Online Program
Adventures Online: The Best of Normandy From Giverny to D-Day
Program No. 24182RJ
Immerse yourself in the history of WWII and experience the beauty of Normandy during an online learning adventure that leads from Omaha Beach to the gardens of Giverny.
Itinerary
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Day
1
Orientation, History of Normandy
Location:
From the comfort of your own home.
Orientation
Orientation and Introductions
As we meet our staff, we will have a brief overview on how to use Zoom, the program’s topic, guidelines, and the daily schedule.
Session 1
The History of the Normandy Region
(Lecture)
A lecture on the history of the Normandy region, from its Viking founders, to the influence of the Norman conquests of England and Sicily. We will look at the influence of the Hundred Years War and learn the fascinating story of Joan of Arc, a symbol of French nationhood and freedom to this day.
Break
Break
Take some time to stretch, relax, and prepare for our next lesson.
Session 2
The Viking Tombs in Rouen's Cathedral
(Field Trip)
We'll begin with a “visit” to the Viking tombs in Rouen’s Cathedral. Next, we’ll visit the Bayeux Cathedral, which was the first home of the Bayeaux Tapestry. The tapestry depicts more than seventy scenes preceeding the Norman conquest of England and is thought to have been embroidered in the 11th century. This magnificent piece of history is now housed in the Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux in Bayeux. Afterwards, we’ll journey to Mont Saint Michel to learn about the history of pilgrimages, followed by a visit to the market square of Rouen and the city of Caen, William the Conqueror’s capital.
Wrap-up
Daily Wrap-up
We will end with a review of the topics we have discussed today and a preview of what’s ahead for tomorrow.
End of Day
Today's session will end.
Day
2
D-Day Beaches
Location:
From the comfort of your own home.
Session 1
WWII, Operation Overlord and D-Day
(Lecture)
Today's lecture will focus on WWII, Operation Overlord and D-Day. We will explore the historical context for the Allied landings and learn about the strategies used to overcome German defences.
Break
Break
Take some time to stretch, relax, and prepare for our next lesson.
Session 2
The Beaches and Sites of D-Day
(Field Trip)
Our field trip will take us to the landing beach of Omaha, where we’ll learn about how the beachhead was taken, with great sacrifices from American troops. We’ll also explore Utah Beach, the artificial harbor at Arromanches, Pegasus Bridge, as well as the American Cemetery, which is located in Colleville-sur-Mer and honors the soldiers who gave their lives during World War II.
Wrap-up
Daily Wrap-up
We will end with a review of the topics we have discussed today and a preview of what’s ahead for tomorrow.
End of Day
Today's session will end.
Day
3
Normandy and the Impressionist Painters
Location:
From the comfort of your own home.
Session 1
The Impressionists and Painting in Normandy
(Lecture)
Our lecture will focus on Normandy’s importance as a center for painting in the nineteenth century, particularly for the Impressionists. We will learn about Eugène Boudin and his influence on Claude Monet and explore the lifestyle and gastronomy of this unique region.
Break
Break
Take some time to stretch, relax, and prepare for our next lesson.
Session 2
Le Havre and Impressionist Painting Sites
(Field Trip)
On our field trip we will visit the beautiful fishing port of Honfleur, a center of Impressionist painting and explore the collections of the museums of Le Havre and Rouen. We will also visit Rouen Cathedral, famously painted in series by Claude Monet. We will also see the cliffs at Etretat, which appear in many Impressionist paintings. Finally, we will visit the house and gardens of Claude Monet at Giverny, in which he lived from 1883 to his death in 1926. Monet’s beautiful gardens often served as inspirations for his renowned works of art.
Wrap-up
Daily Wrap-up
We will end with a review of the topics we have discussed today and a preview of what’s ahead for tomorrow.
End of Day
Today's session will end.
Day
4
The Lifestyle and Cuisine of Normandy
Location:
From the comfort of your own home.
Session 1
Gastronomy and Cultural Traditions of Normandy
(Lecture)
We will explore the particular gastronomic and cultural traditions of the Normandy region, which still maintains a unique local identity. We will examine the proud monastic tradition in the region and its influence on Normandy’s unique cuisine, while looking at some of the foods that have put Normandy on the gastronomic map, such as cheeses and cider.
Break
Break
Take some time to stretch, relax, and prepare for our next lesson.
Session 2
The Port of Honfleur and Pont l'Évêque
(Field Trip)
Our field trip will take us to the traditional fishing port of Honfleur, the cheese making town of Pont l’Évêque and explore local delicacies in specialty shops around the region. Pont l’Évêque cheese is named for the location in which it is made, and is one of the oldest cheeses still produced in Normandy.
Wrap-up
Program Wrap-up
We will recap what we’ve learned over the past few days and say farewell. This concludes our program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
Program Conclusion
This concludes our program.