Two questions I get asked the most from friends and readers wanting to travel are “what should I do in London?” and “what should I see in Normandy?”. These are both two places I have been able to visit more than once and am always happy to share recommendations. Since it is July 4th and I am one of the proudest Americans you could meet I decided to share my itinerary from my trip to Normandy last summer.
The first time I went to Normandy I was in high school and my sister, cousin, and I all had a European adventure. One of my favorite parts of the trip was visiting this very historic town. The emotions were overwhelming and something I couldn’t prepare myself for. I am extremely patriotic, as is my family, so seeing the American Cemetery and the D-Day beaches (something I had studied for years and only every seen on t.v.) was a surreal moment. The second time I went was just as special. My father, the man who taught me this appreciation for history, had a childhood dream to visit Normandy. On a trip abroad last summer we fulfilled this dream. My parents, husband, and in-laws all headed to Normandy to experience what I had a few years before. It was a fantastic trip and one I won’t forget!
My mother-in-law who is the most amazing planner and laid out every inch of the trip to perfection! I asked her to share our itinerary so I could pass it along to you all. Shall you ever find yourself in France a trip to Normandy is a must!!
** disclosure – My mother-in-law hired a driver, which if you can, I highly recommend. It made the entire trip easier, faster, and run smoothly! The up-front cost is very worth it!
Day One
14h00 Arrive on the cliffs overlooking Arromanches ** Must Do and one of my favorite things of the trip – watch the movie (Normandy’s 100 Days”) which is shown on nine different screens – very moving. From there walk down to the D-Day Landing Museum on the beach
16h00 Leave for Bayeux
16h15 Visit the Battle of Normandy Memorial Museum
17h00 Visit the Bayeux Tapestry
18h15 Visit the Bayeux Cathédral
19h00 Depart for Château d’Audrieu
19h30 Arrive at the Château d’Audrieu
Enjoy dinner in the bar of the hôtel. I recommend walking the gardens or riding a bike around the grounds after dinner.
Day Two
8h30 Depart for Longues-sur-Mer
9h00 Arrive Longues-sur-Mer, visit the German bunkers
9h30 Depart for Colleville-sur.Mer
Visit the American Cemetery and the WWII Memorial
11h40 Visit Omaha Beach
12h30 Départ for Vierville-sur Mer
12h35 Lunch at the Hôtel du Casino – overlooks the beach between the American Cemetery and the Pointe du Hoc
13h45 Depart for the Pointe du Hoc
13h55 Visit Pointe du Hoc and the Rangers Museum. Watch the 20 minute movie on “The Impossible Mission”
14h45 Depart for Utah Beach
15h30 Visit Utah Beach and the Landing Museum (reserve a tour guide)
16h45 Depart for St. Mère Eglise
17h00 Visit the Airborne Museum and the church in St.-Mere-Eglise
18h00 Depart for Château d’Audrieu
18h45 Arrive at the Château d’Audrieu
19h00 Dinner at the hotel
