It is rare that one can discover a tangible piece of their country’s past on foreign soil. In France, there are numerous possibilities to find evidence of American presence during World War II in all corners of the Hexagon. Even in modern Paris one can find the pockmarked edifices of certain buildings from gunfire during France’s darkest hour. And despite the small memorials to American troops that dot this country, the grandest and most historically significant site for Americans in France is the D-day beaches in Normandy. A trip to the site of the Allied invasion of Normandy beginning on June 6th, 1944 is a must for any American, history buff or not. While glancing at the historic beaches sparks amazement, the most poignant part of the day for most visitors is a visit to the American cemetery, where the bodies of some 9,000 American soldiers lay in unmarked graves. A day trip to the military sites of Normandy also includes a visit to the Caen Memorial, the Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach Visitor’s Center and remains of the artificial harbor landing built by the Allies in June of 1944.
Though the events of World War II still have a very important meaning to the area and its French residents around the D-day beaches, the region is well worth a visit outside of the context of the war. Normandy’s coastline is a beautiful landscape of dunes, small-scale farms and green pastures. Squeezing in a visit to Normandy in one day is a bit of a challenge. Visitors will have to either rent a car or join up with one of the countless guided tours that head north each day. The ride takes over 2 hours each way and guests must drive between many of the memorial sites. Nonetheless, Americans visiting today’s free France often come away with a new appreciation for the sacrifices made by the WWII Allies after a visit to Normandy, one of the few sites in France where the heartbreaking evidence of battle is frozen in time.
– This 1-bedroom vacation rental apartment in Denfert Rochereau, Montparnasse – Porte de Versailles (PA-2851) features a working fireplace, a small balcony and hardwood floors.
– This elegant and stylish 1-bedroom vacation rental accommodation in Porte de Saint Cloud, Auteuil-Tour Eiffel (PA-4236) features hardwood floors, tasteful furnishings and has room for a family of four. Share your Normady expirence below.
A D-Day trip to Normandy is absolutley a must do when you are in Paris not unless for History itself but also for the beauty of the site!
My grandfather fought at Normandy. I would love one day to visit the memorial and explore the area. I didn’t know it was doable from Paris. Maybe we do have an excuse to book a vacation there…
I remember the Ceremony for the 60th Anniversary of the D-Day it was quite impressive! My father was part of the D-Day in June 3rd 1944 unfortunately he passed away 2 months before the ceremony!
I would absolutely love to visit this area, with so much history, and a story that every generation will know from now until the end of time.
Had a great day trip to the beach when I stayed in Paris last Summer. Great times.
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