Program of the day :

• Sainte-Mère-Eglise and the paratroopers
• Winters’embuch
• Thomas Meehan crash
• Marmion Farm
• Brécourt battle
• Sainte-Marie-du-Mont
• Angoville-au-Plain
• Carentan battle

SAINTE-MÈRE-EGLISE :

The 82nd and 101st Airborne, airborne divisions created specifically for the Second World War, left an indelible mark on history. Although Sainte-Mère-Église was liberated by the 82nd Airborne, it remains the paratroopers’ capital today. Made famous by the film Le Jour le plus Long, the village still retains traces of its past, with a mannequin suspended from its parachute hanging from the church tower, a poignant reminder of that night on June 6, 1944, after four years of occupation. Sainte-Mère-Église is a place steeped in history, and the people of Normandy, proud of their heritage, don’t hesitate to share their stories of that time. Head to this small Normandy village to explore the traces left by that unforgettable night and discover the story of the region’s liberation.

BEUZEVILLE-AU-PLAIN :

Just 2 km from Sainte-Mère-Église, the village of Beuzeville-au-Plain is little-known, but it hides some of the key events of the Second World War. It was here that Lieutenant Dick Winters was dropped on the night of June 5-6, 1944, and took part in the German ambush. Not far away, the plane of Major Thomas Meehan, commander of Easy Co. 506th Regiment, crashed, fatal to all on board.

Come and discover these places steeped in history, and understand the choices made by the Band of Brothers series to bring these stories to a wide audience.

FERME MARMION :

After some haphazard parachuting, men from the 502nd and 506th PIR regrouped at the heart of La Ferme Marmion, which became a rallying point after Major Stopka’s men had taken it. Find out how Ferme Marmion became the focus of the Band of Brothers series.

BRÉCOURT/SAINTE-MARIE-DU-MONT :

The attack on Brécourt is one of the most memorable episodes in the Band of Brothers series. Today, the site is a simple field, but a monument commemorates the heroism of the men of Easy Company, who played a crucial role in securing Utah Beach during the landings on June 6, 1944. It was a decisive action that drove back the German forces and ensured the successful liberation of the region.

On this tour, you’ll discover this historic site, understand the reality of the fighting that took place here, and compare the actual events with how the series adapted them for the screen. An unforgettable experience for history buffs and Band of Brothers fans alike.

ANGOVILLE-AU-PLAIN :

This small village, successively occupied by the Americans and then the Germans, saw the birth of two major structures at the heart of the war. On the one hand, the church was transformed into a first-aid station, where American soldiers, German soldiers and civilians were treated equally. On the other, Colonel Sink established his headquarters in a nearby farmhouse, making it an essential strategic point. Today, the buildings still bear the traces of this period, bearing the scars of an era marked by conflict.

CARENTAN :

Carentan, a name that particularly resonates in the eponymous episode of the Band of Brothers series. At this stop, you’ll have the opportunity to delve into the strategy of the Battle of Carentan, follow the routes taken by the men of Company E of the 506th Regiment, and analyze the choices and mistakes made by filmmakers in the film adaptation of this historic event. It’s a journey between fact and fiction, providing a better understanding of what was at stake in this crucial battle and how it was transposed to the screen.

NORMANDY AMERICAN CEMETERY :

Facing the sea, and amidst these 9,390 graves, we’ll end the day paying tribute to the men who fought for our freedom, and in particular to the members of easy company, immortalized in Band of Brothers.