Free Things To Do in Normandy

If you have extra time, Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial is worthwhile.

#1
D-Day Beaches Free

#1 in Normandy

Free

World War II’s successful Operation Overlord took place on the coast of France. Although there were heavy Allied casualties, this invasion turned the tide in the war and helped lead to the fall of Nazi Germany. Today this piece of coastline, which includes Sword, Juno, Gold, Omaha and Utah beaches, is collectively known as the D-Day Beaches.

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Beaches Type

2 hours to Half Day Time to Spend

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#2
Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Rouen Free

#2 in Normandy

Free

This gothic cathedral was the world’s tallest building for about five years -- 1876 to 1880. But its beauty in changing light is what drew the Impressionist artist, Claude Monet, whose work can be viewed at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen, to paint it several times. Today, the cathedral is one of the defining pieces of architecture in this part of Normandy.

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Monuments and Memorials Type

1 to 2 hours Time to Spend

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#3
Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial Free

#3 in Normandy

Free

Somewhere around 9,000 soldiers are buried in this Colleville-sur-Mer war cemetery, which overlooks Omaha Beach. Most of these lost their lives during the D-Day invasion. There's also a memorial that gives a narrative of the invasion, as well as a reflecting pool and a chapel. And about 1,500 soldiers who were missing-in-action are remembered on the Walls of the Missing, in a semicircle garden to the east of the memorial.

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Monuments and Memorials Type

1 to 2 hours Time to Spend

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#4
Bayeux War Cemetery Free

#4 in Normandy

Free

The Bayeux War Cemetery is one of the largest of 18 military cemeteries in Normandy, with somewhere around 4,000 graves -- many of which mark the plots of soldiers who were never identified. These headstones are inscribed with "A Solider Known Unto God." Keep in mind that if you're an American looking for your ancestors, you'll most likely have more luck at the American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer. This one contains soldiers from the United Kingdom and "the Continent," including some from Germany.

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Monuments and Memorials Type

1 to 2 hours Time to Spend

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#8
Eglise Jeanne d'Arc Free

#8 in Normandy

Free

This modern-looking church sits on the site of Jeanne d'Arc's (or Joan of Arc, to us Yanks) burning. The 19-year-old girl was burned at the stake for heresy in 1431. Today, you can tour this contemporary church (the exterior of which is reminiscent of fish scales) at Place du Vieux-Marché in Rouen.

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Churches/Religious Sites Type

1 to 2 hours Time to Spend