World War II Tour in Brittany – Memorial 39-45, American & German Cemeteries

Overview of Your World War II Tour in Brittany

Explore Brittany’s WWII heritage on a private tour from Rennes or Saint-Malo. This World War II Tour in Brittany covers the Memorial 39-45 in Saint-Malo, the Brittany American Cemetery in Saint-James, and the German Ossuary of Huisnes-sur-Mer. Your private guide will share expert insights, wartime stories, and historical context as you travel in a comfortable vehicle.

Memorial 39-45 – Saint-Malo

Housed in a former German blockhouse overlooking the sea, this museum retraces the events of the occupation, the resistance, and the liberation of Saint-Malo.

Your journey begins at the Memorial 39-45 in Saint-Malo, a striking World War II museum set inside a German blockhouse overlooking the English Channel. From this strategic position, you’ll understand why Saint-Malo was so fiercely defended during the summer of 1944. The museum retraces the story of the German occupation, the daily life of locals, the courageous actions of the French Resistance, and the intense Allied bombardment that eventually led to the city’s liberation. Inside, you’ll find authentic wartime artifacts, original uniforms, weaponry, maps, and rare photographs that bring the events to life. Your private guide will provide historical context and personal stories, turning this visit into an engaging and emotional experience. The panoramic views from the blockhouse rooftop offer a poignant reminder of the city’s resilience and strategic importance.

Brittany American Cemetery – Saint-James

The final resting place of over 4,000 American soldiers who fell during the Battle of Brittany and the Normandy campaign.

Located in the peaceful countryside just south of Normandy, the Brittany American Cemetery in Saint-James is one of the most moving WWII memorials in France. Maintained immaculately by the American Battle Monuments Commission, this 28-acre site is the final resting place of 4,410 U.S. service members who lost their lives during the liberation of Brittany and the Normandy campaign. As you walk among the perfectly aligned white marble crosses and Stars of David, your guide will share stories of individual soldiers, including those who took part in Operation Cobra and the push toward the port cities. The chapel, with its colorful stained-glass windows, and the Wall of the Missing — bearing the names of 498 soldiers whose remains were never found — make this a place of deep reflection. This stop resonates strongly with American visitors, offering a meaningful connection to the sacrifices made for freedom.

German Ossuary – Huisnes-sur-Mer

Your final stop is the German Ossuary of Huisnes-sur-Mer, an unusual and little-known WWII site in France. Unlike the vast American and Commonwealth cemeteries, Huisnes is a circular mausoleum housing the remains of over 11,000 German soldiers, many of whom were very young and far from home. The site reflects Germany’s post-war commitment to remembering its fallen, and it offers a unique perspective on the human cost of war from both sides. Inside, you’ll see two levels of arched alcoves containing the remains, along with memorial plaques and floral tributes left by visitors. From the terrace, the view is unexpectedly beautiful — Mont Saint-Michel rises in the distance, its silhouette contrasting with the solemnity of the ossuary. This combination of history and scenery makes Huisnes a deeply memorable and thought-provoking stop.

Customize Your World War II Tour in Brittany

• Stop at Avranches to see Patton Square and its WWII memorials

• Visit the historic town of Dol-de-Bretagne or Cancale en route

• Photo stops along the Normandy coastline