Travel guide François Gauthron, professional license Normandy guide, speaks English and French, offers visits and tours for groups or individuals: group guided tours or private guided tours of the Normandy landing beaches and the North West of France.
Guided tours he proposes: World War II landing beaches, excursions in the footsteps of the victorious Allied Armies, Mont St Michel, Bayeux, Route of the Impressionist painters.
Normandy licensed travel guide, François Gauthron proposes private guided tours: World War II landing beaches, Mont St Michel, Bayeux.
In addition to the sightseeing, he also offers to you a shuttle service and transfers between airports, train stations. His wife welcomes you in her guest house in Bayeux.
My Reputation and my guiding
Along those last 20 years in the tourism business and guiding, my reputation is well known over the world. I am proud to say I met hundreds of WWII Veterans from the USA and from many other countries of both sides and both theatres. To really understand this war, it is essential to talk to both sides. I won't put down the list of the authors I know and work with, when staying at my Guest house, I will be very pleased to show you my library and map room, (about 500 books) and dedications for significant help. When I read on some websites from various companies, that they met everyone and know everything in two or three years... that convulse me with laughter.
I will be proud to offer you a personalized tour of the D-Day Beaches and the Battle of Normandy with enthusiasm and passion - Be honest, we can all tell when a person in a job is just "going through the motions". The last thing you want when you make your pilgrimage to Normandy is to be stuck with a guide or a courier who clearly has no interest in his job, knows little more of history than you do and simply can't wait to get you back and take your money. Please understand that many of the French or British "guides" which these companies offer will simply bring you to the various sites such as Utah Beach, stop in the parking lot and tell you that you have 15 or so minutes to discover sites on your own. When I am with visitors, I don't say clients, I don't work but live my Passion.
We will climb in the bunkers together and I will explain History to you right on the spot.
In addition of the American Cemetery, I will assist you in locating the graves of particular battle casualties, which you may wish to find (such as family members). I also bring you to the graves of the sons of President Theodore Roosevelt and of the Nilan brothers (about whom Saving Private Ryan was based). You'll continue with various stops along Omaha Beach (these sites are not even known by most tour guides) where I explain the actions in details.
FRANCOIS GAUTHRON
13 rue Montfiquet
F 14400 BAYEUX
Tel +33 (0)2 31 22 35 68
- Tracing the 1944 route of a particular unit
- Arranging access to places not open to the public
- Organising receptions and ceremonies with the French
- Acquiring more details about a specific battle or action