Normandy and D Day beaches...

[Peninsulakid]

Hi, been to the area many times as the WW2 History is one of my favourites. Never camped there before as have only just got a camper this year, so can't help with the sites.

Museum wise leave yourself at least 3 hours for Bayeux, it awesome, http://homepage.mac.com/rioedtech/Normandy/musee.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

more the big one in Caen, http://www.sacred-destinations.com/france/caen-memorial" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Well worth a visit and a couple of hours, Pegasus Bridge. http://www.pegww2.net/Pages/Caen.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Arromanche has 2 the museum in town all about the Mulberry Harbour http://www.normandie44lamemoire.com/ver ... omus2.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
and on top of the hill the 360degree cinema which is amazing http://www.ww2museums.com/artikel/80/Ar ... es-360.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;.

Hope you have a great trip, don't forget to leave space to bring plenty of wine home!

Cheers Rich

[fullsunian]

Thanks for all the top tips, will get planning now

[roj62]

My father who died a few years ago was a veteran of the landings. We took him over every year from the 50th to the 61st anniversaries. He landed on Sword Beach at a place called Hermanville Le Breche. I love Normandy and its like a second home to me, I feel at home as soon as i get there and would live there in a heartbeat.

Places to see: god there are so many, the Riva Bella west from Ouistreham has lots of relics of the British invasions, right along to the mulberry harbours at Arromanche. The best museum is the Peace Museum in Caen. some amazing interactive displays. Omaha beach is a must, and also you should visit the American cemetery there, you should also visit the large British cemetery at Bayeax and also the German one at La Cambe. seeing the difference between the allied and German graves is very illuminating. La Cambe has 21,000 graves in an open park area with just a small stone plug marking 4 graves, it stretches for miles and is quite haunting.

Another must see is Pegasus bridge, there is a new museum there now which contains the original bridge. The cafe Condre at the bridge as far as i know is still run by the daughter of the family who were there when the paras landed next to them on the night of the 5th June. She loves brits and ex services people especially!

St Mare Eglise in the american sector is a nice town, large museum dedicated to the American Airborne div and a novel dummy paratrooper hangs from the church spire. The town is a bit touristy but still worth a visit.

There are so many little places, you keep finding a little war grave here or a tank there in some small town square. You will get so much from this trip!

Enjoy

[keith]

i love it too....and have visited all of the places you mention.

its a great camper van destination.

[dubman1975]

We travelled from dunkirk and followed the coast road Deaville which was really nice..To break up the driving we stayed at a place called Fe Camp was a lovely site..Terraced pitches overlooking the sea beautiful.48 Euros for the van 2 adukts and 2 kids.