Early on 6 June 1944, Allied troops stormed 80km of beaches north of Bayeux, codenamed (from west to east) Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword. The landings on D-Day – called Jour J in French – ultimately led to the liberation of Europe from Nazi occupation. For context, see www.normandiememoire.com and www.6juin1944.com.
The most brutal fighting on D-Day took place 15km northwest of Bayeux along the stretch of coastline now known as Omaha Beach, today a glorious stretch of fine golden sand partly lined with sand dunes and summer homes. Circuit de la Plage d'Omaha, a trail marked with a yellow stripe, is a self-guided tour along the beach, surveyed from a bluff above by the huge Normandy American Cemetery & Memorial (www.abmc.gov; Colleville-sur-Mer; h9am-6pm mid-Apr–mid-Sep, to 5pm rest of the year). Featured in the opening scenes of Steven Spielberg's Saving Private Ryan, this is the largest American cemetery in Europe.
Caen's high-tech, hugely impressive Mémorial – Un Musée pour la Paix (Memorial – A Museum for Peace; www.memorial-caen.fr) uses sound, lighting, film, animation and lots of exhibits to graphically explore and evoke the events of WWII, the D-Day landings and the ensuing Cold War.
Normandy ToursGUIDED TOUR
Offers well-regarded four- to five-hour tours of the main sites starting at 8.15am and 1.15pm on most days, as well as personally tailored trips. Based at Bayeux’ Hôtel de la Gare, facing the train station.
Tours by Mémorial – Un Musée pour la PaixMINIBUS TOUR
Excellent year-round minibus tours (four to five hours), with cheaper tours in full-size buses (€39) from June to August. Rates include entry to Mémorial – Un Musée pour la Paix. Book online.
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