Top Things to do in Basse-Normandie
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10 Historic Sites in Basse-Normandie That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Basse-Normandie, France including Pegasus Memorial, D-Day Beaches (Plages du Debarquement de la Bataille de Normandie), Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel, Pegasus Bridge, Chateau Guillaume-le-Conquerant, Maisy Battery, Sainte-Mere-Eglise Church, Batteries de Crisbecq.
Restaurants in Basse-Normandie
1. Pegasus Memorial
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,052 reviews
A memorial to the first British soldiers to arrive in Normandy who captured the Pegasus Bridge from the Nazis.
Reviewed By lizanneSurrey - Woking, United Kingdom
This is an excellent museum with many artifacts from the D Day landings, with poignant reminders of sacrifices made both local people & troops. There is a large illuminated model of the area highlighted during an introductory talk prior to a film of the assault. It warrents more than one visit in order to take everything in. Very thought provoking.
2. D-Day Beaches (Plages du Debarquement de la Bataille de Normandie)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 329 reviews
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.
3. Omaha Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,182 reviews
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.
4. Pointe du Hoc
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,257 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 nlansdell - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
It is 22 years since I last visited here and a bit has changed! New car parks, visitor centre, new pathways etc - and more people! However this remains a must see site for bringing home the reality of what took place. Broken bunkers, craters, emplacements and some intact bunkers perched above the high cliffs really do convey what took place - the enormity of it all and the impact of major nations clashing in violent struggle are all on display here. Highly recommended.
5. Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14,053 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 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.
6. Pegasus Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 904 reviews
A recreation of the original bridge captured by the British from the Nazis towards the end of World War II, located on the grounds of the Pegasus Memorial.
Reviewed By johncapeyobe - Poulton Le Fylde, United Kingdom
The memorial is full of elements spread geographically around the Orne river. Glider landing sites, key battle locations etc., It is a wonderful tribute to those brave men who won this first victory in the liberation of Europe in the second world war, operation Overlord. There is a separate enclosed museum as well as the site itself.
7. Chateau Guillaume-le-Conquerant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 826 reviews
The birthplace of William the Conqueror. Its restoration campaign now complete, this exceptional castle with its three keeps, walls and towers overlooks the city of Falaise. Discover this amazing fortification built by the first dukes of Normandy, later expanded by William's descendants and completed by King Philip-Augustus of France. Meet the great characters who shaped the Anglo-Norman territories and follow the epic stories that feature this mighty fortress. You will discover all the aspects of this ducal and royal castle through screenings of videos, recreated furniture, augmented reality and 3D objects on digital tablets. This is altogether a more complete, a more immersive and a more intense experience at the heart of the castle when dukes of Normandy and kings of England were rulers of the land. Prices: ADULTS: 8,50€ ADULT CONCESSIONS - STUDENTS: 6€ CHILDREN (6 to 16): 4€ (free under 6) FAMILY PASS: 21€ (2 adults and 1 child, all other children are free, 6 children max.)
Reviewed By CoupeColonel - Saumur, France
Having come here over 30 years ago it has changed a bit although the central feature of the ruined chateau with modern replacements for the missing bits remains as fascinating as ever. Enhanced with virtual reality views of the interiors and some very good short explanations of the characters and history involved I thought it was great. So did my 7 year old who rushed ahead to look at each room. Even my wife liked it!
8. Maisy Battery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 605 reviews
We are now closed for the season. We will reopen in April 2020. The Maisy Battery is a huge German WW2 Headquarters and Gun Batteries that was left buried in the fields of Normandy for the past 60 years. Only re-opened in 2006 this site now stands as the largest in Normandy of its type with over 3km of trenches open for you to see along side personnel buildings, ammunition tunnels, Hospitals and many more buildings that you can walk through and explore! Private tours are available on request taken by the owners. This is really a unique site to see on this coast! Please note: last entry is 1 hour before closing.
Reviewed By jsfor17 - Bangor, United Kingdom
I visited the Maisy battery in May 2017, on my second trip to Normandy, having come across it while browsing the internet. I put it on the 'must see' list and was not disappointed. My friend and I arrived at the battery about half way through our trip and were impressed by the friendly and relaxed hosts. They were chatty and informative - a very pleasant conversation was enjoyed. The little office was packed with fantastic relics from WW2, some found at the battery itself and for sale at reasonable prices - a real plus in Normandy. The entrance price was also very reasonable. We spent at least 2 hours in the battery's trenches, gun pits and bunkers getting loads of great photos that I have thoroughly enjoyed looking at and reliving the good memory ever since. The weather on the day we visited was sunny and hot but we had brought wellies just in case of mud (think ahead for your visit). A camera is essential and a torch is always good to have with you as are decent walking shoes and a waterproof coat. We were in Normandy visiting the D-Day sites non-stop for 5 days and the Maisy Battery stands out among the many sites we visited (all the main ones). I rate it so highly because it has a real sense of authenticity about it. You can easily imagine something of what the site was like in the 1940s - more than the many other sites we visited. It's a very hands-on place to visit: you can handle the artillery guns & explore the bunkers without restriction. We are planning to return to Normandy in 2018 & the Maisy battery will not be by-passed by us. Well done the Sterns.
9. Sainte-Mere-Eglise Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 875 reviews
Reviewed By 352pattyz - Sacramento, United States
The church is a must-see while touring the area. One of two stained glass windows depicts paratroopers on either side of the Virgin Mary. Another window shows Saint Michael, the patron saint of paratroopers, with inset shields of various Allied military units that fought in or near the village.
10. Batteries de Crisbecq
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 216 reviews
A unique and essential site, the Crisbecq Battery offers a visit to its 22 underground blockhaus es refitted as at the time.More than a battery, a real village! Included in the visit; the 6-piece anti-airmail command post recently discovered! A complex of tunnels, trenches and undergrounds awaits you, not forgetting the immersive space to bring visitors back to life with the first shot at the dawn of D-Day .
Reviewed By TravelCheapskate
We visited many of the battle sites in the Normandy area and this one was one of the best. It is extensive and very well preserved. When we were there, just after the D-Day 75th anniversary, there were various WWII re-enactors present including a fully operational German tank and a German armored car. Having studied WWII my entire life I have never seen anything like this.
