Top Things to do in Basse-Normandie
- 1. Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel
- 2. Normandy American Cemetery & Memorial
- 3. Pointe du Hoc
- 4. British War Cemetery
- 5. Pegasus Memorial (Memorial Pegasus)
- 6. D-Day Beaches (Plages du Debarquement de la Bataille de Normandie)
- 7. Airborne Museum
- 8. Brittany American Cemetery
- 9. Beny-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery
- 10. Ranville War Cemetery
Top 10 Things to do in Basse-Normandie, France
Discover the best top things to do in Basse-Normandie, France including Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel, Normandy American Cemetery & Memorial, Pointe du Hoc, British War Cemetery, Pegasus Memorial (Memorial Pegasus), D-Day Beaches (Plages du Debarquement de la Bataille de Normandie), Airborne Museum, Brittany American Cemetery, Beny-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery, Ranville War Cemetery.
Restaurants in Basse-Normandie
1. Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
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 Tommyg2230 - Tysons Corner VA
My expectations of the abbey MSM were wildly exceeded. The tour is absolutely worth a couple of hours of your time, if not for the history then for the views across the channel on one side and the French countryside on the other.
2. Normandy American Cemetery & Memorial
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
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 Dierregi - Brussels, Belgium
We visited on a miserable, cold, rainy day which enhanced the melancholy of the place. The cemetery is perfectly maintained and there is something overwhelmingly sad with the symmetry of the tombs. At the entrance a big monument and two large maps of the invasion on each side, commemorate the events. We could walk on the grass only in some areas, because the soil was drenched, but it was moving to see the odd rose and American flags next to some tombs. I felt respect for all these young lives lost to the madness of the war.
The memorial makes it for the highest point of the visit. Built with clean and sober lines it really fits the purpose for a dignified commemoration. Short documentaries about some of the victims and the events of the D-Day are showed on a loop in different areas; you can also see a detailed chronology of the invasion on the wall and gear, photos and personal things that give an intimate, tragic touch. Unmissable and truly moving.
PS: I give it a five, although I found the Tyne-Cot (WW I) cemetery more moving, with its less symmetrical precision. Also, I can imagine that during summer it might get too crowded and some teenage classes visiting were most annoying, with their silly laughters and disrespectful behaviour.
3. Pointe du Hoc
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
The location of the site where a group of American soldiers undertook the nearly impossible task of climbing massive cliffs with little equipment during the American invasion of Normandy in 1944.
Reviewed By Skeney57 - Sydney, Australia
A pretty nice bit of climbing by the Rangers who stormed this headland under heavy fire and captured the site from the German defenders. The site still bears the scars from the huge naval & aerial bombardment that preceded the landings. The biggest surprise for the Rangers was that the guns were actually large timber beams placed there as a deception by the Germans ! A very interesting site to visit though !
4. British War Cemetery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
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 eurotrippers - Walsall, United Kingdom
Beautifully maintained cemetery containing about 4500 graves of mainly British soldiers, airmen and sailors who fell during the battle of Normandy. Men mainly in their 20s with some poignant messages engraved on the headstones. A very touching experience.
There are other nationalities buried here to, including German, Polish, Commonwealth and even some Russians.
5. Pegasus Memorial (Memorial Pegasus)
Overall Ratings
5 based on 783 reviews
A memorial to the first British soldiers to arrive in Normandy who captured the Pegasus Bridge from the Nazis.
Reviewed By Amelia M - Boston, MA
Learn the story of the remarkable British Airborne soldiers who captured a vital bridge, and held it - insuring D-Day was a success. The museum features articles and weapons used by the British soldiers. It tells the story piece by piece and also includes an excellent video featuring HRH Prince Charles. On the grounds, you will find a Horsa glider, a tank, and a few wheeled artillery pieces. But it is the original bridge that drew me there. It sits perfectly positioned, inviting you to walk on the deck and remember the courageous men who fought and died there on June 6, 1944. Go to the Pegasus Memorial and Bridge, "Learn the Stories - Don't Let Their Glory Fade" - you will be glad you did.
6. D-Day Beaches (Plages du Debarquement de la Bataille de Normandie)
Overall Ratings
5 based on 260 reviews
Reviewed By 821george - Melbourne, Australia
We spent 3 days touring Normandy area. Some logistics I wish I knew first time around.
WHERE TO STAY
I would say stay in Bayeux if you are planning on staying in the area. Or do a day trip from Paris (you can catch train at 8am from Paris and arrive in Bayeux at 940am to be picked up by tour company).
7. Airborne Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
The Airborne Museum, situated in the square of Sainte-Mere-Eglise, a few miles from D-Day landing Beaches, facing the church where John Steele famously was caught, relates the heroic adventure of paratroopers of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Division. Through a spectacular museography, the Airborne Museum takes you through the D-Day alongside American paratroopers of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Division. From the invasion preparations in England through the battles for liberation, meet the Airborne troops and accompany them on their journey to Victory.
Reviewed By Saranger - Los Angeles, California
Visited here with husband and father-law. Spent nearly two hours viewing the exhibits, films, and seeing the historic artifacts from WWII. Lots to see here in this wonderful museum!
There are also special Exhibitions that change, and a space for meetings. Expansive gift shop. Clean bathrooms.
My only suggestion to improve is to offer free parking for visitors.
8. Brittany American Cemetery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 178 reviews
Reviewed By Rudy P - Bayeux, France
Most Americans and tourist in general are not aware that they are two american Cemeteries in Normandy for WWII
This one unfortunately doesn't have as many visitors as the Normandy American cemetery, thus writing out this review hoping it will motivate visitors going to the Mont Saint Michel to take the time and stop there
9. Beny-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 160 reviews
Reviewed By Eddie R - Pontorson, France
Like any other War Memorial it is a very emotional place to visit. We visited on the 73rd Anniversary of the D-Day Landing, when thousands of brave men risked their lives and some gave the ultimate sacrifice. A very moving place indeed this day, with lots of Canadians making the trip to attend the ceremony. There was one D-Day veteran there making it a day to remember for all.
10. Ranville War Cemetery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 142 reviews
Reviewed By Alan P - Aylesbury, United Kingdom
We visited here just after visiting the excellent nearby Pegasus Bridge museum. What a beautiful and emotional spot this is. The graves are all so immaculately cared for, and the location is so peaceful. Nowhere near the crowds you get at the US cemetery, in fact we were the onlynones there. A must see for any D Day tour to pay your respects to these brave men.
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