time in Normandy, France

I don't think 5 hrs in Normandy is anywhere near enough time to do it any justice. Our favorite museum, and we went to all of them, is the one in Bayeux.

Here are websites where you can look at various museums and some tour options, although your time frame may rule out tours in favor of driving around on your own:www.battlebus.fr (from Bayeux only)www.victorytours.com (from Bayeux only)www.memorial-caen.fr (from Caen only)www.ddaybattletours.comwww.overlordtour.com (based in Bayeux)Family of 12?! The professional tours will be too costly.

Doing it yourself will require a rental car, more research, and probably a GPS since you don't have time to waste getting lost.

Geeez, five hours to do the Normandy historic sites...that's like asking Charlie Sheen to keep his hands to himself in a brothel. If you're starting from Caen, do the WWII museum there the evening before. Like Susan, I really like the WWII museum in Bayeux, but you don't have the time (the Bayeux Tapestry in town is a fantastic must see). From Caen, drive to the coast and hit Arromaches for a great view of the remains of Mulberry - the artificial harbour. Lovely little town with a small, decent museum (not worth your time and euros, though). Head west on D514 to the German battery at Longues-sur-Mer. Featured in the movie "The Longest Day," it's fantastic to see these big German guns still in place. Your teens will enjoy checking out the forward observation post on the coastal cliff's edge.

Follow the coastal road west till you get to the American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer. Simply doing the cemetery, walking down to the beach, and checking out the German pillboxes along the path will take a minimum of a couple of hours. You really don't want to rush it here. If you have time, get back on the coastal road and go to Pointe-du-hoc. Quite simply a must see. This site really gives you a feel for the devastation and violence unleashed by allied bombers and ship's batteries. If you still have time, head south on D199/D113 toward la Cambe to get on N13/E46 to head back east to Caen. On the highway just outside of la Cambe is the German cemetery with over 21,000 graves. Easy to get to and an incredible site, if you have the time.

That's my two centimes worth. If you employ a pro, with a family of 12, you'll need some serious bailout $$$. Rick's book will get all the above done. Additional, more detailed source is Major Hotz's Normandy Invasion guide book.

I'll be cycling the D514 in a couple of months with several friends en route to Mont St. Michel and on to St. Malo. Please don't run us over. Have fun!!!

You all are so great! I think we will have to do Mont St. Michel some other trip! I really appreciate the "reality checks" and will follow all the good guidance. Wish we were there longer, but happy we can at least see where our WWII heroes made history! Thanks!!!

Good call on waiting for another trip to see Mont St Michel...that is what we did a few years ago! This trip we are taking our kids to the beaches/museums for a day and then combining MSM and Dinan,Brittany for another day. You will want to be able to spend time at the beaches and with 12 people you will need the day! Plus, you will be emotionally exhausted...it is a very moving experience!! You probably would not want to combine it with other stops. Have a great trip!

Thanks! Did not even factor in the emotional considerations. Always good to get another mom's opinion on the idea!

Kathy,

To prepare for your trip, there is some absolutely terrific stuff about Normandy on the American Battle Monument Commission website.

www.abmc.gov

And be sure to click on Cemeteries > Normandy. The video of the Omaha Beach cemetery is very moving.

Normandy is full of things and places to see, but to me the cemetery at Omaha Beach is #1.

More good info! Thanks