NORMANDY TOURS
Setting off from Paris, be whisked away in a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus, accompanied by an expert English-speaking guide, adept at bringing alive the tales of the historic sites you'll visit. A day immersed in history Your first stop is Pointe du Hoc, a rugged cliff that overlooks the English Channel and played a pivotal role during the D-Day Invasion. Walking along the cliffs, you can almost feel the courage and determination that was required of the 225 Rangers who stormed these positions on June 6, 1944. Next, trace the footsteps of the soldiers at Omaha Beach, another critical landing site during the Normandy invasion. The stories of valor shared by your guide and the physical reminder of the sandy shores make this an unforgettable experience. Interactive museum visit and reflective respects The tour continues at the Overlord Museum, which provides an insightful look into the planning and execution of the D-Day landings. From uniforms to tanks, get an authentic feel of the day that changed the course of history. A delicious lunch awaits you at the museum, giving you time to digest the morning's experience. The tour culminates at the American Cemetery at Colleville sur Mer, a solemn tribute to the brave souls who fell during the tumultuous period. As you look out at the perfectly aligned white crosses, take a moment to reflect and honor their sacrifices. This full-day tour not only takes you to historical sites but also offers a profound connection with the past, leaving you with indelible memories and a deeper understanding of World War II.
Begin your journey in the heart of Paris and take a scenic two-hour drive to the Somme battlefields. Start by paying your respects at the Australian National Memorial in Villers-Bretonneux, and at the John Monash Center, learn about the crucial role Australian soldiers played in these battles. Explore the impressive Lochnagar Crater, a massive 98-foot deep and 330-foot wide reminder of a British mine detonation beneath a German fortified site. Make a stop at the Pozières battlefield, and then visit the Thiepval Memorial, a touching tribute to the 72,000 British and South African soldiers who lost their lives during the Battle of the Somme with no known graves. Explore historic wonders in Paris Ever wondered what the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial holds in its historic embrace? Walk the preserved trench lines and unlock the secrets of bygone battles. Before bidding Paris au revoir, dive into the Museum of the Great War in Perroné – a treasure trove of First World War tales. And here's the million-dollar question: Can you handle the hair-raising history of the Battle of the Somme? Your expert English-speaking guide is ready to spill the beans and make your journey fun.
Take a walk through historical World War II sites on this tour. Meet your driver-guide, and get started on your journey to the beaches of Normandy in a comfortable air-conditioned minibus. Your first stop is at La Pointe du Hoc, a promontory with 100-foot high cliffs overlooking the English Channel, where 225 United States Rangers landed on the morning of June 6, 1944. Even though it was strongly fortified with concrete casemates and gun pits by the German army, the US army captured it by scaling the cliffs. Your guide will give you some time here to soak in the somber vibes of this location. Omaha Beach & Colleville sur Mer American Cemetery You’ll then drive to Omaha Beach where the most difficult and impressive attack happened. It’s called “Bloody Omaha” by WWII veterans because in a matter of hours almost 2,500 men lost their lives on this beach. Despite being pinned down by heavy artillery, the surviving soldiers fought with bravery and ingenuity to overcome the enemy. Next, visit the Colleville sur Mer American Cemetery which overlooks Omaha Beach. The site contains over 9,000 perfectly aligned white crosses and a memorial chapel, dedicated to American troops who died in Europe during World War II. Spend some time in this moving space, reflecting on the price of war. Afterward, calm your emotions in a charming and friendly setting with a 3-course lunch (optional). Juno Beach Using detailed maps and pictures your guide will explain how the landings unfolded at Juno Beach. You’ll even see the famous “Canada House” said to be the first house liberated by the Allied Troops on D-Day.
The tour will begin in Central Paris. Your guide will accompany you on board the air-conditioned bus that will take you to the sites. The guide will set the scene for you by narrating intriguing stories of World War II along the way. Feel free to quench your curiosity by asking any questions. Utah Beach Utah Beach, located on the same beach where the first American troops landed and is housed in an original German bunker, will be your first stop. Experience the opportunity to learn about the intricate planning that went into Operation Overlord at this globally acclaimed museum. Here, you will get to see an original B-26 plane, soldiers’ letters, and personal possessions that speak volumes about the traumatic experiences they went through. Optional dining experience and a visit to Omaha Beach Bask in the apple orchards of Normandy. You’ll even get a chance to visit a 17th-century barn and try out some apple brandy, locally known as Calvados. A 2-course lunch will follow this in a local restaurant. After that, you'll travel to Omaha Beach, the site of the most challenging and spectacular attack. WWII veterans refer to this beach as "Bloody Omaha" since nearly 2,500 men died there in a few hours. The men who survived were pinned down by heavy artillery, yet they battled valiantly and creatively to defeat the enemy. Ponte du Hoc The next stop is at Pont de Hoc which is undoubtedly the most beautiful location of the tour. The colossal cliffs that overlook the English Channel are an incredible sight. Discover the history of the valiant actions that occurred there as you stand atop the Pointe du Hoc cliffs overlooking Normandy's stunning beaches. As your guide explains the specifics of the historic Battle of Normandy, you may view real military artifacts like bunkers and bomb holes. Last but not least, you will visit the American Cemetery. Ten-thousand white crosses dot the landscape, emphasizing the sheer number of lives lost in the war. You'll have time to look around the cemetery, visit the wall of the missing, an awe-inspiring memorial, and look down upon Omaha, the beach where the Allies faced the stiffest resistance and suffered the most casualties.
Get ready to be transported back in time as you retrace the heroic steps of over 14,000 Canadian soldiers who fought against the German forces during the famous D-Day invasion. Starting from the iconic Arc de Triomphe, you'll journey through the picturesque French countryside, traveling in the comfort of an air-conditioned luxury van, in a small group of 8 individuals. On the sands of time: Juno Beach & Beyond As you step onto the sands of Juno Beach, your expert guide will transport you back to the fateful day of June 6, 1944, using detailed maps and photographs. Explore the historic "Canada House" before moving on to the Juno Beach Center, a treasure trove of information about the Canadian operations in Normandy. A rare treat awaits you as you get to discover 2 original German bunkers, usually closed to the public. Post this, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant, sampling a variety of French culinary delights. In the footsteps of heroes: Canadian Cemetery & Grand Bunker The afternoon is marked by poignant visits to the Canadian Cemetery in Beny-sur-Mer and Hell’s Corner, offering a moment to reflect, remember, and appreciate the sacrifices made. The tour culminates with the exploration of the Grand Bunker: Atlantic Wall Museum, home to incredible panoramic views over the English Channel and an impressive collection of WWII exhibits. Your return to Paris is relaxed and comfortable, capping off a day filled with historical insights and unforgettable moments.