The Normandy region of France is a breathtaking expanse of beaches, cliffs, rolling hills, and picturesque sunrises. Its rich history, landscape, and architecture provides Normandy with a personality all its own. This beautiful region of France is often overlooked apart from its well known war torn past. When visiting Normandy, these 10 places are a must see!
The D-Dday Sites and WWII History
1-Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial
The Normandy American Cemetery is one of the most familiar images that comes to mind for most Americans thinking of Normandy. It is the burial location of more than 9,000 US soldiers who died in the region during World War II.
If you are visiting the landing beaches in Normandy, you should definitely go see the cemetery. The cemetery has a small museum and visitors center at the entrance. I would recommend a visit of one to two hours to walk around and look. The Normandy American Cemetery is located in Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France. From the cemetery you have a vantage point to the English Channel and to Omaha beach.
The cemetery is a must see because it is a moving reminder of the enormity of American soldiers who lost their lives in the area in WWII. Lined up in perfect in rows are the thousands of headstones of the soldiers and their names.
Planning Your Visit:
- Due to its proximity to Omaha beach it is convenient to combine these sites
- While in Colleville-sur-Mer consider visiting the Overlord Museum covering all of the history of the Normandy Landings and WWII
- For the cemetery visit you can park at the cemetery or on Omaha Beach and walk
- For hours, location and more information: https://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries-memorials/europe/normandy-american-cemetery
2-Pointe du Hoc, Normandy, France
Pointe du Hoc was the site of a very large battery that was essential for the Allies to take out prior to the invasion of both Utah Beach and Omaha Beach. The large guns were capable of firing on both Utah and Omaha Beaches and were therefore essential targets to destroy. The destruction of the battery at Pointe du Hoc was one of the first and primary objectives of the invasion. It was taken on by Army Rangers who used grappling hooks to scale the cliff walls and overrun the guns. The area was also heavily bombarded in the months prior to the Rangers advancement.
At the site you can still walk through bunkers and see where the old gun emplacements were. You can also see hundreds of large holes in the ground, which were explosions from cannon fire from American Battleships and bombardments. I would recommend allowing yourself a few hours to explore the area and take in the views. You can walk around many trails, in and out of old bunkers and down into the pits from the bombardments. Its is located 8 miles west of the Normandy American Cemetery.
Planning your visit:
- When planning you trip, it is doable to visit this site on the same day as Omaha Beach and The Normandy American Cemetery.
- For location, hours and more information:
3-Omaha Beach, Normandy, France
Probably the most famous of the beach invasions, Omaha Beach sustained the highest number of casualties during D-Day. This was due to a failure of the bombardments prior to the landings. The Americans were unaware of the extent of German positions that remained hidden along the hills. Movies like Saving Private Ryan have significantly contributed to popular knowledge of this landing and the beach itself.
You can park and walk along the beach. The hiking trails are safe and easy to navigate. Walking along the beach you come across many Nazi bunkers and a large memorial, Statue les Braves at Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer. It is worth allowing yourself a few hours to explore the area. As you are walking, you are able to see and experience much more than you can by car. Being able to walk the beaches and cities, and crawl around the bunkers and hills, totally immersing oneself in the area where the battle took place, is an unreal experience. It is definitely a must see to experience the beaches of such a historical place.
Planning your visit:
- Organize you trip to Omaha Beach along with the Normandy American Cemetery and Pointe du Hoc
- Parking is free at the beach
- The Omaha Memorial Museum has more information of that specific landing, a collection of artifacts from D-Day and film with original footage and veteran commentary.
4-Utah Beach and Sainte-Marie-du-Mont, Normandy, France
Utah Beach, while it is another well known American D-Day Landing beach, it is greatly separated from the rest of the landing beaches by marshland. This beach is famous for the difficulties of the United States Airborne who parachuted down behind enemy lines. This area encountered less resistance and therefore had fewer casualties.
Depending on length of your stay and time to visit the Normandy region you may deem it another worthwhile site to visit. It would require more time and transportation away from the other beaches. There is a good museum, Musee du Debarquement, on Utah Beach that covers the planning and execution of the D-Day landings along with having another interesting film and more artifacts on display.
Planning your visit:
- Allow extra time or an extra day to travel out to this beach as it is far from the other areas.
- For more information:
5-Arromanches-les-Bains, Normandy, France
(AKA: Gold Beach, British)
Gold Beach is where the British and the Canadians landed on D-Day. Luckily, here they were met with far less resistance than the troops at Omaha beach, but it still became the site of thousands of casualties. This landing site is interesting as after D-Day, a temporary harbor was build to offload heavy weapons in order to advance the allied front. This large harbor was called Mulberry Harbour. Much of the “Temporary” harbor can still be seen out in the ocean. At low tide you can walk up and explore the ruins of the harbor.
Arromanches-les-Bains and Gold Beach as must sees not only for their historic value but for their beauty and charm. The city has a museum on the beach in Arromanches detailing the British invasion as well as the Arromanches 360 Theater with films on the Normandy Invasions. Arromanches-les-Bains also has many cafes and shops to visit.
Planning your visit:
- Plan to visit at low tide so you can walk out to the harbor remains
- To visit the 360 theater check times and whats playing: http://www.arromanches360.com
- Arromanches-les-Bains Tourism site: http://www.ot-arromanches.fr
6- Cimetière militaire allemand de La Cambe, Normandy, France
This cemetery is often overlooked by those visiting Normandy. It is the cemetery for the German Soldiers that died in the region. The cemetery hosts a memorial monument and a small museum, that is free, at the information center at the entrance area. This cemetery is a stark contrast in feel and design when compared to the American Cemetery. It stands as a symbol of peace and a reminder of all lives lost in the fighting. It is definitely worth visiting, although it will only be a brief visit. I would recommend allowing yourself an hour total to see it all.
Planning your visit:
- It can be difficult to find much information about this cemetery
- It is located in La Cambe, Normandy
- For more information: http://www.cheminsdememoire.gouv.fr
Must See Villages
7- Les falaises d’Etretat, Normandy, France
The cliffs of Etretat are famous and you’ve likely seen them in a scene from a movie, a photograph or a painting. The cliffs are massive and chalk white making up a large expanse of the Normandy coastline called the Abatre Coast. The cliffs stand out against the beautiful turquoise water and silica stone beaches. They were carved out into arches and caves by the waves and water erosion against the soft chalk.
If you are in Normandy, you most definitely need to make a day trip to Etretat to see the cliffs. From the beach at Etretat, you can view and explore both the cliffs and caves from above and below. You can follow many easily accessible hiking paths up onto the cliff tops. This offers a spectacular view of the city, as well as the cliffs and rock formations from another angle, and an expansive view of the coastline and ocean.
The small village of Etretat offers its own charm. I highly recommend spending a little time walking though the town, allowing time to browse the shops or maybe get lunch. The city is a resort town with hotels, restaurants, and some boutiques.
Planning your visit:
- For more information on the cliffs and Etretat visit:
8- Honfleur, Normandy, France
Honfleur is an artsy little Medieval Village on the water with a cool harbor and ancient buildings and amazing architecture. You’ll want to be sure to bring your cameras for this one!
A quaint little seaside village, HonFleur, France is built on the Seine’s Estuary. While it was originally built for location and commerce, now you would think it was built purely for beauty. The buildings are tall, narrow and each unique, all squeezed tightly together. Many are now painted contrasting colors. Vieux Bassin, the area at the heart of the little harbor is extremely unique and unlike anywhere else you will see in Normandy. Walking through the narrow streets you will find many interesting antique shops and specialty stores to duck into and peruse.
Planning your visit:
- Honfleur is a good combined day trip with Etretat (45 min drive apart)
- Paid parking available in city center
- Plan your visit on a Market Day
- For more information on Honfleur
9-Rouen, Normandy, France
Rouen is the capital of Normandy. It is one of the larger cities of the area and requires more time to navigate and see all there is to see. Rouen has it all. It is a medieval city with much of its original architecture intact. It is the culmination of the history of Normandy with ties to William the Conqueror, and Richard the Lionheart as well as being the Viking capital. It was the place of the trials of Joan of Arc and her execution. Its position on the Seine led to its growth and importance over the centuries.
When visiting, walk the historic quarters and view the Gros Horloge (ancient clock), cathedral, and Gothic Law Courts. The historic quarter also houses many bars, restaurants, and shops. The famous Musee des Beaux Arts boasts one of the best art collections in France! The city also has a lively nightlife and you won’t find yourself at a loss of what to do making it a definite must see.
Planning your visit:
- Driving and parking can be difficult as it is a large city. Avoid rush hour times.
- For more information and planning your visit:
10-Bayeux, Normandy, France
Bayeux is a rich historical city and UNESCO site. It has roman roots and ties to William the Conqueror. Its well known for the Bayeux Tapestry, and the Bayeux Cathedral which is now a museum. The old town also has many fun restaurants, boutiques, bars and galleries. I’d recommend Bayeux, as well as its neighboring Port-au-Bessin, as must sees in the region!
Planning your visit:
- Bayeux is very walkable. Find the closest free parking and walk to the center of town.
- For more information:
WILD CHILD TRAVEL 