The Battle of Normandy

Tours of the D Day Landing Areas

Because of the intense interest in the landing phase of the Overlord operation (Neptune), the Normandy coast is probably the most frequently visited of World War II battle sites. The entire areaÑfrom the mouth of the Orne River in the east to the dunes of Varreville in the westÑabounds with museums, expositions, relics, monuments, and cemeteries associated with the Battle of Normandy. A number of general guidebooks are currently available to the interested traveler. There is also a separate guide to the museums and expositions in the area, even a guide (in French) to the monuments and sites associated with the Norman resistance to the German occupation. These guides are listed in our annotated bibliography.

The Bayeux-based ComitŽ du DŽbarquement (which we hereafter abbreviate as CD) has gone to great lengths to erect road signs directing the traveler to the principal sites and to provide first-rate information signs at the sites themselves. Especially impressive are the ten imposing stone commemorative monuments (CD monuments), often likened to the prows of ships, which have been erected at important sites all through the lodgment area. The CD's efforts and those of the Coastal Conservation Trust in acquiring historic sitesÑwhich now include Omaha and Utah beaches and the sites of the Merville, Longues-sur-Mer, St.-Marcouf, and Pointe du Hoc batteriesÑhave converted the Normandy coastal area into the most accessible and best-marked of all World War II battlefields.

There is much to see in Normandy, almost too much for the traveler with limited time. Therefore, we have outlined two tours of the landing areas, both originating in Bayeux, which will take you to the most important and interesting sites. Our experience indicates that it is possible to tour the Second British Army landing areas in a long day. Another equally long day will be required to visit both American beaches and the Ste.-Mre Eglise area. Excursions to Caen or Cherbourg or around Bayeux will require additional time. For the traveler who plans a limited stay in Normandy, we recommend that you concentrate on the Bayeux, Omaha Beach, and Ste.-Mre-Eglise areas for the American landings, and the Arromanches, Caen, BŽnouville-Pegasus Bridge areas in the British sectors.