Historian, author, and founder of Europe Battlefield Tours, François Gauthron has guided travelers, veterans, and families through Normandy’s battlefields for more than three decades.
Born in Normandy, he grew up hearing stories of the Liberation from his own mother, a local witness of June 1944, and meeting the men who came back to the places where they once fought. Those encounters shaped his lifelong mission : to preserve memory and make history tangible for future generations.
François has devoted his career to studying, interpreting and transmitting the story of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy. He became a licensed guide, accredited by the French Ministry of Tourism : a title reserved for professionals who have passed national exams and are authorized to guide both inside and outside monuments.
His tours stand out for their precision, emotional depth, and sense of place. He doesn’t just recount military facts; he brings to life the landscapes, decisions, and human stories that defined June 6th, 1944.
Before creating Europe Battlefield Tours, François spent years researching archives, collecting testimonies from veterans, and writing about the landings.
He wrote “Battlefield Guide Book: Normandy on Your Own”, a reference for independent visitors wishing to explore the D-Day sites with historical and geographical accuracy. Today, he continues to welcome travelers from around the world, offering private and custom tours built around individual interests, family connections, or specific military units.
While D-Day and WWII remain his area of expertise, François Gauthron also guides visitors through WWI battlefields (see Canadian Battlefields Tour) and across France’s wider heritage with Regional tours in France.
His broad historical background and passion for France History make him a trusted companion for anyone wishing to discover Normandy and other regions in all its dimensions.
François now shares his passion with his daughter, Anne-Charlotte Gauthron, who has joined him as a Normandy guide.
Together, they form a unique family team, combining historical expertise with fresh perspectives and deep human connection.
If you wish to visit the D-Day sites or explore Normandy with François as your guide, we’ll tailor the experience around your interests.
