France

The Seine: D-Day Beaches to Paris

Program No. 12416RJ
Gain a deeper understanding of the significant events of WWII, learning about the beaches of Normandy and historic sites of occupied Paris on expert-led excursions.

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At a Glance

Trace the events of history’s largest invasion on June 6, 1944, from Normandy’s beaches to the liberation of Paris. At charming ports of call, local experts discuss life along the Seine River ranging from medieval history to Impressionist art.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Extensive walking along unpaved lanes and cobblestone streets; some stairs without railings and/or uneven ground. Participants should be able to stand for at least one hour.

What You'll Learn

  • Enjoy riverboat views of the Seine and surrounding countryside.
  • Delve into the events of D-Day with experts at Sainte-Mère-Église and at Utah and Omaha Beaches.
  • Explore the historic sites of Paris’ World War II occupation and learn about its final liberation in August 1944.

General Notes

Departures operate on different ships, so please see the daily schedule for specific details. Please note that during these programs, Road Scholar will operate smaller groups each with their own Group Leader for shore excursions. The small groups may occasionally come together for lectures. Current Events in Paris: Due to the fire at Notre Dame, the cathedral is closed to visitors. Road Scholar programs that visit Île de la Cité will be able to see the outside of the cathedral, but we will not be able to go inside.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Bill Snowden
Bill Snowden was a geography master at Harrow school, a boy's boarding school that counts Lord Byron and Winston Churchill among its former pupils. In 2014, he retired from teaching to devote more of his time to travel and leading travel adventurers. Since 1984, Bill has worked during spring and summer breaks as a group leader. He is fluent in French and Spanish, providing him the opportunity to lead educational travel programs across Europe, most notably in France and Spain.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Bill Snowden
Bill Snowden View biography
Bill Snowden was a geography master at Harrow school, a boy's boarding school that counts Lord Byron and Winston Churchill among its former pupils. In 2014, he retired from teaching to devote more of his time to travel and leading travel adventurers. Since 1984, Bill has worked during spring and summer breaks as a group leader. He is fluent in French and Spanish, providing him the opportunity to lead educational travel programs across Europe, most notably in France and Spain.
Profile Image of Olivier Horslaville
Olivier Horslaville View biography
Olivier Horslaville is a Normandy native and is dedicated to preserving the region's fascinating heritage. Surrounded by nature, history and culture, he was continuously inspired by his homeland and went on to study art and archaeology at the esteemed Ecole du Louvre in Paris. After receiving his degree, Olivier returned to Normandy and spends his time working with local heritage associations.
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