Itinerary

Itinerary

D-Day Memorial Sites in Normandy


6 days / 5 nights
starting from From 2350€

On June 6, 1944, hope rose for oppressed Europe with the landing of thousands of Allied soldiers on the Normandy beaches.

80 years later, the beaches, cemeteries, and museums of the region still bear the scars and testimonies of this heroic day. In 2024, Normandy commemorates this historic anniversary with an exceptional program of nearly 200 events until October 15th.

Fireworks will illuminate the skies above the major landing sites, while an air show by the Patrouille de France promises to be dazzling. Liberation Balls and Freedom Concerts will set the pace for the evenings at Omaha Beach, and international parachute drops will recreate the heroism of the early hours.

Immerse yourself in history by staying in our partner hotels and characterful residences, ideally located near the must-see sites to visit. Treat yourself to a memorable trip in an authentic and comfortable setting.


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Step 1

Arrival in Paris

Hôtel Brighton

Signature hotel

Kick off this itinerary in the French capital with a stop at the Hôtel Brighton, an establishment of choice for Paris-loving travelers for generations. Located on the famous rue de Rivoli, the hotel offers you privileged access to the city's treasures. You'll just have to cross the street for a bucolic stop in the Tuileries Garden or a cultural one at the famous Louvre Museum.

You can also easily reach the famous Champs-Elysées avenue and the Arc de Triomphe, an emblematic monument of Paris. Under this majestic arch, the Flame of the Unknown Soldier honors the soldiers who fell for France during the 1st and 2nd World Wars.

At the end of the day, return to your hotel and enjoy a breathtaking view of the city from the typical Parisian balconies. Let yourself be enveloped by the warm atmosphere of your room for a peaceful night.

View from Hôtel Brighton

Step 2

En route to Normandy

Honfleur

As the gateway to Normandy, the charming town of Honfleur, nestled at the mouth of the Seine, will captivate you from the moment you arrive. Stroll through the old port, a haven of peace lined with picturesque half-timbered houses and artisan shops. Admire the Sainte-Catherine church, a 16th-century architectural gem, and be amazed by its stained glass windows in shimmering colors.

Delve into the region's maritime history at the Navy Museum, where you can discover, among other things, the crucial role played by Allied ships during the D-Day landings.

Then make your way to the Manoir des Impressionnistes, a Norman manor transformed into a five-star haven of peace. The day ends with a refined dinner in the restaurant room, bathed in the soft light of dusk.

Manoir des Impressionnistes

Step 3

D-Day Beaches : a Journey Through History

Begin your day with a visit to Omaha Beach, the major theater of the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944. Walk along this vast, history-laden beach and discover the moving remains of this heroic day. Extend your historical immersion by visiting the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer. This solemn site houses the graves of over 9,000 Allied soldiers, a reminder of the immense sacrifice made for freedom.

For a deeper understanding of the D-Day events, visit the Omaha Beach Memorial Museum. This exhibition-rich site will immerse you in the heart of the strategy and battles that marked this decisive turning point in World War II.

Have lunch in Arromanches, a charming port town famous for its ingenious Mulberry harbor, a centerpiece of Allied troop supplies. Explore the Arromanches Landing Museum and retrace the meticulous organization that led to the success of the D-Day landings. This interactive museum will transport you to the heart of the logistics and strategy of D-Day.

On your way back, stop at one of the other D-Day beaches, such as Juno Beach or Sword Beach. Observe the remains and German bunkers that bear witness to the ferocity of the fighting.

Back at the Manoir des Impressionnistes, enjoy another night in a picturesque setting. Let yourself be charmed by the authentic atmosphere of your room, beautifully decorated with wooden floors, Norman wardrobes, and Toile de Jouy patterns.

American Cemetery of Colleville-sur-Mer

Etape 2

A Day in Caen

Caen Memorial

Immerse yourself in the tumultuous history of Caen, a city deeply marked by World War II and the D-Day landings of June 6, 1944. A silent witness to fierce battles, Caen was one of the most destroyed French cities, with 80% of its downtown area razed.

Begin your day with a poignant visit to the Caen Memorial, a modern and must-see museum that retraces the history of the Battle of Normandy and World War II. Browse through thematic exhibitions, watch video testimonies, and discover authentic objects to understand the stakes of this conflict and the human impact of D-Day.

Descend into the underground and explore the authentic bunker of General Richeter, where the strategic decisions of D-Day were made.

Stroll through the Jardin des Nations, a haven of peace where each tree symbolizes a country that participated in the liberation of France. A moment of reflection to pay homage to the sacrifices made for freedom.

Beyond its tragic history, Caen has an undeniable charm with its majestic abbeys and its lively city center animated by the effervescence of its student life.

To conclude this day rich in emotions, settle into the sumptuous Château de Boucéel, a listed Historical Monument and considered one of the most beautiful pleasure houses between the Côte des Havres and the Côte d'Emeraude. This peaceful haven will provide you with an enchanting setting for the night.

Château de Boucéel

Etape 3

Utah Beach & Airborne Museum

Utah Beach

The Manche Department, a Norman historical treasure trove located in the west of the region, also boasts must-see remembrance sites.

The Airborne Museum in Sainte-Mère-Église will transport you to the heart of D-Day. Relive the heroism of the American paratroopers who jumped into the night to seize control of strategic points behind enemy lines. Striking reconstructions, authentic objects, and moving testimonies will immerse you in the atmosphere of this historic day.

Utah Beach, the westernmost beach of the Allied landing zones and unique to the Manche Department, offers a poignant panorama of the fighting that took place at dawn on June 6, 1944. Bunkers, remains of military landing craft, a modern museum, and educational trails together retrace the different phases of this historic landing.

After this day of discovery, return to the Château de Boucéel. In this warm and human-sized residence, the spirit of the 18th century blends with the French art of living, creating a comforting and unique atmosphere. Enjoy generous and convivial cuisine around the guest table, stroll through the 11-hectare park, or relax in the heated outdoor swimming pool: all the ingredients that will make your stay an enchanted interlude.

Reception area of Château de Boucéel

Etape 4

Discovering Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel

Take advantage of the Château de Boucéel's proximity to Mont-Saint-Michel to discover this Norman gem! This emblematic UNESCO World Heritage Site deserves a full day of exploration. Let yourself be amazed by the Benedictine abbey, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, which majestically dominates the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel.

Did you know that Mont-Saint-Michel also played a crucial role in World War II history? In June 1940, it fell under German occupation and became a strategic zone for the Nazis. They installed fortifications there and used the abbey as a warehouse and resting place for their troops. Despite the oppression, life continues in the village, and the inhabitants resist in their own way with acts of sabotage and support for the Allies.

In July 1944, Mont-Saint-Michel was liberated. Miraculously spared from the bombings, the abbey became a powerful symbol of French resistance and Allied victory.

On the way back to Château de Boucéel, enjoy an unforgettable spectacle: the sunset ablaze over the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel. End your stay in style with a last peaceful night in your Suite, where charm and refinement blend in the pure French tradition.

Prestige Suite

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*Price "from", including overnight stays and breakfasts, subject to availability of establishments on the requested dates between June 1st and October 15th, 2024, and depending on the chosen room category, based on double occupancy. City taxes of the establishments, activities as well as transfers between the different destinations and points of interest that you wish to discover are not included. Our sales team is at your disposal to help you compose your tailor-made trip by assisting you in booking your stay within the Esprit de France hotels and residences collection. Please note that transfers and tours are not organized by Esprit de France.

Published on 28/05/2024

ESPRIT DE FRANCE HOTELS AND RESIDENCIES

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