Want to travel back in time and relive the events of WWII? Take a trip to Normandy. And see Normandy Then and Now – which will give you a perfect WWII Travel Experience,.

Since, this region on the French coast was the site of one of the most important military campaigns of the Second World War. Normandy’s beaches and towns are where paratroopers once dropped, where ships landed under fire, and where thousands sacrificed their lives in the quest for freedom. Today, these towns have thriving communities, always looking to the future, but never forgetting the past. Join us on the ultimate WWII travel experience, as we explore Normandy then and now.

The Allied forces landed on the shores of Normandy as part of Operation Overlord on 6 June 1944. And each beach tells a different story:

Today, waves roll peacefully onto the sand at all of these beaches. But the memorials that line these shores tell of a time when brave men fought and died here to free others from tyranny. So, start your WWII journey where history was made, with a Band of Brothers Tour. You’ll experience all the highlights, including the D-Day landing beaches. Expert guides answer all your questions about the surrounding sites. 

When Allied forces occupied Normandy, they faced fierce resistance from German troops, delaying Normandy’s full liberation. The town of Bayeux was fortunately spared major destruction, as British forces liberated the town on 7 June. Others were not so lucky. In Caen, the heart of the city was reduced to rubble as the Allies sought to destroy communication networks and halt the flow of German reinforcements. The towns of Lisieux, Coutances, Saint-Lô, and Vire were also decimated.

Today, these towns are once again thriving. Exploring France by train allows you to relax in comfort and admire the scenery of the beautiful French countryside. But we recommend spending some time walking through the various towns whose history has shaped their modern identity. Which gives you a perfect WWII travel experience. 

On the morning of June 6, 1944, a turning point in the Second World War was reached. As Allied paratroopers landed in Normandy,  tasked with capturing bridges in key towns to secure the area. This was followed by Allied beach landings, where so many fought and died to liberate not only France, but also the whole of Europe. The Allied nations have commemorated the bravery and sacrifice of the D-Day invasion in the years since, and still do today.

The people of Normandy, too, have not forgotten. Each year, Normandy invites people to come and celebrate freedom. The D-Day Festival in Normandy blends remembrance with community celebration. Visitors can enjoy D-Day reenactments as well as parades, concerts, and exhibitions. 

For a more hands-on WWII travel experience, you can take one of the many WWII tours at any time of year. 

You’ll visit the landing beaches, restored bunkers, and historic routes taken by paratroopers and infantry divisions. The town of Sainte-Mère-Église still displays a parachute on the church steeple where Private John Steele became stuck for hours. 

Boulogne-sur-Mer may be the perfect French getaway, with its quaint fishing port, Old Town architecture, and fresh seafood delights. But while in France, consider a trip further along the coast, to Normandy for the ultimate WWII travel experience.