Want to travel back in time and relive the events of WWII? Take a trip to Normandy. And see Normandy Then and Now – which will give you a perfect WWII Travel Experience,.
Since, this region on the French coast was the site of one of the most important military campaigns of the Second World War. Normandy’s beaches and towns are where paratroopers once dropped, where ships landed under fire, and where thousands sacrificed their lives in the quest for freedom. Today, these towns have thriving communities, always looking to the future, but never forgetting the past. Join us on the ultimate WWII travel experience, as we explore Normandy then and now.
The D-Day Beaches Then
The Allied forces landed on the shores of Normandy as part of Operation Overlord on 6 June 1944. And each beach tells a different story:
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Omaha Beach reveals the brutal challenges American troops experienced on the first beach landing. Two U.S. infantry divisions landed here and faced the bloodiest fighting of that morning.
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U.S. forces ensured a successful landing at Utah Beach. They were supported by British, Dutch, and other Allied forces.
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The Gold, Juno, and Sword Beaches were the sites of the British and Canadian landings. The Gold Beach landings were scheduled almost an hour after the Americans had landed on Utah and Omaha due to tide differences.
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The landing at Juno was delayed due to weather. As a result, the infantry landed on the shores ahead of the armor and experienced heavy casualties shortly after the landing.
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On Sword Beach, most of the tanks managed to get ashore, providing armored support to the infantry. However, the beach was heavily mined and riddled with obstacles.
The Landing Beaches Today
Today, waves roll peacefully onto the sand at all of these beaches. But the memorials that line these shores tell of a time when brave men fought and died here to free others from tyranny. So, start your WWII journey where history was made, with a Band of Brothers Tour. You’ll experience all the highlights, including the D-Day landing beaches. Expert guides answer all your questions about the surrounding sites.
Normandy’s Towns Then
When Allied forces occupied Normandy, they faced fierce resistance from German troops, delaying Normandy’s full liberation. The town of Bayeux was fortunately spared major destruction, as British forces liberated the town on 7 June. Others were not so lucky. In Caen, the heart of the city was reduced to rubble as the Allies sought to destroy communication networks and halt the flow of German reinforcements. The towns of Lisieux, Coutances, Saint-Lô, and Vire were also decimated.
These Historic Towns Today
Today, these towns are once again thriving. Exploring France by train allows you to relax in comfort and admire the scenery of the beautiful French countryside. But we recommend spending some time walking through the various towns whose history has shaped their modern identity. Which gives you a perfect WWII travel experience.
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Bayeux offers the Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy, the only museum that presents all of the military operations that took place on Norman soil during the summer of 1944.
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Lisieux is known as a green town with many gardens, parks, and mountain biking routes.
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Coutances offers both historical buildings aplenty and dynamic cultural and sporting experiences.
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In Saint-Lô, you’ll be spoiled for choice with a wealth of experiences built around history, culture, gastronomy, and the beauty of nature.
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In Vire, locals and visitors alike delight in the weekly markets where they can purchase fish, meat, vegetables, and cheese. Be sure to stop and sample the culinary wares on your way to see the 15th-century clock tower that dominates the town centre.
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Caen has transformed into a modern, vibrant city with a young student population and a buzzing nightlife scene. But history lovers can enjoy Caen’s historic center, medieval monuments, Romanesque churches, and memorials.
The Region’s WWII Past
On the morning of June 6, 1944, a turning point in the Second World War was reached. As Allied paratroopers landed in Normandy, tasked with capturing bridges in key towns to secure the area. This was followed by Allied beach landings, where so many fought and died to liberate not only France, but also the whole of Europe. The Allied nations have commemorated the bravery and sacrifice of the D-Day invasion in the years since, and still do today.
Annual Events Keep the Memory Alive
The people of Normandy, too, have not forgotten. Each year, Normandy invites people to come and celebrate freedom. The D-Day Festival in Normandy blends remembrance with community celebration. Visitors can enjoy D-Day reenactments as well as parades, concerts, and exhibitions.
For a more hands-on WWII travel experience, you can take one of the many WWII tours at any time of year.
You’ll visit the landing beaches, restored bunkers, and historic routes taken by paratroopers and infantry divisions. The town of Sainte-Mère-Église still displays a parachute on the church steeple where Private John Steele became stuck for hours.
Boulogne-sur-Mer may be the perfect French getaway, with its quaint fishing port, Old Town architecture, and fresh seafood delights. But while in France, consider a trip further along the coast, to Normandy for the ultimate WWII travel experience.