We are leaving for a week in France in 1 1/2 weeks. We are planning to spend about 3 days of that time in Normandy. I just saw on the news that the D-Day beaches/cemetaries are closed due to the government shutdown. Can anyone give me any information on what is closed? Thanks!
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
Anything to do with the Canadian and British landing beaches, including museums and cemeteries, will not be affected by the U.S. Gov't closures.
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9436 posts
They can't close Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, Pointe du Hoc, Saint Mere Eglise or anyplace else that I know of. The cemetery is the only place I can think of that they can close. So there's still lots to see. Don't miss the WWII museum in Bayeux... best one imo.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7884 posts
In addition to what Norma says, the "American" landing beaches are the property of France, always have been, and are unaffected by the U.S. government.
Posted by
Downingtown, USA
2449 posts
The American cemetery is closed but do not let that deter you from going, as others have said, everything else is open.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32350 posts
Jennifer, As the others have mentioned, the beaches will NOT be closed. The only properties affected will be the American Cemetery above Omaha Beach, and any other properties administered by the American Battle Monuments Commission. You may find it helpful to have a look at these lists: www.abmc.gov/memorials/memorials.php www.abmc.gov/cemeteries/cemeteries.php As you won't be leaving for a week or so, hopefully this situation will be resolved by then. Happy travels!
Posted by
OP
Motta Sant'Anastasia
17 posts
Thanks for the feedback everyone. I hope everything will be up and running by the time we leave for so many reasons. The least of which are our travel plans.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, US
1005 posts
The other place that will be closed is Pointe du Hoc, the cliffs near Omaha Beach that Army Rangers had to scale on D-Day. It is also run by the American Battle Monuments Commission.
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9436 posts
I'm trying to figure out how they can close Pointe du Hoc.. I don't remember a specific entrance. I remember it was all open with many ways to walk into the area and all that's there are old bunkers...
Posted by
Westford, MA, USA
567 posts
There is a cemetary in Brittany which may not be closed. It is the finally resting place for 4400 Americans. Hopefully, by the time you arrive they will all be open. The website suggested is the best place for information and the office of tourism for France.
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
The Brittany cemetery (Saint-James) is also under the aegis of the AMBC.