After another farm-fresh Normandy breakfast, our first stop will be Omaha Beach. 

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The vast stretch of sand is eerily quiet today. Occasional hang gliders catch the breeze while locals race horse carts along the beach. A stark contrast to the fierce battle that took place here in 1944. 

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You'll have time to walk from the sea to the high bluffs above the beach imagining the harrowing moments faced by the soldiers of the veteran 1st (Big Red One) and the untested 29th Infantry Divisions as they suffered the terrible onslaught of German guns. 

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After we depart the beach, we'll drive up to where The 1st fought their way up between the cliffs. Today, perched on the bluffs, this is now the hallowed ground of the Normandy American Cemetery. A place of solemn reflection where row after row of white marble crosses and Stars of David stretch across the immaculate green lawn. A place where French children of all ages visit to lay flowers at the graves of their great-grandparent's liberators. 

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Life must go on, and we’ll celebrate the freedom and peace of today, after a stirring morning, with a special lunch. We’ll be dining in the picturesque setting of a lovingly restored 12-century farm with its old fortified stone tower still standing, bearing witness to the vestiges of time for a thousand years. 

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The restaurant was a château that formerly served as a military HQ for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. We’ll dine in the garden where G.I.’s used to gather at what they called “Dead Eye Joe’s Bar”. 

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The seasonal lunch menu is prepared by three brothers from the 4th generation of family to live and work the farm. Brothers who feel a special connection to the United States. The suitcases near the bar are the very ones their grandfather used when he left France in 1944 to study in Michigan.

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Under shady trees and dappled sunlight, we’ll enjoy Normandy’s flavors, culture, and family heritage. You can try lobster rolls, cod fritters, pulled-pork burgers, entrecôte, scallops, impeccable brioche French toast and 'tarte Normandie' - chased by grandfather’s favorite champagne or a local cider.

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In the afternoon, we’ll travel up to Pointe du Hoc. Perched on dramatic cliffs between Utah and Omaha Beaches, this strategic high ground was stormed by U.S. Army Rangers in a daring assault under heavy fire, followed by days of fierce fighting to hold the position. 

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You’ll see the shattered remains of German bunkers and artillery casemates surrounded by deep bomb craters that still scar the earth. Silent witnesses to the intense Allied bombardment that preceded the assault. 

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We’ll then make the journey down to Arromanche to view the remnants of one of the two Mulberry Harbors that were the secret weapons keeping Allied forces supplied while surprising and alarming the Axis. 

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You’ll be able to clearly see, and even walk among many of the massive concrete caissons - code-named “Phoenixes” that helped change the course of WW2.

These giant man-made blocks allowed the Allies to unload troops, tanks, and supplies at a staggering rate. An unforgettable stop where innovation met courage and helped ensure victory. 

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(Lunch in Normandy.)