A day of French Culture

Your third day will be devoted to giving pupils a further insight into French culture, choosing from iconic visits such as a local French market, a goats cheese farm and a chocolaterie.

Popular excursion destinations in the region include Bayeaux, Caen, Honfleur and Mont St Michel. Our team will of course be able to help you identify an itinerary which suits your requirements.

French Market

French markets are always lively and colourful. You will see all kinds of stalls, including fruits and vegetables of the season, fresh fish and French livestock such as chickens and rabbits. You can join the bustle, buying all kinds of souvenirs from French fashion, jewellery and sunglasses, to the traditional Camembert or Normandy cider. You’ll certainly find the ‘hot produce’ stalls with their evocative smells of pancakes, saucisses grillées are impossible to walk by without sampling!

 

Goats Cheese Farm

Based in a quintessential Normandy farmhouse, come and meet our goat’s cheese expert, who will be delighted to teach you all about his work. In a visit specifically designed for school groups, the children will learn all about the different steps of goat’s cheese-making as well as get the chance to stroke the goats, feed them, milk them and even try their milk! This is definitely a visit not to miss!!

 

Bayeux

This visit takes you to the entrancing and ancient city of Bayeux, with its rich artistic and architectural heritage, including the magnificent medieval cathedral. You can also visit the Bayeux Tapestry, a unique 70m long document, made in the 11th century of woollen embroidery on linen cloth. The tapestry tells the epic story leading up to the Battle of Hastings and the defeat of King Harold by William the Conqueror. (Se also our Modern History page for more information on Bayeux in WW2)

 

Calvados

Learn everything about ‘le Calvados’, this apple brandy liqueur named after the local region where it is produced. Although mainly known as a drinking liqueur, it’s also an all-round ingredient of Normandy cuisine, and locals have learnt to adapt it to almost any dish. From picking up the apples and going to the press to the distillation, learn the process behind Calvados-making and discover a real local speciality.

 

Mont St Michel

Probably the most impressive sight in Normandy, the Mont St Michel is a feat of medieval architecture with outstanding panoramic views over the bay. As a centre of Christian pilgrimage, the village consists of a blend of cobbled lanes, medieval houses, shops and cafés culminating to the Abbey, which has been kept in good condition throughout its life. The adventurous can approach the Mont by crossing the bay on the tidal causeway with one of our expert French native guides.You will learn all about the local flora and fauna, the many points of interest, and the famous salted sheep.

 

Chocolaterie

Unveil the mysteries of chocolate in this museum dedicated to our favourite treat. Discover its origins through a documentary where you will travel to cocoa plantations thousands of miles away. Back in the factory, observe the experts at their best and learn about chocolate-making and its memorabilia. And last but not least, take part in fun chocolate tasting games. A real tribute to chocolate!

 

Honfleur

Visit the beautiful town of Honfleur, which is especially known for its old, beautiful picturesque port, with its houses with slate-covered frontages and flowery decorations. It was painted many times by artists such as Monet and is known to have inspired the Impressionist movement. Have a look at the Sainte-Catherine church, which is the largest church made out of wood in France, or simply have a stroll and enjoy the moment in this magical little town.

 

Caen

The town of Caen is mostly known for its historical background. As the city of William the Conqueror, Caen has protected its magnificent heritage including the Caen castle, one of the largest medieval fortress of its time, which now serves as an Art Museum. Caen was also a key site of the Battle of Normandy during the Second World War. The city has preserved the memory by building a memorial for peace. (see our Modern History page)

 

Deauville

Although not as rich in history, Deauville is regarded as the ‘queen of the Norman beaches’ which is demonstrated in the film ‘Un Homme et une Femme’ (A man and a woman). But Deauville is also one of the trendiest and most ultra-chic town of Normandy thanks to its harbour, international film festival, marinas, sumptuous hotels and villas, its Grand Casino and its racecourse.

 

Modern history