Our Norman Conquest: 🖐️Five Top Tips For Trails🖐️
The 80th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy will take place on 6th June 2024. Here's everything you won't want to miss on the Normandy Way.
This historic event, which led to the liberation of France and Europe, will be celebrated as a momentous occasion to support peace, liberty, and reconciliation. Numerous activities and events are expected to take place during the weekend. If you are visiting Normandy, we have made it easy for you.
The significance of D-Day and its impact on World War II
D-Day, also known as the Normandy landings, was a crucial turning point in World War II. It took place on June 6, 1944, when Allied forces launched a massive invasion of the beaches of Normandy, France. The operation aimed to liberate Western Europe from Nazi occupation and establish a foothold for the Allies. The success of D-Day paved the way for the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany and the end of the war.
The planning and execution of D-Day involved months 
of preparation and coordination among the Allied forces. It required a combination of naval, air, and ground forces to overcome the formidable German defences along the coast. The invasion involved five main landing beaches: Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, Gold Beach, Juno Beach, and Sword Beach. Each beach had its own unique challenges and objectives, but all played a crucial role in the success of the operation.
D-Day marked the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany. The invasion forces faced heavy resistance from the German defenders, but they were able to establish a foothold on the beaches of Normandy.
Omaha Beach
Omaha Beach was one of the most heavily fortified and defended beaches on D-Day. It was assigned to the American forces and was located in the easternmost part of the landing zone. The initial assault on Omaha Beach faced intense German resistance, with heavily fortified positions overlooking the beach. The American soldiers had to overcome obstacles such as barbed wire, landmines, and machine gun fire to secure the beachhead.
Overlord Museum Omaha Beach visitors can explore a unique collection of over 10,000 artifacts that trace the history of the Battle of Normandy up to the liberation of Paris. Located just 500 meters from the American Cemetery of Colleville-sur-Mer and the renowned Omaha Beach, this museum offers a comprehensive understanding of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy. The exhibits at the Overlord Museum showcase a wide range of artifacts, including uniforms, equipment, vehicles, and personal belongings.
Normandy American Cemetery and Visitor Centre, Colleville-sur-Mer. Beautifully located among the immaculately maintained gardens of this stretch of beach is a key site for American visitors to the Normandy Beaches all year round. The cemetery houses the remains of 9,388 servicemembers, many of whom were involved in the D-Day invasion and subsequent operations in the region. Built on an original, smaller cemetery, it was the first American cemetery on European soil during World War II. Free Entry.
La Point du Hoc was a strategic point in the german defences on this picturesque coastline. The slope is impressively steep and slippery and the target of a daring assault by 2nd Ranger Battalion, who managed to ascend it under fire, within minutes. After an intense battle, they discovered that the guns in the defence system were actually huge wooden beams instead of artillery. The area surrounding La Pointe du Hoc offers breathtaking views of the rugged coastline.
Utah Beach
Utah Beach was another landing zone assigned to the American forces on D-Day. It was located to the west of Omaha Beach and was initially considered a less challenging landing site. However, the American troops still faced significant obstacles and resistance from the German defenders.
The Utah Beach D-Day Landing Museum, Sainte-Marie-du-Mont. Located on the exact site where American troops landed on June 6th, 1944, it provides a comprehensive account of the events that took place on this significant day, from the planning stages to the ultimate success of Operation Overlord. Visitors can explore an immersive collection of artifacts, including the authentic American Marauder B26 bomber, as well as a variety of vehicles and equipment used during that time. Sainte-Marie-du-Mont
Airborne Museum, Sainte-Mère-Église . Dedicated to various exhibits related to the US paratroopers of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, its comprehensive collection of artifacts and immersive displays, the Airborne Museum offers visitors a unique insight into the events surrounding the D-Day landings, and the role played by the US paratroopers in securing a foothold in Normandy. An impressive interactive museum, reconstructions will give you an insight into events such as what it was light to jump and land in a village in the night. One of the museum's highlights is a scene that depicts paratroopers landing on the roof of the church in Sainte-Mère-Église. Additionally, there are several vehicles on display, including a Douglas C-47 Skytrain, a Waco glider, and a Sherman tank, as well as weapons, uniforms, and equipment.
Marcouff 44 Crisbecq Gun Battery, Crisbecq. This impressive abandoned battery, with its massive 3.5m thick walls, stands as one of the largest blockhouses along the Atlantic Wall. Visitors can now explore this site, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the architectural marvels of the German defences. The site is dedicated to the American soldiers who fell here on 7th June, 1944.
Gold Beach
Gold Beach was one of the landing zones assigned to the British forces on D-Day. The British forces faced a combination of obstacles and fortifications on Gold Beach, including concrete bunkers, barbed wire, and artillery positions.
Aromanches-les-Bains 360 circular cinema. An incredible production set overlooking the crest of the beaches, the 360deg cinema projects the 100 days of the battle of Normandy, with all footage taken from Allied and German archives. Well worth a stop. The experience lasts up to 20minutes.
German Gun Battery, Longues-Sur-Mer provides you with an extraordinary view over theis strategic position over the beaches and how the soldiers in the these monolithic pillboxes saw the arrival of the allied boats. They include the firing command post and four pillboxes each housing a 150mm artillery gun. It is excellently preserved and the only ones of their kind to still be equipped with their weapons. Free entry
British Normandy Memorial, Vel-sur-Mer. This exquisitely crafted memorial, located at this significant spot for the British landing troops, pays homage to 22,442 soldiers. Visitors are also afforded the opportunity of a walking tour of the village, where ten informative panels describe the momentous events that transpired during the war. Free entry
Juno Beach
Juno Beach was one of the landing zones assigned to the Canadian forces on D-Day. The Canadian troops faced a heavily fortified German defence on Juno Beach, including concrete bunkers, machine gun nests, and artillery positions. The initial assault faced heavy casualties.
Juno Beach Centre is located on the beach where the Canadian troops landed on DDay and the centre displays the contribution they made to the Normandy Landings. Featuring documents, footage and interactive maps you can explore a deeper sense of what the Canadians soldiers experienced. The Juno Centre also offers a Youth Circuit which is suitable for families. Free Entry
Sword Beach
Sword Beach was one of the landing zones assigned to the British forces on D-Day.
The Pegasus memorial, Ranville. The bridge, codenamed Pegasus, was taken under British control within ten minutes, making it the first engagement of D-Day. The successful capture of Pegasus Bridge by 170 British soldiers who arrived in six gliders is regarded as an exemplary mission due to its precise execution. A full size Horsa Glider are on display. Today, the original bridge serves as a war memorial and is the centerpiece of the Memorial Pegasus museum in Ranville, located nearby The museum provides visitors with the opportunity to learn about the airborne operations of D-Day, including the capture of the bridge[1]. The site also offers exhibits, artifacts, and information about the sacrifices made by the soldiers involved during this historic event. Free Entry
The Hillman Strongpoint, Colleville-Montgomery. Also known as Widerstandsnest 17, this was a fortified complex and command post constructed by the Germans during World War II as part of the Atlantic Wall defenses. This stronghold formed an integral part of the German coastal fortifications and was strategically positioned to safeguard the coastline against potential Allied invasions. The Hillman Strongpoint consisted of a network of bunkers and defensive structures, functioning as a fortified stronghold intended to impede the progress of enemy forces. Its primary purpose was to prevent any Allied advancements along the Normandy coast. When the Normandy campaign commenced, capturing Hillman became a paramount objective for British forces. Free Entry
No4 Commando Museum, Ouistreham. Created by British and French veterans, it tells their stories. It highlights their importance, from their training in Scotland, to their participation on DDay. All the objects on display are authentic and often gifted by families. Free Entry
Atlantic Wall Museum, Ouistreham. 
Located inside a German bunker, this HQ controlled the gun batteries for the entire Orne estuary. You will explore the restored rooms, including the barracks, infirmary, engine and ammunition stores. Dedicated to the impressive building project that the Atlantic Wall represented, which needed 2million labourers to build. A great museum to understand the immense defensive structure. Free Entry, but limited to specific opening times.
away from the beaches
Mémorial de Caen (Caen Memorial Museum). Considered one of the best World War II museums in France, it covers various aspects of the war, including civilian life during and after the conflict. You can learn about the impact of the war on civilians and the reconstruction efforts that followed in Normandy and beyond.
Normandy Victory Museum, Carentan-les-Marais. This museum focuses on the Battle of the Hedges and offers insights into the lives of both civilians and soldiers during the 100 days following D-Day. It showcases a collection of over 15,000 authentic objects in 27 hyper-realistic exhibits.
Civilians in Wartime Memorial, Falaise. Located in the Falaise area, this memorial highlights the experiences of Normans during the Battle of Normandy. It covers the evacuation of homes, the toll on civilians, and the impact of the bombardments in the region.
The German Military Cemetery La Cambe is a beautifully laid out cemetery, designed with specific characteristics and features that reflected the cultural and commemorative practices of the time. A glade, centered by a mound with two guardian statues topped by a large dark cross in basalt lava. It marks the resting place for 207 unknown and 89 identified German soldiers, interred together in a mass grave. Following similar designs from the WWI cemeteries along the Western Front, almost 21300 Germans are buried here, including Michael Wittmann who was a notorious German tank commander.
