The largest seaborne invasion ever witnessed was launched from choppy waters onto the wind-whipped shores of German-held Normandy in the early hours of 6 June 1944. With the 75th anniversary of D-Day being commemorated in France, numerous exhibitions and events throughout the year provide an insightful opportunity to visit this historic location.
This road trip highlights the standout sights that experienced the most intense fighting, now commemorated by poignant monuments across the region.
Caen
Initially, Operation Neptune (D-Day) captured a tenuous hold on French soil, leading to the arrival of two million Allied troops by August 1944. Heavily devastated during the Battle of Normandy, the handsome city of Caen serves as an appropriate starting point, especially the thought-provoking Le Mémorial de Caen, which provides a detailed overview of how WWII shattered this French region. Visitors should not miss the gripping film and haunting footage of the Nuremberg trials while exploring the austere 70m-length of General Richter’s Underground Bunker, located on-site.
Juno Beach
Driving along the D79 from Caen leads to Juno Beach at Courseulles-sur-Mer, known for its peaceful sand dunes that the Canadian Army stormed on D-Day. The on-site Juno Beach Centre honors Canada’s costly sacrifice during this historic event. A summer visit aligns with one of the centre’s guided beach tours, which grants access to the German bunker situated here. As you journey to Juno Beach, consider a detour to the 1944 Radar Museum in Douvres-la-Délivrande. This museum sheds light on the technological role in WWII and showcases a Würrzburg radar antenna from one of Germany’s key radar stations in Normandy.
Arromanches-les-Bains and Mulberry Harbours
Continuing west along the D514 past Gold Beach, assailed by the British 50th Infantry on D-Day, leads to Arromanches-les-Bains, site of perhaps the most ambitious logistical feat of the attack. The Musée du Débarquement, which reopened for the 75th anniversary, elucidates how the artificial Mulberry Harbours were constructed as temporary ports for the crucial offloading of cargo. The film at the Arromanches 360° Circular Cinema serves as a highly informative introduction to this crucial endeavor. It is best to visit at low tide when the remnants of the Mulberry Harbours are visible above the water line.
Longues-sur-Mer Battery
From Arromanches-les-Bains, proceed along the D514 to Longues-sur-Mer, where a formidable battery of vast 150mm German artillery pieces still points towards the sea, a part of Germany’s Atlantic Wall coastal defenses. Visitors should take time to explore the gun emplacements, as they are accessible except for the first casemate, which is fenced off due to damage.
Bayeux
Drive south along the D104 from Longues-sur-Mer, and upon reaching the intersection with the D613 on the outskirts of town, turn right to discover the informative Musée de la Bataille de Normandie and the Bayeux War Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth cemetery in Normandy, where 4,848 soldiers from the UK and ten other nations are interred. Directly across the road, a memorial honors 1,807 Commonwealth soldiers whose remains were never found. Bayeux is renowned for its beautiful tapestry depicting the conquest of England by William the Conqueror in 1066 and was the first town liberated in the early hours of 7 June 1944.
Omaha Beach and the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial
From Bayeux, head north along the D6 to Port-en-Bessin, then turn left onto the D514 to Colleville-sur-Mer and follow the signs to the remarkable Overlord Museum—chronicling the battle from the landings to the liberation of Paris—and subsequently to the Normandy American Cemetery & Memorial. This haunting site is marked by endless white marble crosses and Stars of David, creating a moving tribute to the lives lost. Spanning almost 70 hectares, the cemetery is the final resting place for nearly 9,400 Americans who perished in WWII and serves as the backdrop for the powerful opening scenes of the film, Saving Private Ryan.
A substantial semi-circular colonnaded memorial features a bronze statue: The Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves. Remarkably, a time capsule containing news reports of the D-Day landings lies beneath a granite slab inscribed with the instruction: ‘To be opened June 6, 2044’. The Visitor Centre is not to be overlooked; it presents compelling narratives of the landings, and English-language tours of the cemetery grounds occur daily at 2 PM (11 AM between mid-April and mid-September). A few German bunkers remain on Omaha Beach, alongside the visible remnants of the Mulberry Harbour at very low tide.
La Pointe du Hoc
Traveling west along the D514 for 10km leads to La Pointe du Hoc, the highest point between Omaha Beach and Utah Beach, heavily fortified by large 155mm artillery gun emplacements. This pivotal site was the scene of a daring assault on the early morning of 6 June 1944, when 225 US Army Rangers climbed the steep 30m high cliffs. Once they captured the site, they found the guns had been moved inland, prompting them to continue their mission despite facing enemy counterattacks. By June 8, only around 90 of the original men had survived. The heroic actions of that day are commemorated by battle-scarred concrete bunkers and casemates, along with an informative visitor centre at the site.
Utah Beach
Continuing west along the D514 leads to the N13, then heading northeast along the D913 concludes the drive at Utah Beach approximately 45km from La Pointe du Hoc. This site, taken by the US 4th Infantry Division, encountered only light resistance and is chronicled in the engaging Musée du Débarquement de Utah Beach.
Exploring Normandy’s Essential WWII Sights
A variety of minibus tours operate across Normandy, providing an excellent means to navigate the key D-Day sites. Le Mémorial de Caen offers year-round tours that encompass several important landmarks and include a visit to the museum itself in Caen. Consider checking out local operators for efficient excursions, which may enhance your understanding of this historic region.
Accommodation Options
For travelers seeking a splendid overnight stay, the Château de la Ferrière is an exquisite 18th century chateau surrounded by beautiful grounds located between Bayeux and the coast.
Alternatively, La Maison de Famille offers a historic and charming B&B experience in Caen.
Dining Recommendations
If you’re looking for exceptional dining, L’Alchimie presents modern French cuisine that is superbly crafted and beautifully presented in Bayeux.
For vibrant and creative dishes in a stylish atmosphere, visit À Contre Sens in Caen.
This article was first published in August 2018 and updated in June 2019.
