Normandy is a small town on the northern coast of France, about an hour from Paris. Normandy is most famous for the D-Day invasion in 1944, an epic battle during World War II. Today, the Normandy beaches are home to the American soldiers' burial ground, museums and well-preserved artifacts from that day. There are several tours to choose from when traveling to Normandy, most having to do with D-Day and the history of the Allied invasion.
This company offers several escorted tours. One of the shorter ones is the Omaha Half-Day Tour. This tour takes guests to the Batteries of Longues sur Mer (German fortifications), the American cemetery and Pointe du Hoc (a memorial for those who scaled the 100-foot cliff as the battle raged). One of the company’s specialized tours is called the Band of Brothers Tour, and it lasts a full day. It takes guests to places that coincide with the TV miniseries of the same name. Stops include the four bridges of Carentan (between Omaha and Utah assault beaches), Angoville au Plain (a makeshift hospital) and Culloville (a command post). Guides for each of the tours are well-versed in the history of Normandy. There are options for private and personalized tours.
Overlord Tour
9, Hameau de l’Eglise
50480 Saint-Martin de Varreville, France
011 (+33) 670 214 342
overlordtour.com
For those who prefer a bus tour, Battlebus might be your best bet. This company offers several tours in eight-seat mini-buses. Each tour includes a guide who is available for questions and information. One of the tours is the American Experience Tour. It lasts two days and covers several areas where American soldiers fought. Some of the sites visited are German Defenses (bunkers), Utah Beach, Omaha Beach and Point du Hoc. The company also provides tours for veterans returning to the beaches of Normandy after fighting there in 1944. These tours are personalized for veterans and their families. Advanced notice is recommended for research purposes.
Battlebus
011 (+33) 231 222 882
battlebus.fr/
This company takes small groups through the Normandy battlefields. A maximum of 20 people per group makes the tour more private. The tour is available only once a year, at the beginning of June, and it lasts an entire week, covering all the D-Day anniversary activities. The tour includes accommodations, meals and transportation for one price. Personalized tours also are available.
Normandy Battlefield Tours
Email: normandybattlefields.com
Website: [email protected]
