We will be taking a day trip to Normandy to visit the d-day sights and will have a car. Is it fairly easy to navigate the sights (signage, etc.)? And should 6 hours be enough to cover the main sights (American)....American cemetary, Omaha beach, etc? Is stopping at the Tourist Office in Bayeux recommended?
We are not looking for a multi-day, in-depth exploration of the area (we plan to come back!).....but a general introduction to the area.
Much thanks!
For a general introduction, you should be able to visit many of the major sites - Omaha and Utah beaches, Pointe du Hoc, Ste. Mere Eglise, etc. I would study beforehand and not try to cover too much distance. If you start at Ste. Mere Eglise and work your way eastward, you can end up at the cemetery at Colleville sur Mer at about 5pm, when they lower the flag and play Taps.
What you will not experience are the stories of individual heroism that we learned about during two days of the Battlebus Tours. Paul Woodadge and his staff are absolute master storytellers in addition to being first-rate guides. For a true student of D-Day, the experience was magnified ten-fold by taking the tours. We visited sites and learned things you would never find on your own.
We tried touring the beaches on our own a few years ago. I found signage difficult. For example, you need to know exactly which bramble-covered turnoff is the right one to Omaha Beach.
This is one area I would pay for a tour if I could do it again (and I will when I return). We got to the American cemetery just after it closed because I didn't check its hours. I could have gone down to the beach afterwards, instead of first as I did. A guide would know that.
Thanks so much for the info!
Can anyone suggest a good website for researching? I don't need to read a play by play historical dissertation, but just enough to know where the major points are.....that will help me decide what's worth seeing in my limited time!
Thanks again!
We did this trip in Sept 2006 for 2 days. It can be done in less but you will be running. stay at least 1 night nr D- day beaches or Bayeux. Bayeux info ctr is not necessary just follow what Rick says in his guidebk.
signage is great along the way. It is thought-provoking!!!
We have toured the beaches on our own twice, in 1996 and in 2006. The first time was very frustrating, as signage was terrible. Last fall it was a different story, as signage was much improved. I also recommend studying up beforehand, and having good maps and a plan.
