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,

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 theMusée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen, to paint it several times. Today, the cathedral is

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

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

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