D-Day Landing Beaches of Normandy
-
Batterie de Longues-sur-Mer in Normandy ©Sophie Kernen-Jumeaux & Co, Normandy Tourist Board
-
Abbey and bay of Mont-Saint-Michel ©The Explorers - Valentin Pacaut
-
Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial ©Marie-Anaïs Thierry, Normandy Tourist Board
-
Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial at Colleville-sur-Mer ©The Explorers - Valentin Pacaut, Normandy Tourist Board
Highly Recommended
Remembering the D-Day Landings
Head to Normandy to bring one of history’s darkest eras to life. The region offers a range of fascinating experiences, having borne witness to some of the most significant events in history, including WW2. Furthermore, with its easy accessibility from the UK, it’s a perfect school travel destination.
Immersive visits to the D-Day landing beaches will especially pique interest in European history. Explore the British and American sectors to understand different perspectives and the sacrifices that were made those 75 years ago. Knowledgeable battlefield guides share evocative stories, helping the pupils to learn and reflect. Although the horrendous conditions are difficult for us to imagine, the guide brings the experiences of these brave men to life. Visit cemeteries and museums about the D-Day invasion such as the popular Arromanches 360° Circular Cinema, which screens archival footage of the Battle of Normandy.
A Vital Educational Experience
In addition to WW2, this unique region is steeped in world history with lot to explore beyond the landing beaches. The iconic Bayeux Tapestry, depicts the events leading up to the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Normandy’s sights and attractions complement a range of classroom studies and put history into reality. There is also a plethora of local culture. Perhaps visit a quaint traditional fishing village or take your class to visit the spectacular Mont St Michel.
A visit to Normandy and the beaches where D-Day took place is an extremely important and poignant experience for all. The fascinating and moving history will stir your students to contemplate and reflect on the events that shaped our world as we know it.
Dates
Dates available on request
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Depart the UK and head for France
Board your coach and depart school, heading for Dover. Cross the Channel to Calais and continue your journey through France to Normandy.
Day 2
British Sector
After breakfast, head out for a guided tour of the D-Day Landing beaches. Visit the British sector and discover monuments, museums and memorials bearing testimony to the events of June 1944, which changed the local landscape and proved a decisive moment in the outcome of World War Two. The day starts with a visit to Pegasus Bridge, Café Gondré and the Pegasus Memorial Museum before heading to Merville Gun Battery. Carry on to Ranville Commonwealth Cemetery, final resting place of 2,562 brave servicemen and Bréville Ridge. Continue along Sword, Juno and Gold landing beaches. Why not stop in Arromanches to visit the invasion museum, focusing on the amazing Mulberry floating port? The Memorial de Caen Museum is well worth the visit, and they even provide workbooks specifically designed for school groups.
Day 3
American Sector
Now explore the American contribution. First, head to Sainte Mère Église, scene of some of the tragic landings of the US Paras before visiting Azeville Battery and Airborne Museum. See Utah beach then head to Pointe Du Hoc which was captured by the American Rangers. Visit the American Cemetery overlooking tragic Omaha Beach, and then visit the beach itself. Continue along to the Longues-Sur-Mer Gun Battery, with its original guns. Stop in Bayeux and perhaps visit the Old Town or the nearby Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery.
Day 4
Bayeux or Mont St Michel
In the charming town of Bayeux, discover one of British history’s most iconic documents – the Bayeux Tapestry. Telling the story of the Norman Invasion and subsequent defeat of the English King Harold by William the Coqueror in 1066, the Tapestry is a must see!
For an alternative excursion, why not visit Mont St Michel, Normandy’s most distinctive monument. Perched on a rocky island, the Abbey rises majestically out of the sea in a beautiful natural bay and is only accessible when the tide goes out.
Day 5
Depart France and return to the UK
After breakfast, check out and board your coach for your return journey back to the UK. Why not stop off at Cité Europe in Calais for some last minute souvenir shopping before boarding your ferry?
Suggested Hostels
The UNCMT – Union Normande des Centres Maritime et Touristiques – offer a selection of hostels ideally suited to youth and school groups throughout the region. Each hostel is unique in both its design and facilities, some in town, others in a quieter countryside setting, but all are adapted to help you make the most of your tour to Normandy. Offering multi-bedded rooms, other facilities can include class rooms, play rooms, gardens, basketball courts, outdoor pitches, TV rooms, staff rooms and WiFi access. Lunch and dinner can be arranged as well as packed lunches for days out.
We also have a wide selection of hotels in and around the Normandy region to suit all budgets and tastes – please ask for further details.
