Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Sainte-Mere-Eglise, Sainte-Mere-Eglise, Manche, Basse-Normandie, Normandy
This small Norman town was situated on the main N13 road that linked Cherbourg to Bayeux and Caen. This was the main route that both Germans and Americans would need to mobilize much needed equipment during the battle of Normandy. Ste Mere Eglise was an objective for 82nd Airborne Paratroopers and has been made famous by the movie, The Longest Day. American Paratrooper John Steele was unfortunate to get caught on the church steeple during the drop.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: La Fiere Bridge and Iron Mike Monument, 13 Moulin a la Fiere, 50480 Sainte-Mere-Eglise France
LA FIERE BRIDGE:
The mortal ferocity of the four-day battle for control of the small stone bridge over the Merderet River at La Fière is testament to the bridge’s strategic importance in the D-Day invasion. It was fought mainly by paratroopers and glidermen from the 82nd Airborne.
MARMION FARM:
This little farm is located at the junction of the coastal road and the road coming from Ste-Mère-église. It was strategic to hold and control it on D-Day. Paratroopers of the 502nd and 506th regiments led by Major Stopka will take care of it until being relieved by the 4th Infantry Division coming from Utah Beach. The farm and the village of Ravenoville became world-famous by the picture of James Flanagan, a U.S paratrooper holding a nazi flag in front of the farm.
Duration: 30 minutes
Pass By: Sainte-Mere-Eglise, Sainte-Mere-Eglise, Manche, Basse-Normandie, Normandy
MEEHAN CRASH SITE
Aircraft “66”, a Douglas C-47, flew over the English Channel on the night of June 5-6, along with hundreds of other aircraft carrying US paratroopers. The plane “chalk” 66 is unfortunately hit by the fire of the German anti-aircraft defense: it attempts a landing, but explodes against a hedge. The Easy Company pilots and paratroopers are dying on the spot.
Pass By: Bayeux Shuttle - Hedgerows Battle, Foucarville, 50480 Sainte-Mère-Église, France
HEDGEROW BATTLES
As we drive, we will show you some of the typical hedgerow terrain that the allies had to battle through. We will explain how the Germans utilized the countryside known as the "bocage" to their defensive advantage and how the allies overcame them.
Stop At: Manoir de Brecourt, Chemin du Manoir, 50480 Saint-Come-du-Mont, Carentan-les-Marais France
BRECOURT MANOR
Fans of Band of Brothers will love this short stop. We will show you the location where Richard Winters and men of Easy Company silenced four 105mm guns that were shelling Utah Beach on D-Day morning.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Major Richard Winters Memorial, Highway D913 Near Sainte-Marie-Du-Mont, 50480 Sainte-Marie-du-Mont France
We will stop briefly to show you a great monument that overlooks Utah Beach. Erected in 2012, this monument features Major Richard Winters and is in acknowledgement of Leadership.
Duration: 5 minutes
Pass By: Sainte-Marie-du-Mont, Sainte-Marie-du-Mont, Manche, Basse-Normandie, Normandy
We will take time to explain the significance of this beautiful small village. This was an objective for the 101st Airborne to help the forces landing on Utah Beach.
Stop At: Eglise Saint-Come-et-Saint-Damien d'Angoville-au-Plain, 1 Rue de l'Eglise, 50480 Angoville-Au-Plain, Carentan-les-Marais France
Situated approximately 5 miles from Carentan, the small village of Angoville-Au-Plain witnessed heavy fighting between the German Paratroopers and American Paratroopers that dropped close by at dropzone D. After our 101st Airborne briefing, you will then hear the incredible story of two Airborne Medics. Kenneth Moore and Robert Wright displayed not only courage but also humanity during the desperate struggle to take this small area of Normandy.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Pointe du Hoc, 14450 Cricqueville-en-Bessin France
One of the famous German gun battery was located at the Pointe Du Hoc in Normandy. Consisting of 6 long range gun positions and many other concrete bunkers, it posed a real threat to Allied shipping on D-Day. As this battery was right between the two American landing beaches, Allied planners had no choice but to knock out this position. Here you will hear the incredible stories of bravery shown by US Army Rangers who had to scale nearly 100 feet of cliffs to destroy the guns.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Omaha Beach, Avenue de la Liberation, Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer France
The US 1st Infantry and 29th Infantry Divisions, as well as elements of the US Army Rangers were tasked with opening up 5 exit points to start the movement inland. When you hear the stories from your guide, you will understand why this beach is known as, "Bloody Omaha".
Depending on the tide, you will have the opportunity to walk on the sand and see the beach from the soldiers perspective. From this point of view, the high bluffs that once had machine guns firing down, are very intimidating.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Cimetiere Americain de Colleville-sur-Mer, 14710 Colleville-sur-Mer France
The Normandy American Cemetery covers 172 acres and is the final resting place for many thousands of service men and women. You will have sufficient time to explore the visitor center before taking the time to reflect in the cemetery.
Duration: 40 minutes