Next June we are going to the French Open and then headed north to visit Normandy and all the beaches of the WWII invasaion. I am taking an 11 year old with me, and after we go on all historical tours, I was wondering if anyone could tell me if there are actually any good swimming and vacation-type beaches up in that area?? I thought that in addition to absorbing all the wonderful historical features, we could also take a beach vacation???
Posted by
Calgary
2297 posts
Normandy has some very beautiful beaches. But June can be very early for any swimming in the water. By the end of June you may see the first people in the water but the water temperature is probably not quite what you'd like it to be.
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
Deauville has wonderful beaches.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
There are rental homes located all along the coast, but I wouldn't have the foggiest idea on how to reserve one. Most of the beaches are sandy, but rather narrow. I concur that the water may be a little cold in June, but the weather will likely be very pleasent.
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
The beach at Deauville is anything but narrow. It is a very broad and long sandy beach.
Posted by
San Jose, CA, USA
22 posts
It could well be cool and very windy. Rain is not unheard of either. Remember D-Day.
Don't pass up the WWII Museum in Caen. Not only the info we are familiar with but also from other countries too. Very interesting. You might watch "The Longest Day" before you go. I couldn't find the church where the parachutist got caught but drove around the town.
The Bayeaux Tapistry is fascinating, good movie, etc. And walk around the town. Pretty and welcoming.
If you like cheese - there are cheese factories open to the public for tours and tasting. Mont St. Michel is well worth a day.
You might try the town of Juno Beach where the Canadians landed for a holiday.
So much to do!
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
"You might try the town of Juno Beach" . The town is Courseuilles-sur-Mer and they did not land there for a holiday. Yes, I know, semantics, semantics.
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9436 posts
Beverly, I highly recommend the WWII museum in Bayeux and the one at the American cemetary, they are both wonderful. Especially with an 11 yr old, these 2 museums give you all the info without being overwhelming. We did not like the Caen museum at all. Way too big, very confusing, insanely crowded and very expensive. We've been going to Normandy since my son was 11 and we've spent many enjoyable days at Omaha Beach...My son in the water and playing in the sand. Very popular with families but never saw it crowded. You have a good chance of good weather in June, but of course, no guarantee. June 5/6, 1944 storm was unusual for that time of year, it's normally good weather then, that's one of the reasons why the D Day planners chose that date.
Posted by
Lake Oswego, Oregon
1329 posts
"You might watch "The Longest Day" before you go. I couldn't find the church where the parachutist got caught but drove around the town."
The movie is definitely worth seeing. The church where the parachutist was caught is in Ste Mere Eglise, and there is a dummy in military and parachute gear hanging from the steeple (the wrong steeple, however, but better for photo taking tourists).
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32353 posts
Grier,
Referring to Pvt. Steele and the Church Bell Tower in St. Mere Eglise, I believe he's on the right Steeple but on the opposite side to that which he actually landed (according to reports from others that landed with him and the BattleBus Guide).
As I recall, the "Paratrooper" is hanging from the side facing the Airborne Museum.