Top Things to do in Basse-Normandie
What to do and see in Basse-Normandie, Normandy: The Best Cemeteries
Discover the best top things to do in Basse-Normandie, France including Cimetiere Americain de Colleville-sur-Mer, Bayeux War Cemetery, Beny-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery, Ranville War Cemetery, Cimetiere Militaire Americain de Saint-James, Cimetiere de Houlgate, Banneville-la-Campagne War Cemetery, Saint-Charles-de-Percy War Cemetery, Bretteville-sur-Laize Canadian War Cemetery, Hottot-Les-Bagues War Cemetery.
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1. Cimetiere Americain de Colleville-sur-Mer
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5,535 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 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
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,628 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 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. Beny-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 213 reviews
Reviewed By Nolinice - Oakville, Canada
just a kilometer off the beaten coastal path sits this gorgeous, well maintained, and unfortunately quite large Canadian war cemetery. always a sobering experience
4. Ranville War Cemetery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 184 reviews
Reviewed By DiggoryLondon
Having visited Pegasus Bridge nearby it was only fitting to visit this pristine Commonwealth War Grave site. Inside the main churchyard adjacent to the wall is the grave of Lieutenant Brotheridge the first person KIA on landing beside the bridge. The main cementry is the location of the grave of 16 year old Private R.E. Johns who was the youngest military casualty killed on 23.7.44. There are also German military graves present. The enormity of the lives lost during the battle can be be absorbed here.
5. Cimetiere Militaire Americain de Saint-James
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 220 reviews
Reviewed By LionOfKama - Indianapolis, United States
In September I was able to visit the cemetery for a ceremony with local French veterans who recognized Americans killed in liberating the Bretagne region. Their level of commitment and and sincerity to the war dead was moving in the extreme. According to the head American from the ABMC at the cemetery, such ceremonies are common, and the ABMC works frequently with these veteran organizations. As per the usual of these cemeteries, the grounds are flawless, and maintained better than NFL stadiums. (As they should be) The layout is gorgeous and allows for one to wander and truly take in the immensity of the sacrifice represented by all the crosses and stars of David. I am a history lover, and WWII dead have a special place in my heart, so if you are similar to me then plan on at least 3-4 hours at the cemetery. If not, you can see the whole grounds in 1-2 hours. Parking is limited, so on busy time such as anniversaries of local battles and the liberation of northern France, then you might have a hard time parking, but the grounds keepers can help point you to alternate locations. With deep passion I recommend this place. If you are in the area, stop by. If you want to plan a trip to the region, it is worth it as you can visit local areas such as Mount St Michel or Dinard.
6. Cimetiere de Houlgate
7. Banneville-la-Campagne War Cemetery
8. Saint-Charles-de-Percy War Cemetery
9. Bretteville-sur-Laize Canadian War Cemetery
10. Hottot-Les-Bagues War Cemetery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By franktT2854HG
My father Trooper Frank Thompson was allegedly killed on the 30.6.44 during D Day landings and his grave is here at Hottot les Bagues cemetery. I have visited him every year for many years. I have met and become friendly with the gardeners who look after this and other cemeteries. I have thanked them then and again thank them all for the magnificent work they do. The cemetery itself is excellent. I am due to attend the Normandy Memorial in Ver sur Mere when it is completed. Thank you.
