World War II in Normandy
Nowhere is the memory of the Second World War more intense than along Normandy's coastline, when on 6th June 1994 Allied forces piled onto the beaches and broke through Nazi defences. Discovering this history at first hand can be very powerful and there are plenty of ways to explore the sites. From Sainte-Mère-Eglise in La Manche to the beaches of Dieppe in Seine-Maritime, the coastline is dotted with war memorials, and museums which commemorate the soldiers of all nationalities who lost their lives.
American Cemetery and visitors' centre, Colleville-sur-Mer, Calvados
The American Cemetery is, above all, a place of meditation and remembrance. To enhance this experience, an impressive visitor centre was opened in 2007 to better tell the courageous and inspiring story of those buried beneath the crosses. Using personal stories of participants and a mix of narrative text, photos, films, interactive displays and artefacts, exhibits portray the competence, courage and sacrifice of Allied forces.
Airborne Museum, Sainte-Mère-Eglise, Manche
Entirely dedicated to the liberating forces, highlights of this museum include a WACO glider in its original condition and one of the Douglas C47 aircraft that towed the gliders across the channel during Operation Overlord. Don't miss the original 20 minute film The Fight for Freedom and the interactive terminals where visitors can learn more about the liberation of Sainte-Mère-Eglise and the Battle of Normandy.
www.musee-airborne.com
Arromanches 360° Cinema, Calvados
Unique in the landing beaches' area, the 360° cinema at Arromanches is one of only three circular cinemas in France. Shown in a circular theatre, the film The Price of Freedom combines unreleased footage from June 1944 and present-day images shot in now peaceful settings. Plunge into the action among the soldiers on D-Day, floating along the pontoons at Arromanches, flying over the Pointe du Hoc and coming ashore at Omaha Beach.
Caen Memorial, Calvados
The Caen Memorial is a memorial to peace told through themed exhibitions on world conflicts since 1918, including World War II and the Cold War. The audio and visual guide systems give visitors a truly interactive experience whilst exploring the museum.
Mémorial de Montormel, Orne
The museum and memorial complex of Montormel is an unforgettable testimonial to the efforts of the allied nations in overcoming the once powerful German war machine. Today it is difficult to imagine the extent of the conflict that took place on this spot some sixty years ago. In this valley, known as the Falaise Pocket, the Seventh German Army was encircled by tens of thousands of Poles, Canadians, Americans, British and French in August 1944. Visit the memorial to uncover the history of the ultimate and most bitter battle of Normandy.
Merville-Franceville Battery, Calvados
One of the most complex military actions of Operation Overlord took place at the Merville-Franceville battery when young Lieutenant-Colonel Ottway led the heroic British 9th Parachute Battalion to neutralise this strategic position. Set up in Casemate 1, the battery museum plays testament to the life-changing experiences of the young men on both sides, hundreds of whom lost their lives in the operation. A realistic sound and light reconstruction and original artefacts from the soldiers themselves bring the momentous operation to life.
Pegasus Memorial, Ranville, Calvados
Around 100,000 people - more than half of them British - visit the Pegasus Memorial every year to see the strategic site where the first Allied liberators arrived by glider on the night of 5th June 1944. Located at Ranville between Ouistreham and Caen,
the site includes the original Pegasus Bridge - now permanently displayed in the park - a full-size facsimile glider and a museum stocked with artefacts and documents.
Galeries 117, Cherbourg-Octeville, Manche
Cherbourg's Roule fortress is now ready to reveal its story. Dug in the 20s by the French army, in 1940 the Galeries 117 were occupied by around 100 Germans. Learn about the soldiers' living conditions, the Battle of Roule and the liberation of the city as your audioguide leads you through 700m web of tunnels, the four batteries and the fortress headquarters.
