About the Tour
Climb aboard an authentic 1944 Dodge and discover the former A10 Airfield, a military airfield established by American forces after D-Day.
Today, almost all traces of the former airfield have disappeared from the landscape. It is now hidden in the heart of the Normandy bocage, among sunken lanes, apple trees, meadows, cattle and beautiful traditional Norman houses.
For 45 minutes, we travel along small country roads through this typically Norman landscape, with several strategic stops along the way to understand where A10 Airfield was located, as well as its role and importance in Allied operations after June 6, 1944.
A truly immersive experience where military history meets the authentic landscapes of Normandy.
An off-the-beaten-path tour aboard a historic vehicle, offering a unique opportunity to discover a World War II airfield…
The itinerary
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The Normandy Bocage
To understand the history of A10 Airfield, it is essential to first understand the landscape in which it is now located.
Over time, nature has reclaimed the land. The former airfield is now part of the Normandy bocage, with its sunken lanes, hedgerows and meadows.
This first part of the tour provides a better understanding of the challenges posed by the Norman landscape and the considerable difficulties it created for American forces after D-Day.
We also look back at the Battle of the Hedgerows, during which American troops were confronted with an extremely compartmentalized landscape that significantly slowed their advance while favoring German defensive positions.
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La Genovivière and A10 Airfield
We then make our way to La Genovivière, a small hamlet located not far from the former A10 runway.
Using maps, historical photographs and personal stories, we piece together the history of the airfield and discover what remains today of the buildings and facilities that once surrounded it.
We also look back at the story of Major General William D. Greenfield, who commanded the 50th Fighter Group and was stationed at A10 Airfield during the summer of 1944.
This stop provides a fascinating link between the landscape we see today and the intense aerial activity that took place here during the summer of 1944.
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The A10 Airfield Memorial
The final stop of the tour is the A10 Airfield Memorial, erected at the heart of what was once the airfield’s main runway.
The monument pays tribute to the men who served at this airfield, particularly the pilots who took off from A10 but never returned.
The names inscribed on the memorial serve as a reminder of the sacrifice made by these soldiers and help us understand the human cost of the liberation of Normandy.
A particularly moving moment to bring this immersive journey through the former A10 Airfield to a close.