Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Basse-Normandie, Normandy

September 2, 2021 Vergie Nakamoto

Discover the best top things to do in Basse-Normandie, France including Cimetiere Americain de Colleville-sur-Mer, Bayeux War Cemetery, D-Day Beaches (Plages du Debarquement de la Bataille de Normandie), Omaha Beach, Saint Catherine's Church, Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel, Abbaye aux Hommes, Musee de la Tapisserie de Bayeux, Juno Beach Centre, Cathedrale Notre-Dame.
Restaurants in Basse-Normandie

1. Cimetiere Americain de Colleville-sur-Mer

14710 Colleville-sur-Mer France +33 2 31 51 62 00 [email protected] https://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries-memorials/europe/normandy-american-cemetery
Excellent
88%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
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5.0 based on 5,535 reviews

Cimetiere Americain de Colleville-sur-Mer

Overlooking Omaha Beach, the launching point of the U.S. invasion of Normandy, this cemetery contains the graves of 9,386 American soldiers who died at Normandy and a touching memorial to another 1,557 whose bodies were never recovered.

Reviewed By FairCityFrasie - Perth, United Kingdom

Magnificent cemetery, memorial and visitor centre in the shadows of Omaha beach, poignant and sensitive, superbly laid out and maintained, paying homage to nearly 10,000 American soldiers and their exploits during WW2. I’d visited previously a few years ago on 6th June and the place was packed then - just as busy in mid-August with the extensive parking lots more than full. My most vivid memory (and there is a lot to take in) is the glass-cased artwork consisting of a rifle embedded upright in the sand with a tin helmet atop (nearing the exit to the visitor centre).

2. Bayeux War Cemetery

1945 boulevard Fabian Ware, 14400, Bayeux France https://www.cwgc.org/find-a-cemetery/cemetery/2033300/BAYEUX%20WAR%20CEMETERY
Excellent
79%
Good
19%
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5.0 based on 1,628 reviews

Bayeux War Cemetery

The town of Bayeux, in Normandy, lies 30 kilometres north-west of Caen. Bayeux War Cemetery is situated in the south-western outskirts of the town on the by-pass (D5), which is named Boulevard Fabian Ware. On the opposite side of the road stands the Bayeux Memorial. BAYEUX WAR CEMETERY, which was completed in 1952, contains 4,144 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War, 338 of them unidentified. There are also over 500 war graves of other nationalities, the majority German. The BAYEUX MEMORIAL stands opposite the cemetery and bears the names of more than 1,800 men of the Commonwealth land forces who died in the early stages of the campaign and have no known grave. They died during the landings in Normandy, during the intense fighting in Normandy itself, and during the advance to the River Seine in August.

Reviewed By GCSQ - Upland, United States

Just walking thru the cemetery brings into focus June 6 and the many days afterwards that these men and boys gave their lives to help France and the world. Bayeux should be proud to be hosting the final resting place of these brave British fighting men and boys. This visit will help bring together our visit to the DDay beach’s and the American National Cemetery tomorrow. Don’t miss the chance to see this wonderful rememberance if you are in Bayeux.

3. D-Day Beaches (Plages du Debarquement de la Bataille de Normandie)

Comite Regional de Tourisme de Normandie 14 Rue Charles Corbeau, Evreux, 27000 France +33 2 32 33 79 00 [email protected] http://www.normandie-dday.com
Excellent
84%
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13%
Satisfactory
2%
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5.0 based on 329 reviews

D-Day Beaches (Plages du Debarquement de la Bataille de Normandie)

Reviewed By 750dimitrisl - Sydney, Australia

We spent the best part of a day visiting the D-Day Beaches, in Normandy. It was quite an emotional trip. This is an amazing stretch of nature which now brings up such terrible images to visitors. The areas have been well maintained and it is easy to walk around and inspect the various sites. There are still some remnants of the war, such as battlements and others, as well as some wonderful memorials to the fallen and to those who participated in the war effort.

4. Omaha Beach

Avenue de la Liberation, Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer France +33 2 31 21 97 44 http://www.musee-memorial-omaha.com
Excellent
72%
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4.5 based on 2,182 reviews

Omaha Beach

This historic beach was the primary point of landing on June 6, 1944, for the entry of American forces into World War II and saw some of the most intense fighting in the entire war.

Reviewed By PoppyE103 - Brighton, United Kingdom

I am so happy I took time from our holiday to visit Omaha Beach, its so much more stunning and impressive in person, the sea views are stunning, the cliffs, the nearby quaint town, the art and sculptures, this is one special and unique place in the earth I would suggest all take time to visit.

5. Saint Catherine's Church

Rue des Logettes, 14600, Honfleur France +33 2 31 89 23 30 http://www.calvados-tourisme.com/offre/eglise-sainte-catherine/
Excellent
64%
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33%
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4.5 based on 2,954 reviews

Saint Catherine's Church

This famous 15th-century cathedral is the largest surviving wooden church in France.

Reviewed By LondonMatt75

Right in the heart of town in a beautiful square. Separate bell tower and amazing structures made from wood by original ship builders. Sitting inside you feel as if you are in an old ship.

6. Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel

Bp 22 Au sommet du village, 50170 Mont-Saint-Michel France +33 2 33 89 80 00 [email protected] http://www.abbaye-mont-saint-michel.fr/
Excellent
68%
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4.5 based on 14,053 reviews

Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel

The Benedictine Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel is one of the most remarkable examples of mediaeval religious and military architecture and was one of Christianity's most important pilgrimage sites from the 8th to the 18th century.The Abbey comprises a superb ensemble of clerical buildings including the abbey church, the cloister, the refectory, the monks' ambulatory and the gardens of what has been known as the ""Merveille"" (Marvel) since the 12th century. In summer, the Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel is best seen in all its splendour after sunset during the special “sons et lumières"" shows. Designated world heritage site by UNESCO. Open: > 2nd May to 31st August: from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. > 1st September to 30th April: from 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Last admission 1 hr before closing time. Closed: > 1st January, 1st May and 25 December. Admission fees: Adults : 9€; Concessions (18 to 25) = 5,50 €; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups

Reviewed By F1750XYsharonl - Hobart, Australia

The Abbey at Mont Saint Michel is one of the most impressive locations I have visited in the 30 odd countries I have visited! The location and the history are fascinating and the quaint shops and restaurants make it a perfect place to visit on a (long) day trip from Paris by fast train. Exploring the abbey was one of the highlights of my trip and I highly recommend it to anyone although the stairs and steepness of the site may challenge some.

7. Abbaye aux Hommes

Esplanade Jean Marie Louvel Caen City Hall, 14027 Caen France +33 2 31 30 42 81 [email protected] http://caen.fr/annuaire-equipement/abbaye-aux-hommes
Excellent
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4.5 based on 819 reviews

Abbaye aux Hommes

The Men's Abbey : A masterpiece of medieval art and 18th century. William the Conqueror Born in Falaise in 1027, William was the son of Robert the Magnificent, the future Duke of Normandy, and Herleva, a tanner’s daughter. Upon his father’s death, William became the designated sole heir to the ducal throne. His succession to the throne was challenged by the barons, who considered William to be Robert’s illegitimate son. William quashed the rebels once and for all in 1047 and became the undisputed Duke of Normandy. Towards 1050, William married his distant cousin Matilda of Flanders, despite opposition from Pope Leo IX. The Church forbade their marriage, so Matilda and William sought atonement by founding the Abbayeaux- Dames, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, and the Abbaye-aux-Hommes, dedicated to Saint-Étienne. Work began on the Abbaye-aux-Hommes in 1066, the year that marked the Norman conquest of England. Edward, the King of England, had named William, the Duke of Normandy, to be his successor. Upon Edward’s death and betrayed by Harold, Edward’s brother-in-law, William took up arms to assert his claim to the throne. William defeated Harold at the Battle of Hastings on 14th October 1066. William was crowned King of England at Westminster Abbey on 25th December 1066, whereupon he became William «the Conqueror». On 9th September 1087, he died in Rouen. According to his wishes, he was buried in the Abbey Church of Saint-Étienne in Caen. Abbey Church of Saint-Étienne Consecrated in 1077, the abbey church represents the oldest part of the site, with most of the features dating back to the 11th and 13th Centuries. The choir was redesigned in the 13th Century to reflect the prevailing Gothic style and is home to the tomb of William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy and King of England. Monastic buildings The monastery was erected in the 11th Century, but destroyed during the First War of Religion (1562-63), before being rebuilt in the 18th Century. The monastic buildings are built around a Tuscan-style cloister epitomising the classical Italian style. The buildings are today headquarters of Caen City Hall. Together with the recently refurbished Place Saint- Sauveur, the Abbaye-aux-Hommes represents a unique heritage site. Medieval buildings and agricultural buildings The abbey also used to be a farm and an inn. It still houses a cider press, a carriage house and a bakery. Two 14th Century buildings bear witness to the abbey’s former role as a place of refuge and a political venue. - Palais Ducal, which was restored between 2012 and 2013, now hosts the city’s art library and its collection of contemporary art. - The Guardroom, where City Council meetings take place

Reviewed By Sue77777

We have been here twice to see two separate exhibitions. One on Vietnam war and this year Caen and life in the town during the war before and after. Excellent on both occasions. Your 4 euro entrance also allows you access inside the Abby forecourt and other rooms to visit and explore. Also a permanent exhibition on the war affecting the citizens of Caen . We spend 2 hours inthere. Toilets too

8. Musee de la Tapisserie de Bayeux

13 rue de Nesmond Centre Guillaume le Conquerant, 14401, Bayeux France +33 2 31 51 25 50 [email protected] http://www.bayeuxmuseum.com/la_tapisserie_de_bayeux.html
Excellent
71%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 8,062 reviews

Musee de la Tapisserie de Bayeux

This museum houses the famous Bayeux Tapestry, a 70-m long piece of embroidery that graphically tells the story of the 1066 Battle of Hastings.Listed UNESCO Memory of the World. Duration of visit about 1h30. Annual closure in January

Reviewed By joand143 - London, United Kingdom

Incredible visit Brings to life this amazing tapestry and the history behind it Beautifully presented and explained

9. Juno Beach Centre

Voie des Francais Libres, 14470 Courseulles-sur-Mer France +33 2 31 37 32 17 [email protected] http://www.junobeach.org/
Excellent
65%
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27%
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4.5 based on 1,234 reviews

Juno Beach Centre

Canadian World War II memorial museum features interactive animations and a dramatic eight-foot bronze sculpture entitled "Remembrance and Renewal."

Reviewed By Calgarytraveller2 - Calgary, Canada

Being Canadian, we enjoyed getting the Canadian perspective (we stopped first at the war museum in Bayeux to get the big picture of all the Allied forces on D-Day). The displays were interesting, we really enjoyed the film as well as the underground tour of the tunnels and rooms. We also spent quite a bit of time out on the beach. The nearby Canadian war cemetery is also worth a stop. Very humbling and moving experience overall to think of the sacrifice they made for us. We will remember.

10. Cathedrale Notre-Dame

Rue du Bienvenu 14400 Bayeux, 14400, Bayeux France +33 2 31 92 01 85 [email protected] http://www.bayeux.fr/fr/decouvrir-bayeux/cathedrale-notre-dame
Excellent
64%
Good
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Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 3,843 reviews

Cathedrale Notre-Dame

The cathedral of Notre-Dame in Bayeux is an impressive building, a mix of Romanesque in the 11th century crypt and glorious Gothic in the 13th-century nave. In the 11th century after the Conquest of England by Duke William of Normandy in 1066, ties with England were strong. You'll see a reference to the turbulent past above the south transept portal where sculpted scenes show the life of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury who was assassinated in Canterbury Cathedral on the orders of King Henry II of England. The Bayeux Tapestry was kept here from the 11th to the 18th centuries, probably displayed for the first time on the day the cathedral was consecrated in 1077 in the presence of William the Conqueror.

Reviewed By dfield281 - Katy, United States

This beautiful Cathedral has a rich history as it is the seat of the Bishop of Bayeux and Lisieux and was the original home of the Bayeux Tapestry. The combinations of architecture make this Cathedral unique and a must-see sight in Bayeux.

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