What to do and see in Basse-Normandie, Normandy: The Best Things to do Good for Big Groups

March 12, 2022 Layne Dawes

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, Memorial de Caen, Saint Catherine's Church, Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel, Musee Memorial de la Bataille de Normandie, Abbaye aux Hommes, Musee de la Tapisserie de Bayeux.
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%
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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%
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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
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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
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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. Memorial de Caen

Esplanade General Eisenhower, 14050 Caen France +33 2 31 06 06 45 [email protected] http://www.memorial-caen.fr
Excellent
63%
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4.5 based on 4,519 reviews

Memorial de Caen

Located in the immediate vicinity of the D-Day Landing beaches, the Mémorial de Caen visitor centre is among the essential sites focusing on the Battle of Normandy and 20th century history. From the origins of the Second World War to the end of the Cold War, museographical displays tell this terrible side of 20th century history. Indeed, Caen, bombarded during the summer of 1944, a liberated yet martyred city, deserved a tribute well worthy of the suffering it endured. This is precisely the purpose of the Mémorial de Caen, but via a continuing perspective and action aimed at reconciliation.

Reviewed By nlansdell - Edinburgh, United Kingdom

This excellent museum charts the beginnings of, and causes behind, WW2 and the invasion of France - before detailing the events that led to its eventual liberation. It’s focus is on Normandy and Caen itself but it provides a good over view of the war in full and covers both the Pacific and African theatres. It also covers the holocaust. The material does not shy away from its subject and there are some graphic images of what took place and this includes film and pictures of dead combatants, hangings and executions - so please consider this if you are taking children. A film lasting 20 minutes brings everything together very well and I would recommend that not only that you do this at the end but that that you allow time for it. Your tickets last 24 hours so if you run out of time you can always pop back the next morning!

6. 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
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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.

7. 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
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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.

8. Musee Memorial de la Bataille de Normandie

Boulevard Fabian Ware, 14400, Bayeux France +33 2 31 51 46 90 [email protected] http://www.normandie-tourisme.fr/pcu/musee-memorial-de-la-bataille-de-normandie/bayeux/fiche-PCUNOR014FS0008O-1.html
Excellent
53%
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4.5 based on 1,825 reviews

Musee Memorial de la Bataille de Normandie

Situated near the British Military Cemetery of Bayeux, the Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy narrates the battles which took place in Normandy after the D-Day landings, between 7th June and 29th August 1944. The collections of military equipment, the diorama and the archival films allow the visitor to grasp the enormous effort made during this decisive battle in order to restore peace in Europe.

Reviewed By Christine9046

Great museum, so much to see! Tons of artillery equipment, vehicles, artifacts, just amazing! All original from stuff left after the war since it was too costly to ship them back. TIP: buy the 3 museum tour for 15 € to save money. All the museums are close-by so you can do all 3 in a day. They are Tapestry, Museum of the Battle of Normandy, and Baron Gerard Art & Art history. Remember, all museums close between 12pm-2pm for lunch so be sure to start when they open at 9am and plan ahead so you can visit all 3. They close at 6pm. Shops close at 7pm so shop before eating dinner.

9. 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

10. 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%
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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

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