Bring history to life with school tours to Normandy
Wednesday, 28, Jul 2010 03:23
Taking students out of the classroom and allowing them to experience sights and sounds for themselves rather than through the pages of a book can be an invaluable way to improve their understanding of a subject.
History is one such area that benefits from this approach, with pupils able to visit the sites of famous battles, castles and museums to help bring the curriculum to life.
If you want to take your students on a history school trip then Normandy in France could provide the perfect location for some learning outside the classroom.
With history dating back centuries, the region is a treasure trove of historic sights, museums and towns that will help to bring this exciting subject to life for your students.
Normandy and its beaches are probably best known within history for their part in the D-Day landings during World War II.
You can not only take your students to see the famous sands but will also be able to show them around the nearby town of Arromanches, which played a pivotal role in the D-Day landings.
If you want to make sure that they don't miss anything when it comes to the D-Day landings then following the Circuit du Debarquement could be advisable as this will lead you along a route around some of the most important landing beaches.
But Normandy isn't just useful for its ties with recent history - its villages and towns date back for many hundreds of years, allowing you to explore other well-known events.
Falaise is the town where William the Conqueror was born, while a trip to Bayeux will allow your pupils to view the famous tapestry of the same name.
And if you want to have a break from history then why not treat your students with a visit to a chocolate manufacturer in Touques?
They could pick up some souvenirs or presents to take home and the trip could inspire you to visit the chocolate museum located near Bayeux.
When it comes to accommodation, you will find that even this can have historical links.
For a truly French experience, you could stay in Chateau du Baffy, a traditional building situated in two acres of parkland just outside the village of Colombiers-sur-Seulles.
It presents an excellent base from which to explore all of the famous sights and landmarks of the region, as well as offering authentic French cuisine for your students to try during their stay.