When you decide to stay in Normandy, it is difficult to miss its history and in particular that of the landing of June 6, 1944. Even if you wanted to hide it, the street names would certainly remind you what it was played out here. On the other hand, for World War II enthusiasts, it will be difficult to make a choice because the offer is so wide. To get off the beaten track and out of Calvados, take the tangent: towards the English Channel!
A place steeped in history
It seems to be alone this beautiful and long Cotentin bay among its sisters in Calvados. About 45 km from Cherbourg, the beach of La Madeleine or Utah beach, codenamed on D-Day, located in Sainte-Marie-Du-Mont, is geographically the last landing beach on the west side. More unknown to the public than bloody Omaha, but more so than Juno, Gold and Sword, it was a strategic point in the outcome of Operation Overlord. To understand the entire chronology of events, there is nothing like a visit to the Landing Museum. It was founded in 1962 by Michel de Valavieille, built on one of the German support points - saved at the time by the American nurses of Utah and then mayor of the town until 1991 - to express his gratitude to the Allies. Built on the German base, one of the famous bunkers that punctuate the Normandy coast, facing which American troops have landed, the museum is entirely dedicated to this historical period: from the daily lives of civilians under occupation to the capture of Cherbourg, including of course the landing of Utah and the construction of its artificial port. Everyday objects, masterpieces of the Allied strategy, advanced weapons of the German division, testimonies, maps, portraits but also vehicles such as the "Water Buffalo", an incredible amphibious device or this spectacular B-26 bomber displayed in the hangar next to the building, also discover a "Higgins Boat", the symbolic assault barge of the landing. As a visitor, you will then be immersed in the heart of history.
Remembering
At a time when veterans are gradually dying out, the duty of transmission continues thanks to the various buildings in Normandy and the commemorative ceremonies in June. Their spearhead: "Never forget". As you walk around the Landing Museum, you will discover many monuments paying tribute to these men, to their sacrifice. Within the museum, you will be able to measure the courage and prowess of these soldiers who changed the course of history through the various written, sound and audiovisual testimonies. They are also values that are defended, those of commitment and faith in the human being. Like the last temporary exhibition proposed by the establishment about the German prison camp in Foucarville (municipality located about 9 km away). A universe rarely told by history, it traces the daily life of these confined but dignified men. Beautification of the camp, more comfortable neighbourhoods, drinking water, kitchens, hospital, cinema, theatre, everything was done to reduce the hardship of their situation. One of the objectives of this camp: the denazification and re-education of German soldiers to democracy. Offering them a perspective for the future despite their incarceration was just as much part of the Americans' ambitions.
Remarkable sites
To continue your D-Day weekend, don't hesitate to take a walk around. Of course, there is the village of Sainte-Marie-Du-Mont and the ascent of the bell tower of its church which will offer you a breathtaking view of the Cotentin landscape. Also visit Sainte-Mère-Église, 9 km to the west. You have certainly already heard about this village. The first commune in France to be liberated, it is famous for the parachuting of the 82nd Division on the night of 5 to 6 June 1944 and above all for the incredible story of John Steele. Having lost control of his parachute due to a gunshot wound, the soldier found himself hung on the bell tower of the church where he decided, for two hours, to play dead... to stay alive. Unusual, a model is in place to recreate the event! If you continue on your way and push a little further, 10 km away you will discover the Azeville Battery, one of the first constructions of the Atlantic Wall. Even further away but not to be missed, stop in the town of Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, 30 km from Utah, to admire its fortifications (listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site). If you are in love with nature and the picturesque, continue your journey by heading towards Cherbourg-Octeville. If only to admire the panoramas that will pass before your eyes. To better appreciate the beauty and richness of the department, make stops along the way.
Start with Valognes, for this fabulous 18th century hotel in Beaumont, a real little Versailles! But also the Roman baths or the former royal Benedictine abbey. Don't miss the island of Tatihou, its natural ornithological reserve and its botanical, maritime and acclimatisation gardens. For the more adventurous, access can be on foot at low tide (count 25 min and choose good waterproof shoes), you can also choose to cross with an amphibious vehicle (which will not be without reminding you of the D-Day Museum!). Continue on to Morsalines, which borders the Cotentin marshes for its authentic charm and where the ambient microclimate offers an exceptional fauna: it is not uncommon to encounter tropical species there! However, for the less adventurous, you can also enjoy the Beauguillot reserve
in Sainte-Marie-Du-Mont, preserved flora and fauna (seals have taken up residence there!) are there. And what about this beach, that of Utah, the scene of the great conflict and the outcome of 1944, which has since recovered its serenity. Ideal for a walk, just for the pleasure of treading the sand, breathing iodine, seeing the horizon and letting your mind wander.
For the pleasure of your taste buds
What would a Norman stay be like without its famous gastronomic specialities? Don't think only of camembert and cider, delicious but classic. This time, we will talk about those that make you salivate, those that have a taste of "come back". Sainte-Marie-du-Mont is not far from Isigny-sur-Mer (20 km east in Calvados), a town renowned for its dairy cooperative. Butter for morning bread, cream that you want to eat with a spoon but can enjoy in Italian ice cream in the summer, AOC cheeses, will delight your palate. And that's without forgetting the famous caramel. The latter is available in abundance: candies, spreads, biscuits, chocolates, popcorn.... A good idea for a gourmet souvenir to take home! The list of sweets does not stop there, artis-nal marshmallows, fruit pastes, jams, nougats complete the offer. The hardest thing will be to choose! Don't panic, many assortments, gift baskets, D-Day collector boxes (to kill two birds with one stone) are available to satisfy your desires
Smart info
When? When? Even if Normandy is beautiful in all seasons, you should still favour the spring or the off-season to avoid the summer crowd and benefit from mild weather. You can also organize your visit according to the openings of the establishments to be visited. For example, the Landing Museum is closed almost entirely in December.
Getting there. By car (A13 from Paris and its region, A84 from Rennes), by train (TER from Paris Saint-Lazare), by bus or by plane (via Paris), everything is possible.
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NORMANDIE TOURISME - More information on the website
UTAH BEACH LANDING MUSEUM - More information on the website
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