July 8, 2006
Excursion:
Normandy Landing Beaches
This full-day tour of the Normandy beaches visits the historic sites of
D-Day, the Museum of the Landing Day, and the American Cemetery at
Colleville-Saint Laurent.
WHAT YOU VISIT
Museum of The Landing Day - Located in the small village of Arromanches, the
museum commemorates the D-Day landings. Models, dioramas and a short film
depict the monumental exploits and heroic sacrifices of Allied forces in
Operation Overlord.
American Cemetery - The cemetery occupies a plateau overlooking Omaha Beach
and is the final resting-place for 10,000 American soldiers. Walk between
the rows of stark white crosses that cover the greensward. A memorial and a
chapel flank the sea of graves.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES
Arromanches Beach - The remains of Mulberry, the artificial harbor where
thousands of troops came ashore, are still visible on the beach.
Pointe Du Hoc - Three companies from the 2nd Ranger Battalion scaled the
100-foot (30 m) cliffs to capture this strategic position on D-Day. The
Ranger Memorial towers above the 30-acre battlefield where, one inscription
reads, "Soldiers lie forever united in the chaos of war."
Omaha Beach - The most ferocious resistance to the Allied landings was
encountered on Omaha Beach.
LUNCH
Lunch with wine is served at a local restaurant.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
From Le Havre, drive to Ouistreham and along the coast, passing the Sword,
Juno and Gold landing sites. Continue on to Arromanches and the remains of
the Mulberry artificial harbor.
SPECIAL NOTES
The drive between Le Havre and the Landing Beaches is approximately 2
1/2-hours each way.
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