Paris to Normandy--Normandy Beaches

Saint Malo, Brittany, France
Au Grand Hotel De Courtoisville

I have to say that I'm behind in blogging due to the emotions you feel when touring the Landing Beaches at Normandy.

Our bus picked us up at the boat at 8 am.  Our program directors told us to dress as warmly as possible because it gets very windy and cold at the beach.  It was also suggested since we'd be walking in the undisturbed battlefield to bring our walking sticks.  We were given picnic lunches as the day was going to be long and it would take up too much time to be waited on in a restaurant.

The bus stopped in Caen and our local guide, Colin, joined us.  What a wealth of knowledge he was.   

Our first stop was Pointe du Hoc.  I'll let the photos do the talking.  


This bunker had no gun because the gun wouldn't fit in it.  Bill probably could tell you the details of the size and caliber.

These were the barracks.

The size of this bomb hole doesn't show well in this photo.

It was extremely cold and windy.  It looks like the water is nearby, but it is long way below this bunker.

This bunker was more like the size of a hotel.  It had many rooms inside.

I can't believe how fortified this bunker was.

The hooks on the walls were used to hold the bunks.






After visiting Pointe du Hoc we visited Arromanches which was Gold Beach.  We were going to have our lunches on the beach, but it was too cold.  We ended up eating our picnic lunch at the hotel.  

I thought this painting on the wall says it all.

Here's the remains of the 2 kilometer floating bridge used as a harbor.

Today we watched an excellent documentary on the floating bridge while on the bus.

Here's a section of that floating bridge.  What a fete that was to invent a floating bridge that could hold tanks.






From Arromanches we drove to the American Cemetery.  Our guide told us that 1.8 million people visit every year as compared to the one in Italy we visited which has 40,000.

This wall has all the names of those missing in action.  Whenever the remains of someone is found, there is a little marker put by their name.

A service was held while we were there.  I'm not sure if that is done everyday, or just for Grand Circle.

Our program directors gave all of us roses so we could put them by a grave.






From the American Cemetery we next visited Omaha Beach.  Emotionally at this point you are drained.  

I just couldn't walk on that beach.  Bill did it!

You wouldn't believe the size of the waves.







I firmly believe everyone needs to visit this area.  Words can not describe it.
We were all exhausted when we returned to Honfleur.  Our crew was waiting for our return with hot chocolate and hot towels.