Destination:The Normandy Landings beaches

The Duty of Remembrance

On 6th June 1944, one of the largest battles of the Second World War got under way in Normandy. On Utah, Omaha, Juno, Gold and Sword beaches, nearly 133,000 men landed. Nowadays the traces of shells and bodies of the fighters involved have given way to peace and serenity. On all of the beaches, you will find explanatory boards about the famous D-Day.

It is fruitless to look for the remains of this sad day, as the tanks and infrastructure have been carried away by the sea. Nevertheless, on Omaha Beach the sculptor, Anilore Banon, has produced a set of 3 monumental works, an allegory of freedom and hope: a compulsory detour!

A history lesson

Travel through time taking in the exhibition area of this incredible museum of peace: from the post ’14 to ’18 war period to the Cold War, taking in the rise of Nazism and the ’39 to ’45 war. A multitude of media, such as displays, videos compiled from archive footage and objects of the time transport you to the battlefield. Allow a minimum of 3 hours for the complete museum tour with audio-guide.

For a entirely calm visit, a free childcare service is offered, for all children aged 3 months to 10 years, at the museum entrance.

Lunar landscape

Located between Omaha and Utah beach, this rocky promontory is around 30 metres above sea level. The Americans stormed the area on 6th and 7th June 1944. Nowadays only shell holes and bunker remains are left, witnesses to combats past.

It is free to visit the site, but we recommend that you upload the free application “Pointe du Hoc”, as your guide during your visit. You can also follow the educational boards which punctuate the route, enabling you to better understand the landings, but also the organisation of the various sides.

A haven of peace

Crosses as far as the eye can see bear witness to the violence of the battles of the 6th June 1944. More than 9,000 American soldiers rest in this 70 hectare cemetery, overlooking Omaha beach. At the entrance, a museum tells the story of these fighters through letters and recorded testimonies. You then walk towards a garden of remembrance (including the Walls of the Missing) and the memorial. You can then access Colleville beach by a pedestrian footpath marked out below it. For just a moment, close your eyes and let the tranquillity, which is released from this location full of emotions, permeate you.

Operation Mulberry

Constructing a floating port to enable the dispatch of men and munitions to Normandy, an extraordinary idea issued by Churchill nevertheless…For 9 months, more than 50,000 workers from the United Kingdom worked on the construction of this barrier, towed across the English Channel to be assembled opposite the Normandy coastline.

So as to glimpse these remains up close, it is best to park in the Arromanches 360 car park, and to go down to the beach at low tide. Have your eyes wide open and you will certainly come face to face with an exposed tank along the pathway. Do not forget to consult the tide times before setting out!