King’s College Preparatory School and Institut Notre Dame (Orbec), June 2024
In mid-June, students from King’s College Prep School embarked on a five-night music and culture tour to Pays d’Auge, Normandy. The journey began on Monday, 17th June, with the group traveling from Taunton to Poole Harbour, catching a ferry to Cherbourg. After arriving in France, they made their way to Maison Saint Georges in Orbec, where they were welcomed with a presentation and settled in for their first evening.
Tuesday kicked off with a visit to the Graindorge Fromagerie in Livarot, where students learned about the region’s famous cheeses through an engaging tour and tasting session. After lunch on the lawns of Chateau Guillaume-le-Conquerant in Falaise, the group explored the castle using augmented reality tablets, bringing its medieval history to life. The evening included free time to enjoy the grounds and facilities before dinner at the accommodation.
On Wednesday, the students spent the morning participating in school activities before heading to Beauregard Aventure Parc in the afternoon. There, they enjoyed an exciting aerial trekking course set in the woods of a historic chateau, challenging themselves on a range of circuits. The group returned to Orbec for dinner, concluding a day filled with both educational and physical adventures.
Thursday began with a school morning, followed by a thrilling visit to Eole Aventure Aquapark, where students tackled a water-based obstacle course. Later in the day, they visited the Bayeux Tapestry Museum, where they immersed themselves in the history of the Norman Conquest. The evening featured a restaurant dinner in the historic town center, offering a special treat after a busy day.
Friday was a day rich in culture and connection, starting with a tour of the Basilica of Saint Therese in Lisieux, one of France’s most visited religious sites. As Lisieux and Taunton are twinned towns, the students had the unique opportunity to engage in a special Fête de la Musique event at the Lisieux Conservatoire, celebrating this twinning with musical performances across the town. A final restaurant dinner rounded off the day, marking a memorable moment of unity between the two towns.
On Saturday, the group made their way back to the UK, returning to King’s College Prep School with a wealth of experiences and memories from their Normandy adventure, enriched by the special bond between Lisieux and Taunton.
