NORMANDY
BEACHES
We are within easy reach, (1hour 30 mins drive) from the D-Day landing beaches, so a day or two spent here, to take in the history of the area, makes a very worthwhile excursion.
The historic site of Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of western Europe during World War II. June 6, 1944 – now known as D-Day – began with Allied landings on the coast of Normandy. The task was formidable, as the coastline was heavily fortified with guns, pillboxes, barbed wire, land mines, and beach obstacles.
Following an extensive bombardment of the assault areas, the Allies launched a simultaneous landing of U.S., British, Canadian and French forces on five separate beaches code named Sword Beach ( British), Juno Beach ( Canadian) , Gold Beach (British), Omaha Beach ( American) & Utah Beach ( American).
D-DAY FESTIVAL NORMANDY
Each year since 2007, D-Day Festival Normandy has been offering a program of commemorative events for the anniversary of the Allied Landings of 6th June 1944. For 2016 the programme will run from 28 May to 12 June.
http://bayeux-bessin-tourisme.com/en/event/d-day-festival-normandy/