If you have more than one day available to tour Normandy we can arrange a package for you inclusive of travel and accommodation. All of our 'Residential Tours' are tailored specifically to your requests and we will work with you in advance of your tour to devise an itinerary which will make sure you get the very most from your visit. The main emphasis of your tour will be on the battlefields as this is our speciality but do not worry you will not be 'all warred out' as we'll be able to combine visits to the battlefields of Normandy alongside other sites of interest within Normandy's abundance of cultural attractions. We could visit Mont St Michel, Honfleur or Giverny to name but a few. How about learning more about Normandy's history as the 'dairy of France' by visiting a local cheese producer? Maybe we could even learn about 'la belle biere' (the beautiful beer) - Normandy's famous hard apple cider or if you are feeling even more adventurous we can hit the really hard stuff and go Calvados (apple brandy) tasting. Whatever you want to do in Normandy we can give you the flexibility to provide an unrivalled experience; one which the whole group, young or old, will remember for the rest of their lives.
Below is an example of a typical multi-day tour inclusive of accommodation.
Typical Residential Battlefield Tour - Day 1
You will be met at your choice of location before travelling within a comfortable air conditioned vehicle to a charming and traditionally French chambre d'hôte (Bed and Breakfast) situated right in the heart of the American Airborne Sector. Indeed this property has its own very special D-Day history (for more details on accommodation options, please see the separate link).
If your first journey is a long one, lets say from Paris for example, we can stop en-route at your choice of location. The most popular is undoubtedly the beautiful medieval port of Honfleur where there is always somewhere open to enjoy a drink or even get your first taste of Normandy's amazing seafood.
It's up to you what happens after you arrive at your accommodation. If it is late or if you are tired from your journey you can take time to relax in the peaceful surroundings of your lodgings. Alternatively we can commence the battlefield tour straight away as Stuart gives you an introductory lecture as to both the geography and history relating to your tour. Armed with this introduction you shall then make a visit to the famous town of Ste Mere Eglise which featured so much in the classic war movie The Longest Day. Our visit to this iconic town will also include a visit to the wonderful Airborne Museum in the town. After Ste Mere Eglise we will head toward Utah Beach, a journey which will take you to some of the lesser known places in the Bocage (Hedgerow) country, such as Brecourt, Ravenoville, Foucarville, St Martin de Varreville, La Fiere, Les Mezieres, Neuville au Plain and Angoville au Plain. This is the area where the American paratroopers secured the area behind Utah Beach as portrayed by HBO's Band of Brothers. These places are driven past by many but visited only by a few. All have amazing stories as part of their D-Day history. Your expert guide, having met veterans who fought in these small villages, including men of Easy Company of the 506 PIR, will tell you exactly what happened there as told to him by the men who were there. If requested we can also visit the German Cemeteries at Orglandes (11,956 burials) or La Cambe (21,300 burials).
After the excitement of your first day touring the battlefields, in the evening you can enjoy a meal at your accommodation or, if you would prefer at one of the many excellent local restaurants within the Ste Mere Eglise area.
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