D-DAY LANDING BEACHES + BRITANNY + MONT ST MICHEL (3 DAYS)

DAY 1

After leaving Paris at 7 am, your guide will stop half-way for coffee and croissants before giving you a historical introduction to DDAY and the battle of Normandy.

Upon your arrival in Normandy, you will start your journey with the visit of Arromanches to discover the remains of the artificial harbor (Mulberry), that played a vital part in the success of the landings.

From Arromanches, your guide will drive you to the German coastal artillery battery of Longues Sur Mer that was part of Germany’s Atlantic Wall coastal fortifications.

After your visit of Longues sur Mer, it is time for lunch in a typical Norman restaurant (not included).

After lunch, your journey continues with an exhaustive visit of the American Cemetery of Colleville. This tribute to the heroes of the war covers 172.5 acres and contains the graves of 9,387 military, most of whom lost their lives in the D-Day landings and ensuing operations (visit of the Memorial, the wall of the Missing, the Chapel, many noteworthy tombs – Medals of Honor, etc).
Your visit will be followed with a stop at the American Interpretive Center. You will have the opportunity to view remarkable films and documentaries relating the DDAY and Battle of Normandy operations.

Your journey will continue with the drive and visit of Omaha Beach, that has become the symbol of the sacrifice of American soldiers in WWII, since June 6th 1944.

After this moving interlude on Omaha Beach, you will finish your journey with the private guided visit of Pointe Du Hoc, where Colonel James Rudder and the US 2nd Ranger Battalion were given the task of destroying a battery five 155mm guns. Their heroic struggle and final success, cementing their place in history.

If time, you will have a short stop at the German cemetery at La Cambe.

Night in Bayeux or St Malo

DAY 2

St Malo was named after Maclow, a monk who came from Wales in the 6th century to evangelize the local population. The city presents one of the greatest examples of the fortifications works made between the 12th and the early 18th centuries. France's greatest military engineer, Maréchal Vauban and his disciple Simèon Garengeau, designed the expansions and reinforcement of the city walls and the amazing island forts such as la Conchée, le Fort National, Harbour and le Grand Bé.

You will start your visit with an extensive walk on the city ramparts which will remind you of the long history of piracy and wealth earned on local extorsion and overseas adventures. You will continue to the Saint Vincent Cathedral, burial place of Saint Malo's most notorious citizens. To really understand the history and expansion of St Malo, you must go down to Alet area, to witness the original Roman settlements, where the German troops established a heavy battery artillery. Indeed, 80% of the city was destroyed by bombings, until it underwent reconstruction and was reproduced identically (an amazing feat) as of 1947.

After lunch, you will head to Dinan, one of the most beautiful medieval cities in Brittany, located on a 75 meter high hill (220 feet) offers a unique overview of the Rance River. From here, by the Saint-Sauveur Basilica, the river is under the influence of the tides. That’s why from St Malo to Dinan, the people call it the sea river and from Dinan to its source further inland, the river.
Dinan became the Duke of Brittany’s territory in the late 13th century. Surrounded by huge city walls were built. The wealth was exhibited through Saint-Sauveur Basilica, the private mansions, the Belfry… The well preserved timber frames, dating back to the 15th and 16th century, now house the local stores and inns of the city, giving it a timeless feel. Dinan is an amazing journey through the middle ages.

Night in St Malo

DAY 3

Many writers have tried to define the "Marvel of the Occident", some say that it is to the sea what the pyramid of Keops is to the desert, some describe it as an imaginary manor-house, stupefying as a dream palace, others say that is is not dry land and yet not the sea. Surrounded by the sea with one of the highest tidal ranges in the world, the Mont Saint Michel is simply unique. The Abbey, founded by Aubert at the beginning of the 8th Century became a major cultural and pilgrimage centre during the middle ages.

Starting with a visit of the old medieval village, with a stop at the local church to light a candle and make a wish at the silver statue of Saint Michel (a tradition).
You will ascend the three levels of the marvel, culminating with a breathtaking view; the likes of which make you understand the original monks that came here for solace and spiritual contemplation.
The guided visit of the Abbey will take you through the Church (a unique blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture), the Herbal Garden with its covered cloisters, the Refectory, to the middle level comprised of the Knights Room, the Scriptorium to end up in the Undercroft and Almonry.

Following this, a walk along the impressive ramparts will give you a concrete idea of Medieval fortress defences, and a clear example of why this was the only fortress that the English never managed to conquer during the 100 year war.

You will have lunch in one of the typical restaurants on the Mont before heading back to Paris.

If time, one your way back to Paris, you will make a stop at Villedieu-les-poêles, a town renowned for its craftsmanship of Lace, Tin, Leather and most notoriously, Copper.

(Entrance tickets to the Mont St. Michel Abbey included)
Extra charge for a pick up and/or a drop off outside Paris