Can only endorse most of what has been written here. It is a special place to visit, but cant be done in one trip. I reckon you would need to be there for many years before you could even scratch the surface so to speak ! Have been there twice now and will be going back !

One small note, if you are going to Bayeux, dont forget to go into the CWGC cemetery there as well. Indeed as you travel around the area inland from the Normandy coast you will find all too many CWGC cemetaries, some quite large and quite close together. Along with Colleville, which is awe inspiring, a thought provoking walk will let you see the reminders of so many lives lost.

Keep an eye open for all the little details as well, there are many small markers or memorials along the sides of the road.

If you are interested in doind a guided tour I can recommend one of the nicest, most knowledgeable quides in the area…i know they dont like adverts here, even if they are only recommendations, so can PM you if you wish.

Have a great trip and as previously advised take loads of photos to share with the rest of us !

I’m traveling with a few other people, so I’ll skip a guided tour this time. However, I will keep an eye out for markers and memorials along the road. I re-watched a Battlefield Normandy DVD yesterday and it seems there are few places that didn’t see combat.

I have set aside a full day for Bayeux.

Three suggestions:

It’s because the tourist trade there is significantly made up from the children and grandchildren of Overlord participants, and there were more grunts than sky-gods?

It’s because ground kit isn’t quite as flimsy as aircraft, so there are more items left to display?

It was a genuine ‘Combined Op’ so the museums reflect this?

Good point though

Moggy

Sounds reasonable.

That looks a really good mix. Two tips.

Read up on what actually happened with John Steele at St Mere Eglise. it is more astonishing than the depiction in The Longest Day (And don’t forget his dummy is in totally the wrong place)

B26 Marauder now at Utah Beach museum. A must see. I’m not sure there is another anywhere in Europe.

Moggy

I have added the Maisy Battery to trip 1. Also, I’m bringing a few books and my laptop, so hopefully I can read up along the way.

Looking forward to seeing the Marauder (think there is one at Le Bourget also).

Mondariz.
A great choice for a pilgrimage/holiday.

There used to be a great little boulangerie at the top of the hill in Arromanches.
Take some jam and marmalade and get there early and have breakfast overlooking the Mulberry harbour and try and imagine. I used to make it my first stop when I got off the boat from Portsmouth.
The overnight boat to Caen used to deposit you just after opening time at the bakery, a quick drive along the coast and breakfast overlooking the sea.:);):).

Oh and when you go to the bridge, have a look in Ranville churchyard. There you will find the grave of Lt Den Brotheridge, 2nd Batt. Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. he was killed in the assault on the bridge and was the first British serviceman killed on D-Day.

At the other extreme of the battle area, you will find St Mere Eglise, where the Americans dropped in. Lovely little place with a good museum.

And as Moggy says–CALVADOS..!

Andy

I can imagine there are plenty of spots to sit and refect over history. I hope the people I travel with have time for that – otherwise I might have to take a day or two for myself.

I have planned 3 day trips now:

1: Ranger Museum – Pointe-Du-hoc – Omaha Beach –Saint-Laurent-Sur-Mer Cemetery.

2: Port-en-Bessin – Longues battery – Arromanche – Pegasus Bridge

3: Dead man Corner (small airborne museum) – Sainte-Mere-Eglise Airborn Museum – Battery D’Azeville Museum – Utah Beach