Historic walking tour of Saint-Lô capital of the ruins

4.5
(2 reviews)
Mont-St-Michel, France

2 hours (approximately)
Offered in: French

Discover Saint-Lô, nicknamed the "Capital of the Ruins", on a 2-hour guided tour. Starting from Notre-Dame Church, explore the traces left by the destruction of 1944 and immerse yourself in local history through the stories of the inhabitants. Follow in the footsteps of American liberators, including Major Thomas Howie, and understand the impact of the bombings of June 6-7, 1944 and the July 1944 liberation fighting on this Norman city. An accompanying guide will provide you with valuable information on the reconstruction of Saint-Lô after the war.

Stroll through the streets steeped in history of Saint-Lô
- Discover the Church of Our Lady, symbol of the city
– Learn more about the 1944 bombing and the life of the Holy Laws during the war
- Enjoy an immersive tour with a local guide

What's Included

2h guided tour
Speaker's Guide
Gratuities

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Go to the forecourt of Notre-Dame church.

End point

Itinerary

Duration: 2 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    You will discover the history of this emblematic monument of the city of Saint-Lô that keeps the stigma of the bombings and fighting of the summer of 1944, like a gaping scar in the middle of the city.

    15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2

    Your route will then take you through the city walls to have a clear view of the valley of the Dollée, the Vire and the Torteron valley. You will discover the daily life of the Saint-Lois during the war and the history of the first tragic events of June 6, 1944.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3

    In the heart of the rebuilt city, your journey will stop at the gate of the old prison, destroyed in June 1944. Today, it is a monument of the Resistance and one of the symbols of the destruction of the city. By visiting the Place du Général de Gaulle, you will discover the unfolding of the events of the summer of 1944, especially during the bombing of the city by the Allied air force. This stop will also be an opportunity to discuss the reconstruction work, in front of two monuments representative of this period: the belfry and the City Hall.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4

    Your stroll through the streets of Saint-Lô will take you to the Champ de Mars and Place Sainte-Croix, where the church of the same name is located. Your guide will discuss the liberation struggles of American soldiers, including Major Howie and his men, in July 1944.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 5

    The tour of the city will end at the monument to Major Howie, who fell during the liberation of Saint-Lô, not far from the Irish hospital, erected just after the war, in order to restore to the Saint-Lois access to care, after the destruction of the city hospital, on the banks of the River Vire.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Normandy Chronicles

Tags

Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
New Product
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

4.5 Based on 2 2 reviews
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