19 Apr 2025
This was an absolutely amazing tour. I've learned so much about the D-Day Invasion, the elaborate and strategic planning that went into it, the struggles the allied forces faced on June 6th and what a miracle it truly was, to pull off a mission of such extent at all.
Our tour guide Charles did an excellent job in explaining the key-events of this historic day. He is an extremely knowledgeable, well-spoken, attentive and charming tour guide, who is very passionate and enthusiastic, not only about D-Day, but the history of WW2 in general. His passion is really contagious and one can't help but listen to his every word and just be fascinated by the way he conveys his vast knowledge. Doesn't hurt that he is easy on the eyes, either ;-)
But in all seriousness, he really managed to bring history to life. Even though the landing beaches are now very picturesque and peaceful vacation spots, Charles' vivid and detailed descriptions of the events that took place there almost 81 years ago and the pictures he showed of what it looked like really helped to get an idea of the scenes that unfolded on D-Day.
I also liked the extremely balanced view and perspective on the events of WW2 in general, but especially D-Day. Very often you only learn about the stories of the liberators, but Charles managed to also give well-researched and completely unbiased information on the German side of things, which is refreshing. Charles also told us about the individual fate of some soldiers, which made the tour even more vivid and easy to relate to.
The American cemetary with its more than 9000 graves drives home just how many soldiers died that day. The stop at Sainte-Mère-Église is also very special, make sure to not use up all your time for lunch, but actually visit the Airborne museum where they have a simulation of what it felt like being on an airplane as a paratrooper that day.
All in all, I can't recommend this tour enough. Thank you, Charles, for this truly very memorable and amazing experience. I, for one, will definitely be back to learn more about Normandy's rich history.