Musée du Débarquement
#13 in Best Things To Do in Normandy
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- 4.0Value
- 3.0Facilities
- 3.5Atmosphere
The Musée du Débarquement, located on the seafront where one of the most incredible achievements of WWII happened, shows how the prefabricated Mulberry Harbour was constructed. An engineering feat, the harbors were used to unload troops, vehicles and supplies during the Allied invasion of Normandy in June 1944. While not much is left of the floating harbors, you can still see some remnants of the concrete blocks that were towed across the English Channel. Museum exhibits include models, mock-ups, and photographs depicting its creation and the D-Day landings.
Recent visitors praised the small museum's models and explanations of how the harbor was conceived. However, some said its exhibits are a little dated.
Admission is 8.20 euros (about $9) for adults and 6 euros (about $6.60) for children. Hours vary by month, but generally, the museum is open from 9, 9:30 or 10 a.m. to 5, 6 or 7 p.m. Visit the museum's website for exact times and more information.
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2 of 17#1 D-Day Beaches
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.
Visitors can tour the approximately 50-mile stretch of sand and pop by a number of museums, memorials and cemeteries that are spread out alongside the coastline either with a tour or on their own. If you're driving yourself, start in the town of Arromanches, which hosts two museums that help provide context for the battle sites. The American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer and the Pointe-du-Hoc bomb craters are also especially moving. If you'd rather let someone else do the driving, recent visitors recommend going with a tour guide to fully appreciate the area's historic importance and receive a comprehensive overview. If you're visiting in June, you'll likely come across several ceremonies and reenactment groups commemorating the anniversary. Thanks to Normandy's unpredictable weather, you'll want to dress in layers (no matter the time of your visit) and bring rain gear, according to past visitors.
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.
Visitors can tour the approximately 50-mile stretch of sand and pop by a number of museums, memorials and cemeteries that are spread out alongside the coastline either with a tour or on their own. If you're driving yourself, start in the town of Arromanches, which hosts two museums that help provide context for the battle sites. The American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer and the Pointe-du-Hoc bomb craters are also especially moving. If you'd rather let someone else do the driving, recent visitors recommend going with a tour guide to fully appreciate the area's historic importance and receive a comprehensive overview. If you're visiting in June, you'll likely come across several ceremonies and reenactment groups commemorating the anniversary. Thanks to Normandy's unpredictable weather, you'll want to dress in layers (no matter the time of your visit) and bring rain gear, according to past visitors.
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