Gunnersbury Catholic School and Collège Marcel Gambier (Lisieux), June 2024

In June 2024, Gunnersbury Catholic School embarked on an exciting four-day tour to Pays d’Auge, Normandy, offering students a blend of historical, cultural, and educational experiences. The journey began early on Wednesday, as the group set off from school, making their way to Dover for a ferry crossing to Calais. After a smooth trip across the Channel and a scenic drive through the French countryside, they arrived at Ermitage Sainte Thérèse in Lisieux, where the students enjoyed a warm welcome and their first evening meal in France.

Thursday provided the students with an authentic taste of French school life. They spent the morning at Marcel Gambier Middle and High School, participating in language activities alongside local students. The afternoon featured a guided tour of the Basilica of Saint Therese de Lisieux, a breathtaking monument rich in history. To top it off, the group visited Merimee Chocolaterie, where they enjoyed hands-on chocolate-making workshops and explored the charming town of Lisieux.

Friday was a day steeped in history. The students visited the Bayeux Tapestry Museum, where they marveled at the intricate details of this 11th-century masterpiece. Following lunch in the nearby gardens of Bayeux Cathedral, the group headed to Arromanches 360° Circular Cinema to watch a film on the D-Day landings, before spending some time on the historic beaches of Arromanches, where remnants of WWII’s artificial harbor remain visible.

On the final day, Saturday, the group began their journey back to the UK, with a delightful stop at Le Touquet Plage, a picturesque beach town offering a perfect conclusion to the tour. After a brief visit, the students boarded the ferry back to Dover and arrived at school later that evening, bringing an end to a truly enriching and unforgettable experience in Normandy.