A World War II historic guide to discover the D-Day Landing Beaches in Normandy

Travel Normandy guide François Gauthron offers tours of the Normandy landing beaches, World War II battlefield. Come and discover the most famous part of Normandy where took place the Landing and the battle of Normandy in June 1944 to liberate France and Europe. You will be escorted by a qualified bilingual guide who will show you round the major sites of the beaches. Visit the highlights of World War II sites in Normandy with an expert license guide, first the most important sites of the landing beaches.

Normandy Travel

Travel in Normandy with Francois Gauthron


Graignes

«The story of a tragedy»

One of the most poignant sites is the village of Graignes. Two battalions of American paratroopers were mistakenly dropped near this village. Helped by the villagers, they decided to resist, even though the town had no strategic value. They were finally overrun by 1,500 Germans 5 days later. Many escaped with the help of the villagers, but the wounded remained in the church under the care of the clergy and others.

Unfortunately for the towns people and the wounded Americans, an SS regiment appeared and executed all the wounded and many of the villagers including three priests. The church was left in ruins and is now a monument to the fighting. There are plaques on the crumbled walls with the names of the villagers who were executed next to the names of the Americans who died under their protection. I had a hard time keeping my composure when I was there.

«All the wounded and many of the villagers including three priests were executed»