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Magnolia Monthly
April 2026
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Walking Through History:
England, France & the Legacy of D-Day
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Some journeys are beautiful. Others are meaningful.
And every once in a while, you experience one that is truly both.
Stacey just got back from a Viking cruise with a pre-cruise stop in London, England. Walking back in time through England and France, Stacey and the group experienced the deep history and major locations during World War II. She is so excited to share this meaningful trip with everyone.
"My recent travels through England and France took me on a meaningful journey through World War II history, culminating in one of the most powerful moments of my life, standing on the beaches of Normandy."
| | London: A Powerful Beginning | | |
My journey began in London, where I checked into the beautiful Royal Lancaster London overlooking Hyde Park.
From there, history immediately came to life.
One of the most memorable early experiences was visiting the historic Golden Lion Pub. This unassuming pub holds extraordinary significance—it’s where Winston Churchill, Bernard Montgomery, and Dwight D. Eisenhower gathered to share drinks and discuss strategy ahead of the D-Day landings. Sitting in that very space, you can’t help but feel the weight of the decisions that were made there. These were truly decisions that changed the course of history.
A full-day excursion to Portsmouth, including the D-Day Story museum, provided powerful context to everything I would later experience in France.
The following day, a “Britain at War” tour and panoramic exploration of London highlighted the resilience of this city during the Blitz, reminding me that history here isn’t just preserved… it’s felt.
A visit to Bletchley Park was another standout moment. Standing in the very place where codebreakers worked tirelessly to intercept enemy communications was fascinating and a reminder of how intelligence and innovation helped shape the outcome of the war.
| | From London to Paris: Beneath the Channel | | |
From London, we made our way to Paris in a truly memorable way, traveling beneath the English Channel via the Channel Tunnel.
Often referred to as the “Chunnel,” this engineering marvel connects England and France in just a couple of hours. It was such a unique experience to quite literally travel under the sea, seamlessly transitioning from one country as well as from one chapter of history to another.
| | Sailing the Seine: A Journey Through Time | | |
From Paris, I embarked on the elegant Viking Radgrid. There is something incredibly special about exploring France by river. As we sailed along the Seine, each stop, Vernon, Rouen, and Les Andely, it truly felt like stepping into a different chapter of history.
In Rouen, a guided walking tour brought the medieval city to life, with its cobblestone streets and rich stories, including the legacy of Joan of Arc.
At Château Gaillard, perched high above the Seine, the views were breathtaking, yet another reminder of how strategically important this region has been for centuries.
But beyond the destinations, one of the most unexpected joys of river cruising was the sense of community onboard.
Each evening before dinner, we gathered in the lounge while sharing cocktails, laughter, and even a few card games with new friends. There’s something special about the intimate nature of a river ship that brings people together so naturally. By the end of the journey, these weren’t just fellow travelers. They became friends.
| | Normandy: An Experience That Stays With You | | |
The most impactful part of the journey was a two-day overland excursion to Normandy. After learning about D-Day in England, actually standing on those beaches brought everything full circle. Walking along Omaha Beach and visiting the Normandy American Cemetery was deeply moving. But what made it even more meaningful was having the opportunity to participate in a wreath-laying ceremony. That moment is one I will never forget.
What struck me even more as I stood there was imagining what those soldiers endured before ever setting foot on the sand. They crossed the rough waters of the English Channel in the early morning darkness—many of them seasick, cold, and carrying the weight of what they knew lay ahead. As the landing crafts approached, they were met with relentless gunfire. When the doors dropped, they stepped into chaos—heavy packs weighing them down, water rising around them, and obstacles placed to destroy them before they could even reach shore.
And even after making it off the beach, the danger didn’t end. They had to fight their way through dense hedgerows and thick brush, where visibility was limited and enemy forces were hidden. Every step forward required courage most of us can hardly comprehend.
It was incredibly humbling to stand in a place where so many gave their lives and to pause, reflect, and honor their sacrifice in such a personal way. I left with a renewed sense of gratitude and, quite honestly, a deeper sense of patriotism than I’ve ever felt before.
In that quiet moment overlooking the sea, I couldn’t help but reflect on God’s hand in it all. The courage He gave those soldiers, the sacrifices made for freedom, and the blessings we so often take for granted.
"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." — John 15:13
This is not just a place you visit. It’s a place that changes you.
| | Final Days in France: Layers of History | | |
As the journey came to a close, we explored yet another fascinating piece of history at Château de Malmaison, once home to Napoleon and Josephine.
It was the perfect reminder that in this part of the world, history spans far beyond a single moment in time. Each era left its mark on the landscape and culture.
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This trip was not just about visiting beautiful places. It was about understanding the stories behind them, the people we meet along the way, and the perspective we gain through shared experiences.
From wartime strategy rooms in England… to the beaches of Normandy… to evenings filled with laughter and new friendships on the river, this journey was rich in every sense of the word.
If this type of meaningful, history-rich travel speaks to you, I would love to help you experience it for yourself. At Magnolia Miles Travel, we believe travel should be more than a vacation. It should be something that truly moves you.
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New Advisor Spotlight
We would like to welcome Leigh Bailey into the Magnolia Miles Travel family. Here is a little more information about Leigh!
There’s something extraordinary about traveling to a destination and making memories with loved ones and friends. Some of the most special moments in my memory are traveling with my husband and two daughters. From Broadway shows in New York City, to snow skiing in Colorado, and relaxing on the beautiful white beaches and clear water of Turks and Caicos, the precious memories we’ve made through travel are priceless.
Whether our trips involve learning about other places and cultures, or just relaxing in the mountains or tropics, memories made through travel make us richer. When not busy being a mother, my professional background is in healthcare marketing and project management. I also have a degree in psychology which helps me better understand what motivates people, and plan trips to match personalities and preferences.
We are so thankful to have Leigh join our team. If you are interested in working with Leigh, or any of our other advisors, contact us today!
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