As a lot of people on these boards visit the D-Day landing sites I thought I'd draw attention to an interesting article on the BBC website about the Atlantic Wall, and specifically its preservation: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-10632543 I live on the Mediterranean coast so there's no Atlantic Wall here, however there are many coastal bunkers built under German occupation. Most of them have been blocked up with cement to prevent accidents, and then left neglected. It's a shame because, as is pointed out in the article, these have as much historic importance (albeit more recent) as the medieval castles and fortresses that people now flock to. They are also fascinating to visit, especially the more complex ones with tunnels and even passage ways cut into the cliff side.
Posted by
San Clemente, Ca.
408 posts
Thanks Ian for the information on the Atlantic Wall. When my husband and I did our three week World War II tour a few years ago we wanted to see parts of the Atlantic Wall but never found any information on how to see it. I will check out the website.
Posted by
San Francisco
14980 posts
Hi Darla, One way to see remnants of the Atlantic Wall is to go by car to the various beach towns in the Pas-de-Calais region, towns like Berk Plage, Stella Plage, etc. where you'll see remnants such as pill boxes. These left-overs I've seen there.