Alain Chesnel was born in October 1954 in Paris, France. Prior to starting Overlord Tours, he was an engineer and contractor for 20 years in various parts of France and the world. Being well traveled, and versed in many cultures, Alain was then led by his true passion and knowledge of WWII and Normandy to start Overlord Tours and leave the field of engineering.

Alain spent his boyhood years in France listening to stories about WWI and WWII as related by his parents, and grandparents. His two grandfathers fought for France during WWI. At the age of 13, Alain learned of the moving and impressive stories of the Battle of the Marne, Verdun, the Chemin des Dames and the landing onto the Dardanelles coasts.

Alain’s family history and involvement with WWII and the German Occupation of France is diverse and deep rooted. His father, Roger, was born in Brittany, France. At age twenty, in 1942, Roger, was conscripted during the grueling German Occupation to work for the German Organization “Todd”. The Germans attempted to force him to work on the massive construction of the famous bunker system then being developed along the Atlantic Wall, but he refused, and joined the French Resistance in Brittany. An attempt to arrest him for his refusal into forced labor was later made by the German Police at his home in Brittany, but somehow Roger managed to escape on a bicycle to Paris hundreds of miles away, and join his uncle who was a Paris Police officer at the time.

Roger’s uncle was also a chief operative in a resistance network called the “Ajax Group”. His uncle safely hid Roger in Paris from the Germans, and gradually, Roger began working with British Intelligence during the war from 1942 until 1944. He remained in Paris until August 1944, when he participated in the liberation of Paris.

A very humble man, Roger never really spoke much during his later years about his actions as an operative for the Resistance during the war. He passed away at age 68, when Alain learned of some of his father’s memories and experiences.

Not unlike his father’s dedication to the liberation effort, Alain has always had a compelling and passionate interest in the United States Forces Invaision of Normandy which liberated his country. He has also developed a specialized interest and knowledge in the American 29th Infantry Division. His reverence and admiration for the bravery and sacrifice of the American forces as part of the Allied invaision is unique and unprecedented as a trait in a historical guide. He considers the United States as his “second country” as evidenced by his kindred spirit and many acts of respect for the United States.

Founder of the French Reenactment Association for the 29th Div. he, also, was in charge of the Commemorations of the 50th Anniversary of the Landing for the “Blue and Grey Division”. He was also Appointed “Director Of Field Operation” where he worked for 3 years for preparing for more than 500 Veterans and relatives that were welcomed to Normandy due in part to his efforts and coordination of the event.

Alain’s dedication to the United States Veteran has gone further to include other significant contributions in their memory. He conceived and initiated the idea of the dedication of four major monuments throughout Normandy in memory of the “Twentyniners” (the 29th Infantry Division – Alain’s passion) . With the assistance of French volunteers, he also designed and built another monument to the 29th Division, on his own French farm in Normandy, called the: “The Wall of Remembrance”. The wall is peppered with memorial plaques from members of the unit who have visited Alain’s farm, and the monument which was lovingly built in their memory.

Additional accomplishments of Alain’s include the title and status of “Honorary Captain” and life “Member of the National Guard.” He remains a member of the 29th Infantry Division Association, and has had numerous contacts with the Veterans from that division where he has gained much insight and knowledge through his associations with these men.

As a resident of Normandy, Alain has developed a keen knowledge of the Norman countryside and significant areas of the American and Allied battles. He has significant contacts with the Norman people, many of whom own private properties which only permit Alain to enter, and which are the hidden, but really exciting areas of conflict that no other tours or tour guides take their clients.

These assets, along with his exhaustive knowledge of the Invasion and WWII provides an added and unique advantage to his ability to guide clients of OVERLORDTOUR. But what really distinguishes Alain from many others guides is his deep respect and admiration for those who liberated his country. He is one that will never forget, and will not let you forget either. For Alain, guiding is not just a job, it is his passion.

One of his favorite hobbies is to work on the After Action Reports and maps coming from the National Archives of Washington and to follow the steps of the American forces through the Norman countryside.

If you desire a guided tour of some of the most unique, untraveled places of the Invasion, along with the sites that are most visited, come and follow Alain! You will not be disappointed!!

ABOUT OVERLORDTOUR

Company: OVERLORDTOUR
Siret No: 448.439.737.00017
Licence No: 2003/22/0000240

OverlordTours provides superior tour accommodations, via our spacious luxury Mercedes Van. It seats 8 passengers and is fully equipped for comfort with Air Conditioning.

Our tours are led by a passionate guide, who has extensive knowledge and a unique understanding of the military history of the Invasion and the Normandy countryside which was central to the Invasion sites in WWII. Our tours are based on carefully researched historical studies to insure the utmost accuracy in your experience and interest in a guided tour of these historic places.

Our mission is to provide a concise account of the vital part played by American Forces in the Invasion and detailed information regarding the landing. The active service of many of the key divisions is treated with much detail. However the tours are comprehensive enough to be of general interest.

These Guided Tours are available in two languages (French, English) and are adapted to the audience as needed.

All our Tours are very exciting because they include a comprehensive reference to a number of famous photos taken in 1944. Your individualized tour will take you to the exact spots in these photos, comparing them with the same spots visited by us. Many anecdotes and stories which concern different sites of interest will also be explained to tie in the historical significance of the spot to the overall Invasion. You will also be privileged to visit several inaccessible private places due to our contacts and connections with our knowledge of the Norman residents.

Alain Chesnel