Immerse In History In Normandy, France

The upcoming 70^th anniversary of D-Day, June 6, 2014, puts Normandy on the minds of many whose bucket list includes visiting the landing beaches and historic sites of World War II. History buffs will delight in the museums and exhibits that take visitors into the raw moments of the Allied assault through narrative text, artifacts, photos and film. Known for its bucolic countryside and impressionist landscapes, Normandy also offers a feast in gastronomy, arts and culture.

For the milestone 70^th anniversary next summer, the region will honor its WWII history with numerous cultural and festive events including concerts, fireworks and re-enactments. Leading up to this commemorative year, several new museums and interactive exhibits have opened, inviting visitors to learn more about the D-Day invasion and ensuing 100-day Battle of Normandy, while discovering the beauty of the area.

Highlighting Historic Sites

From beaches to bunkers, more than 30 memorial D-Day sites add to the region's rich history and invite visitors to take time to explore. The city of Caen, home to an 11^th century ducal castle and two magnificent abbeys, offers one of Europe’s most visited museums, the Caen Memorial, which covers 20^th century history from the long years of war to peace.

Bayeux is a charming medieval town and offers guided minibus excursions to the battle sites including Omaha Beach and Utah Beach where the American forces landed. The famous Bayeux tapestry depicting William the Conqueror’s conquest of England is the town jewel, and Bayeux Cathedral is a close second.

Top of the list for Americans to see is the American Cemetery and Visitor Center in Colleville-sur-Mer, overlooking the now peaceful Omaha Beach. Strolling by the precisely aligned rows of Italian marble crosses and Stars of David marking the graves of 9,387 American servicemen and women invites a pause for reflection. Flags are raised at several flagpoles each day at 9:00 a.m. and visitors are welcome to watch.

The Arromanches D-Day Museum presents the story of the British troops building the artificial port known as Mulberry Harbor and other artifacts. The museum sits on Gold Beach, and visitors can walk along hilltop paths above the village to see vestiges of the harbor port.

The quaint village of Sainte-Mere-Eglise features the Airborne Museum and a statue of paratrooper John Steele whose parachute was tangled in the church spire until he was captured by a German soldier and later escaped.

Point du Hoc is where the famous U.S. Army Rangers precariously scaled the cliffs of the formidable German defense. They are memorialized with a monument at the point, and visitors can walk along paths through the cratered landscape and explore the bunkers that remain today.

New Offerings                                              

The Overlord Museum near Omaha Beach opened June 2013, and highlights the human aspects of war with a rich collection of soldiers’ personal belongings, vehicles, tanks and guns. With large, visually attractive exhibits for all ages, the new Overlord Museum was the result of 40 years of research by a passionate local citizen who lived through the invasion and led post-war restoration efforts in Normandy.

Arromanches 360, a circular theatre near the D-Day Museum, shows the new film “Normandy’s 100 Days” that retraces the campaign from the preparations for D-Day to the liberation of Paris. An emotional film shown on nine giant screens, it is also a tribute to the many thousands of civilians killed during the invasion.

The Utah Beach Museum focuses on engaging the next generation with appealing exhibits and a number of programs for families. The museum’s new showpiece is a Martin B-26 Marauder on display in a 1940’s style purpose-built hangar designed by an American architect. Visitors who sign on for the VIP tour with the museum curator will have hands-on access including a climb into the B-26. The museum also screens a new award-winning film, “Victory in the Sand.” 

Land of Cows, Camembert and Calvados

A variety of lodging and culinary offerings invite visitors to experience the regional culture. Rooted in an agricultural base, Normandy has a long history with its apple crop and the distillation of the local brandy Calvados. Stories of the Occupation include tales of French workers getting the German officers drunk on Calvados, so they could slack off in helping build the German defenses.

For visitors who want a piece of Norman culture and a unique lodging choice, it’s possible to sleep in a huge oak barrel once used to age Calvados, cozily furnished for two. For roomier quarters and with a country manor appeal, try a bed and breakfast stay at Chateau la Cheneviere near Omaha Beach or the pleasant hunting lodge, Pavillon de Gouffern. Traditional hotel choices include Caen’s Best Western Priory in a restored abbey and the Omaha Beach Mercure, which offers two golf courses, one seaside. Top choice in Bayeux is the new 4-star Villa Lara with cathedral views.

In addition to producing Calvados, Normandy prides itself on abundant regional cuisine of oysters, codfish, duck, salt marsh lamb, Camembert cheese and other dairy products. In between touring historic sites, foodies will have much to discover in Normandy gastronomy with plentiful artisan producers of cheeses, caramels and cider.

Getting There: Air France flies direct Atlanta-Paris. For travel planning visit www.normandy-tourism.org.

Ann Yungmeyer is a freelance writer.  Contact her at annyungmeyer.wordpress.com.