Just back from 14 day trip to London/Paris and Normandy

3,884 Views | 14 Replies | Last: 1 yr ago by twk
AgMomofTwo
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Trip of a Lifetime! Went on a Viking River Cruise on the Seine after a week in London. 4 days on our own and then met up with the river cruise. My plan in college was to go to Paris with my roommate, however, life got in the way and that didn't happen. So many years later, hubs and I found a 80th Anniversary of D-Day trip to Normandy which included Paris and London. It was a fantastic trip! We were off and running the minute we arrived in London and saw pretty much everything considering this was our 1st trip there. Did ALL the touristy things including Buckinhgham Palace, Windsor Castle, Changing of the Guard, Churchill War Rooms, Bletchley Park, Parliament, and Abbey Road!! Stayed in Mayfair at The Chesterfield Mayfair which was fabulous...right next to Shepard Market, Regent Street and more! Then took the train to Paris to arrive to all the preliminary Olympics prep and it was crazy! Paris is alot like NYC except for the food, sweets and wine. Not my fave. Great fashion though!
Then we headed on to Normandy! Need I say more! Although it was extremely crowded with dignitaries, soldiers and a few WW2 Vets, we were thrilled to be there and see such a historical monument in history. It was extremely moving, and we need to be forever grateful to ALL our Vets. Very special and highly recommended. I was truly amazed how the French and British were so appreciative to the Americans. Flags everywhere. Nevertheless, in this time of disarray here in the States, we need to be thankful for the people who fought for our freedom and paid the ultimate price. I learned alot more about WW2 and encourage you to take the trip over the pond and get a glimpse of reality! God Bless America!!
BSD
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AG
I took the family to Paris for Thanksgiving last year and while we absolutely loved the city, we all agreed that the Normandy battlefields tour was our favorite part of the trip. We used Dale Booth tours as our guide. He was awesome.
TellMeMore
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At Normandy last month, and it was amazing to visualize what those heroes did to win freedom in Europe. Sadly, while all generations in Europe understand the victory won then. And many Europeans hold our country in higher regard than many of our own citizens.

Matsui
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AG
Normandy is awesome
AgMomofTwo
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Tell Me....isn't that the truth! Heard a WW2 vet say that our children are not taught about this in school these days. It's our job as the the elders to keep our children informed about The Greatest Generation....that's when our country was truly united. It breaks my heart where we are today however having hope, I do believe we can get back to being the greatest nation in the world!
TellMeMore
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In Brittany school children make trip to Normandy, so they will know the history.
And in Arnhem few Americans understand how they honor Americans EVERY night. Read about how they light the bridge each night. The book / movie Bridge Too Far explains it. As a country they remember us.
Urban Country Boy
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AG
AgMomofTwo said:

Trip of a Lifetime!
In 2008 I went to London and Paris. Family said that is a "Trip of a Lifetime". For work I was back 3 months later. Your trip sounds amazing. We have never been able to pack that much in. I will be in London in a few weeks. 24th trip to Europe. Hopefully you will go back.
TikkaShooter
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Quote:

Heard a WW2 vet say that our children are not taught about this in school these days.


Pretty far from the truth.
AgRyan04
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I wouldn't say that....I've got a middle schooler and a high schooler and my kids have had paragraphs of WWII history taught to them in school.
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TikkaShooter
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Sounds like a teacher problem. Let's not pretend like WWII is being leeched out of the curriculum in some nefarious act of history washing.
AgRyan04
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It's a curriculum issue, not a teacher issue.

I'm not implying it's nefarious, its just not a focus which is a shame.
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Texags84
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AG
Sounds similar to trip i want to plan for 2025. Did you do this on your own or use an agent? Looking for tips and tricks and dont mind planning myself and appreciate any comments.
AgMomofTwo
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I planned the first 4 days in London on my own by researching online and books as well it helped having friends that used to live there. They shared the places to go and not go. Then Viking did the rest! I am big on going off on our own so that helped. Good luck! You will not regret it:-)
EMY92
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AG
I'm also planning a similar trip in 2025. Currently, I plan on flying to Paris, spending a few days there, then heading to Normandy. I've been checking D Day tours and may do a 2 day tour. Then, I'd like to work my way north, I'm thinking of going to Brussels for a few days, then Cologne and fly home from Frankfurt.
twk
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AG
I did a Normandy and Eastern France trip in 2022. Posted a long trip report (with photos) on the Fodor's travel forums. You might find it useful if planning a trip over there:

Fodor's travel forum
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