Visit Normandy - 10 SHOCKS of Visiting Normandy, France

[@thefrenchbullet4246]

I'm from Normandy and you have described the place very well. True that people here are helpful towards tourists! We love tourists!

[@victoriavintage9568]

Planning on moving to Normandy ..just wants to know if there will be English speaking jobs. Because my french level is not good enough to be used in a professional setting

[@jamesvalenti9288]

I am staying at a town called Tracy Sur Mer. Map looks like a good central location. Is that a good area to stay?

[@thefrenchbullet4246]

Yep, are you stying there for the 80th D-day anniversary? Tracy/mer is a good place to stay, I recommend going to "Cap Manvieux" for the sea view. @@jamesvalenti9288

[@michelebedard2226]

I'm Canadian. My ancestors came over from Normandy in the 1600's. I would love to visit there.

[@natlenan6743]

Same but usa

[@ricardorodriguez5549]

In 2018, we went to visit an old college friend who had settled in France years ago. After a (wonderful) few days in Paris, we spent five days in a farmhouse in Canappeville, and it was glorious: felt like the REAL France, the food was simple and excellent, the area sublimely beautiful with trails and lots of open country, and everyone we met was wonderful, especially if you made ANY effort to speak French.

[@jakobgrimminger]

I'm a Brit and consider Normandy as my second home. I love the place. It's very rural, with friendly people and great history. Best place for a meal? La Paronamique at the village of La Pernelle, South of Barfleur.

[@StevenMelching]

My wife and I just visited Normandy for the first time in April! Agree with everything you said. I was unprepared for the wave of pure emotion that suddenly washed over me when I stood on Omaha Beach. Truly remarkable. The nearby Overlord Museum, with its vast collection of WWII vehicles, was impressive. We stayed in Bayeux, which was charming and super friendly. I thought the same thing about seeing Mont St Michel for the first time -- it reminded me of the thrill of spotting Devil's Tower (in Wyoming) in the distance.

[@barrymcg3632]

I went Normandy as a kid to see WWII dday beaches, it was an amazing experience

[@ralphmtsu]

Great video. Brings back great memories. Normandy was my most favorite part of France. The D-Day beaches and museums were awesome. I was on a group tour. One of the tour mates was a soldier on D-Day. Actually he went in the day before D-Day as part of Roger's Rangers. Their mission was to take out the big guns on the coast. They had to scale 60 foot cliffs to get to the hardened bunkers. It was such an honor to hear the story from someone who was actually there.

[@your_royal_highness]

I do plan to visit a few museums AND I have lots of background. I am going to Europe for the first time in my life at age 70. The short trip to Lisbon is mostly paid for by someone else, so given the brevity of that part and the desire to hit my bucket list of going to Normandy, it was a no brainer. Renting a car in Paris and meeting up with a friend who lives in Switzerland. Only there for four days so Mont St. Michel is out. Too bad as this will likely be my only trip to the other side of the pond.

[@oscar2381]

I am norman, this was a great video you will always be welcomed here!

[@VermilionStudios]

Normandy is lovely, the shops sell some amazing biscuits too.

[@leonina72]

I’m in Love with Normandy, I was there in 2022 and again in 2023 and I will be back soon again. Thank you for this video!

[@fannymackk]

Every video he says "hey Mark here with Wolters World" tell me why all this time my dense ass still thought his name was Wolter 😂😂😂

[@woltersworld]

fannymack I get a few emails and messages every day that start with hey Walter :) so don't feel bad :)

[@reggieandherman4251]

Mark, my husband loves your hand gestures. He makes fun of me that I can't talk without mine. Hey, I'm Italian. We have to move our hands. Love your tips, and enthusiasm. Regards to the family, Reggie

[@woltersworld]

Thanks Reggie! If we aren't talking with our hands as well, are we even talking :) big hug to your family too

[@reggieandherman4251]

Wolters World thanks, Mark. Our younger daughter just moved to Frankfurt Sunday. Possible wedding in future. We've never been. Missing her already. Take care.

[@samanthagaudet1461]

I shed tears 3 times in France in 2015. Once at Vimy war memorial, once at Juno Beach and in Paris during the attacks.

[@TheCurtainLift]

Samantha Gaudet hey I went to the Vimy memorial, as well as Paris. Seems like we had a verry similar trip

[@samanthagaudet1461]

Evan Reid we loved every minute except for the attacks. It was a little scary but the French people were awesome.

[@sodaking6858]

Samantha Gaudet as far as the d day landings goes by far Omaha was the worst blood shed I think 3,000 ally soldiers died on the first day of Omaha I don't remember tho

[@samanthagaudet1461]

Soda King since we are Canadian we felt strongly that we needed to visit Juno and the Canadian cemeteries.

[@samanthagaudet1461]

LoneFreedomFighter I’m sorry but QUANTITY was not the prerequisites for bringing me to tears. I’m Canadian and I was moved by my countrymen who gave their lives for our freedom.

[@thor3901]

I took a 3 week european vacation probably a decade ago; it included all the major destinations such as Paris, London, etc, but we made sure to take a seperate tour of Normandy that lasted only a day. Of all the time I spent in France during that vacation Normandy had the biggest impact on me, I remember Normandy more than any other aspect of France and I'm dying to go back and spend more time there. My GF has never been to France so if we go, she'll probably want to spend some time in Paris but honestly, I would prefer to skip Paris and spend all my time in Normandy.

[@AdrenalineJunkieXL]

I reenact the Normandy invasion every year at skirmish USA playing paintball. Running out of the boats in real life would've been absolutely terrifying.

[@woltersworld]

the stories they tell in the omaha beach visitors center has the guys talking about the tracer fire adn how 40 go out 9 come back it is just horrific

[@PeUrmeleMantuitorului]

Wonderful video! Best regards from London, UK!

[@woltersworld]

thanks Cristian!

[@jonathangoll2918]

I endorse what was said about the Bayeux Tapestry. I saw it as a child, and it is wonderful. Just to highlight that it was made not long after the Battle of Hastings - probably in Canterbury, in Kent - about 1070. Harold's sister Edith - respected by William the Conqueror because, as the widow of King Edward the Confessor he regarded her as a legitimate Queen - may have had a hand in it. So it is a very vivid eyewitness account.

[@samanthagaudet1461]

We fell hard for Honfleur. We stayed in a family run motel not far away called Motel Les Bluets. So perfect.

[@TheCurtainLift]

Samantha Gaudet stopped there for a day last year, beutiful little town

[@TheCurtainLift]

Loved the carousel

[@steventremblay4691]

Nice coincidence! I'm going there in a month!

[@woltersworld]

it is a fantastic region. very different than Paris or Provence

[@lessisx]

Have fun and if you need anything feel free to ask !

[@dominiquepayne-ohara9844]

It’s so true, got lost in Normandy a few weeks ago, and the people couldn’t do enough to help.

[@senharuno6622]

one can tell that you do love Normandie , you are so enthousiast in this video :D

[@woltersworld]

It really was a fantastic trip. So different than other parts of France. Loved it :)

[@woltersworld]

Is anyone else having problems with the video loading and playing?

[@westofsouth]

Wolters World you aren't the only one

[@MrPictor]

No problem with me...

[@finn.schttlr]

Yes

[@chrisr9380]

Yep. 10 seconds of video 20 seconds of buffering.

[@ralphmtsu]

Not on my computer but buffering problems when trying to stream.

[@jke387]

I have no desire to go to France. But after seeing this video, maybe this is a place I would like to go to.

[@melaniemarie3811]

Oh nooo you forgot Pommeau! Next time try it! It's more soft than Calvados. There are so many things to do in Normandie, and you can have a theme for each day: D-DAY, impressionism, cheese (camembert, livarot, ...)... Little tips: come in September -> Less tourist + great weather Don't eat in big village like Deauville or Honfleur: it's expensive! Normandie have problems with train (paris-cherbourg): late or cancel so rent a car! Happy to see you love my Région 😊

[@la_rafflure]

Très bien résumé, et vive le Camembert, le pont-l'évêque et la teurgoule 😎

[@axelpaillard140]

les BTS TOURISME represente :)

[@cleanplus-paris8089]

Tu me fatigues Axel mdrrr

[@coralieepivent1872]

RPZ

[@billgrandone3552]

Please emphasize that the French people are NOT the cold fish that they are often portrayed as to Americans. I have been to Paris twice in my lifetime and have toured central and southern France from the Mediterranean to Lyon and then to Paris by car and with few exceptions the French were helpful and very courteous to me and interested in America and how we live. i wish i could go back but my health does not allow me to fly anymore.

[@woltersworld]

Bill Grandone we always try to bring that up. France has great people and they never get a fair shake

[@billgrandone3552]

Very true. I'm glad you always mention it because it's not so much as rude Frenchmen, it's more like uneducated tourists who expect everything to be the way we are used to in America. Different is different, that's all. It doesn't mean inferior. Go with the flow and expect the unexpected-after all, isn't that why you go in the first place?

[@kimberlynolin2100]

@@billgrandone3552 The first time I went to Normandy, Frenchmen would walk up to us and thank us for liberating them. Normandy wasn't on our itinerary, but the bus driver took us anyway, saying every American needs to see Normandy. However, this was in the 70's. But I do agree that the French out in the country are not in any way snooty like they are in Paris.

[@cate7199]

My only experience in France was at Charles de Gaulle airport. They expressed genuine surprise that I didn't speak French while going through the security check. I always wondered why since I'm sure that they have visits from MANY who do not. Anyway, I'm just leaving a comment to let you know the video is working fine, and to say that I thought the French there were very nice, and helpful. Of course I didn't go there believing that they would be rude. I would love to see Normandy.

[@alexcheremisin3596]

Yeah, the French never got the letter that they are not a superpower anymore, 1940 and 1956 didn't hit home I guess

[@krugmeister7301]

...Would Be nice to see the Fields of NORMANDY....My Father came from the Ruins of Germany....It was A Horrible time...But That was then....

[@RobertBernardoKim]

I like the passion that you showed in talking about those things. So I subscribed immediately as soon as I see this video. I am from South Korea.

[@ahoj7720]

I really enjoy your enthousiasm! Don't miss Honfleur. Also Caen, which was almost completely destroyed during ww2 but keeps a couple of stunning Gothic churches. And if you're looking for a gîte, it's better to ask for a zheet!

[@andybaker2456]

Yes, I was a bit concerned about the "gee-tair" reference! 😉

[@rickj.9202]

I appreciate all of your videos. Thank you and your family for the efforts! The videos were tremendously valuable on my first visit to Paris. I will add just one thing. I was expecting some degree of indifference or even rudeness from Parisians. I was shocked: everyone I met was TERRIFIC! Some of the nicest people I've ever met. Great ambassadors for their city and country. Next trip: Paris with a day or two in Normandy!

[@woltersworld]

Rick J. Yep. Just the occasional waiter in Paris;)

[@nigelmchugh5541]

Unfortunately the Normandy Tank Museum is no more, but do visit Dead Man's Corner near Bayeux. There is a very thought provoking German Ossoury near Mont Can Micheal, called Mont du Huisnes. Well worth visiting. The Bayeux tapestry, don't put your translation device back in the bin provided, hold on to it and go around again to take it all in :D

[@woltersworld]

Thanks Nigel

[@carriewilson1419]

Thanks a ton for the tips. Would you recommend staying in the country side or near a fishermens pier? We are coming D-Day week and yes lots are already booked. Contemplating on Saint-Michel-de-la-Pierre, Les Autels-Saint-Bazile, or Port-en-Bessin-Huppain area

[@thesuperj2511]

You guys have to go to the channel islands: Herm, Ecrehous, aldrney, sark theyre all amazing

[@ab6146]

hey. you missed Etretat, a visual beauty and treat to your eyes.. :) especially in summer..

[@icansleepallday6377]

i want one on savoie during the summer i like the mountains better during summer than winter cause in winter it's only about snow and sking.

[@la_rafflure]

Are you here Norman people !?

[@kennyr2744]

Great video! Very informative and interesting... thanks for posting!

[@pazovackiputnikglobetrotte1712]

OMG I was in Normandy this June and you were there too! lol

[@lukewarren1519]

It was so cool seeing all these places you mentioned in real life except honflur was to crowded, one thing I recommend is a ww2 Jeep tour in saint mer eglise it’s run by a Dutch paratrooper and he was so cool telling us his stories and he sets up memorials for d day, he showed us lots of locations you wouldn’t go to usually and show famous pictures in the same place that only he knows the location of it was one of the coolest experiences and I think you should try it out

[@Alecserino]

Best channel on KZbin

[@stephenr115]

Wish you would sponsor/guide/create a tour for some of us idiots that would enjoy having someone with your background and experience to chaperone/arrange a trip to Normandy and perhaps Germany with the background of experiences of Q City soldiers . Probably the last way you wish to travel but I know plenty of folks that would pay and pay well for a guide like you my friend. A small group maybe 20-25. For example my Uncle from Middendorf clan was DDay +2 and was part of “Patton’s Army” starting of course in Normandy, crossing Rhine etc. Come on you might just enjoy it and there are some recorded Q city folk’s stories out there. As you know we are starving for German restaurants here in Q Town, German history, War history and experiences because of our town, the memories of relatives and the fact that people we know or knew experienced WW II. Soon all that history in terms of closeness will feel like people speaking of the war of 1812; it will feel like a book of history. Just an idea. I’d be happy to help organize. Believe it or not I’ve actually spoken (in the past) of Q town folks who have never been to Chicago or St Louis! Thanks for all you do to broaden the travel minds of people. Sort of like the saying: Think Globally Act Locally. I knew a lady from Europe who wrote that on all of her letters (envelopes) well, that’s when we had mail! Have a good one-

[@Post-ModernCzechoslovakianWar]

Wow! Normandy looks really beautiful. I feel like going to the D-Day Memorials and beaches I'd get a similar experience to what I had when I visited Hiroshima's Memorial for the Atom Bomb Victims. I'm not going to lie, I didn't cry, but it was really sad, and I thought I'd cry several times.

[@OrdinaryDude]

Great video Mark, as always. Your enthusiasm is infectious! One suggestion... Get a wind screen for your microphone. ;)

[@robinbinder8658]

actually going to france next week lol

[@waynegoodman7631]

Your reviews are great thanks

[@leighjarman5318]

I don’t agree with #9 from my personal experience. Most people DO speak English, but it’s helpful to speak French so you can understand, say, for example, the next destination on the metro/train. They might even organize events so that they can help non-French speakers! I went to the Mormon Temple Open House in Paris, and they organize groups based on whether you spoke English, French, or German!

[@Fireluigi1]

Lovely video. I don't even travel (yet) But i watch these still cause they are pretty fun to watch. I am gonna be going to netherlands next year so your videos might just come in handy :3

[@woltersworld]

Awesome! I hope you do have a great trip next year and i hope the videos will help a bit :)

[@aamo3960]

Going to Caen in a week!

[@frankraomuralistartist6471]

Mark we are going to France , the first time for 2 weeks in march 2020.. Paris 6 days or so? Should we stay in the Normandy region for the rest of the time, or head by train to the burgundy region? I'm up for suggestions ., appreciate your enthusiasm and knowledge !

[@theresanarasaki1747]

. Thank

[@davemaxa5263]

You can not feel or imagine what the soldiers went through.

[@pianocrisante90]

I know that a lot of Australians went to France during the war. At 1:25 there is a picture of the Australian flag.

[@TheCurtainLift]

pianocrisante90 Crisante not alot, but yes several Australian regiments

[@isoscelestT]

Wolters world budget airline

[@albundy4619]

Bisous de Rouen

[@chaser29mty2009]

Hola amigo osito!

[@auntkittyhashtag2321]

My fathers ancestors came from Normandy family name HUS

[@sodaking6858]

Well today is the 74th anniversary of D Day one of the greatest sea invasions in human history the beginning of the liberation of France

[@rehurekj]

Not to diminish the D-day significance but the turning point happened on eastern front not on beaches of Normandy. Its true on personal level the sacrifice of the soldiers is moving and truly heroic- its without any doubt but when you start about political and military impact it pales in comparison both in numbers and significance of battles and suffering that happened on the other side of continent.

[@karolinaannis2743]

Russia was attacked, they had to defend themselves. Americans weren't attacked by Germany, and they still went save Europe. Young men that have nothing to do with Europe's problems died. That's why to me it's even more moving. Btw. I don't think Europe ever officially thanked Americans for saving us (twice).

[@sodaking6858]

Jiří Řehůřek that is true Stalingrad was Hitler's Waterloo he would have taken over Europe had he Won Stalingrad

[@sodaking6858]

Karolina Annis america entered world war 1 in 1917 under 1 year before the war ended war had been going on for like 3 years by that time even in world war 2 there was a long time when I was just the UK fighting the 3rd Reich Hitler's first major defeat was the battle of Britain when the Luftwaffe failed to take control of the British sky

[@alphamale3713]

Jiří Řehůřek Does everyone forget that America was also taking on the Japanese empire at the same time? Where were the other allies on that?

[@alphamale3713]

Jiří Řehůřek Russia had no choice. America didn’t have to join in but we did.

[@SkateGeneva]

Why don't you write the summary of what you're talking about in the description anymore ? I always read that instead of watching the video... It's much quicker and there's no faffing about. Put them back please

[@azaramoon4027]

Lifes a lot easier when youre travelling, and nobody knows you !

[@MikeJBeebe]

Hi Wolter. I really enjoy your videos. I find them informative and intelligent and often insightful. So do you really need the click-bait titles? I know they're your videos and you can title them what you want, but having to go the THIS WILL SHOCK YOU! route seems to cheapen something that's actually quite good on its own.

[@woltersworld]

Well, the whole series is called 10 things that shock tourists and it is more of a fun happy shocks versus stupid over the top shocks that are not realistic. Sadly, the internet works the way the internet works and if I want a chance to educate people about cultural differences and new parts of the world titles like this are what get people to watch. I stopped making videos on the top 10 sights and what to see and do in some towns and countries because no one was watching them.

[@M10n15u3h5]

Normandy is not a backwater part of France.

[@flitsertheo]

To be honest most of France looks like a backwater. Exterior maintenance of buildings it seems is not a priority. Even if the interior is or looks as a palace.

[@macocaire1314]

My father and his brother were soldiers there. They were Scottish not English or Brits and hated all these islands being referred to as England which is very insulting to Scotland considering our contribution and the many casualties that Scotland endured in WW1 and WW2 . Americans are quite ignorant of how insulting they are when they do this but the arrogant English do it deliberately.

[@user-sn6ye7ws1f]

De Franse zijn niet zo luek kennen geen Engels praten het ook niet lui komen ook heel dom over als of hun heel belangrijk zijn maar de rest is erg mooi zij besteden veel aandacht aan het onderhoud

[@soureyya9300]

Mont St Michel isn’t in Normandie

[@bridgetsayer5697]

Yep, and he needs to calm down a bit and get his facts straight.

[@whiterabbit9131]

What !?

[@podcasthastings9501]

Of course it is !

[@MizzKittyBichon]

4:11 (in Homer Simpson's voice) Mmmm . . . crepes . . .

[@kaycox5555]

TERRIFIC VIDEO!

[@woltersworld]

thank you!

[@1.40am]

first comment

[@woltersworld]

Thanks Carter!

[@xibe2007]

Be careful when you say mount Saint Michel is in Normandie !!! Some people may not like it !

[@psolawitcher9993]

Well mont Saint Michel is in Normandie so...

[@davemaxs4136]

Work on pronouncing the names of the villes.

[@carolinec6595]

Not Christianity, Catholicism

[@SuperDanMega]

How can they direct you when you don't speak French and they don't speak English?.

[@flitsertheo]

sign language ...

[@isabellelaval7294]

Love your videos but please, PLEASE!!! learn a few synonymes. You use the word "shocking" far too often and incorrectly. What ever happened to "You'll be pleasantly surprised" etc ?

[@henrytudor8537]

1. Its Ugly. 2. Its underdeveloped.

[@whiterabbit9131]

Are you totaly stupid ?