1. Home
  2. Guides
  3. France

D-Day and WW2 in Normandy

The 6th of June 1944 saw one of the most audacious and heroic wartime operations in the 20th century. Around 156,000 Allied soldiers landed on the beaches of Normandy in the biggest sea-borne invasion in military history. Known as Operation Overlord, the Allied mission was clear - to take back France from the invading Germans moving inwards from the coast. Landing on 5 beaches designated with the codenames by which they are still known today: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword, the soldiers stormed the coast from Saint-Marie-du-Mont to Ouistreham, taking thousands of casualties. The ensuing Battle of Normandy lasted for 80 days as the Allies repelled the German forces.

France still retains many remarkable sites of WW2 significance and a large number of these extraordinary places can be found in the Normandy region. The D-Day Landings and the Battle of Normandy saw some of the fiercest fighting of the war and Hitler's defences on the Atlantic Wall are among the best-preserved remnants of the German occupation.

Below are our recommendations for some of the best sites, museums, monuments and other places to visit in Normandy to learn more about this incredible period in world history.

WW2 sites to visit in Normandy

The D-Day beaches

On the morning of 6th June 1944, the Normandy coastline was scattered with Allied landing ships amd warships were sitting further out, prepared for naval bombardment of the German guns.

WW2 museums

Normandy's WW2 and D-Day museums are filled with a wealth of  artefacts and information about the events of 1944.

WW2 memorials

Walk along the Normandy coastline and around the towns and villages scattered alongside it and you will find a number of monuments, plaques and sculptures dedicated to remembering those who fought in D-Day and the Battle of Normandy.

WW2 historic sites

Bring history to life by visiting some of the historic sites in Normandy that have been preserved due to their importance in D-Day and the Battle of Normandy.

WW2 cemeteries

Normandy's war cemeteries are immaculately kept by organisations such as the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the American Battle Monuments Commission, and the German War Graves Commission.

WW2 cities

When the D-Day invasion forces landed on the Normandy coast, the whole of France which was completely overrun by German forces, stood between them and Germany. 

Experience D-Day

One of the most important events of WW2, D-Day and the battle that followed have left their mark on the Normandy region with many interesting sites, museums and memorials to visit dotted across its coastline.

Download a map of the D-Day beaches and attractions

 

Getting to Normandy

Our routes to Cherbourg and Caen will put you close to all the D-Day beaches and these attractions. Why not sail overnight from Portsmouth to Caen or take our fast-craft ferry from Portsmouth to Cherbourg and be there in just 3 hours. We also offer morning sailings from Poole to Cherbourg.

Veterans travelling to Normandy can receive financial assistance from the Lottery Fund. Full details can be found on their website: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk.