Road Scholar, the not-for-profit leader in educational travel for older adults, is offering an exclusive 2023 experience tailored for military veterans, active-duty service members and their travel companions. This nine-day educational program brings a small group of 12–24 veterans from Paris to the beaches of Normandy to explore World War II history, art history and the places where those stories intersect in northern France.
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“This will be a once-in-a-lifetime occasion for the group,” said Amale Bourhim, operations director for Road Scholar’s Programs. “Beyond the in-depth study of military history at each site, the experience of learning alongside fellow veterans creates a distinctive camaraderie that will make this journey especially meaningful.”
Based on one of Road Scholar’s most popular European offerings, The Best of Northern France: Paris and Normandy, the organization will run one veterans-only departure from Sept. 28–Oct. 6. The itinerary adds enhanced military history content and includes visits to the Musée de l’Armée in Paris and the Mémorial de Caen, which commemorates the Battle for Caen during World War II. The program is available at a special 10 percent reduction for veterans, active-duty service members and their travel companions.
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This all-inclusive program covers accommodations, meals, field trips and the guidance of a Group Leader, among other services. The journey begins in Paris with focused sessions on the city’s occupation and liberation. Local experts lead visits to Montmartre, Monet’s garden at Giverny and the coastal town of Honfleur, sharing stories about impressionist painters and the artworks that were protected or lost during the war. The itinerary also includes a visit to Mont Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage site, highlighting the region’s cultural as well as historical significance.
One of the most poignant moments on the trip is the visit to Omaha Beach, where participants will walk the shoreline where World War II soldiers landed. The group will also participate in a moving ceremony at the Normandy American Cemetery to honor those who sacrificed their lives on June 6, 1944.
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“Many Road Scholar participants and alumni are veterans of the armed forces, and our military history programs—from Gettysburg to Pearl Harbor—rank among our most popular learning adventures,” said Maeve Hartney, Chief Programming Officer at Road Scholar. “We are honored to recognize the legacy of American heroes and the courageous veterans who fought in World War II.”
Participants should note the program is rated “Activity Level: Let’s Go!” and requires being able to walk about 3 miles per day, often over cobblestone streets, hilly terrain and stairways in Metro stations. This active pace ensures immersive exploration at each site while maintaining safety and group cohesion.
For veterans, active-duty service members and their companions interested in a thoughtful, history-rich journey through Paris and Normandy, this Road Scholar program offers expert-led learning, meaningful commemoration and shared camaraderie in an all-inclusive format.