Hand Maid Tours
Hand Maid Tours
Thank you for the interest shown in our escorted tours of the
Normandy Battlefields.
We hope that this brochure will provide most of the information
you require about us and the tours we offer.
If you have further questions our contact information is on the
back cover of this info pack.
Our tours are designed to last from between three days and seven
days, although further days can be added.
We can also offer a one or two day tour, if your time in normandy
is limited.
You have several choices of local accommodation, we use four
hotels on the west coast of Normandy.
The options are listed later in this info pack.
We only take a maximum of six visitors for each tour which
enables us to get to know our guests and to make your stay in our part
of France special.
The tours are taken at a leisurely pace with time to stop and explore
and photograph each of the places visited.
We also include in our itinerary, sites of the Second World War in
Normandy that are not included on most tours and that are not well
known. More importantly these places offer an insight to the
occupation and the subsequent battle.
Whilst on tour, lunch is normally taken at a local Bistro or café whilst
en route, and dinner at the house, or local hotel.
Our aim whilst you stay with us, is not only to show you the D-day
and Battle of Normandy, sites, but also to show you something of
French life.
The cost of your stay includes your accommodation, all your meals
and drinks, and the costs involved in your daily visits to the
battlefield sites and museums.
Also included is your transport to and from our rendezvous point in
Normandy, whether you arrive by train from Paris or ferry from
England.
From USA :011 33 2 33 52 91 94
From UK :00 33 2 33 52 91
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The Tours
Each day’s tour covers a wide range of the D-day landings and the Battle of Normandy
sites.
The tours listed are only our sample tours and can be modified to suit your interests.
What ever your interest in the Normandy Landings, we will tailor the tour to suit you.
Day One
We normally start the tour at La Fiere where the 82nd American
Airborne division landed just after midnight on D-day.
We go on to St Mere Eglise, which was the first town to be
liberated and made famous in the film “The Longest Day”, and
now by the “Band of Brothers”.
Our first visit whilst in St Mere Eglise is to the museum dedicated
to the 82nd and 10 1st American Parachute Regiments.
We also visit the Church in the centre of the square made famous
by John Steele who in 1944 hung from the spire, when his
parachute caught on the tower.
From St Mere Eglise we head towards Utah Beach and explore
the beach defences.
We also visit the northern stretches of the beach where General
Patton came ashore later in the battle, and we visit his secret camp
in an orchard.
At the northern end of Utah we visit a German strong point code
named WN10. This strong point gives a good indication of what
the troops faced, coming ashore on D-day.
After lunch we visit the German Batterie at Crisbecq and the other
German long range Batterie at Azeville. Both of these gun
emplacements protected Utah beach
Our last visit of the day is to the German cemetery at Orglandes.
After dinner and maybe a stroll on our local beach, or a visit to a
café, you will be ready to do it all again on day two.
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Day Two
Our day starts with a visit to Hill 122, just east of La Haye du Puits.
Americans forces encountered stiff resistance from the dug in German Troops breakout to
the south.
We visit the Castle built in 1047 by William the Conqueror, used by the Germans as an
observation post.
The village of Graignes is our next stop.
This village is to the south of the Airborne drop zone and one hundred and sixty paratroopers
who had landed in the wrong spot, re grouped and fought a two day battle against a larger
German force.
After the battle the Germans massacred the Americans being cared for in the local church.
Many of the villagers were also killed for helping the Americans.
Before we visit Omaha Beach, we visit the German Batterie known as Pointe Du Hoc which
was one of the most daring operations on D-day. Undertaken by the Rangers they stormed
the cliffs.
We normally take lunch at Port en Bessin, one of the prettiest fishing ports in France.
The port, once captured by the British was used as a fuel supply port.
Port en Bessin was also featured in the “Longest Day”
Finally we pay our respects at the poignant American Cemetery above the cliffs at
St. Laurent, and pay a visit to the eastern end of Omaha, including the German strong
point WN62.
It was WN62 that caused so many problems for the Americans on the morning of 6th June.
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Day Three
We start our visit at one of the beaches taken by the British on D-day, Gold Beach.
Then we visit Longues sur Mer which had the most formidable German long range Batterie.
The guns there are still in place, and you can also visit the observation post.
This observation post was not finished by D-day and was only completed for the bunker
scene in “The Longest Day”.
You will also visit the port of Arromanches, where the famous artificial Harbour
“Mulberry”, built by the British, can still be seen.
No visit to Arromanches would be complete without a visit to the 360° Cinema which tells
the story of June 1944.
Finally we visit Bayeux, the first city to be liberated and home to the famous Bayeux
Tapestry, which shows William the Conqueror’s famous defeat of the British in 1066.
Whilst in Bayeux we visit the British Cemetery, which is the most cosmopolitan in
Normandy, with representatives of many of the nations engaged in the battle.
Day Four
Included in today’s visit are the other two beaches Sword and Juno and the celebrated
Pegasus Bridge which was the first area of France to be liberated on D-day. There is a new
museum which houses the original “Pegasus Bridge” and explains the glider assault on the
bridges. For the 2004 anniversary a replica Horsa glider was built and placed next to the
bridge.
Whilst here, we see the German observation post which overlooks the port of Ouistreham
and we visit the area of Normandy liberated by the French Commandoes on D-day.
The British gave all the German positions code names and in this area they were called after
cars, and we continue our tour at Hillman.
We also visit Graye sur Mer, it was here that Charles de Gaulle, Winston Churchill and
King George first stepped onto French soil after the liberation.
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Day Five
We spend today following the American’s push up the
Cotentin Peninsula towards Cherbourg.
We also visit remnants of the German Atlantic Wall and
some of the smaller towns in the area.
We can also include a visit to the German Observation
post that overlooks the port, and also find time to visit a
Vl flying bomb launch site.
The details of the tours are only a brief synopsis of each day’s
events, and we also include many monuments and places of
interest whilst en route between the more important and better known places
Extra Days
These can include a day following the route taken by General
Patton’s Army through Normandy.
Whilst in the south of Normandy we can include a visit to
Le Mont St Michel and the second American cemetery at
St. James, as well as the German Mausoleum, which is nearby.
A new addition to our tours in 2010 is a day exploring the
German Vl installations or the many hidden gun emplacements
on the Cherbourg Peninsula.
The tapestry at Bayeux can also be included. This tapestry
dating from the 11th century, tells the story of the Norman
conquest of Britain in 1066.
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Atlantik Wall in Normandy
We also offer tours of the vestiges of Hitlers Atlantik wall. Gun Emplacements, Beach
Defense, V1 launch areas, Radar and Radio Guidance are all included in our tour.
Please visit our other web sites at www.atlantikwall.org.uk and
www.normandyl944.org.uk for a better idea of what we can offer.
Loire Valley
We also offer 3 day, 5 day, and 7 day escorted
visits to the beautiful
Loire Valley with its fairy tale chateaux and we
visit wine cellars in the region to taste a selection
of the very special wines produced here.
Please ask for our info pack, or visit our web site
at www.loirevalley.org.uk
The itineraries listed above are only suggestions and if you wish to visit the many other sites
available to us, we can happily arrange this for you. Just let us know where your interests lie.
The cost of each tour varies during the season, please see the tariff sheet for more details.
On your arrival you will receive our “Hand Maid Booklet” explaining much of the
background to World War Two and various aspects to life in France during the German
occupation and before the Allied liberation.
Whilst you are with us in France we will produce a booklet that details your time with us in
the chronological order of each day’s visits.
If you have any questions regarding the tours please do not hesitate to contact us.
Our tours can start on any day of the week to suit your travel arrangements, and operate all year
round.
Please check with us for available dates by e-mail, phone or letter.
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A-Z of some of the places included in our tours
Normandy is a vast open air museum, for people interested in D-day and
Battle of Normandy sites.
We have researched over 250 sites, which are available to our visitors.
Below are just a very small sample.
Amfreville
A recent monument to the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 82nd
Airborne, who landed near the village on the morning of D-day
Arromanches
The site of the famous Mulberry Harbour, constructed in England and towed
across the channel to enable ships to be unloaded and supply the advancing
army until Cherbourg could be captured.
Avranches
It was here that General Patton’s Third Army defeated three divisions of
retreating Germans, ahead of the timetable set by Gen. Bradley.
From here they were able to form two attacking forces, one to swing right
into Brittany and the other left into the Loire
Azeville
One of the first parts of the Atlantic Wall to be built on the western coast of
Normandy. Two 105mm guns were housed at first and later another two gun
casemates were installed.
Barneville Carteret
The fortifications at Barneville, were built to protect the port of Carteret,
vital for the Germans supplying the Channel Islands.
These guns opened fire on the DC3’s carrying the Airborne Troops to
St Mere Eglise on D-day and were the last defense position against the
advancing Americans on June 18th.
Bayeux
The first French City to be liberated, and also home to the famous Tapestry
recalling a much earlier invasion in 1066.
Besneville
One of the smaller V1 Rocket launching sites.
Bricquebec
The site of a newly erected memorial to two of the many B17 Bombers that
were shot down in the area.
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Cherbourg
The main objective of the D-day landings at Utah Beach.
Also featured in the American Civil War.
Crisbecq
The main German coastal battery protecting the Utah Beach landing
zone.
Denneville
The last resting place of soldiers of the British Army, who died on the
retreat to Cherbourg in 1940.
Douvres
Site of a German Radar Station, now an interesting Museum dedicated
to the German Radar system.
Fort Allemande
This was both a German Radio Guidance station and also a
Radar Station.
Used as a barn for many years, it is now open and bears the scars of the
battle to take it. Also has the Eagle and Swastika over the entrance.
Gold Beach
The D-Day Beach taken by the British. The centre of the five D-day
Landing Beaches
Graignes
A small unimportant town that received American Paratroopers on the
morning of D-day. They were dropped in the wrong place and fought
bravely until overwhelmed by greater numbers. A massacre followed.
La Haye Du Puits
The site of the last battle for the 82nd Airborne Division, before they
were withdrawn to England.
Juno Beach
The British and Canadians were assigned to this beach
La Fiere
Drop Zone for the 82nd Airborne Regiment and
“Iron Mike” Memorial.
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Lessay
The beautiful Abbey Church lay in ruins after the battle, now rebuilt.
Longues Sur Mer
One of the few surviving German Coastal Batteries still complete with
its guns.
Marigny
The last resting place for over 11,000 German Soldiers, who mostly
they died during the battle for St. Lo.
Mont Castre & Le Plessis-Lastelle
The Americans fought for five days to capture this hill. The hill is also
the site of an ancient burial chamber 1,500BC. A Roman Camp,
An abandoned church and chateau. On the other side of the hill is a
castle built by Simon de Montford in 1047 and after being bombarded
by the Americans is now a place of pilgrimage.
Omaha Beach
It was on this beach that the American Forces suffered their worst
causalities on D-day.
Orglandes
Originally an American Cemetery, later given over to the Germans.
Pegasus Bridge
The British Airborne Troops took this bridge early on the morning of
D-day, and liberated the first French house and cafe.
The old bridge is now housed in a fine museum.
Pointe Du Hoc
The German stronghold, which overlooks the two American landing
beaches, stormed by the Rangers on D-day with great loss of life.
Pont La Roque
The bridge was vital to the retreating Germans and many allied sorties
were flown against the bridge to deny the Germans a route south.
Port en Bessin
This port lies between the American and British sectors and was later
used to bring petrol ashore to supply the advancing Allied troops for
many months.
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St Jacques de Nehou
General Patton’s 3rd Army was camped here in an orchard for
nearly a month. The Germans thought he was in the south east of
England.
St Laurent
The beautiful American Cemetery overlooking the Omaha beach.
St Sauveur Le Vicomte
Beautiful Chateau, liberated by the 82nd Airborne Division.
St Lo
The town was almost totally destroyed, now rebuilt in a modern
style
Much to see including the town prison, now a memorial to those
killed during the war.
St James.
The second American cemetery in Normandy.
St. Mere Eglise
The first town in Europe to be liberated in the first few hours of the
D-day landings.
Sword Beach
The most easterly of the landing beaches, taken by the British with
a contingent of French commandoes.
Utah Beach
The most westerly of the invasion beaches, vital for the capture of
the port of Cherbourg
V1 & V2 Sites
There are forty V1 & V2 sites on the Cotentin
Peninsula, most of which still can be visited.
Guide To Our Bit Of Normandy
The Cotentin peninsula is famed for its beautiful beaches and
unspoilt countryside.
The village of Fierville Les Mines will be your base during
your stay with us. There are just over 250 people who live in
the village, but most live on farms in the surrounding
countryside.
Fewer than thirty people live in the village square.
The village church was closed some years ago, and is now
only used for weddings and funerals.
The twin towns of Barneville and Carteret are our nearest
coastal towns. Both have beautiful beaches, and it is at
Carteret that the landscape changes. To the north you have the
cliffs and small bays. Whilst to the south you find sand dunes
and unspoilt beaches stretching all the way south to Brittany.
At Carteret there are several fine restaurants which specialise
in sea food.
Barneville has many small shops and a market on Saturday
mornings.
Port Bail is the prettiest town in the area with shops and
restaurants and the best and quietest beaches in the area.
The town has Roman remains dating from the seventh
century.
During Roman times this was the most important port on the
west coast of Normandy, and until recent times had trade
links with the Channel Islands.
In summer there are often concerts in one of the churches.
On Tuesday mornings there is a large market in the centre of
the town.
To the south of the town is Lindberg Plage, which is the best
beach in the area and is where Charles Lindberg crossed the
French coast on his solo flight across the Atlantic.
There would have been a memorial to him here, but for his
anti French remarks during the second world war.
Very often in the week you will have this beach to yourself.
A walk south along the beach, or a short drive south brings
you to Denneville, where mussels and oysters are farmed .
Further south along the D650 is the chateau of Pirou, which
is well worth a visit. In the summer there is a son et lumiere
here which tells the story of the Norman conquest.
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Lessay
Like many towns in the area it suffered damage in the war.
In fact the Abbey was completely destroyed, but has been
rebuilt exactly as it was before the war.
La Haye du Puits
The nearest town for a larger selection of shops.
The main town, destroyed in the war has recently been repainted to resemble a Dutch town.
Saint Sauveur le Vicomte
Had the film "Saving Private Ryan" been a true storey,
the final battle for the bridge would have taken oplace here.
The town of Coutances, perched on a hill, has been the
religious centre of the area for a thousand years.
The fine Cathedral is well worth discovering, as are the public
gardens with their fine floral displays.
Bricquebec has the largest animal market in the Cotentin, held
every Monday morning.
In the centre of the town is a chateau, part of which is a hotel.
The town has been known for its Trappist
Monastery for many hundreds of years and it was comparatively recently that the monks moved to the outskirts of the
town.
On the north east of the peninsula is Barfleur, a very old
fishing port and it was from here that William the
Conqueror first set sail on his way up the French coast to
muster his troops for the invasion of 1066
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The magical island of Le Mont St Michel is only a couple
of hours drive to the south.
Originally in Brittany, the Dukes of Normandy diverted the
river that formed the boundary between Normandy and
Brittany and for a thousand years the island has belonged to
Normandy.
The Mont is still a place of pilgrimage and the island still has
a community of monks living here.
Bayeux, is famous for its Tapestry detailing the Norman
invasion of England in 1066.
The town also lays claim to being the first French city to be
liberated after D-day. The bypass was constructed in fourteen
days by the British troops and the British Cemetery is laid out
on both sides of the road.
The Island of Tatihou that lies just off the coast from
St Vaast La Hougue can be reached by an amphibious craft
at all states of the tide. The island has had many uses over the
years including a children's home and prison. Today it is a
nature reserve and there is a fine Vaubin tower and fort on
the island.
St Vaast La Hougue is famed for its oysters and fresh fish,
both of which can be enjoyed in the local restaurants.
Cherbourg is the biggest town on the Cotentin and warrants
a longer visit than most people who arrive and depart by ferry
normally are able to give it.
The town has a fine shopping area, many good restaurants
and two public gardens, that offer peace and tranquility in
this busy town.
Out side the town to the west is the smallest port in France,
Port Racine, and further round at the
Cap de la Hague is Audeville and the exposed village of
Goury with its lighthouse and lifeboat station.
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St Lo, the administrative centre of the region, was almost destroyed during
World War Two, and was called the capital of ruins. The town has now been
rebuilt, and has a very modern feel to it. The Cathedral badly damaged, has
been repaired in a modern style and is a reminder of the towns recent past.
There is even an American shell lodged in the wall.
Valognes used to be called the Versailles of Normandy, because of its
many fine buildings, many of which disappeared during the war.
It is still a pleasant town and has a very
lively market on
Fridays.
The largest town on the western coast is Granville, often called the
Monaco of the north.
Roc Point on the edge of the town marks the northern limit of the bay
of Mont St Michel.
There is a fine beach and the walk along the cliffs and
the high town is well worth the effort.
The largest fishing fleet on the western coast is based
here.
And finally there is the French way of life, and when
you stay with us we will endeavour to give you a
flavour of our region, the food, drink and customs of
this wonderful area.
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Recommended Hotels
We can offer accommodation at four of our local hotels in
Barneville Carteret, which is close to our base.
All four hotels are close to the sea and all have been
refurbished in the last two years. Barneville Carteret was liberated on the
18th of June 1940, just four years to the day since being occupied by the Germans.
It was also here that the C47’s bringing in the 82nd and 101st Parachute Infantry Regiment
first encountered anti aircraft fire resulting in the paratroopers being dropped all over the region.
.Le Cap two star hotel in Carteret. Our favorite hotel and where most guests stay, is not
far from the beach and overlooking the fishing quay and the ferry terminal to the Channel
Islands. Le Cap is a small hotel with under twenty rooms many of which have sea views and
where possible, it is these rooms we reserve for our clients. The beautiful Carteret beach is
only a few minutes walk from the hotel. Richard, the owner, and many of his staff speak
English. The restaurant is one of the best in the area and being situated next to the port,
fresh fish is always on the menu.
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Hotel Les Isles two star hotel in Barneville Plage takes its name
from the British Channel Islands which are just off the western coast of
the Cotentin Peninsula. Jersey, the largest of the islands, can be seen from
the hotel if the weather conditions are right.
The hotel was completely refurbished for the 2008
season. The owners are friendly and welcoming and
most of the staff speak some English.
The Hotel Les Isles has thirty three bedrooms some of
which face the sea, and it is these rooms we always
endeavour to book for our visitors. The restaurant also
has views of the sea and the food served here is to be
recommended. The hotel has wonderful views of the
coast and it is at Barneville that the coast changes
dramatically, to the north there are cliffs and small
bays, whilst to the south there are sand dunes and long
flat sandy beaches.
Les Ormes three star hotel in Carteret is a small
family run hotel overlooking the marina in the
fashionable resort of Carteret. The hotel has only ten
bedrooms, of which five have a view of the bay and the
other five overlook a small walled garden, full of
flowers and herbs. The rooms all have facilities which
were being re furbished for the 2008 season, and there
is a restaurant in the adjoining building. Carteret is a busy port with many pleasure craft
arriving from the Channel Islands, and many of the guests are English. The hotel also has a
disabled suite.
La Marine three star hotel in the centre of Carteret. Regarded as the best hotel in the
area, most of the rooms have sea views and balconies.The restaurant is also among the best in
the area, specialising in sea food caught nearby.
If you want to spoil yourself, this hotel will not dissapoint.
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Tariff For The 2013 Season
Staying At
Low Season
High Season
Le Cap or Les Isles
345 Euro Per Person Per Day
475 Euro Per Person Per Day
Staying at
Low Season
High Season
Les Ormes or La Marine
425 Euro Per Person Per Day
555 Euro Per Person Per Day
Low season is from November to March
High season is from April to October
Although the Hotel Les Ormes and the Hotel les Isles are both closed at
various times during the winter, we can arrange accommodation at other
establishments in the area.
The above prices are per person per day based on two people sharing a
room, and include all your costs once you arrive in Normandy.
Supplement for a single room at either hotel is 50€ per day.
Terms and Conditions.
Our requirements are simple, we do not like small print. As we have
to comply with French legislation, but we have tried to keep it as uncomplicated as possible.
When you reserve a Tour with us we require a deposit of 30% of the total cost of your stay
and the remainder six weeks before the start of the Tour.
In the case of cancellation the following charges will be made.
Cancellation up to thirty one days before your stay, a charge of 20% of the total cost.
Cancellation between thirty days and twenty one days a charge of 50% of the total cost.
Cancellation between twenty days and seven days a charge of 75% of the total cost.
Cancellation less than seven days before the Tour a charge of 100% of the total cost.
All refunds will be in the form of a cheque in £ GBP Sterling.
The price quoted by Hand Maid Tours is the total cost of your Tour with us.
There are no extra charges to the price quoted in our brochure, with the exception of Ferry,
Train tickets, or Airport Shuttle tickets purchased by us on your behalf.
Hand Maid Tours
Cannot be held responsible for, Industrial Strikes, and Transport Delays, which could affect
your arrival or departure.
We also cannot be held responsible for Illness or injury, Bad Weather, or Museums normally
on our itinerary being closed.
From time to time, sites visited by us are also closed for out of season for maintenance.
Some of the less frequented sites sometimes have livestock in the adjoining fields, that
prevent us entering the area and visiting the site.
We strongly urge that you take out adequate insurance for your time in Europe.
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Hotels and Restaurants
It is not necessary to leave a tip in hotels and restaurants.
The vast majority of establishments already include a small charge in the
bill (servis compris).
If they do not it will be clearly shown on the menu. (servis non compris).
In Cafe and Bars the customs are slightly different.
If you stand or sit at the bar, normally you are not expected to leave a tip.
If you sit in the main body of the bar then a tip is expected, usually a Euro or two.
In many larger bars you will be given a few nibbles with your drink, and in many cases these
are supplied by the staff in the expectation of a tip.
You may find it strange that you are not expected to pay for your drinks when they are
delivered to your table. This is quite normal but don’t forget to pay on departure.
Travel By Train
Travel by train in France is quite easy once you have grasped a few fundamentals.
It is advisable to book your ticket in advance, even by visiting the station a day before the
day of travel.
It is also advisable not only to book your ticket but also ask for a seat reservation
(this is obligatory on long distance and TGV trains).
A one way ticket is an “Aller Simple” and a return an “Aller Retour”.
Once you have your ticket and are about to board your train you must remember to cancel
the ticket in the yellow machine on the entrance to the platform.
Your ticket will tell you the seat number and coach number, and train number.
There is normally a board on the platform to show the formation of the train.
It is possible to pay for your ticket with all major credit cards.
Travel By Sea
All of the ferries that connect Britain, Ireland and France are modern and stabilised.
All have restaurants, shops, and bars.
The journey time from Britain to Western France is usually around 4 hours 45 mins for a
daytime crossing and around 8 hours for a night crossing.
The ferry companies insist that for night crossings you book a cabin or a reclining seat.
These are also available for day crossings at reduced rates, and if you want peace and quiet
on a day crossing a 4 berth window cabin costs in the region of $80.
Travel By Air
Most travelers arriving by air will fly into Paris and you can either cross the city by the
Metro or taxi, before continuing your journey to Normandy by train.
We normally arrange transfer from the airport to the railway station by Parishuttle, who
operate mini buses and collect you at the airport and take you directly to the railway station.
This is explained in detail on our “Paris” page.
Services
Although the French prefer to drink bottled water the mains water is safe to drink. Electricity
in France is supplied at 220v 50hz, most American appliances will not work.
You will have the use of Hair Dryers, Irons, and a Washing Machine during your stay with
us.
We also have a transformer available so that most American appliances will work whilst you
are with us.
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Travel From Paris To Normandy By Private Transfer
Most of our visitors arrive at Charles De Gaulle Airport,
which is to the north of Paris.
For all airport transfers to Normandy we recommend Cressy Hollands
who specialises in small groups, and is based here in Normandy.
Her e-mail is Cressida Hollands ([email protected])
If You Choose To Come By Train
You can travel by Metro to Gare St Lazare, usually two changes are required
Taxi’s are now regulated and charge a fixed fare from the airport to Paris, and a trip from the
airport to Gare St Lazare costs around 85 Euro
The web site from French Railways is http://www.sncf.com
Gare St Lazare
This station, the oldest in Paris is your
departure point for Normandy.
The station has be totally re-furbished and was finished in 2012.
The Cherbourg trains leave from the platforms at the extreme right of the
station, and first class coaches are at the Paris end of the train.
Before you board your train you must stamp you ticket in a red machine.
These can be found at the end of each
platform.
We normally collect you from Valognes. After the train has called at Carentan you have a
ten minute journey to Valognes.
Valognes is a very small station with not many passengers, we will have no
problems finding each. Journey time is around 2 hrs 45 mins.
At the moment there are no refreshment services on these trains,
so you might want to get provisions at the station before you board the train.
Travel By Ferry
Portsmouth
If you are arriving at Portsmouth by train, you have two choices either
Portsmouth & Southsea station or Portsmouth Harbour.
Neither are within walking distance of the Ferry Terminal.
Both stations have taxis outside, at the Harbour station there are no steps to reach road level
and there is a shuttle bus to the Ferry Terminal from the Harbour Station.
If you are travelling by coach, most will call at the Ferry Terminal on their way to the
Harbour Station.
If you are going to stay or eat in Portsmouth we recommend:
The Kepples Head Hotel, just opposite the Harbour station or the Sally Port, an old coaching
hotel with a good restaurant on the first floor, both have accommodation should you need it.
If you have time, a visit to old Portsmouth is recommended, with its waterfront pub’s.
Ferry Terminal
It is necessary to check in at the Ferry Terminal, one hour before your boat sails.
You will be travelling with Brittany Ferries on their sailing to Cherbourg or Caen
(Ouistreham). if we have booked your ferry you will have received a booking number from
us. Give this number to the clerk at the desk and you will be given your ticket.
About 30 mins before the boat sails you will be called to board the coach that will take you to
the boat, after going through immigration and customs, just as you would at the airport.
Unlike the airport you will still have all your baggage with you, although you can leave your
luggage in a baggage car before you board the fast ferries, and collect it when you arrive in Cherbourg.
The cabins are on the same deck that you arrive on the boat. The shops, bars, cafeteria and
the restaurant are on the deck above. The time in France is one hour ahead of that in England
and you should put your watches forward one hour, it should be noted that the ship always
keeps English time.
On arrival at Cherbourg or Caen you will be called to disembark via the same route that you
got on to the ferry and on arrival at the port, we will be there to meet you.
What Our Clients Have Recently Said About Us
John and Elaine,
Since coming home Jerry and I have been
very busy trying to get back into our
routine. Finally over jet lag and pretty much
caught up with business, I am taking a
moment to thank you again for our most
wonderful experience in Normandy. We
loved your home, Elaine's food, your
hospitality and, of course, your expertise on
the subject of the Normandy area and the
WWII history. You made all of the stories we
had heard about WWII come to life. It was so
special to be able to see the places that so
many of our heroes have talked bout. Most
special was to see this area through the eyes
of Lewis who has been obsessed with WWII
for many of his 16 years.
It was also wonderful to get to stay in your
home and enjoy Elaine's delicious
meals. We have told everyone about your
special place. We hope that Elaine had a
good visit with her family and has returned
home safely.
Hello John, and Elaine, We wanted to thank you both again for a wonderful wonderful time!! Joe told me it was more than he expected. You both are amazing! We wanted to thank you for sharing your passion with us. We were absolutely transported back to that time. Thank you for sharing your gorgeous home!! Elaine, those meals...........marvelous! We will be seeing you again...........be afraid.....be very afraid...... Cyndee Hi John,
I want to thank you again for the incredible day that
Matthew and I had touring the Normandy area with
you. That day was truly the highlight of our 10 day
European visit. Matthew asked me afterwards why I
didn't schedule a second day. I wish I had so we will
have to come back.
You should know that Matthew is a kid whose attention
span can be fleeting and whose interest in academics is
not that high. That he was engrossed in the Normandy
experience for the entire day speaks volumes about
your ability to impart your vast knowledge in an interesting and fun way. One of his 11th grade requirements is
to prepare and present an oral history - he wondered
afterwards if he could do his on Normandy. So, thanks
for stimulating his mind in such a way.
Hi John
I just talked with Martha Muscat who waxed poetically about their day with you in Normandy. Thanks for taking great care of
them. They just wish they had contracted for a
fourth day---but admit freely that they never would
have thought they would want such before the
trip! I appreciate all you did to keep these clients
so happy.
Regards
Bowden Sarrett,
John and Elaine,
Just a note to tell you how much we enjoyed our stay with you. It
was one of our best trips ever. We are still talking about everything
we learned and the great food and wine. Thanks again for the recommendation on Honfleur- it was amazing. Thanks for the use of
the lens. I am getting mine repaired for $150. We are sending you
a package with some surprise goodies. I will send your lens back
with that. Have two solid referrals for you.
Dave and Jeana
I just received a GLOWING report from the Wickham family. They loved their time with
you and your wife ! What a great surprise you gave them for lunch…how cool! I hope it
was not too crazy as I know with 4 boys it can sure be that way. Thank you all so
much for all that you did to make this day so special and I look forward to using you
again.
Caroline T. Wallace
Hello John and Elaine,
Just a quick note to thank you for a fabulous
3 days with you. Ryan and I both agree that
was the best part of our trip. We got back
home with no problems on Saturday late afternoon. While we had a great time it was
good to be home.
Thank you again for everything!
First of all, let me thank you for a wonderful, informative day. It was quite a task for
you to try to help us view all of the important areas in the limited amount of time
available. Everyone in our group remarked
on what a joy it was to tour with someone
so knowledgeable of the history in that
area. It was wonderful to be guided by
someone who loves their job. With your in
-depth explanations of the battles, etc., it
was obvious to us that you were well
versed on the subject. We will never forget
the beautiful, yet somber American Cemetery. On a lighter note, my husband and I
would love to return again and visit the
Café Roosevelt. It was a fascinating place
with such interesting memorabilia. Thanks
for a day we will never forget.
Regards,
Leath T. Claeson (Sissy)
Dean G. Claeson, Sr.
Dear John,
I just wanted to write to thank you for the tremendous experience you showed my mother and myself in Normandy just a
few days ago. I'm thankful to have had the opportunity to take
classes on the Second World War and have grown up hearing
the wartime stories of people I know who were in everywhere
from New York to Israel to Poland during the war, but seeing
the actual turf where something as momentous as D Day took
place was truly incredible. It was fantastic going around with
you because of your impressive scope of knowledge of the
invasion but also because of the passion that you have for the
period which shows through plainly in your work. I would also
like to thank you for your and Elaine's hospitality while we
were in France. All in all, my time in Normandy was really
unforgettable, much of which is to your credit so thank you
again very much. Good luck with all your upcoming research
projects-- and know that I'm know considering focusing on
World War Two for my undergraduate senior thesis now!
We are travel, food and wine journalists of long standing. I'd wanted to visit the invasion sites for
many years. My wife carefully vetted Hand Maid Tours and was impressed with their status as doing
the Stephen Ambrose Tours, AND her conversations with the Flahertys. They will tailor the stay and
ground covered to your wishes. We spent three days with them in their home, touring all day from 95, with luncheon breaks at restaurants where we happened to be each day. Each evening was spent
at their table. The food and wines were exceptionally diverse and fine. Mr. Flaherty oozes history
from every pore and is a genial and accommodating guide/host in every way. He's been doing this for
28 years and has hosted many returning veterans from various nations.Mrs. Flaherty is as convivial
as her husband, and an excellent cook as well. On a scale of one to ten, our visit was a 20.
We saw the invasion beaches, bunkers, cemeteries, battle sites and museums.
We took a slight, worthwhile detour to visit the Bayeaux Tapestry. Since returning to New York, we
have not stopped talking about the quality of our Normandy visit with Hand Maid Tours, and a number of our friends are already planning to do as we did. We particularly liked the arrangement of one
price fits all, with no need to open a wallet or purse until the end of the stay. We cannot recommend
them highly enough. They are the BEST
Bob Lape and Joanna Pruess
Hand Maid Tours
If you would like further information on availability,
or have any questions regarding our tours.
We can be contacted by the following:
By phone
In France
: 02 33 52 91 94
From USA
: 011 33 2 33 52 91 94
From UK
: 00 33 2 33 52 91 94
By e-mail
:[email protected]
Via our web site
www.handmaidtours.com
Our other sites
www.atlantikwall.org.uk
www.normandy1944.org.uk
www.loirevalley.org.uk
Our Postal Address
John Flaherty
Hand Maid Tours
7 Place Du Bourg
Fierville Les Mines
50580 Port Bail
France
September 2012