Norman Day D Beach | A historical pilgrimage through time

Why is it worth going? Normandy is not only a witness to the history of World War II, but also carries humanity’s eternal remembrance of freedom and peace. On June 6, 1944, 160,000 Allied soldiers landed here, rewriting the end of World War II in blood. Today, it retains battlefield sites, monuments and museums, and every inch of the land speaks of courage and sacrifice. The beauty of Normandy lies not only in history, but also in the idyllic scenery, the mellowness of cider and cheese, and the Normandy’s cherishment of history. itinerary Day 1: Bayonne – The intertwined space-time of the Middle Ages and World War II 🚗Transportation advice A 3-hour direct drive from Paris, car rental is best for free travel (airport can be booked), or choose a guided tour that includes a guided tour (Veterans’ Memories Tour is recommended). 🍴First experience of Normandy cuisine For lunch, we recommend La Dégusterie in Bayonne, which opens up the taste buds with the “4C”: Calvados wine (apple brandy) Cider (great with local cheese) Camembert cheese (one of the world’s three largest cheeses) Cream (the soul of Normandy dairy) The owner, David, enthusiastically explains the secrets of matching and instantly blends into local life. ⛪️ Must-visit historical landmarks The Mussels Tapestry Museum The thousand-year-old embroidered long scroll (70 meters) restores the Norman conquest of England in 1066 and is the earliest "serial painting" in Europe. Urgent reminder: Closed for renovation from September 1, 2025, reopening in 2027, go early! Bayonne Cathedral Gothic spiers coexist with Roman cellars, and stained glass reflects Viking history. If you’ve seen the American TV series Vikings , this is where Duke Rollo started. 🏨 Accommodation recommendation: Hotel de Brunville & Spa Hidden away in the 3-star hotel in the Old Town of Bayonne, the pool + hot springs cure the arduous travel, 5 minutes walk to all attractions. Day 2: St. Mel Eglis → Omaha Beach – A practical lesson on fire and sacrifice 🪂The story of the airborne soldiers St Mel Eglis Church: Looking up you can see paratrooper John Steele's dummy suspended atop the tower - he was captured by the Germans after his parachute got stuck pretending to be dead and escaping. The movie "The Longest Day" recreates this scene. Airborne Museum: C-47 transport aircraft wreckage, full-size glider and vibration simulation cabin, immersive experience of the thrilling paratroopers after a night attack on the enemy. 🚙Jeep Battlefield Tour Local tour guides, the Florent team (who interviewed thousands of World War II veterans), drive retro military vehicles and take you through three core battlefields: Ork Point Cliffs: On the 100-foot cliff, 225 American rangers climbed the rock and destroyed the German battery, and only 90 survived. The bomb crater is still shocking. Omaha Beach: The Blood Beach once suffered 4,000 casualties in one day, and the wreckage of the artificial dock can still be seen when the tide recedes. U.S. Army Cemetery: 9387 white crosses face the sea, and the birth and death dates of 18-year-old soldiers on tombstones are tearful. Extended opening until 6pm in April-September, silence means tribute. Afterword Standing on Omaha Beach, the sea breeze sweeps through the Cross Stele Forest, and the text of history books becomes the real bomb craters and bunkers before your eyes. A trip to Normandy is not only a tribute to heroes, but also a cherishment of peace. If you're yearning for a trip with depth, it's worth making a special trip here - because there are some memories that must be experienced to be remembered.