Visiting the D-Day Seashores of Normandy was one thing we at all times needed to do, however by no means managed to place it on our journey itinerary. As soon as we lastly visited, we questioned why it took so lengthy. To see the historic seashores is one thing that everybody must do. It isn’t solely a historical past lesson, however it is usually a reminder of how fragile democracy is and the way fortunate we’re in the present day that so many individuals fought for our freedom. Not solely is Normandy the positioning of the touchdown seashores on D-Day, it’s a area of welcoming folks, scrumptious delicacies and beautiful landscapes.
The Finest Normandy Itinerary – D-Day Seashores
We thought we knew rather a lot about World Battle II, however after spending per week visiting the seashores, monuments, and museums, we gained a brand new appreciation for this important second in historical past and located that the folks of Normandy are nonetheless grateful to those that liberated their seashores and made it attainable for them to rebuild, thrive and revel in this lovely a part of France in the present day.
June 6, 1944 modified the course of the struggle with greater than 160,000 Allied troops touchdown on Normandy’s seashores which led to the start of the tip of World Battle II. Greater than 10,000 males (Germans and Allies) died on the seaside, however within the months forward, the remaining troops pushed on and, due to their braveness and sacrifice, defeated the tyranny of the Nazis.
We’ve got put collectively a singular D-Day itinerary that can assist you not solely find out about D-day and the months that adopted resulting in the tip of the struggle but additionally take pleasure in the great thing about Normandy’s seashores, style its scrumptious delicacies, and have an opportunity to go to strategic areas and exquisite locations. When you see all there may be to do in Normandy, you’ll need to put it on the high of your France journey itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival and Bayeux
Our journey to Normandy started in Paris, the place we have been picked up and pushed to Pont-l’Évêque (a few 3-hour drive) for lunch. One of the best ways to get round Normandy is to lease a automobile, so we recommend reserving a automobile rental from the airport to have the ability to take pleasure in your Normandy itinerary at your individual tempo.
Lunch La Dégusterie
After an extended flight and three-hour drive, La Dégusterie on Rue Saint Michel was the right environment to take pleasure in a scrumptious array of Normandy cheeses and ciders. The proprietor, David, greeted us with an enormous smile and a heat welcome, identical to everybody we met in Normandy. We cherished tasting our means by means of the area’s specialties as we paired them with totally different ciders and Calvados.
4 Cs of Normandy +1 of our personal
The 4Cs of Normandy are Calvados, Cider, Camembert and Creme and we had an opportunity to pattern all of it whereas working our means by means of the highest historic websites and cities. We’d like so as to add one other C, the cemeteries which might be scattered all through its shores the place tens of hundreds of troopers are laid to relaxation.
The place to Keep
After a fast one-hour drive, we arrived in Bayeux and checked into our resort, Resort de Brunville & Spa. This 3-star resort is positioned within the very heart of historic Bayeux and affords comfy trendy rooms with a swimming pool and scorching tub. It was a bit slice of serenity and paradise in the course of a bustling city.
Afternoon: The Bayeux Tapestry Museum
Bayeux is an excellent place for a stroll alongside its cobblestone streets, that are full of loads of historical past. The Bayeux Tapestry Museum, positioned within the outdated seminary, is by far the highest draw. This UNESCO-rated museum tells the story of the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 by means of detailed embroidery spanning 70 meters lengthy (229 ft). This tapestry is almost 1000 years outdated, and it’s an interesting piece of historical past.
The museum will bear an enormous transformation in 2025, so ensure to go to quickly earlier than the priceless tapestry is put into storage for safekeeping. It’ll shut on September 1, 2025, and is scheduled to reopen to the general public in October 2027.
Bayeux Cathedral
After visiting the museum, the Bayeux Cathedral is only a quick stroll away. Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Bayeux positively resembles the Notre Dame Cathedral of Paris. This Nationwide Monument dates again to 924 when the Viking Rollo turned the primary Duke of Normandy. Should you watched the Historical past Channel’s Vikings, you’ll know what I’m speaking about.
Relationship again to the Gallo-Roman interval, the cathedral’s Gothic structure is price visiting to see its gorgeous stained glass home windows and the unique crypt.
Dinner: L’Alcove
We ended our first night time in Bayeux with a scrumptious dinner at L’Alcôve, a neighborhood restaurant serving fantastic Norman delicacies. We feasted on recent seafood and apple-infused dishes (Normandy is known for its apples), and it was the right introduction to the area’s specialties.
Day 2: Sainte-Mère-Église and Omaha Seashore
Our second day in Normandy started with a drive to Sainte-Mère-Église, one other city well-known in D-Day historical past. Sainte-Mère-Église was the primary city in France to be liberated, and it’s a poignant tribute to the Allied troopers who fought and died for our freedom.
Morning: Church of Sainte-Mère-Église
Should you search for, the very first thing you’ll discover is a parachute dangling off the church. US Paratrooper John Steele’s parachute was hung up on the bell tower when the Paratrooopers dropped into Normandy the night time earlier than D-Day. He was trapped there and feined being useless to keep away from being shot at, however was ultimately caught and brought prisoner by German troopers. This scene is performed out in The Longest Day, starring John Wayne, and is entrance and heart when arriving on the sq..
Airborne Museum
Instantly throughout the road is the Airborne Museum. This museum homes a group of 5 pavilions that inform the story of the U.S. 82nd and a hundred and first Airborne Divisions touchdown on D-Day. Paratroopers dropped into Normandy the night time earlier than D-Day to safe the cities and block German approaches in the direction of the touchdown seashores.
The primary constructing to open was parachute-shaped constructing in 1964 and in the present day it homes an exhibit depicting the German occupation of Normandy. Since then, the Airborne Museum has grown immensely with 4 extra buildings added. The C-47 Constructing is a big exhibit that has paratroopers hanging from the rafters round an unique C-47 plane.
Probably the most highly effective displays within the Operation Neptune pavilion reveals paratroopers making ready to leap on the night time of June 5, 1944. You may really feel the vibration and sounds of the aircraft as you stroll by means of the hull of the airplane, the place paratroopers put together to leap.
One other spotlight is the total dimension glider on show. The night time earlier than D-Day, apart from paratroopers, gliders carrying infantry landed behind enemy traces to safe bridges and cities and help troops throughout their amphibious landings on the seashores. They have been meant to be flown solely as soon as and most have been destroyed, so it was fairly the coup when this glider was found and preserved to be displayed.
Lunch Le Biscuit de Sainte-Mère-Église
After visiting the museums, we strolled by means of city to peruse the historic indicators earlier than having fun with a neighborhood beer at Brasserie de Sainte Mere Eglise, which is simply on the outskirts of city.
We didn’t eat there although, as an alternative, we made our approach to a preferred lunch spot, Biscuit de Sainte-Mère-Église. It’s a cozy restaurant serving traditional Norman fare the place you possibly can decide up some souvenirs on the present store.
Afternoon: Jeep Tour to Omaha Seashore
After lunch, we boarded an genuine WWII jeep and drove to Pointe du Hoc, the American Cemetary, and Omaha Seashore. Our guides Florent and Dylan of World Battle II Veterans Reminiscences, have been unbelievable younger males who have been well-informed, passionate, and made the day quite a lot of enjoyable. They have been desirous to share the historical past of the struggle, D-Day and of Normandy. We discovered a lot from them.
Florent determined to start out this firm after touring round america for 3 years interviewing WWII veterans. He and his associate Jenny have made it their mission to protect the tales of veterans. Dylan joined the group and all three have visited america to talk with veterans and have had folks come to go to. They’re all decided to verify veterans tales should not forgotten. Learn their tales right here.
Pointe du Hoc
I didn’t even learn about Pointe du Hoc earlier than going there, however this was a sheer 30 meter (100 foot) excessive cliff that was scaled by U.S. Military Rangers to grab and safe German artillery that might have fired on the American touchdown troops at Omaha and Utah seashores. The rangers fought for 2 days going through a big quantity of casulaties. Out of 225 troopers solely 90 remained.
Excursions take you to the German batteries, out to the cliffs, and alongside the waterfront. It has barely modified since WWII, and you may nonetheless see the huge caverns left within the land from artillery.
American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer
Our jeep tour took us on to the American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer. The white crosses and stars marking the fallen are a poignant tribute to the fallen. The cemetery overlooks Omaha Seashore, the place greater than 4,000 lives have been misplaced on D-Day. Guests can stroll by means of the almost 10,000 graves of the fallen to ponder the sacrifices made for his or her freedom.
The Cemetery is free to enter and is open from 9 a.m. to six p.m. from April 15 to September 15, and from 9 a.m. to five p.m. the remainder of the 12 months.
Omaha Seashore
After a solemn expertise paying tribute to the sacrifice of so many younger males, it was time for a bit levity, so we hopped again into our jeeps to tour the Normandy countryside. We drove by means of backroads and trails chopping by means of forests and fields and will nearly think about the presence of the troopers who pushed on by means of these lands.
The tour ended with a view of WN60 Nests of Resistance excessive above Omaha Seashore, and when seeing the battlements, one can solely surprise how anybody survived. There have been 14 battlements set above Omaha Seashore with weapons pointed immediately at troopers attempting to come back to shore. However WN60 was the primary to be captured by Allied forces after going through unimaginable odds.
We then drove to the seaside itself to stroll on the sand. I might solely think about the lengthy journey the troopers needed to face whereas avoiding hearth from above. The steep bluffs are a haunting reminder of the challenges going through U.S. troopers on D-Day. Our jeep tour ended right here, and we had time to stroll the seaside and take within the views. There was a tribute to the medics who died on D-Day and additional alongside the seaside is a bigger memorial.
Dinner – Le Petit Jardin
We had a scrumptious dinner at Le Petit Jardin, a restaurant well-known for its recent, native components. It’s positioned in a captivating backyard (Therefore the title) at Château la Chenevière simply on the outskirts of Bayeux.
Day 3: Biking Via Historical past
Morning: e-Bike Tour
After breakfast at our resort, we began day 3 with an electrical bike tour from Bayeux. We met the information and proprietor, Hugo, to select up our bikes and helmets earlier than setting off by means of the picturesque Norman countryside to our first cease on the German Battery of Longues-sur-Mer.
Longues-sur-Mer
Longues-sur-Mer is a coastal protection website and one of many best-preserved battlements of the Atlantic Wall. It was constructed by the Germans within the Nineteen Forties when weapons have been erected alongside the Atlantic Coast from France to Scandinavia to defend the coast from Allied forces. These battlements housed castmates geared up with weapons that might hearth as much as 20km.
Arromanches-les-Bains
We the cycled to Arromanches-les-Bains to see the remnants of Mulberry Harbor and synthetic harbour that was created by the English. It consisted of floating piers, pontoons and even roads to unload provides and reinforcements after D-Day. In the present day you possibly can see stays of the metal and concrete harbour. At low tide you possibly can even stroll out to them.
D-Day Museum at Arromanches
The D-Day Museum at Arromanches is a should for studying about Mulberry Harbour and the way this feat of engineering was achieved. This is likely one of the latest museums in Normandy, and it’s devoted to the British landings in Normandy. Situated immediately on Gold Seashore, it has a number of multimedia displays showcasing the planning and execution of D-Day, how Mulberry Harbour was constructed, and what occurred after the battle.
Lunch – Fish & Co by Pappagall
Afterward, we had a soothing lunch close by at Fish & Co by Pappagall. Situated within the coronary heart of Arromonches, this fish and chips restaurant takes you straight to jolly outdated England, full with mushy peas. It’s an informal seafood restaurant with images of visiting veterans and well-known guests on the partitions.
Afternoon
Within the afternoon, we visited the brand new British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer. Opened in 2021, this memorial honors the over 22,000 British troopers who died in the course of the Normandy marketing campaign. The memorial is minimalist and exquisite, located on a bluff overlooking Gold Seashore the place British troopers fought and died. The names of the fallen are etched in stone, and it’s a poignant tribute to their reminiscence.
Night – Resort de la Marine
We checked into our resort, Resort de la Marine, a seafront property in Arromanches-les-Bains. It’s a stunning resort with comfy rooms and a restaurant on the seaside.
Day 4: Canadian D-Day Displays and Pegasus Bridge
Day 4 is all about Canada’s position on D-Day, and this was the day we have been most trying ahead to.
Morning: Juno Seashore Centre
We began the day by visiting the Juno Seashore Centre in Courseulles-sur-Mer. This distinctive museum tells the story of Canada’s army and civilian contributions. With interactive shows and literature, the museum takes you on a journey by means of the Canadian D-Day efforts.
Probably the most shifting tribute is the 12-minute movie “They Walked With You.” It’s an emotional movie that makes use of precise D-Day footage and first-hand accounts from survivors to color a vivid image of what it was prefer to face the D-Day landings. It was actually a shifting expertise.
When visiting the Juno Centre, younger Canadian volunteers lead guided excursions of the bunkers. It’s surreal strolling on the seaside, trying on the sandy bluffs and bunkers, and attempting to think about what it could have been like on that day.
Lunch
We had a scrumptious lunch close by at La Pêcherie, a neighborhood restaurant well-known for its seafood. The restaurant is positioned in a fisherman’s cottage downtown, and the decor is wonderful. It’s the good break after the Juno Centre earlier than heading on to your afternoon points of interest.
Afternoon – Pegasus Memorial
Within the afternoon, we visited the Pegasus Memorial, a museum honoring the British sixth Airborne Division. The museum tells the story of the gliders touchdown at night time to seize Pegasus Bridge, a key goal that secured the japanese flank of the invasion. In the event that they weren’t profitable of their mission, all might have been misplaced. The skillful gliders landed inside meters of the bridge, and the Allies secured the bridge.
The museum is a mix of interactive shows, a reproduction glider and the unique bridge. It isn’t to be missed when visiting Normandy.
Night Caen
We spent the night strolling by means of the attractive metropolis of Caen. Situated on the River Orne, Caen was thriving in the course of the reign of William the Conqueror. The Caen Fortress (Château de Caen) was the prime residence of the primary Norman King. The citadel and its partitions are very spectacular and value visiting. The Vaugueux district is a medieval village consisting of cobblestone streets and timber-wood homes, and that is the place we had dinner.
Dinner El Olivo
El Olivo is a Mediterranean restaurant with a unbelievable menu and bustling vibe. It’s positioned within the Vauguex District and is a big restaurant making for an incredible place to satisfy and eat.
In a single day – The Individuals Hostel in Caen
A really cool place to remain was the Individuals Hostel positioned in Downtown Caen. This hostel is strolling distance to the Caen Wall and fort, the waterfront marina and lots of eating places. Many college students and faculty teams keep at this hostel giving it a really cool vibe and it is rather safe since many teams e book out complete flooring.
Day 5: Caen Memorial and Return to Paris
Our remaining day in Normandy began with a go to to the Caen Memorial, the biggest museum in France devoted to Twentieth-century historical past. The museum is large and tells the story of the lead-up to WWII, D-Day, and the post-war period, together with the Chilly Battle.
This was our favourite museum in Normandy, and I’ll admit, I assumed I used to be “museumed out,” however the Caen Memorial was the easiest way to finish our time in Normandy. Caen was almost destroyed in World Battle II after D-Day. Our passionate information saved us intrigued all through our journey by means of time.
This interactive museum has multimedia shows, interactive shows, emotional imagery, and loads of artifacts. It tells the story of the folks of Normand,y who are sometimes neglected when finding out the D-Day landings. 20,000 Normans died after June 6, 1944, and the town of Caen was closely bombed and shelled and was below siege for one more month earlier than being liberated.
The museum is damaged up into totally different sections together with German normal Wilhelm Richter’s bunker which is positioned below the museum. Friends can stroll by means of the 70 meter (240 foot) lengthy tunnel.
Recommended Itineraries
1-Day Itinerary: Highlights Tour
Should you solely have at some point, ensure to get an early begin. Go to Omaha Seashore and the Normandy American Cemetery. It’s a shifting tribute and an incredible place to start out your day. From there, head to Pointe du Hoc, a dramatic piece of shoreline with steep bluffs and bunkers. Finish your day in Arromanches-les-Bains and go to the D-Day Museum, which is related to Gold Seashore.
2-Day Itinerary: D-Day Focus
- Day 1: Head to Sainte-Mère-Église, the place paratroopers first landed and go to the Paratroopers Museum, after which Pointe du Hoc adopted by a go to to the American Cemetery and Omaha Seashore.
- Day Start your day on the Juno Seashore Centre to see the museum and tour the bunkers. Then make your approach to Arromanches des Bains and go to the D-Day Museum of Arromanches, adopted by the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer.
3-Day Itinerary: Full D-Day Itinerary
- Day 1: Utah Seashore, Sainte-Mère-Église, the Paratrooper Museum, and Bayeux, together with the Bayeux tapestry and Notre Dame Cathedral. Discover this historic city within the night.
- Day 2: Omaha Seashore, Pointe du Hoc and the American Cemetery after which Arromanches des Bain, Gold Seashore together with the D-Day Museum of Arromanches and the British Normandy Memorial at Gold Seashore.
- Day 3: Juno Seashore, Sword Seashore, and Pegasus Bridge.
Sensible Ideas for Visiting
- Finest Time to Go to: We expect Normandy is finest explored in late spring and early fall. Visiting in early October was good weather-wise, and there have been fewer crowds.
- What to Pack: Layers are a should, it’s France and the climate is at all times unpredictable. Normandy can see many seasons in at some point. It’s windy, it may be wet and funky. Comfy footwear are a should, we did quite a lot of strolling.
- Guided Excursions or Impartial Journey: We opted for a guided tour for its comfort and to make sure we noticed all the pieces. Should you choose to journey independently, you’ll need to plan your time very fastidiously and permit sufficient time for every location.
- If you’re not taking a guided tour, the easiest way to get round Normandy is by automobile. You may examine automobile leases right here.
Visiting the D-Day Seashores in Normandy isn’t just a visit; it’s an expertise. Every location has its personal distinctive story, a testomony to the bravery of troopers on each side. It’s a shifting expertise and one which we received’t quickly overlook. Plan your journey thoughtfully, and be ready to be moved by the wonder and bravado of Normandy.