Museum
Overnight in Washington DC

Day 7 Find out more

Free time before departing for IAD airport for your flight back to the UK
Free time before departing for IAD airport for your flight back to the UK

Day 8 Find out more

Arrive back in the UK
The Lincoln Memorial, Washington
Arrive back in the UK

Excursion Ideas

Disneyland® Paris Find out more

Disneyland® Paris

Subject Range: MFL, Cultural

What you’ll experience: 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.

Select Says: Disney also provide excellent learning modules across a variety of subjects. Contact us for details.

Tour Montparnasse Find out more

Tour Montparnasse

Subject Range: Cultural, Business Studies

What you’ll experience: This is Paris’ only skyscraper and the tallest building in France at 210 metres. You can visit the panoramic floor for fabulous views over the city. The tower is open until late, so it’s also possible to take in the beautifully lit night time beauty of Paris.

Select Says: This is by far the best place to view of the Eiffel Tower.

Eiffel Tower Find out more

Eiffel Tower

Subject Range: MFL, Art & Design, Cultural

What you’ll experience: This iconic monument, built in 1889, is the symbol of Paris and France. The Eiffel Tower is one of the best known monuments in the world. In 2014 a new glass floor was completed on level 1 where visitors can walk 57m from the ground and experience the sensation of stepping out into the void.

Select Says: View further details via the Eiffel Tower website. Please note, we advise schools to book this visit directly as schools get priority over tour operators. We are happy to advise on how to do this.

Boat Cruise – Bateaux Parisiens Find out more

Boat Cruise – Bateaux Parisiens

Subject Range: MFL, Art & Design, Cultural

What you’ll experience: One of the best and most relaxing ways to see the sights of Paris is to take a Seine river boat cruise. Starting at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, your cruise will take you up stream to the Ile de la Cité and Notre Dame Cathedral.

Select Says: Trips depart every 20 minutes at peak times.

Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur Find out more

Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur

Subject Range: Business Studies, Art & Design

What you’ll experience: Montmartre is a historic and artistic district in Paris, known for its bohemian charm, cobblestone streets, and vibrant art scene, which has been home to famous artists like Picasso and Van Gogh. At its highest point stands the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica, a striking white-domed church offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Sacré-Cœur is both an architectural marvel and a significant religious site, attracting visitors for its spiritual atmosphere and intricate mosaics. Montmartre’s lively atmosphere, street artists, and cultural heritage make it a must-visit destination that blends art, history, and stunning views of Paris.

Arromanches 360 Circular Cinema Find out more

Arromanches 360 Circular Cinema

Subject Range: History

What you’ll experience: 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.

Select Says: A preview can be viewed on Arromanches Circular Cinema website. There is a great view of Mulberry Harbour from up here, and views of Bayeaux town and the coast line.

Arromanches: D-Day Landings Museum Find out more

Arromanches: D-Day Landings Museum

Subject Range: History

What you’ll experience: 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.

Select Says: The museum overlooks where one of the Mulberry Harbours was constructed, and its remains can be seen a few hundred metres from the shore. The beach is a great place to stop for lunch and have a bit of fun after the museum. Encourage the students to re-enact what they think happened as the soldiers landed on the beaches.

D-Day Beaches Find out more

D-Day Beaches

Subject Range: History

What you’ll experience: 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.

Select Says: A visit to Omaha Beach helps to understand the importance of timing and the problems that had to be overcome for the invasion to be a success. Any of the beaches are a wonderful place to stop for lunch.

Caramel Making – Isigny Sur Mer Find out more

Caramel Making – Isigny Sur Mer

Subject Range: MFL, Cultural, Food Technology

What you’ll experience: 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.

Select Says: Don’t miss the sample tasting! Tours are in French so ensure you have a basic understanding or you have a French speaker with you. Still worth a visit though.

Festyland Find out more

Festyland

Subject Range: Cultural, Language

What you’ll experience: 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.

Select Says: Located in Bretteville-sur-Odon near Caen.

Chevrerie du Mesnil (Goat’s Cheese Farm) Find out more

Chevrerie du Mesnil (Goat’s Cheese Farm)

Subject Range: Cultural, Food Technology, Language

What you’ll experience: 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.

Select Says: Tours are offered in English or French and this is a popular tour for all ages.

Honfleur Find out more

Honfleur

Subject Range: MFL, Art & Design, Cultural, Geography, Food Technology

What you’ll experience: 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.

Select Says: The changing light on the Seine estuary inspired Monet, Boudin, Courbet, and many others. Great place to stop for lunch on route to your destination or on the way home to break up the journey.

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.

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.

Biscuit Makers – Sablés d’Asnelles

Subject Range: MFL, Cultural, Food Technology

What you’ll experience: 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.

Select Says: Take some euros as you will also have the opportunity to make additional purchases! Large groups are broken down into smaller groups to ensure everyone gets the full experience.

William the Conqueror’s Castle, Falaise Find out more

William the Conqueror’s Castle, Falaise

Subject Range: MFL, Cultural

What you’ll experience: William the Conqueror, the son of Duke Robert of Normandy, was born at the castle in about 1028. William went on to conquer England and become king and possession of the castle descended through his heirs until the 13th century when it was captured by King Philip II of France. The tour uses computer tablets to show the castle as it was lived in together with a description of the history of the Normans.

Select Says: There are lots of stairs to climb, but there’s a lovely view over Falaise from the castle heights.

Monet’s Garden – Giverny Find out more

Monet’s Garden – Giverny

Subject Range: Art & Design

What you’ll experience: 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!

Select Says: Reservations are necessary for groups of 20+. You can find out more about Monet’s Garden – Giverny here .

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.”

European Campus Sainte Therese Find out more

European Campus Sainte Therese

Our Rating:

Capacity: 130

Location: Paris suburbs

What you’ll experience: Situated at Ozoir-la-Ferrière just 25km SE of Paris and 15 minutes’ drive from Disneyland Paris. Set in 84 acres of grounds, this quality, purpose built accommodation is ideal for schools and offers excellent facilities alongside good access to Paris. Rooms: Sleep 2-4, all with en-suite facilities. Facilities: 24-hour reception, 2 dining rooms, meeting rooms, computer room with 32 computers, free Wi-Fi, extensive grounds including 3 hectares of forest, sports facilities including basketball, football, table tennis, fitness room and more!z.

Meininger Paris Porte de Vincennes Find out more

Meininger Paris Porte de Vincennes

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Our Rating:

Capacity: 946

Location: Porte de Vincennes

What you’ll experience: With metro connections to the city centre and Disneyland (via RER) this hotel offers a good standard of accommodation, perfectly suited to groups. Rooms: Bedrooms sleep 2-6 people and all offer private facilities. Facilities: Restaurant, bar, breakfast room.

Première Classe – Bussy St George Find out more

Première Classe – Bussy St George

Our Rating:

Capacity: 354

Location: Paris suburbs

What you’ll experience: Located at Bussy St George, just 25 km from Paris and a short 10 minute walk to the nearest RER station. Rooms: Rooms: All rooms have en-suite facilities. Facilities: Facilities: Breakfast room, meeting room, free Wi-Fi, enclosed garden.

Reseda Hotel Find out more

Reseda Hotel

Our Rating:

Capacity: 240

Location: Porte de Bagnolet (East of Paris)

What you’ll experience: Located within easy access of a metro station that will quickly take groups into the city centre, the Reseda hotel offers recently renovated, modern, simple accommodation very suited to groups. Students may also enjoy the nearby shopping centre. Park Asterix is also within easy reach of this hotel. Rooms: Rooms sleep 2-3 people and all have private facilities. Facilities: Meeting rooms, WI-FI.

Accommodation 15 Find out more