Before the creation of the famous Colleville-sur-Mer cemetery, Normandy was home to numerous temporary cemeteries. Discover the history of Sainte-Mère-Eglise, where more than 14,000 American soldiers were laid to rest.
In the footsteps of the 101st Airborne Division and the Utah Beach landings
Set off on a four-hour adventure in a vintage jeep across Normandy, following in the footsteps of the paratroopers of the 101st Airborne. This tour takes you from site to site, discovering iconic Band of Brothers locations, starting with the paratroopers’ drop zones in the Normandy bocage. You’ll explore strategic pre-dawn mission points and understand the challenges these men faced.
The adventure continues through the flooded marshes of 1944, before stopping at the remains of the Atlantic Wall, witness to the intense confrontations of the time. Finally, visit Utah Beach and other key sites of the 101st, for a total immersion in the places that made history and inspired the Band of Brothers series.
Step back in time, and let history come alive before your eyes.
Itinerary
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The temporary cemeteries
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The Normandy bocage
Travelling by jeep through the narrow, hedge-lined paths gives you an idea of the complexity of the American paratroopers’ missions, faced with difficult ground that complicated their deployment.
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Civilians in the war
On the night of June 5 to 6, local residents were at home, witnessing first-hand the paratroopers’ drop. They lived in the midst of the battles, from occupation to liberation, sharing the suffering and hopes of the American soldiers.
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Airborne zones
We explore one of the 101st Airborne Division’s three drop zones, DZ A, and the paratroopers’ drop strategy.
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Thomas Meehan's plane crash
Through the history of Easy Company, as told in Band of Brothers, discover the site of Lieutenant Thomas Meehan’s plane crash. This tragic accident propelled Lieutenant Winters to the head of the company, a major turning point for the unit.
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Saint-Germain-de-Varreville
The village where the first American paratrooper, Frank Lillyman, jumped at 00:16 on June 6, 1944. We retrace his mission, and that of the pathfinders, essential to the success of the operation.
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Foucarville prison camp
Discover the site of the Foucarville prison camp, where German soldiers were held after D-Day.
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Marmion Farm
Accompanied by D-Day Jeep Tours, you’ll have the exclusive opportunity to enter the Marmion Farm, and discover breathtaking before-and-after photos.
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The marshes
On June 6, 1944, the flooded marshes formed a natural obstacle, reinforced by the Germans to create an additional defense. Crossing this area by jeep gives a better understanding of the strategic impact of this difficult terrain on the paratroopers and their mission.
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The Atlantic Wall
Bunkers, mines and obstacles were installed by the Germans along the coast to protect themselves from a possible landing. We’ll discover the remains of the Atlantic Wall, a fearsome defense which, despite the years, remains a poignant testimony to the war.
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Utah Beach
Known as “Victory Beach”, was the scene of the landing of 23,000 men on June 6, 1944. The 2 miles-long beach also served as an artificial harbour until November 1944, facilitating Allied operations throughout the summer. Theodore Roosevelt Junior set foot on this beach at 6:30 am.
JEEP TOUR Band of Brothers – 2h
Sainte-Mère-Église
190 €
(3 pers.)
101e airborne et Band of Brothers
