The D-Day Experience

June 6 1944 is a significant date in the history of Normandy, but also in the history of the whole world. It is at 6:30 am that the most important military operation in the history of mankind begins; this is the D-Day landing on the beaches of Normandy. A few hours before the landing barges arrive on the Normandy beaches, more than 13,000 American and 7,000 British paratroopers will be dropped inland on the various drop zones. They will be the first to touch down on Normandy on D-Day, followed by an additional 135,000 soldiers on the single day of June 6.

Sainte-Mère-Eglise, Utah Beach, Pointe-du-Hoc, Omaha Beach, the American Cemetery of Colleville-sur-Mer… so many must-see places, located on the American landing sector, where we will pass in order to be immersed in the largest military operation of all time; Operation Overlord.

Our team of dedicated local guides will accompany you on a unique sensory experience, filled with moving discoveries, human anecdotes and short stories that have made up the great story.

UTAH BEACH :

Utah-Beach, has remained intact since 1944, is a place steeped in history. Many remains are still visible there, such as the Chapel of La Madeleine. Built in the time of the Vikings, this small place of peace was transformed into a hospital by the US Army in the summer of 1944. You can also discover the anti-tank wall, part of the famous Atlantic wall or the many bunkers that line the sea. Walking on this fine sandy beach will take you back in time, because it was here that it all began on a Tuesday in the spring of 1944.
To know : Possibility to visit the Utah Beach Museum.

SAINTE-MÈRE-EGLISE :

Emblematic village of June 6, 1944, Sainte Mère Eglise is a small village that has kept its charm of yesteryear. Located in the middle of the American parachutists’ drop zones, many paratroopers have landed around the bell tower, not to say on the steeple…. The small Norman town is located on the Cherbourg-Caen highway (NR13), which will quickly become a strategic objective to be secured on the morning of D-Day. Put into the spotlight in 1962 with the film “The Longest Day”, it was on the mythical church square that the famous scenes of the film were shot. Moreover, what is the name of this famous soldier of the 82nd Airborne Division who remained hung on the church steeple ? Come and discover its history as well as that of all these men who came to bring freedom to this small village in Normandy.
To know : Possibility to visit the Sainte-Mère-Eglise Museum; Airborne Museum.

LA POINTE DU HOC : 

Located halfway between Utah-Beach and Omaha-Beach, Pointe du Hoc offers a 180 degree view of the sea from its summit. A real strategic point on the Atlantic Wall, the German army had installed an artillery battery, which was a major obstacle to be eliminated for the allies as soon as they arrived on Norman soil. This 30-metre high cliff was the mission of 225 men who had been hard trained not to fail in this mission. The Pointe du Hoc site is one of the only places to have been preserved as it is since 1944. Fortunately, the calm and vegetation have returned to normal, but you can observe the stigmas of the intensive bombardments that preceded the D-Day landing.

OMAHA BEACH :

“Bloody Omaha” is the nickname given to this beach after the landing. Omaha’s story is probably one of the most famous of the Second World War, because it was here, on this fine sandy beach, that everything began on June 6, 1944, it all began, but for many it was the harsh law of war, it was here that everything ended. More than a visit, walking on Omaha-Beach is a tribute, a recognition in verse to these thousands of young Americans, who have known the ultimate sacrifice, to give the freedom to Europe.
To know : Possibility to visit the Overlord Museum.

AMERICAN CEMETERY OF COLLEVILLE-SUR-MER :

How to describe this place ? The American Cemetery of Colleville-sur-Mer cannot be described. Symbol of what could be called the price of freedom, it is a place of homage and respect. As a guide, we have been through it many times and yet, at each entrance, the same emotion invades us! Through your visit to Normandy, you will do more than discover history, you will participate in your duty to remember.