Join the ABMF Tour of ABMC Cemeteries

The Presence of Memories – Worthy of 250 years of Independence!

France, September 16–21, 2026

This one-of-a-kind, first-class, private event takes special note of America’s Semiquincentennial and our allies through two world wars.

It includes behind the scenes tours of five ABMC American military cemeteries and memorials; seminars by ABMC historians and military experts; private tours of world class museums; an extraordinary tour of the battle sites at Normandy; a visit to the eighth-century refuge, Mont-Saint-Michel; first-class lodging; meals of locally-sourced foods and wines; a Seine River dinner cruise on our private top deck; and other curated cultural experiences.

This unique trip will focus on the stories of the fallen heroes of World War I and World War II and the relevance of their sacrifice to today’s geopolitics. 

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Hotel Le Cinq Codet

Wednesday, September 16

Begin your journey with a special chef’s Welcome Dinner at our Paris base camp, the five-star, Hotel Le Cinq Codet. The restaurant has been reserved exclusively for our group. Formerly the 1930’s site of a telephone exchange, this sophisticated Art Deco beauty invites you to cherish a suspension in time. Relax at the Spa du Cinq Codet with an outdoor jacuzzi, hammam, and sweeping Paris views. Located in the very chic 7th arrondissement, Le Cinq Codet offers a harmonious residence between the iconic Eiffel Tower and the powerful complex of Les Invalides.

Insights and Stories of America’s 250th Anniversary and our Alliance with France

Thursday, September 17

After a hearty breakfast at Le Cinq Codet, we’ll visit and lay a wreath at the WWI Suresnes American Cemetery and its memorial chapel, with special insights into some of the men and women who are interred there. We broaden our focus to include allies in the WWII with a stop at the Mont-Valérien Memorial, the primary site used by the German Army in France to execute resistance fighters and hostages. After lunch, we’ll proceed to Les Invalides Museum, established by King Louis XIV in 1670. Part of an extensive complex, the French Army Museum is an architectural gem of French heritage in the center of Paris. Following this comprehensive visit of its exhibitions, we will unwind with a private Seine River cruise of fine wines and dinner on the top deck.

Insights and Stories of WWII

Friday, September 18

We will depart Paris and travel through the beautiful French countryside to Normandy. These next two days are dedicated to the WWII Operation OVERLORD, the largest amphibious invasion in military history.

We will trace the incredible journey of the more than 400,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen who stormed what became the very bloody beaches of the Normandy coast. With expert commentary by our featured military historians, we will visit:

  • The Caen Memorial Museum
  • Pegasus Bridge, seized and held by British airborne troops
  • Avranches, a historic city that saw the breakthrough of General Patton’s Third Army
  • A German coastal battery built as part of Hitler’s Atlantic Wall to defend against an Allied invasion of Europe

We will spend two nights in the charming medieval town of Bayeux at the Grand Hôtel du Luxembourg & Spa. Ancient and beautiful, Bayeux is known for its exquisite 11th-century Tapestry, its 1,100- year-old Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral, and for being the first major town secured by the Allies after D-Day. 

Insights and Stories of WWII

Saturday, September 19

With our expert historians, we continue the story of fallen heroes of WWII and their legacy of defending the right for people to live in liberty.

Take a flight in a real C-47, transformed to a simulator, to feel what American paratroopers endured as they dropped behind enemy lines.

Our path through the fateful days of Operation OVERLORD includes the strategic sites of the Utah Beach Monument, the Pointe du Hoc Ranger Monument, and the incomparable Normandy American Cemetery.

WWII: The Bigger Picture

Sunday, September 20

On this day, we will visit the Brittany American Cemetery, which marks the point where the American forces made their breakthrough from the hedgerow country of Normandy into the plains of Brittany during the offensive around Avranches.

The story of WWII requires a broad canvas. We will take a trip to the German Cemetery at Huisnes-sur-Mer.

The afternoon will be spent discovering Mont-Saint-Michel, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique aesthetic and importance as a Catholic abbey.  

We will end our journey together at the four-star, Hotel La Ramade, a privately-owned Norman guesthouse, located in the bay of Mont Saint Michel, and reserved exclusively for our group.

Private coach to Charles De Gaulle Airport (Paris)

Monday, September 21

A private coach will depart at 7:00 AM and arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport around noon. Please plan any flight to depart no earlier than mid-afternoon.

Robert J. Dalessandro

Robert J. Dalessandro is a nationally-recognized expert and award-winning author or editor of ten books on WWI. His focus is the lifeways and material culture of the American soldier in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. A retired colonel in the U.S. Army, Rob serves as acting secretary of the American Battle Monuments Commission. He is the former director of the U.S. Army Center of Military History at Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, DC. He served as chairman of the U.S. WWI Centennial Commission.

Maj. Gen. (Ret) John Boyd

MG John Boyd

Major General John Boyd is a recently retired U.S. Army two-star general and combat arms officer with more than 36 years of military service at home and abroad. His assignments include more than eight years in Europe in various U.S. and NATO assignments where he was able to further his knowledge and understanding of World War II on the European continent. Additionally, in 2018, John served as the lead planner with the U.S. National Guard in preparation for the observances and battlefield tours for the 100-year anniversary of the end of World War I. He serves as a member of the ABMF International Council.

Useful Information

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Tour participation fee: $18,000 per couple or $10,000 per individual. This fee reflects the private, first-class nature of the journey and supports ABMF’s educational and commemorative mission.

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Due date for the reservation: no later than Monday, June 15, 2026

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Guests are responsible for their own transportation to arrive and depart from Paris. At the end of the tour, our private coach will conclude at Charles de Gaulle International Airport in Paris.

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Travel, health, and cancellation insurance are not included in tour fees.

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If you arrive in Paris in advance of Sept. 16, ABMF has negotiated a special price for our guests at Hotel Les Cinq Codet & Spa. Please contact Chloe Appert ([email protected]) for details.

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Check-in on Sept. 16 begins at 3pm. Enjoy an afternoon of leisure at the spa or the hotel’s other amenities before the private Welcome Dinner.

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Your passport must be valid for at least six (6) months after the trip. A visa is not currently required for U.S. citizens visiting France.

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Private VIP coach transportation is included for all destinations.

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Tour fees include five nights lodging, baggage handling at hotels, tips, all meals, museum entrance fees, privately guided tours, and souvenir gifts from ABMF and ABMC. Personal spa services are not included.

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The group will not exceed 30 individuals, including guests, staff, and speakers.

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Proceeds support ABMF’s outreach, education, and commemorative mission. A statement of fair market value will be provided; your contribution may be tax-deductible as allowed by law. ABMF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 83-1213860).

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A 20% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your reservation. The remaining balance is due 90 days prior to departure (June 14, 2026). Payment may be made via wire transfer, ACH, check, or credit card (processing fees apply). ABMF reserves the right to cancel the tour if fewer than 15 participants register by June 14, 2026, in which case all deposits will be refunded promptly.

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Testimonials

“This trip was truly amazing and something I will never forget. Thank you all so much for putting it
together and for the immense amount of work you put into it. I hope to continue to have a relationship with ABMF/ABMC in the future.”

“We are so thrilled we joined this truly once in a lifetime opportunity. We came home feeling fulfilled and curious. It was an absolute pleasure to meet everyone and share the experiences with the group. Of course I cannot forget about the champagne tour!”

“I was impressed with the scope of knowledge that each staff member had and shared with the group. They eagerly shared their thoughts with the group without making anyone feel uncomfortable that they didnʼt have the same level of historical knowledge.”

“I especially enjoyed the visits to the cemeteries with the ABMC staff. The staff members were extremely informative and inspiring.”

“I thought the itinerary and activities were perfect and showed beautifully the ABMC at its finest and why the ABMF exists to help keep these important historical events live on in these beautiful monuments.”

“I’ve met so many likeminded people. It was great touring such beautiful memorials with people who get it, understand the sacrifices these brave, young Americans made for their country and those in Europe that needed our help.”