Why Normandy should be on your Travel Bucket List

Normandy is full of life and history. People who have visited Normandy fall in love with its quaint charm and stunning landscapes. The region offers a unique blend of history, art, and delicious cuisine. But for us, we wanted to see the region for its connection to World War 2. 

The Battle of Normandy includes “D-Day”, which happened in June of 1944. This battle is known across the world as the beginning of the end of WWII. D-Day and The Battle of Normandy have been the subject of many movies and tv shows over the years so even those who are not equipped with World War 2 knowledge, heading to the beaches in Normandy will surely give you goosebumps. 

Our family visit to Normandy

Our first stop was Omaha Beach and the Normandy American Cemetery. Although Rog and I had seen images and footage of the cemetery (think the opening scene of ‘Saving Private Ryan’), it cannot prepare you for how immense the site is. It is well maintained and clean, and even after all these years, it draws visitors paying their respects from all around the world. We walked around the cliffs and the length of Omaha Beach. You cannot help but picture the soldiers storming the beaches where you stand.

Later that evening we walked along the beach again, back to our accommodation. This is where we really felt goosebumps. The tide quickly came in as the lighting changed. While we had a giggle about getting wet and having to wade through the water home, it dawns on you how difficult it was to time the tides for the landings in 1944. 

During our trip, we also visited Pointe Du Hoc. On this clifftop that overlooks the English Channel, you can still see the remains of German bunkers and machine gun posts. 

You do not need to be an expert to visit these and other significant sites from World War 2 in the area. There are guides and tours at many of the sites. You will also find that signage is usually in English. 4G is also great in this region, so you can always ask Google to give you a hand if you need more information. 

From our kid’s point of view

Fortunately for our kids, Rog knows a lot about this battle and history in general, so we don’t always need to fight crowded areas to read signs and information. Both the children were fascinated by what they saw and asked a lot of questions, especially about any involvement Australian soldiers may have had. As the memorials we visited were outside, both of the kids enjoyed it more. (Fresh air and a view of the water is always a winner in our family). If you have young children, then visiting the outside memorials and sites is perfectly fine. We only came across a few signs that contained slightly graphic images of the battles, but honestly, younger children would not even notice. 

Having lived in The Netherlands for the last few years has given Mick and Tate more knowledge of World War 2 than most. There are many museums and stories throughout the country so adding this experience was amazing. There is not much out there for children to watch about Normandy before you visit. However, visiting will certainly positively impact them for years to come. 

Why Normandy should be on your travel bucket list

Normandy may not be a destination you think of visiting when planning a European vacation, but it should be! It certainly is a region that offers something for everyone and needs to be on your travel bucket list. 

Best time to visit

Normandy experiences 4 distinct seasons. Although summer is the most idyllic time to visit the beaches and enjoy the outdoor terraces, winter is where you will find the best deals for accommodation. Choosing this time is great if you are heading to the region for the countless museums and landmarks. 

You can avoid the crowds during May, or September. You will still have great weather and it will be significantly quieter outside of European Summer. 

Getting around

With so much to explore in Normandy, it is most enjoyed by bike or car. There are many areas where parking the car and then walking to points of interest is convenient. There is also public transportation in the major towns and taxis are available, but it is more expensive.

Highlights of Normandy 

In addition to seeing the sights of The Battle of Normandy, Check out 4 of the best highlights of Normandy. 

1. Outdoor adventures

Normandy hosts 640 kilometres of coastline and expansive landscapes. The region is a great place for a summer getaway, even if history is not your thing. Ziplining, kayaking, golf, summer sledding, hiking, and mountain biking are all on offer. 

2. Unique Sightseeing

A must see in the Normandy region is The Mont-Saint-Michel which is surrounded by a bay. Known to the locals as a gravity-defying abbey, the unforgettable site is an island topped with stunning architecture. Top Tip: Places like The Mont-Saint-Michel are open as late as midnight during the summer. They will start to lower ticket prices after 7 pm and still offer special night shows, so consider this when planning your Normandy itinerary. 

3. History

You can continue your history lesson by visiting the Le Cite de la Mer, Cherbourg Which is a devoted underwater exploration museum that includes the biggest visitable sub in the world. This is also the deepest aquarium in Europe. 

4. Food and Wine

The Normandy region is a great spot for amazing food and wine. Wine lovers can join a winery bike tour, and check out boutique wineries across Normandy. One mentionable boutique is Vignes Normandes on the outskirts of the city. This cozy winery offers indoor and outdoor seating and continues to show off Normandy’s charming architecture. Up and down the coast you will find some great seafood restaurants. From seafood platters to basic fish and chips, local fishing is at its finest in this area. Normandy is also home to some of the most wonderful apples in Europe so no visit is complete without indulging in some local apple cider (with or without alcohol). 

Final Thoughts

Normandy is an excellent spot for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation. There are plenty of accommodation options and getting around is easy by car; making it the perfect road trip. Even if you are not into history, we still feel that it is worth going to at least Omaha Beach and the Normandy American Cemetery, as it is such an important part of the region and the world.