Normandy - next week...

[Dibble]

Long story short - we've got some friends over from Oz, and we're spending New Year in London. On the Monday, the ladies travel home, and there are three of us heading to Normandy to have a look at some of the WWII stuff.

Unfortunately, this will probably only be the various cemeteries, as the Rough Guide seems to suggest all the actual museums are closed until February at the earliest.

We'll be happy enough with that, and we've only got two nights anyway. We were thinking of staying in Bayeux, unless anyone else has any recommendations (or indeed any hotel ideas for Bayeux).

Anything else we should be thinking of? We're going in the car, and using the tunnel, so at least the transport's sorted.

[RosscoPCole]

Been a few times. I always visit the Bayeux War Cemetery. Very moving place, I always feel im back in the UK when I'm there even though you look out to Bayeux catherdral. The Normandy American War Cemetery which is just a vast place. Beautiful and very tranquil considering the size and overlooks part of Omaha Beach. Also Arromanche is definitely worth a visit as it was home of the Mulberry Harbour. Walking distance from Arromanche is the Cinema Circulaire where they show a film called 'The Price of Freedom' it mixes newsreel images and archive material from war correspondents with modern day footage. There is no spoken commentary, just the sounds and noises of the D-Day sections and music covering the modern sequences. The Merville-Franceville Battery is an amazing place, both in terms of its scale and the events that took place there. There is never enough time to visit everywhere but I hope that these suggestions help.

Apologies just noticed that The Merville-Franceville Battery is closed until March though it says it opens if booked and Cinema Circulaire is closed in January. I've only visited in May and June.

Edited by RosscoPCole on Tuesday 28th December 20:33

[PaulHogan]

Been here on several occaisions: http://www.ranconniere.fr/ highly recommended.

(If open) go to the Canadian Memorial on Juno beach

[Arnold The Bat]

Just go and see the places. Omaha beach is incredible with lots of old bunkers you can get into especially close to the US cemetery. I believe the Longues sur mer battery is open all year round and Pegasus bridge will also be open because it is a functioning bridge although I don't know whether the visitor centre will be open (containing the original bridge) but it is quite possible you'll be able to walk to the original regardless of the museam being shut.

Pointe du Hoc may well be open and of course the square at St Mere Eglise will be open. If you're lucky the airborne museam next to it will also be open but I don't know. Arromanche as stated is worth a visit and if the tide is out you can get right up to a few of the mulberries.

I've found a list of museams and opening times here http://www.normandiememoire.com/NM60Anglais/contac...

Hope that helps.

Edited by Arnold The Bat on Tuesday 28th December 21:36

[Leadfoot]

Don't stay in Bayeaux, the tapestry is amazing - the town isn't.
Caen & Rouen aren't worth overnighting in either.

I'd recommend staying in Honfleur.

St.Malo & Dinan are other good places on the other side of the Cherboug peninsula.

Que the annual PH/Noramndie thread!

[selwonk]

Bayeux is indeed not up to much. However, to keep with the World War II theme, this hotel is great:

http://www.hotel-churchill.fr/en.php

[Manee]

i'm wanting to do the ww2 thing in 2011. need to find some people to go with as none of my mates would really be into this.

[Dibble]

Thanks for the tips so far. I should've explained I did a solo motorbike trip to Normandy last year, so I've an idea of what's there.

Unfortunately, as we only really get one full day, Honfleur is probably a bit too far away, so it looks like Bayeux may be having paying guests.

Cheers for the ideas so far.