McAuley Catholic High School and Collège Michelet (Lisieux), June 2024
In late June, 40 students and four teachers from McAuley Catholic High School set off on a five-day tour to Pays d’Auge, Normandy. The trip began on Monday, with the group traveling from Doncaster to Dover for a ferry to Calais. After a scenic drive through France, they arrived at their accommodation at Domaine de Soignolles, where they were warmly welcomed and given a tour of the facilities.
Tuesday kicked off with a visit to the Graindorge Fromagerie in Livarot, where students learned about the art of traditional French cheese-making through a guided tour and tastings. Afterward, they had the chance to shop at Leclerc Falaise for lunch provisions before heading to Chateau Guillaume Le Conquerant. There, they explored the castle using augmented reality technology to uncover its medieval past, making the experience both educational and interactive.
On Wednesday, the group delved into French delicacies with a visit to the Drakkar Chocolaterie, where they toured the chocolate museum and enjoyed tastings. They then spent the afternoon in Bayeux, exploring the historical center before heading to Arromanches 360° Circular Cinema for an immersive D-Day experience. The beach at Arromanches provided a hands-on look at the remnants of the WWII artificial harbor, giving students a deeper connection to the history they had just learned.
Thursday offered a cultural exchange, as students spent the morning at Collège Michelet in Lisieux, engaging in language activities with local French students. In the afternoon, they visited the Basilica of Saint Therese for a guided tour and attended mass. A bit of free time allowed for souvenir shopping in Lisieux before returning to their accommodation for dinner.
On Friday, the group packed up and began their return journey to the UK, marking the end of a rich and educational tour. With lasting memories of their time in Normandy, the students returned to Doncaster having gained both historical insights and cultural experiences.
