From the D-Day battlefields near the beach to the centuries-old castles scattered across the countryside, taking a guided tour can help you explore and discover unique sites and attractions in the village of Normandy. Some of the best tours in Normandy can be booked as a private guided tour package for a special event, or take the form of self-guided tours where travelers follow a map and audiotape or podcast.
The FactsNormandy is a region of France that is most famous for its D-Day beaches and battlefields from World War II. Several tour operators have designed specialized tours of the area so that visitors can explore many historic sites, visit a chateau and enjoy authentic cuisine. The best tours can be found through a French travel agent, or an authorized tour operator that specializes in travel to France.
TypesTaking a tour of Normandy can take a variety of forms; both group and private tours are readily available from several tour operators and travel guides, and each one offers a unique experience. The most popular types of tours include personalized escorted tours, self-drive tours, group tours and special occasion tours. Specialized tours of the Caen War Memorial, Giverny, Dieppe, Mont Saint-Michel and Alencon’s Fine Arts and Lace Museum are also attractive options for travelers (see Resources below).
FeaturesMost tour operators in Normandy offer travel discounts and special offers to venues and attractions along the tour so travelers can return to their favorite destination at their leisure. Popular sites on the Normandy battlefields tour include the Utah Beach, Vierville, Omaha Cemetery, la Fiere Causeway-Iron Mike Paratroopers’ Memorial and Deadman’s Corner. Tours to the Normandy countryside may include visiting the site of Bayeux, exploring stores and boutiques of the downtown area and visiting the American Cemetery.
ConsiderationsBooking a guided tour in conjunction with hotel accommodations may lead to a travel discount and can make the trip to Normandy more affordable. If you don’t have time to explore an entire area, virtual tours are another way to learn about key sites and venues scattered throughout the area. Some tour companies offer links and printed guides for additional research and education. Visiting the beaches on D-Day can offer more opportunities to learn and explore the rich history of the area; several museums host special events throughout the day.
BenefitsTaking a well-organized tour of Normandy makes it easier to explore several areas in one day and learn from experienced tour guides who have firsthand knowledge of the area. Some of Normandy’s best tours can be booked in conjunction with other travel packages, and working with a France-based travel agent is one of the easiest ways to discover these specialized tours. Most of the tours are centered around exploring historic sites from World War II and learning about the farming and agriculture lifestyle that is most prevalent in the area.
Resources: Self-Drive Tours of the Normandy Battlefields
By: Sabah Karimi
Sabah Karimi has been writing for the Web for over 3 years, and some of her work can be found in "Dining Out," "Papierdoll" magazine and on Zappos.com, Associated Content and several blogs. She enjoys traveling, shopping, reading and running (not all at once), and currently works as a freelance writer and online marketing strategist in Orlando, Florida.Read Next 5 Articles
travel tips for France
Background Reading Prior to a Trip to Normandy, France
Best Times to Go to Europe
Do You Need a Passport to Travel in Europe?
How to Travel Europe by Train
