World War Battlefields: 2006
This June 6th marked the 60th anniversary of World War Two's D-Day landings in Normandy. This summer was the 90th anniversary of the outbreak of World War One. Both wars engulfed Europe for years and traces of the battles can still be found. What evocative European sights have you discovered that bring these two conflicts to life?
Normandy tours
On a recent visit to Normandy (October 2006), I took two full day tours of the D-Day sites with Battlebus. Both the U.S. highlights tour with Dale and the Canadian highlights tour with Paul were incredible! The knowledge and enthusiasm of the Guides was fantastic, and this certainly helped me to gain a better understanding of the events that took place during D-Day.
I now have a much greater appreciation for the sacfifices of those who took part in the landings, and look forward to further tours on my next visit.
Ken <email>
Vernon, B.C. Canada Sun 12/24/2006
Battle Bus Tour
Aloha,
I had the great fortune of participating in the two day tour on the 7th & 8th of October. I had worried about so many tours, which one was the right one? I was not disappointed at all. Our tour leader, Geert, was so incredibly knowledgeable. He had made the tour real and personal with his insights and recollections of stories told by D-Day returnees. The tour was organized to reflect the experience as it happened on June 6, 1944. There was logical progression so we knew what was occurring and, more importantly why it was planned as such. The tours provide photos taken at that time and personal stories from those who participated. Geert is an individual that is enthralled with what he does and how he relates the information. He is a student of that time. It is not a job but a joy to him to relate the story of D-Day to anyone interested. An important additional aspect is that he can relate not only D-Day experiences but is well versed on other historic sites regarding the invasion of Europe and the war in general.
My only regret is that I did not book the additional tours to the other areas. There is so much dramatic history to see that people wanting to experience this should, in advance, book the two day and then additional tours. The days are long, emotional, informative and in many ways, surreal. I would, without hesitation, recommend Battlebus. I am sure all the tour leaders are excellent, but ask for Geert. Incredible!!!
Cary Math
Honolulu, Hawaii USA Wed 11/29/2006
Normandy-Battlebus
1 day tour of American sites with Stuart was fantastic!!! What a day--very emotional and educational and the memories and stories are something you will never forget. Highly recommend this company and Stuart--professional, passionate and working to preserve our history and the stories of all the military and civilian men and women involved in the war. A MUST DO!!
Kristina Berg
Costa Mesa, CA USA Tue 11/28/2006
D-DAY SITES, TOURS
TERRIFIC BATTLEBUS COMPANY.
Our superbly knowledgeable guide, Geert, showed us 60 miles of battlefields, villages, and hedgerows. Only 8 people in a van made it possible to ask him questions and have enough time in the various locations to have time for our private thoughts. Through tellng us the personal stories of individual soldiers and platoons, and showing us, firsthand, the places where they fought, the D-Day landing was made so much more alive in our minds. After 40 years of reading, we finally go to visit Utah Beach, Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach...unless you can stand there and see for yourself what the soldiers were up against, even the most dramatic account in a book cannot make it truly alive for you. To see the small bridges that were defended by a handful of soldiers, often dying even as they were successfull, is to feel what a honorable act of soldiering really is. To meet people who hid in a church while the Nazis shot their friends is to feel the clutch of that murderous regime very closely. To see the hedgerows where the gliders hit, the fields where the parachutists came down.... To see the church in St. Mere Eglise where the soldiers hung for hours hoping not to be killed..And then to see the cemeteries..not only the American, but the German...We found these 2 days the most impressive and long-lasting memories of our trip.
Cannot recommend more highly. Wish we had done the 3rd day as well.
Lynda and Bill Swanson, Daly City, California
Lynda Swanson <email>
Daly City, Ca USA Sun 11/26/2006
Band of Brothers Tour - 10/11/2006
Ref:- Battlebus, Band of Brothers Tour.
Thanks Dale for the most informative, passionate and moving tour. To actually tread in 'Easy's' footsteps was a truly amazing experience. The knowledge that was passed onto us (Clive and myself) was first rate, even to self procclaimed BOB's buffs like ourselves. Thanks Battlebus and Dale for a great day.
Martin Abrahart
Martin Abrahart
London, USA Thu 11/23/2006
Band of Brothers tour
Re-Band of Brothers tour, November 10th.
Great day to remember. My friend and I had been anticipting this for months and we were not disappointed. The tour guide, Dale has very detailed knowledge of all things D-day etc and his enthusiasm was infectious. To actually walk on the same spots as 'Easy-Company' was very moving. A very well constructed, well run day to remember. Very reasonable cost as well.
The best part for me was the 'Dead mans Corner' Museum......Amazing!!
Thanks again,
Clive C, (London).
Clive Collett <email>
London, UK Wed 11/22/2006
Subject: "Battlebus" Canadian Juno Beach Tour;
First I would like to extend our thanks to Dale Booth our guide on the Canadian Juno tour on 28 Sept, 2006. Also my thanks to Myriam for making our booking.
We were highly impressed with the quality of the tour, the best of this type of tour we have ever been on. Dale’s knowledge, preparation and presentation was amazing. If a place or event was mentioned by one of us on the tour, he made an effort to make a short unscheduled stop for us. This was greatly appreciated. To be at the sites where some of our relatives, friends and other countrymen had been 6 June 1944, was a very emotional experience.
I would highly recommend “Batlebus Tours” to any one wanting to step back in time to the events of D-Day.
Gordon and Florence Glen
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Gordon & Florence Glen <email>
Saskatoon, Sask. Canada Wed 11/22/2006
Normandy, etc.
We've been to Omaha Beach twice, and Point Du Hoc (we have pics at www.neesie.org).
Last year was very moving for me in regards to WWII. We started in London, at the Churchill Museum. Then, we went to Omaha Beach on Memorial Day. Our last city was Munich, and we went to Dachau. It really brings history to life.
Denise
Lake Mary, FL USA Mon 11/20/2006
Battlefield Tour in Normandy
: To OVERLORDTOUR
Alain,
I want to thank you for the tremendous tour you gave our party on Tuesday, Sept. 12 \'06 (My wife and I were with Sandra Mason and her husband). Your tour was the highlight of our trip to Euprope. The level of detail you were able to provide is greatly appreciated. We will definately recommend you to others interested in a Normandy/WWII tour.
Rex Repass
Cincinnati, OH USA
Rex Repass <email>
Cincinnati, OH USA Mon 11/20/2006
Normandy Tour
Michael Phillips, Perception Travel Co.
I am a history buff so whenever I can actually visit the site of a major event it is a special treat. Michael Phillips of Perception Travel Co. offers an outstanding tour. He has an excellent web site.
We were staying in the Cotswolds and he arranged a flight with Med Air from Oxford to Caen, France for a one day trip that was simply outstanding. As we approached the coast, Michael arranged with the pilot to fly over the beaches and the American Cemetery to provide perspective.
The breadth of his knowledge and understanding of what our brave soldiers endured as well as his sensitivity to the bravery and the losses took our breaths away. The man is exceptional, his arrangements impeccable and even the sandwhiches he supplied that we ate in the van so we wouldn't miss a thing were well done.
Highly recommended.
Norman Berk <email>
Birmingham, Al USA Tue 10/31/2006
Battlebus Two-Day
My husband and I just returned from an 18 day visit to France...the last 2 days were spent in Normandy. This was the highlight of our entire trip...by far! Dale Booth with Battlebus Tours created an unforgettable experience for us! We will be back!
Jo Kennedy <email>
Irving, TX USA Mon 10/30/2006
Normandy tours
We went on a Battlebus tour and found the tour guide to be very interesting, attentive to our needs, and very knowledgable. If we ever return we will look to Battlebus for our next tour.
Tom Ash
Stillwater, MN USA Mon 10/23/2006
D-Day Tours (Battlebus)
My family recently visited the Normandy area to see the D-Day beaches. I had read so many positive comments about Battlebus that I decided to arrange a private tour with them. What a superb tour! All of the positive comments posted about Battlebus are indeed true.
Our guide was Dale Booth. He is a walking encyclopedia, with a passion for story-telling and engaging the group. I'm anxious to spend a few more days with Dale in the future and learn more!
(Note: I had also heard that you need to allocate more than one day for the D-Day sites, and this is indeed true!)
Mark Gedlinske <email>
Plymouth, MN USA Sun 10/22/2006
Victory Tours & Chateau de Lignerolles
Recently we took a full day tour of the D-day beaches with Roel Klinkhamer of Victory Tours. His very informal and educational tour was terrific; his passion for the subject made the history come alive. We were also delighted to spend 2 evenings at the chateau, hosted by Roel and his wife, Pia. Quiet, pastoral, and charming! Excellent bed and breakfast. It was a terrifc place to unwind! Very Highly Recommended!
N.L. Grubel <email>
Anaheim, CA USA Sat 10/21/2006
WW1 Belgian sites
Last April I was fortunate to be able to take the Flanders Fields day tour out of Bruges, BE. It included several stops: Tynecot cemetery, Menin Gate, an old bomb crater that is now a pond (kids were fishing there when we stopped), the museum at the Cloth Hall in Ypres (which has an excellent web site by the way), Tok (?sp) House, and a series of trenches with another small museum (forget name of site). Even saw an unexploded left over shell along the road waiting to be picked up. Nathan, the tour guide provided excellent explanations concerning the topography and different battles. I thought it was nice being in a small van, able to ask many questions, also pick up and drop off at your hotel. The Belgian countryside is beautiful now, it's hard to imagine the serenity being shattered as it must have been.
Lori <email>
WA USA Wed 10/18/2006
Battlebus 2 day tour
Another hoorah for Battlebus! We did the two day American Experience with Sean. As a woman, I thought it would get a bit long for me, but found myself pleasantly mistaken. Sean's passion and amazing knowledge base about the D-Day history made it a truly remarkable and memorable experience. I can't imagine that we would have come away from Normandy with a fraction of what we experienced had we not taken the tour.
Martha <email>
Rohnert Park, CA USA Sat 10/07/2006
D-Day Invasion at Normandie
August 2006
We thoroughly enjoyed our 2 day Battlebus tour with Dale as our guide. Dale is gifted with telling a story with passion, not just reciting facts. He made the most of both days by taking us to sites giving us the big picture as well as the lesser known areas that were his favorites. Meeting the lady in the old farmhouse that witnessed the demise of the German general was a highlight of the personal contacts that Dale has developed. Dale's contacts with returning vets & his accumulated D-Day knowledge makes an unforgetable trip to Normandie and our D-Day invasion tour. Aside from the saddness of D-Day, it was awesome!
Dick and Suzanne Abbott <email>
Mesa, AZ USA Wed 10/04/2006
Normandy tour with Battlebus
My father, son and i stayed in Bayeaux the first weekend of september (2006) and had two very enjoyable tours of the Normandy beaches. We spent a whole day on a Battlebus tour of the Juno beach sector with Sean as our guide. We were quite surprised who far inland the Canadian soldiers made it. And seans many stories helped illuminate what the day was like for the Canadians. A great day for us.
We also participated in a half day tour of Omaha beach with NST tours and that was also very enjoyable and informative (i forgot the guides name though). Particularly moving was the massive Omaha beach cemetary.
Thanks again to all the parties for providing a memorable experience for my family. Mike
Mike
Oakville, Ontari Canada Wed 10/04/2006
Overlord tour
I went on the Overlord tour with my girlfriend while in france. It was defenitely the highlight of our trip. The tour was well put together and I have no hesitation in recommending Overlord to anyone else. We had the best time and it was great to experience the history through such detail and hospitality. Thanks again Alian and Oliver. Best regards, Greg
Greg
Dedham, ma USA Tue 10/03/2006
Overlord Tours
We cannot say enough about Alain Chesnel of Overlord Tours. My husband and I, along with another couple,spent the most incredible day with Alain. His passion for the subject and his attention to detail is amazing. He made D-Day come alive for us. We visited places that most people only read about. Our experience would never have been as great if we had gone with a large group. My highest recommendation!
Sandra Mason <email>
Cincinnati, OH USA Mon 10/02/2006
Never Forget
In June 2004, I accompanied my father and mother to Normandy for the 60th anniversary of D-Day. My father landed on Omaha beach on June 6, 1944. It was very special to be able to walk with him on that very same beach, 60 years later. My father was treated like a celebrity--asked for autographs and interviews. The French lived the conflict in their backyards, and even the young people there have such respect and admiration for the Allied soldiers, sailors and airmen that it was very touching. It's a shame that our own young people barely even know what D-Day or the Battle of the Bulge were. I highly recommend taking your children and grandchildren to places like this so that the lessons learned the hard way are not forgotten.
Jane F.
Ca USA Wed 09/27/2006
Battlebus tours
My husband and I have just returned from a week in Normandy. We spent 3 days with Battlebus Tours Guide Dale Booth, doing the two-day American Experience and the one-day Band of Brothers tour. Dale was committed to sharing the stories of the soldiers who landed in Normandy, as well as showing us important sights, not only because it's his job, but because it's his passion. He brought those days alive for us, by relating the personal stories of the soliders at different sights, instead of just reciting facts and figures about the invasion. We went to out of the way locations, and saw things, I know the "big bus" tours did not see. Most of all I can say that his dedication to detail made those three days an incredible experience for us; so much so that my husband will return with our son in the spring to repeat the tours.
Diane Phillips <email>
San Diego, CA USA Thu 09/14/2006
Overlord Tours/Alain Chesnel
My family spent such an amazing day in Normandy with Alain. Although, I do admit that 1 day is clearly not enough, Alain brought us to as much as was humanly possible. His quest for absolute accuracy is unmatched. The hand written letters by soldiers of D-Day, as well as pictures to support the letters and cement his need for accuracy, was something I'd never seen, nor forget. After becoming an enormous fan of Band of Brothers, a Band of Brothers tour being one of the many tours Alain and his company can arrange, going to Normandy and seeing what these men had to overcome, became something my husband and I just had to see. Some places are not public and therefore most tour companies have no access. Alain has forged several friendships with private owners, including Brecort Manor, as well as some of the surviving soldiers who fought in Europe in WWII to give you something truly unique. Our trip was unforgettable. I can't wait to got back when the kids are older (12, 9 and 4 yrs) and spend more time in Normandy and Alain.
Pam Bonasia <email>
Needham, MA USA Sun 09/10/2006
Battlebus tour
I recently went to Normandy to see the beaches and battlefields. During the trip, I went on 2 tours with Battlebus. It was the highlight of my trip. Our guides, Paul and Stuart, were both very knowledgeable about the D-Day/Normandy campaign and were very good about explaining the history. It really comes out on the tour that the history of the invasion is their passion. They really brought the events to life and made the tour interesting for both WWII history buffs and those with only a vague knowledge of the events. Both had countless stories of the invasion, and it was evident that they did extensive research through reading and interviewing veterans. They took us to a number of small, hidden places that we would have never found on our own (or even knew that they still existed!). That really made the tours amazing. When I go back to Normandy, I will definitely tour with them again.
David
Pittsburgh, PA USA Sat 09/09/2006
Victory Tours GREAT!
In July we took the day long tour with Victory Tours of the Normandy landings. Roel, the tour guide was outstanding. He took us all over from Arromanches to Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, the bunkers where the Germans were shooting on the landings, the cemetary, Utah Beach, St. Mary de Eglise and so many other fascinating places. My husband, a WWII buff, is still talking of the tour today--we saw so much more than many of our friends who have gone. Although an emotional trip, Roel made it entertaining and enjoyable. We also stayed at the Chateau de Lignerolles, owned by Roel and his lovely wife, Pia. What a beautiful place! They are charming people and outstanding hosts. The room was lovely and clean. They had a fabulous breakfast with eggs, cheese, juice and meat and more--one of the best breakfasts we had in France. The coffee, too, was perfect (not too strong but just right). Although meals other than breakfast are not served at the chateau, Roel and Pia recommended some fabulous restaurants in the Bayeaux area--one that was a real jewel. Would give this a big thumbs up--wonderful place, wonderful hosts!
JvB
Potomac , MD USA Mon 09/04/2006
Excellent museum in Normandy
I recently visited Carentan in Normandy(for the 15th time)and I am very pleased to see that someone has now recognised this very important area with regards to D-Day.
The Dead Man's Corner Museum at St-Côme-du-Mont was excellent and the exhibits displayed superbly with informative text.
I look forward to the opening of Hells Corner Museum in 2007.
Steve Harvey <email>
Devon UK Mon 09/04/2006
American Highlights Tour
We just completed a lovely 2 week vacation in France. Our American Highlights tour with Stuart was very special and one of our best vacation memories. From the moment he picked us all up @ 8:30am til we waved good-bye @5:30pm, Stuart kept us informed and drew us into the total experience of what all that is D-Day really means. Stuart is so passionate about the paratroopers, the landings, the sights, especially a very small church where miraculous things happened, and the individual stories of the real life Americans who participated in the overall D-Day story. He has extensive background knowledge and could answer our questions...some big, some small, some just curious. He was a great person with whom to spend an entire day...very well informed, polite and with a great sense of humor.
To see the actual locations where history was made and reflect on how many people gave the ultimate sacrifice, were badly wounded, or simply did their job and eventually got to go home was very sobering. Those who did get to return to our home shores and have had the opportunity to return to Normandy also had complelling stories. My husband and I were both very affected by what we learned during our time with Stuart and our dinner conversation that night and thoughout our travels in France kept coming back to some of the facts we learned on our Battlebus tour.
I thank the Battlebus staff for creating a truly unique experience for travellers who wish to know more about this critical time in human history. They give those who participated in the invasion the dignity they deserve and made their personal stories resonate for us. We owe special thanks to Stuart...we enjoyed his style, content and approach to immersing us in the D-Day experience.
I would highly recommend this tour...even to folks who think they know alot about D-Day. It was an unforgettable day for both of us, and if we are fortunate enough to travel to Normandy again, we will most definitely take another Battlebus Tour.
Many Thanks,
Frances Davidson
Chappaqua, NY
Frances Davidson
Chappaqua, NY USA Sat 09/02/2006
Wonderful museum in Normandy
Our family visited the Dead Man's Corner Museum at St-Côme-du-Mont in Normandy last week and thought it was by far the best and most informative, especially the personal stories of the brave soldiers. Highly recommended !
Elizabeth Benfield <email>
UK Sat 09/02/2006
Battlebus Normandy Tour
We did a private tour with Sean of Battlebus of the American landing beaches and airborne sites along with numerous other historical stops--doing this in our own car let us see more and at our own pace, and even as a WWII buff I learned a great deal. I highly recommend Battlebus!
Les Share
Miami, FL USA Fri 09/01/2006
Normandy
We recently spent 2 nights in Normandy, with a rental car.
In summary: Not enough time to see it all!
Driving was slower than expected (with small, twisting roads---reminded us of Ireland) and for some reason we always got turned around going thru Bayeux! (We stayed at a WONDERFUL farmhouse/B&B in Villers Bocage)
Although it stays light until 9:00 pm plus, be careful---the American Cemetery closes at 5 pm. We ran out of time to visit any museums (!), but I assume they have closing times to consider as well.
Give yourself at least 4+ full days to see everything between Honfleur and Mont St. Michel.
Mark Elliott <email>
Baltimore, MD USA Tue 08/29/2006
D-Day Beach Tours
We visited the Canadian D-Day beaches in July this year with a private guide from Battlebus Tours. The tour was fantastic - the guide exceedingly knowledge and brought the battles to life! We stayed at the Ferme de la Ranconniere in Crepon overlooking the D-Day beaches. The accommodation and food were terrific.
Judy Burns
Scottsdale, AZ USA Tue 08/29/2006
Staying in Normandy
Looking for a centrally located city for your time in Normandy? We highly recommend Hotel Tardif in Bayeux. Run by English-speaking, Anthony, and his charming French mother, we had a charming room, lovely breakfasts, assistance getting on a tour with Anthony's friend, and even enjoyed the July 1 & 2, 2006 20th Anniversary of Bayeux's Medieval Fair.
The location and hotel were wonderful---we will return.
Pam LeMay
Lynnwood, WA USA Sun 08/27/2006
Overlord Tours Highly Recommended
I arranged a tour for my father with Overlord Tours back in June. Alain was his tour guide and he is still talking about what a great tour it was. Alain was extremely knowledgable and covered an amazing amount of history in a 1 day tour (Band of Brothers/D-Day Tour). He was also very courteous to deal with and took excellent care of my father. I would highly recommend Overlord Tours when visiting the Normandy area.
Scott Reiner
Truckee, CA USA Wed 08/23/2006
Overlord Tours Highly Recommended
In July, two of us from the US visited Normandy for the first time, myself a D-Day buff and my friend a former marine who was very familiar with Point du Hoc. We had a fantastic tour with Olivier! This was a great balance. Given that in some respects, we had a lot of technical knowledge, and in others we had no knowledge, and this was the perfect mix. We got very good detail about how the specifics of the terrain played a role, and saw where many of the historic things we read about in books, from the field at Brecourt Manor (which you can walk on and stand in the spot where Dick Winters and his men knocked out the guns), to Marmion's Farm, where if you've seen Forrest Guth's (Easy Company member whose shots are in the book Band of Brothers) pictures of them with a Nazi flag and helmet, to the historic church at Angoville to many of the toughest spots on Omaha beach. Plus, our guide, Olivier, was fantastic. Patient, funny, insightful, and clearly a lover of D-Day history, as well as the area. We got in a good long day starting from the bunker in The Longest Day in which Pluskat sees the Allied fleet for the first time, all the way through Hiesville, where General Pratt was killed in his glider due to the armor plate and the jeep, ending up in Utah Beach. I would love to go back with Olivier or Alain!
Dalton Einhorn <email>
Mendham, NJ USA Wed 08/23/2006
D-Day tours
We returned from France last week, and I can highly recommend Overlord Tours. Our guide, Olivier, brought a lot of knowledge, enthusiasm and detail to the tour. We took the Omaha Beach/Band of Brothers Tour, and it was simply amazing to be in the same fields and courtyards where our soldiers stood and fought.
Paul <email>
Virginia Beach, VA USA Wed 08/16/2006
D-Day Beaches Tour with Roel Klinkhamer's Victory Tours
We want to agree with Tracy Herand's comments about how memorable and informative Roel's tour is. (We were the other couple in the van that day.) It was certainly a highlight of our seven weeks in France, and we feel very fortunate that we had Roel as our guide.
Phil and Rita Chartrand
Glover, VT USA Sun 08/13/2006
D-Day Tours with Victory Tours (Roel Klinkhamer)
We just returned from a two week trip to Greece and France. One of the biggest highlights of our trip was a one day tour of the D-Day beaches with Roel Klinkhamer of Victory Tours. My parents stayed at Roel's B&B in 2001 and raved about his tour. I can now echo their sentiments. Roel has so much knowledge about the area, the war, and some personal stories, as well, that his tour really makes as impact on you. You see places that the big bus tours can never get to and the info he shares really brings the day, weeks, and months of the summer of 1944 together.
Tracy Herand
Stamford, CT USA Sun 08/06/2006
Band of Brothers Tours
Steve... I posted some comments below and forgot to include the website for folks to book the best Normandy tours...it is www.overlordtours.com.
We learned alot and were totally moved by the experience!
Rick Hall <email>
St Petersburg, FL USA Sun 07/30/2006
Battlebus Tour
We can't say enough good things about the Battlebus tour of the D-Day beaches last month. Myriam was most accomodating to our schedule, Stuart was a pleasant, knowledgeable guide and equally accomodating. The all day tour was a highlight of our one month in Europe. Highest recommendations!
Richard Wallin
Bonita Srings, FL USA Thu 07/27/2006
Outstanding Tour of Normandy with Michael Phillips
We had three days to do a tour of Normandy and Le Havre and Michael Phillips was recommended as a tour guide. What a great recommendation! Our group of four (my parents and my sister) were mesmerized at each stop .. from the well visited landing beaches, to small churches and out of the way places that were also part of the D-Day story. He even made a de-tour to show us some of the few existing hedgerows, so we could see the environment in which the troops had to move. His stories and background information made the huge and overwhelming events of those days come down to a personal level. I echo comments of others when I say he is great at giving the story, and making you visualize what was happening, but also giving everyone time to reflect and wander on our own. For an excellent, personal tour, where you will learn more than you could ever from just reading, definitely book a tour with Michael!
Sandy Libby <email>
Washington, DC USA Thu 07/27/2006
Band of Brothers Tours, Normandy
The first week of June this year my Wife and Son and I were lucky enough to take The Band of Brothers Tour offered by Alain Chesnel out of Bayeux.
I was amazed at the information that Alain had provided both during the verbal part of the tour and with visual aides that he put together.
Alain's command of english is excellent and he knows quite a bit about the region and the battles that occured in Normandy. The only complaint I have is... I was so mesmerized, I forgot to take more pics! Thankfully my son took more than I did! Rick if you haven't enjoyed his tour, you need to!
Rick, Karen and Matthew Hall
St Petersburg, FL
Rick Hall <email>
St Petersburg, FL USA Mon 07/24/2006
Normandy D-Day Tours
I, along with my two brothers, had the pleasure of taking the one day American Experience tour on June 17th, and the Band of Brothers tour on June 18th, both times with Geert. He was personally recommended to us by a fellow teacher who had toured with him two years ago and we now know why she recommended him and the Battlebus Tours so highly. Geert was a knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide, and his explanations and stories of the people and events that were paramount to the places we stopped made the history come to life. We had many additional questions for Geert and they were always answered, showing his depth of knowledge and his respect and admiration for those who fought there, and in many instances he told a “story behind the story.” This was not simply a memorized tour guide speech or paragraphs from someone else’s book. My only regret is that I didn’t take the two day American Experience--we simply didn’t plan enough time in the area. That will be rectified in future visit, and Battlebus will be my tour of choice.
Lisa Dreesman <email>
Carroll, Iowa USA Sun 07/16/2006
Normandy Tour with Perception Travel Co
As a Canadian World War II veteran I returned to Normandy last month (June, 2006) for the first time since landing there over sixty years ago. My wife and I had the extreme good fortune of visiting with Michael Phillips of Perception Travel as our guide. His extensive knowledge of the area is impressive and helped us understand Canada's role in the D-Day Landings more fully. I particularly appreciated his sensitivity to the fact that there were moments when I simply needed to be alone with my memories and reflections. We would highly recommend him not only to other veterans but to anyone with an interest in the history of the region.
Ron and Kay de la Ronde <email>
Calgary, Albert Canada Fri 07/14/2006
Site of partisan / SS action in Rome
Hey, here's a WWII war site in Rome that is not adorned with massive monuments and does NOT attract flocks of tourists and tours.
Just a few minute walk west of the Trevi Fountain you'll encounter a narrow, hilly, unassuming street - Via Rasella. The street is very narrow and very closed-in flanked solidly by two-story buildings. Via Rasella is a small apporximate three block stretch between Vias Quattro Fontane & Arcione. Well, at about half way on Rasella, you will discover the site of an Italian partisan (citizen resistance army) action against the SS that - unfortunately - resulted in some innocent deaths.
An SS column of 32 was marching down Via Rasella when a partisan bomb exploding killing 8 SS. Curious Italian residents from the 2nd story windows above looked down. Confused and disorientated, the SS thought they were being attacked from above and opened fire on the residents looking down on them - killing multiple innocent people. Look closely and you'll see the pock-marked buildings surrounding the 2nd story windows the SS opened on. There are some small monuments built into the sides of the buildings near the windows - the Virgin Mary, I believe. Through time, the bullet-holes were never filled-in to - I assume - leave yet another permanent reminder of the perils of war. This was a unique site I learned of years ago on this very board.
Most people who only casually study history can tell you the Italian facist government allied itself with Nazi Germany, but what is lost in history is the complete odds with Nazism the Italian people themselves were. Rome was actually brutally occupied by Germany for over a year.
Jeff N. <email>
Chicago, IL USA Wed 07/12/2006
Exceptional D-Day Tours
On July 6, 2006, Michael Phillips at www.d-daytours.com provided our group of seven with an educated, enlightening, and fascinating tour of the US landings, cemetary, and other related historical events surrounding the days leading up to and after June 6, 1944. Mr. Phillips was recommended by a friend who indicated that we would be simply be fascinated and he was correct! We especially enjoyed his knowledge and special abilities to discuss and show the "other" events and locations that we were not educated on. It was more of a personal and memorable experience than a tour and I am thankful for people like Mr. Phillips who keeps alive the events surrounding this tremedously historical and moving event.
COL Michael F. Herman USAR <email>
Hobart, IN USA Wed 07/12/2006
The perfect tour guide
My parents, husband and I visited Normandy France recently. We had a great guide (Michael Phillips of Perception Travel Co. Ltd) who helped us to catch a glimpse of what happened during WWII on the Dday beaches and surrounding area. He did a wonderful job (and on a shortened schedule no less!) making sure we saw all of the “must see” sites as well as ones that were just as interesting- though off the beaten path. The commentary was interesting and succinct therefore we never felt overwhelmed with information or details. On the other hand, he was great to answer any questions that we had. My parents were very impressed with the way he told several sides of a story and then let us reflect on what the truth might be. As I expressed to him during our tour, I know there is no way I could have planned such a visit on my own. Even if we could find all of the sites by ourselves, my commentary would have been grossly inferior. The information he shared with us was testament to a great deal of research and study.
He thought of everything, from the bottles of water to the greatly appreciated time alone to reflect on our thoughts and feelings as we viewed such incredibly moving sites like Omaha beach.
My parents asked me how I found Michael and were amazed that it was only through a website (http://www.d-dayairtours.com) and emails that we had such a great guide. My parents have even expressed an interest visiting England, provided that Michael is their tour guide of course! If you are looking for a great guide, you will not be disappointed with Michael.
Denise Cupps <email>
Cincinnati, OH USA Wed 07/12/2006
Victory Tours
During spring break, my wife, my two sons, and I visited Paris and Normandy. In Normandy we stayed at Chateau de Lignerolles, the bed and breakfast of Roel and Pia Klinkhamer, and we also took a half-day tour of the battlefields with Roel. It was the highlight of our trip. It was a cold, snowy day, but Roel was an amazing guide who has an encyclopedic knowledge of the battlefields. My sons (one in high school and one in college) were hooked: they have both read Band of Brothers as well as watched the video series. It was a moving experience for all of us.
Jim Stover <email>
Chattanooga, TN USA Mon 07/10/2006
Michael Phillips of Perception Travel
We toured the Normandy invasion areas on June 29-30, 2006 with Michael Phillips as our tour guide. Our group consisted of 6 parents and 14 children (ages 5 to 19). Michael did an exceptional job in addressing the needs of our group and, most importantly, keep the attention of all with his many stories and facts about the invasion. His command of the facts, presentation skills, and patience (with our group of 20) was outstanding. I highly recommend Michael Phillips / Perception Travel for your Normandy touring.
John M. Lally <email>
Pittsburgh, PA USA Fri 07/07/2006
Flanders Fields
went on a Battlebus tour last year in Normandy. It was great.
Just returned from Belgium where i spent a day on a Daytours tour of WWI sites in Flanders. Very similar to Battlebus. An excellent guide in Nathan. Recommended. Based out of Bruges.
Andrew
Kingston, Canada Tue 07/04/2006
Normandy D-Day tours
My 15 year old son and I made a last minute trip to Normandy in June and wanted to take tours of the D-Day landing sites and battlefields. Both Overlord and Battlebus tried very hard to accomodate, with less than a week's notice, and at the 11th hour, Battlebus was able to come through, meeting all of our unrealistic, last minute hopes by fitting us in on two tours: AMERICAN EXPERIENCE and BAND OF BROTHERS. Both tours were fantastic, and both of our guides were terrific, making all 3 tour days memorable and meaningful for my son and for me. After the tours, we spent a couple of days hiking between Omaha and Utah and Ste-Mere-Eglise and we happened on many spots we visited on the tours -- places we would never have known had such history and significance. I highly recommend these tours and this approach to travel in Normandy (well, except for the "last minute" part).
Jim Starr
Kennett, PA USA Tue 07/04/2006
One of the best museum in Normandy
Our group of 8 visited museums from Cherbourg to Ouistreham and we all
thought Dead Man's Corner Museum at St-Come-du-Mont was one of the best. We enjoyed the personal stories
that they had on display with the specific items. I highly recommend
anyone traveling their way, to visit.
John Bizal <email>
Midwest Military, Inc., USA Tue 07/04/2006
Battle Bus Tours
I highly recommend Battlebus tours. My guide, Geert, is an expert on the military campaigns in Normandy. I was very satisfied with the sites we visited and the facts and stories told by Geert. Geert was very polite and professional.
Mike Plavidal <email>
Gulfport, MS USA Mon 07/03/2006
Overlord Tour
We took Overlord Tours in March with Alain Chesnel. It was a cold, windy, blustery day. We were 15 minutes late, because we couldn't find Alain. But nothing bothered him. He gave us such a fantastic tour, taking so much time with us. He is very enthusiastic about his subject, and gave us a great tour. We felt that we were there. Even though the tour was in March my husband and I are still talking about it. Alain does a great job, and I highly recommend his tour.
Kathy
Santa Clara, CA USA Mon 07/03/2006
Amazing museum in Normandy
We came across the Dead Man's Corner Museum whilst we were touring the Loire on a motorcycle.
I was intrigued with the story in the brochure and thought we would come and see what it was all about on our way back to Cherbourg.
What an amazing experience. I have been to many D-Day museums around Normandy and as any normal 46 year old from the UK, I have a fascination of what life must have been like in 1944.
Both me and my wife were very touched by the unusually personal presentation where one could actually relate the item on display to an individual.
The strategy to align Band of Brothers and Brothers in Arms to the museum in inspired. This kind of thinking to use contemporary 'entertainment' to encourage the young to get involved will make sure that future generations appreciate the sacrifice of our grandfathers.
To end it all, the store was just amazing and a real Aladdin's Cave!
Congratulations.
Simon Belton <email>
UK Sun 07/02/2006
Best museum in Normandy
My son and I recently visited the Dead Man's Corner Museum at Saint-Côme-du-Mont, as part of an 8 day itinerary in Normandy. DMC Museum is, hands down, the finest museum we saw. It is a gem of airborne history, featuring quality over quantity. And the shop in back with so much WWII materiel is worthwhile in its own right. Well done!
Jim Starr <email>
Kennett Square, PA USA Thu 06/29/2006
Tour of American action
I had the privilege of taking the Omaha / Band of Brothers tour with Alain Chesnel of Overlord Tour on June 10. That tour has been a highlight of my stay in Europe.
As a passionate amateur student of D-Day, I marvel at Alain's professional knowledge of the event and commitment to its memory. As a Virginian, I appreciate his connection to the 29th Infantry Division.
I heartily recommend Alain's tours to anyone whose interest in the American action on D-Day ranges anywhere from
passing to expert. Alain truly takes his tours to out of the way historical spots on private property that you could never visit on your own.
Donnie Edgemon
Sterling, VA USA Mon 06/26/2006
Normandy D-Day Tour
I just wanted to forward the gist of an e-mail I sent to the OVERLORDTOUR Co. in Normandy, France. On May 5, 2006, My wife and I enjoyed a 12 hr. tour of the Normandy Battlefield(s) with a rep. from OVERLORD. The tour was most professional and detailed. Our guide was courteous and very knowledgeable. He genuinely wanted us to have a good time. I will highly recommend OVERLORD to anyone I know who intends to travel to Normandy.
Tim Parkinson <email>
Barnesville, OH USA Mon 06/26/2006
powerful tours
We took the full day D Day tour with Victory Tours (Roel Klinkhamer) in early June, 2006. We also stayed at the chateau that he and his wife run (Chateau de Lignerolles--just outside of Bayeux). The entire experience was absolutely wonderful. They are gracious hosts and go out of their way to make sure that their guests are enjoying themselves. Roel's tours are powerful, as he shares some of his personal experiences (including those that he has encountered conducting these tours). My husband is already wanting to bring his father out for a tour with Roel!
Tory
houston, texas USA Sat 06/24/2006
D.Day landings tours
We had an exceptional American battlefields tour with Battlebus and our guide Stuart on
Wednesday 7th June 06.
The itenery was full and varied, with interesting stops at lesser none spots, as well as the famous D.day landing beaches. Stuart is an excellent and passionate guide, he made the D-day landings so real . We learnt so much, especially the need to talk to veterans and thank them - which we are now doing, and learning from them too.
We are coming back next year
with my Mum and stepdad and will book with Battlebus again, but book earlier as they are so popular you cant always get the date you want!
Dont miss this tour - it's facinating.
Jane and Rob Purbrook
Jane Purbrook
Brighton, E.Sussex England Sat 06/24/2006
Battlebus Tours of Normandy
My wife and I took a "Highlights" tour of the Normandy battlefields and Cemetary with Battlebus Tours on 22 May 2006. We would have liked the 2 day tour, but it was booked up that week, and now we know why! The tour was outstanding and we highly reccommend it. We'll go back again to Battlebus for certain, and urge anyone that wants a personalized tour of Normandy to do the same. Ask for Stuart Robertson, he was wonderful. Thank you. R. Houston.
Robert Houston <email>
Jacksonville, Arkansas USA Mon 06/19/2006
Canadian Juno Beach Centre
Last summer, I was with my family in France, and I had a difficult time beforehand finding information on Canadian WWII sites and museums in the Normandy area.
After considering the advice that Rick gave me on his radio show (thanks again, Rick!), we chose to rent a car in Paris to drive to the coast, first to Bayeux, then on to the beaches. It took about 3 hours to reach Bayeux (a drive that isn't much fun when you have the stomach flu!), then 45 minutes or so from there to Courseuilles-sur-Mer. It is there that the Canadian Juno Beach Centre is located (http://www.junobeach.org/). The building, in the shape of a maple leaf, houses a museum of Juno Beach history. There are guides (Canadian students who spend the summer in Normandie, teaching visitors about the D-Day landings) who take small groups down the beach and describe the history of that very spot. They are very knowledgeable and passionate about sharing the stories.
The museum and tour cost about 10 Euros, and it is worth every penny. There are Canadian flags all over the area, and it made me feel very appreciated and appreciative of the work of so many soldiers.
Located close by, in Beny-sur-Mer, is the Canadian military cemetery. It is quiet and peaceful, in a beautiful setting.
I highly reccommend the area to other Canadians, and urge you to email me if you require more information, as many of the posts in this thread are in regard to the American beaches and museums.
Ashley <email>
Victoria, BC Canada Sun 06/18/2006
Battlebus Tours
Like Hank Chen, we toured the D-Day beaches with Stuart at Battlebus Tours. And our tour was also wonderful! Stuart obviously has a real passion for his subject and a reverence for the veterans, as well as being a great story teller. My husband and I recommend this tour very highly. On a side note, we stayed at the Hotel Churchill in Bayeux for the days we were visiting the beaches. What a charming hotel, and the owners do everything possible to make your stay special.
Karen Godwin <email>
Arlington, TX USA Sun 06/18/2006
Battlebus with Stuart
My co-workers and I recently had the pleasure of touring Normandy Beaches with Battlebus (American Highlights). Our guide Stuart was in top form as he guided us through these historical sites with expert knowledge and passion for details/accuracy. On this full day tour, we stopped in; Ste. Mere Eglise, 82nd Airborne Museum, Utah Beach, Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, lesser known local sites, & the American Cemetery. We were fortunate enough to meet up with several WWII veterans from various countries along the tour listening to first-hand accounts from these brave men. A very moving experience to say the least. A fantastic detour was taken to visit the small church at Angoville-Au-Plain where 2 un-armed Airborne Medics treated wounded American & German soldiers along with town folks for 3 days straight without reinforcement/supplies. The grounds in front of the church has now been renamed - Place de Toccoa, as in Camp Toccoa, Georgia where the 101st Airborne Paratrooper training camp was based. It's the small details & personal stories (Bedford Boys, Brothers-Roy & Ray etc...) that makes this tour that much more special and there were many. Our wonderful tour was capped off by a somber visit to the American Cemetery in Colleville where 9,300 servicemen & women now rests facing West towards home. Definitely do make it out to Normandy soon as fewer and fewer WWII veterans are available to tell their heroic tales. We never felt rushed during the tour, we had plenty of provisions, met great local people, and we can't think of a better way to spend the day touring the French countryside in a Renault Minibus. Thanks again Stuart for a memorable tour. Highly reommended!
Hank Chen <email>
Tacoma, WA USA Thu 06/15/2006
Overlord Tours
Following is an e-mail I sent to Alain Chesnel at Overlord Tours:
Alain,
We just returned home from our European vacation and I wanted to take a few moments to thank you once again for an incredible experience during our day long Normandy tour.
As I told you at the completion of the tour, the only thing I really wanted to do while we were in France was to tour Normandy. Little did I know what an awesome experience that would be! Your ability to share the labors of your research with our group was awe inspiring. To see the pictures from the days of the invasion and then stand in those exact places 60 plus years later and hear the stories associated with those photos was a rare opportunity to live a piece of the past. During the visit to the Normandy Cemetery, I couldn't help but visualize the landing craft, destroyers, battleships, and troops as they hit the beach. To say I was moved to tears does not begin to convey the depth of the feelings I had as I stood amongst the crosses that marked the graves of thousands of fallen servicemen.
As you might expect, I was a little apprehensive about how my teenage children would respond to an all-day tour of a 60 year old battleground. However, both my daughter and my son could not say enough good things about the experience. They were thoroughly amazed by your ability to share details that could never be found in school history books. My son (soon to be 16 years old) can't wait to share his experience with his classmates during his United States History class this coming fall. How many kids can say they have stood on the beaches of Normandy and received the level of information that you provided concerning those faithful days that changed the course of world history? Precious few!
I could go on and on about the impact this tour had on my family. However, words are somehow inadequate to convey the full story. I have already shared with numerous friends and family members my belief that they should book a tour with you if they ever find themselves traveling to France. I am certainly glad that my wife found your tour and was able to work it into our itinerary. It was the highlight of my visit to Europe without a doubt!
Thanks again, and God Bless your efforts.
Sincerely,
Dennis Jorgenson
Hurley, South Dakota USA
Dennis Jorgenson <email>
Hurley, SD USA Sun 06/11/2006
Victory Tours review - highly recommended
My wife Jennifer and I just returned from Europe, which included a tour of Normandy, specifically D-Day sites and the American Cemetary. Based on reviews from Mr. Steve's and related message boards, we selected Victory Tours, and are we ever glad we took this tour. The owner and guide, Roel Klinkhamer, has a commanding knowledge of not only WWII and D-Day but also of the area to really engage the tour participants with the sites. Due to our travel schedule, we were only able to take a half-day tour, but during the tour Roel guided us through sites with precision, and at the same time allowed plenty of time on our own to view and reflect over these amazing places.
His love for the subject and area was further proven when we met a veteran who had landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day plus one. The conversation that followed (and the great experience to thank this man for his service and honor!) was informative and rewarding.
We will be going back to France, and when we do Roel will be the first person I contact so that we may visit more D-Day sites.
Geoffrey Tamman <email>
Shoreline, WA USA Thu 06/08/2006
Alain Chesnel - Overlord Tours.
Today we have sent this mail to Alain Chesnel from Overlord Tours.It is not the first mail we have sent to him as you can see.
Dear Alain.
Thank you for your kind following up on our combined 10 hour tour with you 6 may 2006. The day before was the 61 anniversary of the British liberation of Denmark and the D-day was the basis of this happy event. And the basis also for a good life in freedom for us. We are both very greatful to the brave young men who fought and died in Normandy as we are to the freedom figthers in Denmark and in France. One of them was your father! And of course to the British who helped our good Danish men and women fighting back during the war.
It was a good and inspiring tour. Omaha beach made a big impact on both of us. To think young americans far from home beeing killed for us.
You are good compagny,Alain, and so were our fellow participants. You made it all so vivid and we don't think there were any questions you couldn't answer - and always enthusiastic and relevant.
We would like to come back to Normandy again and to the beaches once again. We didn't see all the British. Hope there will be time for that. Hope to meet you once again.
Vivian and Flemming Paludan
Copenhagen, Denmark Wed 06/07/2006
Overlord Tour
On this, the 62nd anniversary of D-day, I sent the following e-mail to Alain Chesnel of Overlord Tour.
Dear Alain,
My wife and I took the Band of Brothers/Omaha Beach Tour with you on Saturday, April 29.
At any rate, I just want you to know that you have made a tremendous impact in my understanding and appreciation of what brave men did sixty two years ago today. Although I have always had great admiration and respect for the men who made the landings and jumps which initiated the liberation of Europe, through your in-depth knowledge and the ability to effectively share it with others I feel as if I now know some of them on a more "personal" level. During the tour with you, I was moved to tears on more than one occasion, as you shared the stories of the experiences endured by the soldiers while I was standing on this hallowed ground.
I look at and "celebrate" the anniversary of D-Day this year with a new appreciation.
I thank God for your passion and commitment, and pray for and look forward to seeing you again on my next trip to France. As we discussed during the tour, please keep me informed of the dedication ceremony next year at the church as my nephew and I are planning on attending.
Thank you again for your service and feel free to post this message to your Guest Book. I will write more later.
Sincerely,
Jerome Kesler
Jerome Kesler <email>
Hopkinsville, KY USA Tue 06/06/2006
World War Battlefields
Spending time on the beaches, sites, and at the cemeteries two weeks ago was one of the most moving experiences of our travels. Stuart, our guide with Battlebus Tours, was outstanding. His passion was contagious and moving, and he brought life and emotion to the stories he shared about individual soldiers (heroes). Particularly wonderful was the church at Angoville-Au-Plain where two medics, Robert Wright and Ken Moore, treated soldiers (both allies and German) and at least one civilian child over a three day period without rest. During that time, the battle was fought outside the church and all around them, with the location changing hands numerous times. They remained safe because of their commitment to treat all who were brought to the church. Stuart, our guide, was particularly excited as he was going to accompany both Robert Wright and Ken Moore as they returned to the site for the first time together on June 3rd. We also visited a number of cemeteries including finding the smallest - a total a 40 graves at a British Commonwealth Cemetery in Chouain (Jerusalem). This Memorial Day meant so much more to us having just visited these sites.
Marna McLendon <email>
Scottsdale, AZ USA Sun 06/04/2006
D-Day Tours
When in Bayeux 10 days ago, we engaged the services of Alain Chesnel of Overlord Tours for the Omaha and Utah Beach tours. Our other companion for the day had requested the Band of Brothers segment for the afternoon. Alain essentially gave us all three tours for the price of two, going practically non-stop ( we did have a nice lunch) from 8:30A to 6:30P. To say the tour was money well spent is a massive understatement. I am a bit of a D-Day buff and yet found myself amazed at the additional personal information Alain provided. At the same time, my wife (not usually a history enthusiast), said it was one of the best tours she has ever had in Europe. Both of us would highly recommend Overlord Tours.
John & Jill Norton
Junction City, WI USA Thu 06/01/2006
Great museum at Carentan
I recently visited Carentan (for the 15th time)and I am very pleased to see that someone has now recognised this very important area with regards to D-Day.
The museum at Dead Man's Corner was excellent and the exhibits displayed superbly with informative text.
I look forward to the opening of Hells Corner Museum in 2007 and wish you good luck for the future in the other projects you have planned.
Steve Harvey <email>
Devon, UK Sat 05/27/2006
D-Day Victory Tours
Due to limited time on our trip, we took the half day D-Day tour through Victory Tours in April 2006. The sites were incredible and the experience of actually being there was very powerful. The owner and tour guide Roel Klinkhamer was great. With his vast knowledge about the sites and small personalized group (we had five in our group) he made the experience much more enjoyable. If you want a small personalized tour of the D-day sites, I highly recommend you contact Victory Tours.
Mike <email>
Sacramento, Ca USA Fri 05/19/2006
Overlord Normandy Tours
This is a copy of an email that I sent to Alain Chesel of Overlord Normandy Tours
Bonjour Alain,
I wanted to thank you for the outstanding tour that you gave us on Wednesday, April 26. You did a wonderful job of mixing your professionalism, passion, and personality in making this the enjoyable highlight of our trip to France. Your tour will be something that we will remember for the rest of our lives. Thank you for your dedication in keeping the memory alive of the sacrifices all the men and women gave in the name of freedom. (I truly enjoyed talking about the personal history and sacrifices of our own dear ancestors.)
It was my pleasure to meet you and shake your hand.
Should you ever make it to Dallas, please look me up. Maybe we could take a trip to Houston to visit the USS Texas.
Merci beaucoup,
KevinB
Dallas, TX USA Fri 05/19/2006
WWII Cemetery
My friend Jan's father was killed in WWII more than 60 years ago in one of the battles to liberate northeastern France from the Germans. A long time goal of hers was to visit her father's grave in the American Cemetery in St Avold, France. Early in April this year, she, another friend and I took the trains from Strasbourg to Metz to St Avold then hiked 3 kilometers into St Avold. It rained that day, the wind blew and we were cold and tired by the time we finally got to the Cemetery. But - once you step to the edge of the actual burial area and see the 10,489 grave markers spread over several acres, you realize how much these young men gave up. Our journey came to a happy, bittersweet end - Jan found her father's gravesite. The young men who bodies surrounded us suffered in the cold, the mud, and the rain then died in the service of their country. If you have a chance, please go to one of these WWII cemeteries to remember the sacrifices these young men and their families made on behalf of us and of millions of other strangers.
Jana <email>
Grand Rapids, MI USA Sun 05/14/2006
D-Day Tour
We took the 1/2 day tour of Normandy from the Caen D-Day Museum. Young French man was extremely informed and spoke English very well. Well worth the 56 euros. Our guide had spoken with returning vets from England, France and Germany and relayed their stories to us as we stood where they had stood.
Museum is excellent.
Jill York <email>
Ashburn, V USA Tue 05/09/2006
Brugge Belgium to Ostende
While staying in Brugge Belgium we took a 15 minute train trip to Ostende and the public tram to the Atlantic Wall museum. It was terrific. We saw the WW 2 German fortifications (they were expecting the invasion there instead of Normandy), but there are also WW 1 tours. One of the best open air original with life like recreations soldiers in the bunkers underground. Any histroy buff would love the trip. A lot of original equipment - including the Enigma machine. There is a web site on it. Easy trip.
Sara <email>
Redwood Falls , MN USA Tue 05/09/2006
D-Day Tours of Normandy
Dear Dale,
Thanks for the wonderful 3 days we spent with you through Battlebus Tours seeing the D-Day sights. There are so many places you showed us that I know others never get to see. Anyone that has the pleasure of taking your tour will need to pack warm clothing and tissues (for the tears). Your knowlege is profound, and you find ways to appeal to all ages and interests.
Patty , Bill & Cindy O'Grady <email>
Steilacoom, WA USA Mon 05/08/2006
December 44 Museum
One of the most impressive WWII battle field museums I’ve come across is the “December 44 Museum” in la Gleize, Belgium
This museum is located on the “Battle of the Bulge” Ardennes Battle's site. It is dedicated to the 50 million men, women and children who died during the Second World War. The "December 1944" museum accurately recounts the tragedy of the Battle of the Bulge and offers to the visitors a chance to see one of the most important WWII collections in Europe. It shows artifacts of both sides including numerous vehicles, tanks & canons. The collection is displayed in 17 dioramas on 85 dummies all equipped with original materiel. In other display cases there are thousands of badges, many weapons, knives, belt buckles, caps, helmets, posters, newspapers, models and an impressive quantity of miscellaneous materiel found for the most part in La Gleize. What I remember, aside from the great display and vast number of artifacts, was the friendliness of the staff and that they gave me a discount because I was a veteran, albeit a Viet-Nam Era Veteran. Their web site is http://www.december44.com/anglais/index.html I don't know if this great find is in RS books, but you can't get there by train & maybe not by bus. As a result there aren't hoards of passengers there.
USA Fri 04/28/2006
D Day Tours
Try Ellwood at Battle Tours ellwood@ddaybattletours.com for D day beaches. I tried FIVE times to reach Rolf Klinkhamer with no results - not even an email to acknowlege my attempts.
Ellwood actually called me here in Canada to confirm my request - that is what I call service. www.ddaybattletours.com
Jewell <email>
Calgary, Canada Fri 04/21/2006
D-day beaches
I would like to give my appreciation to Alain at Overlord Tours. Wonderful, informative tour for my wife and I. I had researched the landings quite a bit and visited them before, but decided on a tour anyway and am glad I did so. Alain really knows his stuff. We ran into Alain the next day at the church in Angoville-au-Plain while he was giving a tour to another group, but he was kind enough to give us some more detail about the church, very gracious. Also, for those interested in the Big Red One landings, visit the small, yet informative Big Red One museum on D-514 between Colleville and the cemetery. A 27 year old Frenchman with a passion for the 1st Infantry has a very nice (and cheap) museum and is more than willing to share some interesting details about the landings and his extensive collection of artifacts. Definitely worth a stop.
Hoyt <email>
Geneva, Switzerland Wed 04/19/2006
Victory Tours with Roel Klinkhammer
My husband and I and two friends just returned from an early April eight day trip to Paris. We spent one of our days on a tour of the Normandy area with Roel. He is so knowledgable about the area and he makes the whole experience special even for novice historians. He conducts the tour with reverence and emotion. If you are looking for a personal experience with a small group and for a reasonable price and don't want to be 'herded' around, Victory Tours is perfect.
JR
GA USA Sat 04/08/2006
DEAD MAN'S CORNER MUSEUM IN NORMANDY
For military historians and tourists alike, who have a desire to see an amazing collection of archival information and historical artifacts that truly represent the role played by both the 101st and 82nd Airborne Troops, as well as the German Fallschirmjager and SS Troops deployed in the area in and around Carentan, the Museum at Dead Man's Corner is a must see!
Francis Reinprecht <email>
Huntingdon Valley, PA USA Wed 04/05/2006
Alain Chesnel / Overlord Tours
Mnsr. Chesnel:
It is hard to believe a week has passed since taking my tour with Overlord Tours on 27 March 2006. The memories of my day with the group, and all that we saw, will not be forgotten. Your enthusiasm and knowledge of the subject matter is very impressive, and I think that the tour you offer is worth every cent of the cost. I highly recommend any person who has studied WW2, or anyone wishing to pay honor to those who sacrificed so much, to take your tour. The reference photo books that you have compiled really brought the entire experience to life in a completely unexpected way, and I think you should publish them for sale as a souvenier guidebook to keep the memories fresh. I know I would certainly have bought one at the day's end! I surely hope soemday to return to France and take your tour again, and I will be recommending your service to several of my friends who are history buffs as myself. Again, Alain, THANK YOU for such a fantastic experience! Best wishes for the continued success of your business.
Very sincerely,
John Seilback
Bel Air, Maryland, USA
John Seilback <email>
Bel Air , MD USA Tue 04/04/2006
NORMANDY LANDINGS
We have a holiday home 12 miles from Omaha Beach. When friends come over to visit, I take them on a whistle stop tour.
Friday eat at a small local Le Routier - truckers cafe - very good value for money. Saturday morning fresh pain, collected that morning and still hot when bought. Off to St Lo market, lunch from one of the open air stalls selling sausages, frites and pork chops on bagettes. On to Aromanche to the circular cinema on the hill to the east of the town to me this is a must before you see any of the landing sites. Watch Longest Day and Saving Private Ryan before you leave home. At the circular cinema you will cry. Drive down through the town and on to Port en Bessin then to the American Cemetery at St Laurent. Be there for at least the last hour of opening. They play the last post and lower the flag. You will cry again.
Go and stand on Omaha beach and reflect on your day.Book into a super restaurant at Grand Camp overlooking the harbour or the sea and watch the night take over from the day. Sunday back to Port en Basin for another good street market. Hot chocolate on the quay, find a vide de granier (car boot sale), for the afternoon, dinner at home, al fresco, brandy (or Calvados ) to finish, in front of a log fire and turn in for an early night.
Calvados <email>
England Tue 04/04/2006
Overlordtour
Hi Alain,/Overlordtours
We finally arrived back home and have had a few days to reflect on our trip to Europe. The day that we spent with you at Normandy was the high light of our trip. It was quite evident that you have a passion for history and go out of your way to impart your vast knowledge of the area to your guests.
We certainly would recommend your tour to anyone traveling to Normandy!
Thanks again,
John and Faye Oberholser
John Oberholser <email>
Narvo n, Penna. USA Fri 03/31/2006
The Longest Day
My 18-year-old daughter and I just returned from a trip that included a full day seeing the major sites from D-Day. The best advice I can offer: Watch the classic movie, "The Longest Day", in the week before leaving. I insisted that my daughter do this and she's still thanking me! Without taking a formal tour, we saw Gold Beach at Arromanches, real Nazi bunkers (with guns still in place), the USA Cemetary, Omaha Beach, the amazing craters at Point du Hoc, German cemetary, and the church (with paratrooper dummy) in St. Mere Eglise. The whole time, we kept talking about the sites as things we'd seen in the movie. Fantastic day!
Allen <email>
Indianapolis, IN USA Wed 03/29/2006
Overlord Tour
Hello Alain,
This is Steve Lannefeld, my girlfriend and I went on a tour with you on March 13th and we just wanted to e-mail you to tell how amazing of an experience it was for us. I am very pleased to say we had the time of our life. It was nice to have someone who shares such a passion that I do and take us around to such a historical site and something that is a major part of our world's history. I can't thank you enough for all of the work you put into your tours and I have already highly recommended this tour to anyone who is ever in that area. I believe a friend of ours is in the process of setting up a tour with you as we speak. They wont be disappointed and I know they will have just as an amazing experience as we did.
Thanks so much Alain,
Steve Lannefeld and Lauren Kaufman - Barrington, Illinois.
Steve Lannefeld <email>
Barrington , IL USA Tue 03/28/2006
Overlord Tours
We recently got home from a trip to Normandy. We were lucky enough to get a tour from Alain Chesnel, owner of the Overlord Tours. He gave us a very informative tour, that made you feel that you were there on D-Day. He is very passionate about D-Day history, and we were very impressed with his tour and his knowledge. He has great maps, and photos. He will you drive you to a spot, and then show you photos taken at that exact spot on D-Day. We will take more tours from him in the future.
Mark & Kathy
Santa Clara, CA USA Sun 03/26/2006
Battlebus tour from Bayeux
The 3 of us (Mom, Dad and almost 16 year old daughter) just returned from our first visit to Normandy. Staying in Bayeux was perfect for our introduction to the area - nice town, great to walk around in. We chose to take the American sector tour with Battlebus because of the positive reviews on this site. Geert is committed to highlighting some of the crucial moments on the US side of the invasion. His breadth of knowledge and his intimate detailing of these events were riveting along with his personal accounts of conversations with both veterans and local people. Even standing in the courtyard of the Saint Mere Eglise with the wind blowing and the temps hovering around 2'C, we were hanging on his every word! {Words of advice - even if you think you have enough clothing on to keep you warm, bring extra warmth in a small backpack! This is a full day!) Geert now works with a new B & B ordering sandwiches and drinks en route for a quick and easy lunch - this gets around the requisite 2 hour sit-down French lunch experience and gets you back on the road to hear more from Geert. Great experience, well worth both the time and money. We will go back.
Kathy McQuitty <email>
Chandler, AZ USA Wed 03/22/2006
Dead Man's Corner Museum in Normandy
My visit to the "Dead Man's Corner Museum" last month was an amazing experience, it was like stepping back in time and being able to see what these great young men achieved in such unbelievable conditions. A must see! (for a preview: www.paratrooper-museum.org/about_dmc.html )
Thanks to these people for keeping alive the memory of those that gave so much for us all.
Ian Williams, UK
Ian Williams <email>
Rainham, UK Mon 03/20/2006
Sabine - A Great Tour Guide
If you are looking for an excellent tour guide - for either Paris or Normandy - check out Sabine. Her website is:
http://paris.authentique.free.fr/index.htm
Sabine is an excellent tour guide. She knows Paris and speaks perfect English. She is worth every cent of her fees. She will work with you to plan the right tour for you – whether within Paris or the France countryside.
Lee
San Ramon, CA USA Fri 03/03/2006
Dead Man's Corner Museum in Normandy
Dear Sirs,
My name is Robert Holmes and I am a Canadian residing in La Haye Du Puits.
I visited the Dead Man's Corner Museum at Saint-Côme-du-Mont (near Carentan) in Normandy recently. It is without doubt one of the better museums on the Battle of Normandy. I was very impressed. A great collection and superbly displayed.
I believe it's the only one primarily dedicated to the activities of the 101st and of the 6th parachute regiment. A fitting tribute to these brave men. They also offer the visitor a wide assortment of collectibles and books which is a great combination. Well done! I highly recommend it as a must see!
It is exactly as you say in their wonderful brochure, "A Rendevous With History".
Thankyou.
Robert Holmes
Robert Holmes <email>
Canada Thu 02/23/2006
Dead man'sCorner museum
Just back and for the third time in a few weeks from dead man's corner Museum in the heart of the historic D day Airborne battlefields between ste Mère Eglise and Carentan. The museum is set in the very historical house that stands along heighway 13. The set up is beautiful. The collections on display outstandings. From far the best museum in the entire Normandy battlefield (and i've seen them all).
Denis
Rouen, France Thu 02/23/2006