Your D-Day Tours in Normandy with our expert guide
At the helm of “REMEMBER” are Thibault de Fouchier and Rodolphe Rutman. They met in college and they have been friends for decades. Thibault is a naval officer and a maritime expert. Rodolphe is a second-generation documentary filmmaker with over 30 years of experience researching World War II.
Rodolphe, your guide, was born, and grew up in Paris. His passion for History started very early in life and it was around the age of 11 that the Second World War became a subject of great interest to him. He used to spend his school holidays in Normandy, and after reading “The Longest Day” by Cornelius Ryan, his time spent in Normandy was never the same.
Several members of Rodolphe’s family took part in WWII. One of his grandfathers was killed in action during the invasion of France, in June 1940, and the other was sent to Germany as a prisoner of war. 3 other members of his family joined the Free French Forces, one as a paratrooper in the British Army, and the 2 other ones served in the French Navy, taking part in the Provence Invasion, on the 15th of August 1944. These family stories naturally increased Rodolphe’s interest in the subject.
A personal connection to D-Day
Rodolphe has been directly connected to the events of June 6 1944, since he was involved in the 50th anniversary of D-Day, in 1994.
That year, he assisted a group of 41 American veteran paratroopers who came to perform a commemorative jump near Sainte-mère-église.
Afterwards, Rodolphe became a filmmaker specialising in history.
Coming from a family of documentary pioneers dating back to 1959, Rodolphe, after an 18 year career in photography and journalism, asked his father, Jacques Rutman, to join him in creating a WWII series that was broadcast internationally for the 60th anniversary of D-Day.
More documentary films on this subject were to follow this first step, with several more new projects currently in progress.
A Legacy of History with over 25 years of storytelling experience.
To date, Rodolphe has already directed four acclaimed films about D-Day : “Big Red Omaha”, “Crossed path of Destiny”, and The “Long Sobs of the Violins of Autumn”. The fourth film, “D-Day – Die Spur der Väter” was produced for German Public Television (ARD) and broadcast for the 70th anniversary of D-Day.
Each of these films brings a deeply personal perspective to the Battle of Normandy. The eyewitness accounts of people from all sides, French, English, American, German…., were a significant part of these works.
This approach helps us to more easily understand the impact of the conflict on the lives of the people of that time and the world today.
Beyond World War II
Rodolphe’s passion for history also extends to other periods, such as Napoleon’s First Empire. He has produced 2 documentary films on this topic: “Journey to the End of the Empire” and “Grand Army”.
In these films, his storytelling reveals the imprint left by Napoleon and the First Empire on France, and the world at large at his time period as much as today.
These two exceptional programs were broadcast in France, on five different televison channels over 6 years.
So millions of viewers from all generations could discover a new angle on this sensitive period of history.
Why Book Your D-Day Tour in Normandy with Rodolphe
Today, living in Normandy, Rodolphe leads immersive D-Day tours in Normandy that go far beyond traditional sightseeing. Visitors are guided through landing beaches, battlefields, and memorial sites, enriched by Rodolphe’s rare insights, eyewitness accounts, and deep historical knowledge.
Unlike standard excursions, his D-Day tours in Normandy blend the perspective of a historian with the eye of a filmmaker, bringing the landscapes of 1944 to life in a way that is both moving and unforgettable.
If you’re seeking a meaningful and authentic experience of the Normandy landings, join Rodolphe Rutman for D-Day tours in Normandy. Discover the stories of courage, sacrifice, and legacy that defined history for all sides, giving a panoramic perspective on the events of June 6th, 1944 and beyond.
Don’t take our word for it…… Read some of the fabulous reviews left by some of Rodolphe’s satisfied customers HERE.
Contact us today to book your D-Day tour in Normandy 👉Email: discoveringdday@gmail.com
If you’d like to book a private tour, you can book directly through our TripAdvisor LINKS