THE PLACE | The Region-Field Trips

The program includes three day-long field trips to the most important sites in the region:

Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery : For an American citizen, there can be no more important or more moving experience than seeing the D-Day landing beaches in person. Our day at Omaha begins at the museum at the American Cemetery, a multi-media interactive display of the planning and execution of D-Day. Students have time to view the cemetery, a moving memorial to the 30,000 American service men and women who are buried there. The group then hikes down to the beaches where students perform sections of WWII poetry on the beach.

A contemplative moment at the American Cemetery at Omaha Beach.

Bayeux and the Norman Conquest : Bayeux is a picturesque medieval town which is home to the 900-year-old "Bayeux Tapestry", a 230 foot long embroidered cloth which depicts the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. Students have a guided tour of the tapestry and the Cathedrale Notre Dame de Bayeux, a Romanesque cathedral completed in 1077.   Students have time to explore Bayeux on their own, enjoying the cafes, bakeries and shops.

The Cathedal Notre Dame de Bayeux where William the Conqueror was crowned in the 11th century.

Mont St Michel : High atop a tiny tidal island sits the breathtaking abbey of Mont St Michel. Begun in 966, the abbey was home to the Benedictine monks for over 700 years and is surrounded by a medieval village and fortified rampart. Mont St Michel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the second most popular tourist attraction in France outside of Paris with over 3 million visitors a year. Students have a guided tour of the abbey and spend the day exploring the winding cobblestone streets of the town and enjoying the far-reaching views of the bay.  

The abbey of Mont St Michel, built over a thousand years ago.

Our students also enjoy trips to local chateaus and gardens, the beautiful beaches at Carteret, Valognes, our local town, and Bricquebec, a medieval village with a castle dating back to the 11 th century.   We also celebrate Bastille Day with an evening of games on the beach and fireworks in nearby Barneville beach.

Students are also welcome to enjoy and explore the many hiking trails and biking routes in and around the chateau.