Northern France Music School Tours
Performing to the appreciative audiences in Northern France will help grow a novice’s confidence and abilities, whilst Bruges and Brussels provide prestigious performance opportunities for more experienced music groups.
Combined with an array of memorable visits, a concert tour to Northern France offers groups the opportunity to bond and fully concentrate on their rehearsals and performance. An ideal destination for music groups on their first school music tour or those with a tight budget.
Prices start from £369pp
Price includes
- 3 nights’ full board accommodation staying at NST’s Château d’Ebblinghem
- Executive coach transport from & to school & throughout your stay
- Organisation & publicity of 3 concerts
- Services of your own Group Co-ordinator (Groupie)
- Organised evening activities
- Extensive group travel insurance
- Generous free place ratio of 1 in 8
Price shown is based on 40 paying passengers departing from England and Wales on selected dates and is subject to availability.
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Top performance venues
Last Post Ceremony, Ypres
Choirs and bands can perform two hymns alongside the British and Belgian national anthems at this daily ceremony commemorating the fallen of WWI. Participating in this ceremony is an incredibly moving experience for groups who are often able to lay a wreath on request.
Jardins Publiques, Calais
Popular, lively bands can perform in Parc Richelieu or at the rotunda in Parc St Diene. Both venues are located in Calais, just 45 minutes from NST’s Château d’Ebblinghem.
St Bavo’s Cathedral, Ghent
Sacred choirs and orchestras are welcome to perform in this beautiful cathedral. Use of the organ can be arranged in advance.
Church of St Rochus, Blankenberge
Sacred choirs, classical chamber ensembles and orchestras are offered the chance to perform at this lovely Neo-Romanesque church in the seaside resort of Blankenberge.
The Church of Our Lady, Bruges
Choirs and instrumental chamber groups are invited to perform afternoon concerts in the wonderful ‘The Church of Our Lady’ located in the heart of historic Bruges.
Church of St Anthony of Padua, Aalst
This welcoming church allows both sacred and secular music, and the Priest works hard to ensure concerts by guest groups are well supported.
Church of St Michael, Ghent
Well known for its popular concert series and centrally located in Ghent, this church welcomes groups with mixed programmes.The Church also takes part in the Ghent Music Festival every July.
St Omer Public Gardens
Retirement Homes
We have a selection of welcoming retirement homes that enjoy hosting guest performances in a variety of cities and towns, including Dunkirk and Brussels.
Market Place, Bruges
Groups not needing electricity/amplification can perform during the day in this stunning city square, which always attracts good audiences outside the summer months.
Market Place, Ypres
This popular and attractive square is situated in the heart of Ypres where concerts regularly draw appreciative crowds.
Bandstands
Perform at the best coastal bandstands we offer, such as Blankenberge, Ostend, Nieuwpoort and De Panne.
Top visits
In Flanders Field Museum
This superb state-of-the-art, interactive museum is now an even richer experience with the updated larger museum. Covering most aspects of the war in Flanders, each visitor will receive a wristband that will take them on a journey in the museum through the eyes of someone who was there. Educational worksheets and study resources and workshops are available www.inflandersfields.be/en/educational-new
Menin Gate & Last Post Ceremony
The largest and the most important of the British memorials to the Missing in The Salient, The Menin Gate holds the names of 54,896 soldiers of the British Empire. This memorial marked the start of one of the main roads out of Ypres towards the Front Line. Following a meal at a local restaurant, your students will witness the moving ‘Last Post Ceremony’ which takes place every evening at 8pm.
Bellewaerde Theme Park
Spend a day at this fantastic theme park, home to a wonderful mix of rollercoasters, shows, animals and water features.
Les Escargotières
Get a real taste of France! At a working snail farm, your group will learn how one of France’s most famous foods is reared. Then sit back and see which of your pupils will be first to sample one for themselves.
Les Chocolats de Beussent
Learn about the industry of chocolate making and combine the demonstrations of melting, moulding and coating with worksheets, a guided tour of the workshop (in English or French), and the chance to enjoy tasting samples!
Bruges
Reputed to be the best preserved medieval city in Europe, Bruges abounds with character and charm. The many canals and waterways have given it the name of ‘Venice of the North’ and these plus the winding cobbled streets, gabled houses and hump backed bridges make Bruges so delightful.
Ostend & Blankenberge
The marina in the centre of Ostend is lined with plenty of cafés and groups can watch the artists at work at the outdoor painting exhibitions along the promenade. In the town of Blankenberge local markets are held throughout the year on Friday mornings and Mondays during high season.
Ghent
Known as the ‘City of Flowers’ it’s also a place of historic interest. The centre of Ghent especially comes to life on Sunday mornings when, up to midday, there are no less than five different markets all within ten minutes walk of each other: antiques, animals, birds, flowers, and a painter’s market. There are also several interesting museums in the town - the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Folklore Museum.
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On-tour support
Get even more from your trip with an NST Music Tour Manager! Call us for details.
On-tour support includes...
- Your dedicated Group Co-ordinator, if staying at NST’s Château d’Ebblinghem, will ensure the smooth-running of your concert tour, acting as all-round support for your group.
Accommodation
Popular options in Northern France
FAQs
What makes Northern France such a great destination for school music groups?
Northern France offers a welcoming setting, appreciative local audiences and a fantastic choice of performance venues, making it especially suitable for novice and developing ensembles. With picturesque towns and easy travel from the UK, it’s a destination that helps students build confidence while enjoying a relaxed, culturally rich atmosphere.
How does NST support groups when they arrive on a Northern France music tour?
NST arranges group-friendly accommodation, plans out your itinerary, and coordinates your performances so everything runs smoothly. From organising concert venues to providing practical travel support and clear timings, NST ensures teachers can focus on music-making while students settle into the tour with confidence.
What kinds of performance opportunities can students enjoy in Northern France?
Groups can perform in a variety of local venues from community spaces and charming public squares to indoor settings ideal for choirs, bands or orchestras. These environments are perfectly suited to ensembles looking to grow their performance experience while playing to friendly and enthusiastic audiences.
Can the tour include cultural visits and leisure activities alongside concerts?
Yes. NST helps schools build itineraries that blend performances with sightseeing, cultural visits and fun group activities. Students have time to explore Northern France’s historic towns, local traditions and coastal areas, offering a memorable and well rounded tour experience. Groups staying at NST’s exclusive Château d’Ebblinghem can enjoy a range of evening entertainment for no additional charge.
Is Northern France a good choice for groups touring for the first time?
Absolutely. Its proximity to the UK, shorter journey times, supportive audiences and accessible performance venues make it ideal for ensembles taking their first steps into international touring. Students can experience the excitement of performing abroad without the challenges of long-haul travel.
What’s included in an NST Northern France music tour package?
A typical package includes coach or air travel, group-friendly accommodation, prearranged performance opportunities, itinerary planning, group travel insurance and generous free place ratios. NST builds each tour to suit your ensemble’s aims - whether you’re seeking confidencebuilding performances, cultural enrichment or a balance of both.
Giving you full support throughout
Before your tour
- Dedicated NST expert from day one
- Responsive, flexible communication - Teams, phone, or email
- Same-day quotes
- Trips tailored to your budget, with transparent pricing
- Straightforward planning - we handle the details
- Step-by-step risk assessment guidance
- Free accommodation for group leader preview visits
- Curriculum-driven, enriching experiences across 100s of locations
- Unrivalled local knowledge & expertise
Whilst you're away
- Our travel app keeps all your info in one place
- On-tour support from our reps on the ground
- Support & assistance from our specialists
- 24/7 helpline and support
- Extensive group travel insurance
- Group-friendly accommodation
- Free educational resources
On your return
- Priority rebooking services
- Loyalty reward scheme for valued customers
- You say, we act - we're committed to continuously improving our tours
Speak to one of our school travel experts
Our team of school travel experts have unrivalled destination knowledge and experience so they can help to bring your tour ideas to life and might even suggest options you hadn’t already thought of too!
So get in touch today and we'll help to create a bespoke, budget-friendly tour itinerary to meet your specific learning requirements.
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