Has anyone been to the D-Day beaches, taken a D-Day beach tour, or been to Bayeux/Caen/Carentan?
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D-Day beaches
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Last: 14 yr ago by hoosieraggie
I have been. It is an amazing experience. Be sure and go to nearby Caen and visit the D-Day museum.
We've been twice (once to take our son right after he graduated from A&M) and would love to go again. An absolute must see in my opinion. Both times we took the train from Paris to Caen and rented a car. It's not hard to drive in the area and you can spend as much time as you wish at various places.
The American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer brought tears to my eyes when I went there. I can't even find words to describe the strength of the feelings that went through my soul that day. Be prepared to sit on a bench and stay there for a long time while contemplating. Then go walk on Omaha Beach (just down the cliff from the cemetery).
A short drive away is the Pointe du Hoc, where Rudder and his Rangers got the job done. Then Caen obviously, the Memorial is great. If you have a bit more time to spend in the area, I would recommend Honfleur, charming village on the Seine estuary, Etretat, on the other side of the estuary, with its famous cliffs. If you're driving from Paris, stop at Giverny, where you can visit Monet's house with his famous garden and Nympheas
I'm French, by the way. My two grandfathers were wounded and made prisoners during the war - and taught me that I wouldn't be here without the Americans (+Canadians+Brits) saving our butts.
A short drive away is the Pointe du Hoc, where Rudder and his Rangers got the job done. Then Caen obviously, the Memorial is great. If you have a bit more time to spend in the area, I would recommend Honfleur, charming village on the Seine estuary, Etretat, on the other side of the estuary, with its famous cliffs. If you're driving from Paris, stop at Giverny, where you can visit Monet's house with his famous garden and Nympheas
I'm French, by the way. My two grandfathers were wounded and made prisoners during the war - and taught me that I wouldn't be here without the Americans (+Canadians+Brits) saving our butts.
what olivier said.
Thank you Olivier! We were in a little cafe near Cherbourg and were having trouble reading the menu. A lady overheard us discussing what some entree might be and came over and said, "Let me help you. We speak English out here because we don't have to speak German." It is nice to know the sacrifices of those soldiers are remembered there when so many in the United States seem to have forgotten.
Sounds like the weather around the time I'm going won't be favorable (Nov.). Talked to Battlebus tour guide and he said that they don't even run a tour every day.
Definitely on my must list though.
Definitely on my must list though.
quote:I will respectfully disagree. It was the most expensive thing I visited the whole trip and if I could do it again I would skip it. Kind'a boring.
Be sure and go to nearby Caen and visit the D-Day museum.
TXAGFAN, a lot of people think like you. I know some in my family would have gladly skipped the Memorial too.
If you're not a WWII buff, the little museum that's located inside the Colleville sur Mer American Cemetery is more than enough, no need to go to Caen. They have some films, items and explanations that would satisfy most people.
On the time of the year thing, I guess the reason why they don't do the tours is the lack of tourists, not the weather. Sure it's going to be cold (i'd say in the upper 40s lower 50s this time of year), almost surely gray and rainy, but i wouldn't let that stop you. Either rent a car from Paris (2h30 drive I'd say) or train to Caen and rent the car there.
If you're not a WWII buff, the little museum that's located inside the Colleville sur Mer American Cemetery is more than enough, no need to go to Caen. They have some films, items and explanations that would satisfy most people.
On the time of the year thing, I guess the reason why they don't do the tours is the lack of tourists, not the weather. Sure it's going to be cold (i'd say in the upper 40s lower 50s this time of year), almost surely gray and rainy, but i wouldn't let that stop you. Either rent a car from Paris (2h30 drive I'd say) or train to Caen and rent the car there.
I agree that it's definitely the lack of tourists, but that's based on the weather. I will be back to Paris and Normandy at some point during a summer, so I will catch it then.
Olivier, that is a French perspective I've never heard. Really touching.
Before the National WWII Museum opened in New Orleans, the D-Day Museum in Caen was the definitive historical collection on the landings and the campaign in France. I've been to both several times and I think they compliment each other. The National WWII Museum in New Orleans, however, is a far more impressive collection at this point.
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I've been to Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery as well as Caen and Bayeux. I've traveled fairly extensively for my age (13 countries in 18 years) and going to Omaha Beach and American Cemetery was by far the most moving and favorite destination I've ever been to. The museum in Caen was disappointing however. If you happen to make it to London go to the Imperial War Museum. It's free and has a ton more information and stuff then the one in Caen. They did have a September 11th memorial when I went to Caen though. (Summer 2008)If you end up going you should definitely check out Point Du Hoc since it has the Aggie history. (Rudder's Rangers)
I've been wanting to go to Normandy also. What would everyone recommend? do it on our own or take a tour like with the Travelin' Aggies. They have a Normandy to Berlin tour next summer via Ambrose tours. Any suggetions?
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