The tours

Poppies and Daffodils: educational journeys to the remembrance sites of world wars

Poppies and Daffodils offers unique educational journeys that explore the iconic and historically significant sites of the two World Wars (1914–1918 and 1939–1945) as well as the Franco-Prussian War of 1870–1871. These trips are designed to honor the memory of civilians and soldiers who lost their lives in these conflicts while providing an in-depth educational experience.

A pedagogical approach for everyone

These journeys are open to a wide audience, regardless of age or nationality:

• Individuals: History enthusiasts or families wishing to pass on the memory to future generations.
• Veterans: Former combatants eager to revisit the places where they served or honor the memory of their comrades.
• Students and pupils: Young people seeking to understand major historical events and reflect on the impact of conflicts on society.
• Teachers: Professionals aiming to enrich their lessons with concrete examples and immersive visits.

Some emblematic sites visited

in France

• The battlefields of the Somme (1916): The stage of some of the deadliest confrontations of World War I, where Canadian, British, and New Zealand troops played a major role.
• Verdun: A symbol of the most intense battles of World War I, reflecting the tenacity and suffering of soldiers engaged in a war of attrition.
• Vimy: A landmark for Canada, where the Canadian Corps won a decisive victory in April 1917, commemorated by an imposing memorial.
• Oradour-sur-Glane: A martyr village destroyed in 1944, a testament to Nazi atrocities.
• The D-Day beaches in Normandy: Key locations in the liberation of France in 1944.
• Strasbourg and its surroundings: A region deeply marked by Franco-German conflicts.

in Europe

• Auschwitz-Birkenau (Poland): A memorial site of the Holocaust and crimes against humanity.
• Ypres (Belgium): A symbolic city of trench warfare during World War I, where British, Canadian, and Australian soldiers fought.
• Berlin (Germany): Exploration of sites significant to World War II and the Cold War.
• Bastogne (Belgium): An emblematic location of the Battle of the Bulge during the winter of 1944–1945. Visitors can explore the Bastogne War Museum, which immersively recounts this pivotal battle through interactive exhibits, authentic artifacts, and poignant stories of soldiers and civilians.

Museums : a dive into history

In addition to open-air remembrance sites, participants have the opportunity to visit exceptional museums offering unique perspectives on global conflicts:

• Musée de la Grande Guerre in Meaux (France): One of Europe’s largest museums dedicated to World War I, featuring immersive exhibits and authentic artifacts.
• Mémorial de Caen (France): Focused on World War II and peace, this museum offers a comprehensive journey from the rise of Nazism to the Cold War.
• Auschwitz Holocaust Museum (Poland): A poignant site that narrates the Holocaust through testimonies, photographs, and personal items.
• In Flanders Fields Museum in Ypres (Belgium): Centered on life in the trenches and the impact of World War I on soldiers and civilians.
• Topography of Terror in Berlin (Germany): Chronicling the Nazi regime’s history and mechanisms of terror.
• Bastogne War Museum (Belgium): Dedicated to the Battle of the Bulge, this interactive museum brings the event to life through modern exhibits, immersive storytelling, and accounts of heroic resistance against Nazi forces.

These museum visits enrich historical knowledge while offering a visual and emotional understanding of the events. They complement the historical site visits by providing deeper insights into human and social dimensions.

Expert-guided journeys

Every journey organized by Poppies and Daffodils is guided by experienced professionals, including historians specializing in global conflicts. These experts provide precise and enriching insights into each site visited, sharing anecdotes, analyses, and historical context for a fully immersive experience. Participants benefit from high-quality educational guidance throughout their journey.

A tribute to the victims

These journeys offer an opportunity to reflect on the consequences of global conflicts and pay tribute to the millions of victims, both civilian and military. Symbolic ceremonies, such as flower-laying or moments of silence, are incorporated to honor the memory of the departed.

An educational and cultural approach

Each visit is accompanied by expert guides or passionate historians who provide detailed insights into historical events, military strategies, and sociopolitical repercussions. Participants are encouraged to ask questions, share their thoughts, and explore the role these sites play in collective memory.

Why choose poppies and daffodils?

• Immersive experience: Discover the human stories behind historical facts.
• Audience diversity: Itineraries tailored to different groups, from families to school groups.
• Professional guidance: Qualified historians and guides ensure high-quality educational and commemorative trips.
• Commitment to remembrance: A dedication to preserving and passing on history to prevent the repetition of past mistakes.
• International flexibility: Organization of trips across Europe with programs tailored to participants’ expectations.

By organizing these educational journeys, Poppies and Daffodils plays a vital role in transmitting history and preserving collective memory. These educational experiences allow participants to better understand historical issues while honoring those who sacrificed their lives for peace. This initiative combines learning, reflection, and tribute, serving present and future generations.