Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
save€1atmostsubsequentsites,buttheCaenMemorialMuseumisnotincluded.The
pass is valid for one month and is transferrable to anyone.
Good Map:
The free and well-done
Exploration and Emotion: The Historical Area of
the Battle of Normandy
booklet gives succinct reviews of 29 D-Day museums and
sites with current opening times. It also mentions driving itineraries that are linked
to roadside signposts, helping you understand the significance of the area you are
passingthrough.ThemapisavailableatTIs,butyouusuallyneedtoaskforit(oryou
can download it yourself from
www.normandiememoire.com
)
.
Food Strategies:
The D-Day landing sites are rural, and you won't find a restaurant or
groceryoneverycorner.ThisisthetimetopackthatperfectFrenchpicnic.Especially
if you are traveling with kids, load up on snacks and beverages before heading out.
Otherwise, consider timing your lunch to coincide with your visit to Omaha Beach,
This small town was ground zero for the D-Day invasion. Almost overnight, it sprouted
the immense harbor, Port Winston, which gave the Allies a foothold in Normandy, allow-
ingthemtobegintheirvictoriouspushtoBerlinandendWorldWarII.Thepostwarperiod
brought a long decline. Only recently has the population of tiny Arromanches finally re-
turned to its June 5, 1944, numbers. Here you'll find a good museum, an evocative beach
andbluff,andatouristy-but-funlittletownthatoffersapleasantcocktailofwarmemories,
cotton candy, and beachfront trinket shops. Arromanches makes a great base for sightsee-
ing (I've listed accommodations under “Sleeping in Arromanches,” later). Sit on the sea-
wall after dark and listen to the waves lick the sand while you contemplate the events that
took place here 70 years ago.
Tourist Information
The TI has the
Exploration and Emotion
booklet, bus schedules, a photo booklet of area
hotels, and a list of
chambres d'hôtes
(daily June-Aug 9:30-19:00, Sept-May 9:30-12:30
& 14:00-16:30, opposite the recommended Hôtel d'Arromanches at 2 Avenue Maréchal
Joffre, tel. 02 31 22 36 45,
www.ot-arromanches.fr
)
.
