“We’re paratroopers, Lieutenant. We’re supposed to be surrounded.” – Dick Winters, 101st Airborne Division
When the world thinks of D-Day, the beaches often come to mind first—but for the brave men of the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions, their war began before the first wave hit the sand. In the early hours of June 6, 1944, these American paratroopers leapt into the darkness over Normandy, tasked with seizing bridges, disrupting enemy defenses, and holding ground—often isolated and outnumbered.
Now, more than 80 years later, you can follow in their footsteps with our personalized guided tour: “American Paratroopers in Normandy – The 101st & 82nd Airborne Experience.”
Why This Tour?
At D-Day Your Way, we don’t believe in cookie-cutter history. Our tours are custom-crafted to bring your interests to life, and this one is for those who want to go beyond the beaches and explore the airborne story that helped define the success of Operation Overlord.
This isn’t just a history lesson—it’s a walk through hallowed ground.
What You’ll Discover
Sainte-Mère-Église – First Town Liberated in Normandy
Home to the famous church where paratrooper John Steele famously got caught on the steeple, Sainte-Mère-Église offers powerful insight into the 82nd Airborne’s landing zone. You’ll explore the town’s key locations and visit the Airborne Museum, a must-see tribute to the paratroopers who dropped into chaos and changed history.
La Fière Bridge – Against All Odds
Considered one of the most heroic actions of the entire D-Day campaign, the battle for La Fière saw men of the 82nd Airborne hold a vital crossing against intense German counterattacks. Stand on the same ground where they fought, and learn the stories of grit, sacrifice, and fierce determination.
Carentan – A Town Worth Fighting For
The 101st Airborne fought house by house to liberate this critical junction. Our tour brings you right into the streets where Easy Company, made famous by Band of Brothers, earned their stripes—and paid the price.
Brécourt Manor – Strategy in Action
See the site of one of the most tactically brilliant small-unit actions of the war. Learn how Lt. Dick Winters and his men took out German artillery threatening Utah Beach, and how their courage became the stuff of legend.
Drop Zones and Memorials
We’ll take you to carefully chosen drop zones, lesser-known battlefields, and deeply moving memorials that few visitors ever see—off-the-beaten-path places where the stories come alive in the wind and silence of the Normandy countryside.
Personalized Means Powerful
What makes this tour unique is you. Whether you’re tracing the steps of a family member, passionate about WWII history, or just inspired by the heroism of the airborne units, we adapt the experience to your pace, interests, and questions.
Want to focus more on the 101st’s involvement in the Battle of Carentan? Prefer a deep dive into the 82nd’s role in securing causeways inland from Utah Beach? We’ve got you covered.
More Than a Tour – A Connection to the Past
There’s something indescribable about standing where they stood—on the edge of a field where they jumped, or beneath a hedgerow where they fought through dawn. It’s personal. It’s powerful. And it’s unforgettable.
At D-Day Your Way, we’re honored to help you make that connection through expert storytelling, local insight, and respectful reflection.
Ready to Jump In?
Our “American Paratroopers in Normandy” experience is perfect for families, solo travelers, and military history buffs alike. Whether it’s your first time in Normandy or your fifth, this personalized tour brings a unique, immersive layer to your journey.
Book your tour today and walk in the bootsteps of heroes.
Because history isn’t just something you learn—it’s something you live.