"The D-Day Landing Beaches" Basse-Normandie by Martinewezel

Basse-Normandie Travel Guide: 1,612 reviews and 5,082 photos

Omaha beach, American cemetary - Basse-Normandie

Sad to say, but thanks to the landing of the Allied troups on June 6th 1944, this part of France became a big tourist draw.
Of course this way the thousands of soldiers who gave their life to liberate our countries will be remembered for ever.

Especially the 70 hectares of American cemetery in Coleville- sur- Mer at Omaha Beach is impressive. The 9386 graves as silent witnesses keep on moving all visitors.

Contrary to the faded American Union Jack, flapping over this cemetary
at the beginning of the movie "Saving Private Ryan"... the American flag I saw here, was strong and proud. I had not the feeling being in France at this very place.
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The D-Day Landing Beaches - Basse-Normandie

Ste Marie du Mont / Utah Beach

Not going to write a history page. For those who want some additional info on D-day, there are lots of good internetsites.
I'll just try to write down my impressions about the places we visted.

Pros and Cons

Pros:A place where "the landing" is still alive.
Cons:Over the years I saw the war remains become dusty and rusty.
In a nutshell:A place in Normany where history and vacation go together.

Intro Updated Feb 26, 2011
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Reviews (7)

Remains from the landing for sale Tourist Traps (1)

This expensive old rusty junk in a basket are supposed remains from the landing. Not convincing... but probably a... more travel advice

Le Mont-Saint-Michel Off The Beaten Path (1)

The Mont-Saint-Michel is only an isolated rock lost in the sea. But one with a mythical attraction. The abbey, built on... more travel advice

Fancy gardens Local Customs (1)

Locals happen to tart up their garden with fancyful decorations " in honour of their liberators". Great, don't you... more travel advice

Arromanches (Normandy) - Basse-Normandie

Arromanches:dangerous beach for children Warnings and Dangers (1)

The concrete remains on the beach of Arromanches are hollow. Before leaving England they were filled with water and kept... more travel advice

Things to Do (3)
See All Arromanches-les-bains

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Comments (4)

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Greggor58 Jun 23, 2011 at 11:56 AM

Thanks for the little look..to think that the Para's fate was decided by which side of the steeple he got snagged on.and that he got snagged at all..how are your summer plans shaping up? Anything exciting travel plans on the horizon Martine?
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balhannah Sep 20, 2009 at 11:27 PM

Mont - Saint - Michel must be a marvellous sight when you see if for the 1st time. Magnificent!
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Nemorino Aug 14, 2008 at 11:49 AM

Hi Martine, thanks for sharing your impressions.
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painterdave Mar 29, 2006 at 1:22 PM

Ste Mere Eglise --thanks for the photo of the famous steeple. I always wanted to see it. Great family photo with the sign Utah Beach.