The Caen Memorial

 

This large-scale museum is dedicated to peace and to the history of the 20th century, including the Second World War, the Reconstruction, the Cold War, the political stakes and the construction of peace.

A fascinating visit for adults and children alike with a well-constructed array of original video footage, photo archives, artefact displays and explanatory texts designed for readers of all backgrounds.

 

Find out more information by clicking here to go to the website.

 

Centre Juno Beach

 

This is the only museum along the landing beaches that is dedicated solely to the Canadian troops that fought along with the rest of the allies during the Second World War. The museum offers numerous interactive displays with original photos, video footage and artefacts, which illustrate and explain the role played by Canada during the war as well as give an insight into Canadian culture.

 

Find out more information by clicking here to go to the website.

 

Arromanches 360°

 

This circular cinema was built to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the D-Day landings. Visitors are invited to watch a short film, created with 360° images, which gives an insight into the events that took place on the beaches in 1944 alongside images of daily life in the area today.

Once you have watched the film, be sure to step outside to take a moment to reflect as you gaze out across the landing beaches at Arromanches.

 

Find out more information by clicking here to go to the website.

 

Montormel Memorial  

 

Built overlooking the combat zone where, in 1944, 100,000 Germans were encircled by Allied Troops, your guide explains how the events unfolded in the 'Falaise Pocket'. Whilst the 'Battle of Normandy' was officially over, the enormous task facing local civilians was to somehow rediscover some order amongst the ongoing chaos left behind by the war. Rare photos, archive video footage and reclaimed artefacts help to put the events of the time into context.

 

Find out more information by clicking here to go to the website.

 

 

Merville Battery Museum

 

The battery museum pays testament to the life-changing experiences of the young men on both sides of the conflict; hundreds of whom lost their lives during Operation Overlord. A realistic sound and light reconstruction and original artefacts donated by the soldiers themselves bring the momentous operation to life. Visitors can explore 4 entirely preserved bunkers, which house several exhibitions, as well as a legendary Dakota C47 aircraft.

 

Find out more information by clicking here to go to the website.

 

 

Airborne Museum 

 

Entirely dedicated to the liberating forces, highlights of this museum include a WACO glider in its original condition and one of the Douglas C47 aircraft that towed the gliders across the Channel during Operation Overlord.

An original 20 minute film 'The Fight for Freedom' and the interactive terminals enable visitors to learn more about the liberation of Sainte-Mère-Eglise and the Battle of Normandy. 

 

Find out more information by clicking here to go to the website.

 

 

American Cemetery and Visitor Centre

 

Immaculately kept, this 172-acre cemetery overlooks Omaha Beach, the very place where many of the 9387 soldiers buried here were killed in action. A chapel, memorial and 'Garden of the Missing' honour the memory of these brave men whilst the visitor centre proposes a film depicting the final days and weeks of their lives, told through authentic letters sent to their families back home.

 

To find out more information click here to go to the website.

 

 

German Military Cemetery

 

A stark contrast to the American Cemetery and Visitor Centre, the German Military Cemetery commemorates the lives of the many German soldiers that lost their lives in Normandy during the Second World War. Plain square plaques are arranged on the lawns, some of which are engraved with the words 'An unknown German soldier'.

 

To find out more information click here to go to the website.