DK Travel : Normandy : D-Day Beaches

D-Day Beaches

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On 6 June 1944, Nazi-occupied France was invaded by British, American, Commonwealth and Canadian troops, resulting in the country’s liberation. The Allied landings on the beaches of the Seine Bay (still known by their wartime codenames) and the ferocious Battle of Normandy that followed are commemorated today through a moving mixture of museums, memorials and cemeteries. Beautifully maintained and presented with great clarity, they give visitors a fascinating insight into the events of that momentous summer.

Top 10 D-Day Highlights

1. Utah Beach and Ste-Mère-Eglise

Over 13,000 US para-troops were dropped into the Cotentin marshland; the US 4th Division came ashore on Utah and linked up with them.
2. La Pointe du Hoc

2. La Pointe du Hoc

Preserved as it was at the end of fighting, this bleak headland was stormed by elite US Rangers using ropes and ladders to scale the cliff, with heavy casualties.
3. Omaha Beach

“Bloody Omaha” saw terrible losses among the 1st and 29th US Divisions. A viewing table, two museums, 11 monuments and the American Cemetery tell the story.
4. American Cemetery

4. American Cemetery

Formal yet serene, the American Cemetery, containing 9,386 graves, receives many thousands of visitors each year.
5. Batteries de Longues

Near Arromanches, this is the only German battery still to have its guns. Its observation post, on the edge of the cliff, can also be visited.
6. Arromanches

6. Arromanches

The remains of the artificial Mulberry Harbour make a startling sight – a testament to the ingenuity of Winston Churchill, who realized that if the troops wanted to land, they would have to bring their harbours with them.
7. Gold Beach

Soon after they landed here, the British 50th Division took Arromanches, enabling the Mulberry Harbour to be put in place.
8. Juno Beach

Several small seaside resorts line the beach assigned to the 3rd Canadian Division. A huge cross of Lorraine commemorates the triumphant return of General de Gaulle, who landed here on 14 June.
9. Sword Beach

Though the Allies established the beachhead with relative ease, the vital objective of Caen was thwarted, and the inhabitants had to wait another 34 days for their city to be liberated.
10. Pegasus Bridge

The first Allies to land in France were the men of the British 6th Airborne Division, who seized this strategic bridge, renamed after their insignia.

Practical Information

Three seaside restaurants recommended for their seafood: La Marine at Arromanches, Le Bistrot d’à Côté at Port-en-Bessin, and La Marée at Grandcamp-Maisy. Decide in advance which of the many museums, memorials and beaches you most want to see. Consider starting at the Musée de la Bataille de Normandie in Bayeux and ending at Arromanches 360. Office du Tourisme: pont St-Jean, Bayeux 02 31 51 28 28