Normandy: War-Torn Yet Full of Life

Rick Steves' Europe Travel Guide © 2004 | In peaceful Normandy, we explore the half-timbered charm of Rouen, reflect on Monet's lily ponds in Giverny, peek in on local artisans, and set up an easel at Honfleur's harbor. We venture into composer Eric Satie's eccentric world and feast on the finest of Normandy cuisine. After pondering sacrifice and celebrating freedom on the D-Day beaches, we hike with pilgrims to the enchanted island abbey of Mont St-Michel. #ricksteves #ricksteveseurope #normandy

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Rick Steves, America's most respected authority on European travel, writes European travel guidebooks, and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio.

00:00 Intro
02:08 Rouen
06:02 Giverny
09:18 Honfleur
12:56 Bayeux
15:25 D-Day beaches
17:12 American Cemetery
19:00 Caen
21:09 Mont St-Michel

[papagen]

Paradoxically, this old Rick Steves episode is better and more informative than any new travel vlogs from Youtubers, which are only skin-deep with little substance.

[LumenP]

I'm from NYC, a very modern city. Seeing French streets and buildings without everything being squares, rectangles, and 90 degree angles is very pleasing to my eye.

[bofanty]

My father was one of the brave soldiers who landed on the beaches of Normandy on either June 6 or 7 in 1944. He was with the 4th Infantry Division as an artillery man. He died last December at the age of 95.

[deannaboras]

This episode changed my life. I was 40 years old and sawChateau St. Michelle and knew if I didn’t change my personal path I would miss these beautiful sites as I got older. I met my future husband who had the same dream and as we grew as a couple we found out we had the same dreams. We married and 8 years after we married are dream came true.

[billbergendahl]

I have been a fan of Rick Steves' travel programs since they were on PBS.

[evelynmoyer]

My husband's step-father died during the invasion of Normandy and his remains are buried there.
I proudly carry the name Moyer in his honor

[kaywallace]

Rest In Peace all of the brave soldiers who died for our freedom.

[patriciaegan]

“Here’s the Church, here’s the Steeple, open up the doors, and SEE ALL THE PEOPLE”.! I loved that play on hands and meaning! Nice!

[behmanehmadov]

Why Europe is such dazzling continent?Couldnt believe my eyes and those beauties..

[m.goodengumman]

The first man who was shot at Normandy invasion was Percy cobold from Stratford upon Avon, so I was told by one elderly gentleman long ago ( 1980) name Bill Gardner a butcher in Leamington spa. Apparently Percy got shot by a stray bullet from a few miles away, RIP, I don't know how true this story is but it stuck in my mind.

[Deliz]

From a German perspective, Normandy and Bretagne are outlandish in a way but also absolutely gorgeous areas. The people were always nice, the food is amazing and on top there is the sea and a lot of history to discover! Cheers to the french people, I envy them a bit.

[MsPardaillan]

Really, Rick, you are fantastic, I did not know there is a Museum dedicated to Eric Satie in Normandy. You make me love my country so much more, thank you.

[arriesone]

I do love Rick Steves' travel videos - interesting, informative, without getting heavy, just the right balance for someone wanting to check out the basics of a destination before visiting it.

[sunnychowdary]

After watching all these episodes I seriously envy those poeple who lurked in Europe around 1990-2005 that's the golden period !

[lenoraGrayce]

We spent the night in one of the hotels on the island of Mount St. Michel! It was beautiful and one of the best parts of our trip to France!!

[MsrAlaindeFerrier]

Went to Brittany on a school trip and visited Mont St. Michel Absolutely loved it never to be forgotten Wonderful to see it on here looking majestic beautiful

[queencleo]

Thanks for the tour Rick! Normandy is such a beautiful spot and yet one can't help feeling an open wound when gazing at its open beaches. So much pain, grief and loss - never to be forgotten...

[TravelingisFREEDOM]

This place seems spectacular, I miss Europe and I hope to go back once all this is over!

[joannaball]

It's beautiful to see how France does not change. It's buildings, food, etc.. are all from the past.

[samwalton]

My Father was a Naval officer but fought in the Pacific. Thanks to him I am a WWII history addict and WWI. I am going to visit Normandy sometime this year. With my three daughters, his three grand daughters! He was dead before they were born but I know if he were alive he would be traveling with us. Thank you Rick Steves! Excellent video and makes me excited about visiting the wonderful country of France. 👍