"D-Day explained to children
National tour guide, writer and historian specialising in the Second World War, Jean-Charles Stasi created Normandy Tours & Détours to share his passion and knowledge of Normandy with as many people as possible. And he's doing this by offering tours that are off the beaten track, based mainly on the many books he has written on D-Day and the Battle of Normandy.
A tour specially designed for families and young visitors.
This fun and educational tour is deliberately taking place in a single location, the town and heights of Arromanches, to make it more accessible for young visitors and those accompanying them.
Why Arromanches? Firstly because this pretty seaside resort is right in the middle of the five D-Day beaches, and secondly because it has everything it takes to tell the story of the genesis and unfolding of the most daring military operation of all time: the beach, the cliffs, the bunkers. Not forgetting the still-visible remains of the gigantic and ingenious artificial harbour built by the Allies the day after D-Day, making Arromanches a must-see site on the D-Day beaches.
Without leaving Arromanches, this journey through time will take you from Utah Beach to Sword Beach, via Sainte-Mère-Eglise, the Pointe du Hoc and the Colleville American cemetery.
Along the way, you’ll discover some little-known and unusual aspects of D-Day, making this visit even more memorable. It’s the ideal way to get a first-hand look at the D-Day landings, what was at stake and the consequences for the rest of the war.
Duration: 1 hour.
Mode of transport: On foot.
The guide’s favourite feature: The breathtaking view over the remains of the artificial harbour at Arromanches, ideal for recounting and explaining this extraordinary technological and logistical feat by the Allies as realistically as possible.
Bonus: The many objects and period photos I show my visitors and the questions I ask them to test their knowledge along the way.
