Visiting D-Day Beaches: Advice & Tips on Visiting the Normandy Beaches
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- Опубликовано: 23 июл 2024
- The D-Day Beaches of Omaha, Utah, Juno, Sword and Gold were the sights of the massive Operation Overlord that began the liberation of Europe from Nazi Tyranny.
This video goes through advice for visiting the D-Day beaches, where to stay, some of the museums and basic tips about D-Day and Normandy.
Filmed in Normandy, France
Copyright Mark Wolters 2016
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When we traveled to the American Cemetery our son, who is fluent in French, overheard a French teacher telling her high school students....look see all these graves they are the graves of the American men who came here and died to free our country and the world...very moving...the French people of the Normandy region have not forgotten the sacrifice of our men...the cemetery itself is so powerful and patriotic as American to experience
Je confirme, je suis normand et nous n'oublierons jamais.
Wow.
of course we won't
Thanx for sharing...i would love to visit this place..
The German People have not forgotten what you have done for us !
My grandfather landed on Omaha Beach on D+1. He was with the V Corps artillery, which could not land until the beachhead had been secured. Every year around June 6 he would start telling stories about his experiences in France during the war. My grandfather died just two weeks ago, at age 96. My soon-to-be-adopted, 16 year old son and I will be visiting Normandy in July of this year. We have been planning the trip since last summer, and we had of course planned to visit the D-Day beaches. However, our planning has taken on a new element of poignancy since my grandfather died. I am basically accepting that I will probably break down and start sobbing in front of my son when we get to Omaha Beach.
I have visited these places several times and never thought about how they could be so emotional for American citizens. I understand what you can feel, mostly because you're an American. Thank you for all of you who liberate our country.
+roucoupse all the best
You had me in tears just watching you talk about it. Can only imagine what a mess I'll be when I visit.
I also recommend going to Belgium and northern France to visit the WW1 memorials/museums/graveyards. It's also very powerful.
+Iris van Laar those were amazing. I went with my parents 15 years ago and we were just amazed at the WW1 stuff. Truly unheard of stories
I went to Normandy last summer and it was really interesting and very very moving to go see the American D-day cemetery near Omaha beach.
Lots of respect for all those people who offered their lives to set free a land most of them never even had set foot on.
Powerful video, at an appropriate time. Thanks for making this presentation. Keeping this information alive is a great tribute to those who didn't make it back.
Excellent video! Thank you for posting!
90% of the US losses on the beaches took place on Omaha Beach, for anyone who visits say another prayer for me. I recommend watching the film "The Longest Day" before visiting. You can also watch "World at War" episodes on RUclips, covering the Normandy invasion. Thank God for the type of men who fought the Germans and paid a great price. Wear sunglasses and carry some tissues, your eyes will take a beating
This is really touching, you made it so interesting to look up ! thanks for sharing
Awesome video... Very well said and I love seeing your passion about it. Great video.
Thanks for a good video. Planning of going to the area this spring, really nice ideas you came up with here.
I’ve been watching the D-Day celebrations today and remember my Grandad John Willcox who landed on Gold beach all those years ago. I’ve been crying on and off for most of the morning. Seeing those old Vets in their 90s crying just really got me, the things they must of seen, just horrific I’m sure?
I’m glad I’m in good company and thanks for your video....seeing you welling up started me off again. Xx
These are holy places.
Thank so much for letting us in on such a heart felt video!! We visited a couple of sights when my father was stationed overseas and even as a young kid it was very moving.
Heading to Normandy on Thursday, thanks for the tips , looking forward to seeing it all 😊
Thank you for the information you helped me a lot to prepare to visit this places.
My grandfather was at Utah beach. He only talked about the war once to my mother when she was little. My uncle visited Omaha and Utah beach about 10 years back. I will get there one day. Thank you for the info and for the genuine compassion you showed in this video.
Taking my dad to see Normandy this August. Thanks for posting this video great information and really looking forward to it. Thanks
We can not wait we are going there second week of July. Thanks for the video.
I went to the beaches a few years ago and remembering the American cemetery brought tears to my eyes. I remember coming out of the building where they tell the stories of the soldiers and my mum wanted to take a picture, I remember trying to smile for the picture, but physically being unable to do so. Documentaries and movies can only convey so much. Going there will make you a thousand times more aware of the full tragedy. I also remember the extreme contrast between the American and the German cemetery. The American cemetery with the white crosses and huge monuments overlooking the ocean and masses of tourists paying their respects. The German, very quiet, with simple black plaques, only a few small black crosses and at the end an enormous mass grave towering over it all.
Great video, thanks for that. Also, couldn't agree more about visiting the museums first so you can have a better understanding of what actually happened on the beaches. Thanks mark!
I served alongside French soldiers in Afghanistan and found them to be great soldiers and very appreciative of what the USA did for France in WW II. All of the comments by the ignorant folks who critique them are just that, ignorant. The French Army fought gallantly at Dien Bien Phu in Indo-China in 1954 and while they were defeated, due to strategic miscalculation, the French Union garrison there fought well in a terrible place.Thank you for this video and for your emotions that reflect your understanding of what happened in Normandy 74 years ago. BTW, my Dad came ashore at Omaha Beach on 6 June 44 and survived.
My husband and I toured this area several years ago. So glad you mentioned Sainte-Mere-Eglise.
So emotional. On the lighter side - loved the Calvados!
Hello Wolters, thank you for everything you've said about normandie and France in general. as I'm from normandie, I would recommend to go to the Caen memorial, the biggest and the most complete museum of normandie about the D day. it's quite pricey but totally worth it.
+Gus Fremond I will visit on my next stop in France. We rented our van in caen so we were only there for a short period of time. Spent more time driving around and enjoying every moment in Normandie
Thanks for this video! I'm going here in July along with other places in France and also England.. Your videos are very informational, thank you!
+makayli jones you are very welcome
Going in 2019, can't wait. Thank you.
That was informative. I want to visit those area.
Wow, your video moved me, and I haven't been there. I'm so happy you posted this, because I will be in Bayeux in about 2 weeks, and I'm going to schedule a tour of the beaches. I always get so excited when you post a video, so keep up the great work and enjoy your stay in France!
+Narata thanks Narata. Have a great trip!
Couldn't agree more with all you've said here. Seeing the images of Saving Private Ryan and Band of Brothers as an overlay when walking through Normandy and along the landing beaches really gave me the chills when I was there. Thanks for sharing this video Mark!
I would love to see that place.Thank you for doing this. Very powerful.
I live in Normandy, if you ever get the chance I will take you to see the beaches.... For free
Wow...such an approriate video for today. I love seeing honest heartfelt emotion. My daughter and I cried when we visited the American Cemetery. I hope to go back someday with my granddaughters. Loved your story about Liam's prayer.
+salesgirl45 yeah. He was in tears asking that we say prayers for them. I was tearing up just editing the video talking about it
Thanks for the wonderful video. A couple years ago Trevor with American D-Days Tours showed us around for a long & never to be forgotten day. I understand your tearing up...
G'day Mark, really appreciate your super American dialogie and delivery. Thanks mate- one team one fight, greetings from Australia!
Great video, thank you for it !
I am French and felt moved by it as well !
And on a lighter note, many thnaks for promoting cider and calvados, both worth a try ! ;-))
+The Streetfighter glad I could help the local apple alcohol industries ;)
Planning a trip to Normandy, you make it easy to plan. Thanks for the video, bracing myself for the impact of the history.
I live in Normandy, if you ever get the chance I will show you around for free
Well said and I agree Bayeux is the best place to stay in the area. I am from the UK and I believe that every young person should come and note the ages of those who died. Many of a similar age. Whilst visiting the British cemetery in Bayeux I came across an inscription which I translated later. It goes something like this. ‘We invaded you in 1066 and you liberated us in 1944.’ Of course the allies were involved in Europe with the liberation but many Norman locals extend their gratitude today and it’s humbling.
Going in July. Great video. Thanks for mentioning Canada. We sometimes get forgotten. Not sure how overwhelming it may be to see. All the best.
What an Awesome video, certainly something I want to go to see in the next few years. I am lucky to have some french friends so Travel there is going to be much cheaper.. thanks for sharing
Foreign history buffs who are eager to explore more of France can visit Oradour-sur-Glane; the ruins of a village raided by nazis in revenge for d day. This place is even more heartbreaking than Normandy memorials.
Plot Twist I was at Oradour two years ago...... very very touched by the visit there
Destroyed and never rebuilt. Very sad.
went there in 2009, im from belgium , missed a bunch of stuuf, planning on going back for the weekend, good advice!
Awesome video, very informative. I’m hoping to make it there by his summer with hubby. His dream is to visit those beaches in memory of all those soldiers that died. I am to, it’s just too sad for me to bear but I’m going to do it. Great tips. I’ll keep on viewing your videos for more info. Thanks!
my grandpa was in Normandy I so want to visit there before I die to see it all thanks for the video explaining all this the finest generation in America
My father was on those beaches and he had a girlfriend there but she got killed in a bombing attack so sad ,he said he felt like he was there before. He was pretty messed up after the war he never talked about it much he passed in 2003. I've been doing our family tree and come to find out his ancestors were from Normandy he was French through and through know wonder it felt like home to him. I hope to go there one day.
Great video. I spent a few days in Normandy last September. Hotel Bayeux was great and a nice escape from our times in Paris. Tours are all great, tons of restaurants and pubs
+Curt Lewis I really liked the town
hey Walter, your videos are soo great! Thank you for that passion you put into those! How are you able to finance all your awesome trips?!
I'm not Mark Wolters, but I've gathered from watching his previous videos that 1) he's a college professor, so he probably has just a bit more money than many of us, and 2) probably more importantly for his finances, he's spent a lot of time living and working over there, so the trips to various parts of Europe are somewhat local if he lives there (which I don't know where he lives right now), and even if he doesn't right now, he's got a lot of friends in various places and a lot of experience doing things cheaply.
Great video. You are wonderful
thank you
Nice video...lots of info in 10 minutes and your genuine raw emotion almost had me in tears! I'm not sure how 16 people could dislike this video, but the RUclips contrarian trolls will dislike anything....or maybe it's disgruntled old German vets. :)
I feel the same emotion you do..my family has a farm next to the Azeville gun battery and your absolutely right the
French Love Americans in Normandy...its like you say ..its very emotional. God bless America Vive la France!
To say the truth, its a very interesting video. Thank you
Great video. I think the Normandy coast should be a requirement for everyone, you can't leave there without an understanding of the true significance of war.
I spent a few days driving around Normandy visiting as many of these site as I could (actually a lot of my holiday included destinations purely for war sites, like Bastogne, Arnhem, Berchtesgaden, etc.) but a couple of places I'd mention are, firstly, The Bayeux War Cemetery (Commonwealth Cemetery). Its right in town, opposite the Battle of Normandy Museum, and is a peaceful little cemetery (It has 4500 graves but it seems little after Omaha). I mention it because it doesn't get many visitors, at least the days when I was in Bayeux, people would file in and out of the Museum but only a minute number would take a moment to cross the road. (I'm guessing some don't notice/know its there while others don't care enough as its not US related).
The second place is not part of Normandy or the landings, but its not too far, it is the Australian War Memorial Cemetery in Villers-Bretonneux (Valley of the Somme just outside of Amiens, about 3 hours East of Bayeux). Of all the places I visited this was the most impactful. Though this is Australian focused (and WW1) its not just Australians buried there. Friend, foe, and unknown are buried side by side. An American I was travelling with had tears in her eyes when we were at the American Cemetery at Omaha but at Villers-Bretonneus she completely broke down about halfway through the cemetery when she kept reading the inscription on headstone after headstone after headstone "A Soldier of The Great War. Known unto God."
The actual memorial is quite lovely. A tower that stands alone on a hill in the middle of the valley, you can climb it for a complete view of the battlefield, below it a wall lists the names of tens of thousands of Australians who remain lost with no known grave, and leading down the hill are the graves. A relatively small number of graves (under 2000 I think) but seeing all nationalities and ranks lying side by side with so many unknown is beautiful and crushing.
We went there on the way through to Belgium but you could make a detour returning to Paris (or anywhere in Northern France). Definitely worth it.
Aussie here, appreciate the thorough comment, going to France in October so will keep in mind!!
Omg I'm crying too and I've never been there but read about it! Thanks for this video
+MartinGe_De I hope to one day ... That would be so powerful thank you.
+J Madden it's very moving
Wow, thanks so much for sharing. Did you film over at the Marmion Farm in Normandy? That's what it looks like. I visited the D-Day beaches from Caen in April and I'd suggest visiting that town as well as long as the train service isn't on strike or being worked on for maintenance like it was when I was there... I wish I had spent more time at the cemetery but at the same time I don't because of how sad it was. I've always loved WW2 movies, films, and history but after visiting and crying like a little girl it has a whole new perspective for me.
feel your emotions.....thx for the video.
What’s the best time of year to visit?
Thanks Mark, thoughtful and respectful. As living memory fades of those times, it's so important to record and document, when, incredibly, in Europe we again see people shouting the same hateful nonsense that caused so much misery. Surely, never again?
This is on my bucket list. My dad was there D +30 Juno beach. Back in the 80's, he was a hero visiting this area, was given free drinks and kisses from those who were there of French citizens. Caen is the place to stay since it somewhat in the middle.
great video
+sharontony thank you
Awesome video. My travel list include several of the UNESCO sites. Looking forward to seeing a couple sites in France and then trying to get o ear to to Normandy. This was a hard one...how many takes did you do?😊
This is an excellent overview. Can you share the farmhouse information where you stayed? Thanks!
I went there last year. Me and my wife stayed at a hotel in Bayeux . We took a bus tour with a guide (there's a lot of companies offering the guided tour). The bus picked up us at the hotel in the Morning, went to the museum in Arromanches and later we went to the beaches, the museum and the german battery at Longues Sur Mer.The bus left us at the hotel at about 18hs.
It was an outstsanding unplanned 2 day trip from Paris during our holidays. Very emotional indeed.
Oh, we went to the cemetry too... Man... Too many deaths fighting for something everybody take for granted today: Liberty.
The best museums for overall picture of D-day+Battle of Normandy are the Bayeux 'Battle of Normandy' museum and the Arromanches museum (Gold beach). The museums at Utah beach and airborne museum at St mere Eglise are much better than anything at Omaha tbh. Also Merville gun battery, especially for the real simulation experience in the bunker!
Will be in Bayeux in September and will visit at the Overlord beaches and towns. My lifetime dream shall be then fulfilled
Right there with you Mark. The whole experience is moving in a HUGE way. Every American should visit Normandy. More American flags there than on the 4th of July in an American town.
Mark, THANK YOU for making this video!!! I really appreciate the tips and advice you give. May I ask where you stayed in Normandy? Thanks!!!
+Mike Riter we stayed at a local B&B by la cambre
Merci beaucoup mon ami!!!! Will check it out!!!
Geez. I cried just watching this video. We are going in a few weeks. 😢
We are planning on taking this trip in August probably staying in Bayeux. What is the ideal time to take, as far as how many days would be sufficient to comfortably see the beaches and such. We don't want to stay long but not be in a hurry either. We have another itinerary of visiting England.
Would 2 days be good? Or 3? Thanks
Awesome video, certainly something I want to go to see in the next few years. I am lucky to have some french friends so Travel there is going to be much cheaper.
You know your history.. Awesome to listen to
+Jacob Chard it really is a great place to visit
Sure, it's the best place to visit.(Not only because I was born in Normandy) In that special day, give me the opportunity to thanks all these Americans young boys who gave their life for Freedom.
They will stay forever in our hearts.
The friendship between France and USA as started at the beginning of your country and you have been there when we need help.
Thank you.
God bless United States
+Marianne France don't forget my country new zealand.. we lost many men fighting in the fronts of France in WW1 and then also in the liberation of France in WW2 in the d day landing... much love from NZ!
I know that you were there also and we thank all from NZ and Australia.
(And sorry for the Rainbow Warrior)
I like to go and have a read in the museum in Omaha once a year! Are you still around Bayeux in Normandy? I live just around Caen!
I live in England I went to France with my year we went to the beach near the 360 cinema it was the beach with the floating harbour
Bayeux definitely a good place to stay. I rented a car in Caen. Easy drive. Don't forget Pointe du Hoq and Arromanche.
Good video
+loliwin1143 thank you
Great video. Thought about visiting while living in Paris, but seems so expensive to take the train out to Normandy...
+ajl1239 it's really too far for a day trip. Spend a weekend in Normandy. It's worth it
Good to know!
On a personal note, I would be more interested in the Flanders area (from WW1)...
One of my great Uncles was killed about 1 month before the Armistice was signed & is buried near there.
As one of my 2nd cousins put up on Facebook:
"On the morning of 3 October 1918 in northern France, my great uncle, Edwin Clapp, set off with his mates from the 27th Battalion and walked towards the front line. It was just after dawn and their mission was to break the Beaurevoir Line once and for all.
Their own artillery had begun firing when a shell hit Edwin and a few others. They fell on the French soil and left their blood amongst it. Edwin was patched up as best they could and the stretcher bearers took him to the dressing station. There he lay, talking about getting to Blighty, and there he died from blood loss. He was 34 years old.
Two of his mates, Pumpa and Norton were also killed. Someone buried them together and put a sign on the cross. In 1920 they were exhumed and moved to a war grave in the quiet village of Villers-Faucon near Peronne. They are buried side by side.
After that event the 27th was withdrawn from the front line, never to return.
The Hindenburg Line was broken as a result.
Edwin’s two brothers, Bert and Wes, were later to return home not knowing of their brother’s death until they disembarked in Adelaide.
Edwin did not have children, nor did he marry. Yet his family then and those since who never met him, take pride in having a family member who gave the ultimate sacrifice. He is our hero and I don’t ever use that word lightly.
Pte Edwin Clapp, #5323, 27th
KIA 3.10.1918
Lest we forget"
EarlJohn61 this isn’t a competition. Your comment doesn’t add anything.
Me and my brother are planning on going there in a couple of months!
+TheSwedishTraveler have a good trip. It's really a moving visit
Great information you are sharing! My only minor critique... ask a local how to pronounce Bayeux, Caen, Rouen, Calvados etc...
respect, are you coming to the netherlands soon?
So I'm guessing you can arrange a tour from Bayeux? I may travel to Normandy in September and will definitely NOT have a car :D Thanks for the heads up on the lack of public transport
Walter, awesome video. I am going in December of this year. What is your favorite village to stay in to venture into the landing sites? I am coming from Brussels and may rent a car and enjoy the drive or take the train to Paris. Is it possible to see Mont Saint Michael while visiting these sites?
Caen, Bayeux, or Carentan
good
What a great video! I am Norwegian, and we visited the area some years ago, and liked the museum in Caen very much. As you say, the tears are not far away when we think about the place. All those white crosses. So many.....
+Kari H I still get chills thinking about it.
Definitely one place all Americans need to visit.
Have you ever visited Somme, I find military cemeteries very moving. I here there's a nice one there.
On the Somme, which stretches 15 miles, there are 265 commonwealth cemeteries
We're planning to go in September. We are going to rent a car in Paris. Are there places to park you car near the beaches? We are going on sort of a self-guided tour, since one member of our group is very knowledgeable on D-Day. Anyone know?
My favorite museum was the airborne museum in st mere eglise
Brazilian thanks
Caen is a nice city to stay in, with one of the better museums. Read histories of D- Day before going to the area for a good base of knowing what happened. Spend time walking along the beaches and bunkers, many not seen by a lot of tourists, the museums are fine but spending time where the soldiers walked is important. Many of the roads in the area are named after GIs killed in the battle. Small memorials for the soldiers are sprinkled throughout the towns and villages. Talk to the locals.
I am a French subscriber and I find your video very interesting. But I always have a thought also about most German/axis soldiers who died there too solely in the name of an ideology and who are rarely mentionned. I have another thought for those who landed in Provence and Italy in a relative anonymity. May we never have to see these scenes in Europe again.
On a more light note, not far away the Cotentin region is an ideal place for relaxing tourism (biking, hiking etc...)
Awesome respect.. I am feeling the same way respect to everyone who has passed during these battles.
I really appreciate your opinion. I'm german and my great grandfather died in the war, and he was apparently on the Nazi's side. But he wasn't. He had family and children and he had to leave them alone and didn't believe in the Nazi ideology, but he had to fight and he got killed; it's really sad that a lot of people think you can't be sad for all the Germans that had to die, just because they didn't have an option..
Julia O'Shea i agree completely with you.
If my family history is correct (and it may not be), I had family on both sides of this war: while my American grandfather was out on a ship in the Pacific, German munitions with my family name on them, were being dropped on London. Imagine how I feel.
+Nick Hentschel I get what you mean. The one half of my family is german, the other is polish. Big parts of my polish family were suffering in ghettos and even work camps in Russia after the war while the german part of my family was considered guilty for that.. It's sometimes difficult to understand both sides but it's really important
Im going 9 june with a good friend
i really want to go there
I live in Normandy, if you ever get the chance I will show you around for free
The best time to go is June 6th it was amazing
Thank you for advice.
My favourite WW video......🇺🇸🇬🇧
My French friend lives in LA with me I've known him for 4 years he is taking me this Christmas to see his family in "caen"
Any thoughts?
Is it going to be hard to travel around I think he has his car there so it shouldn't be a problem
Shouldn't be a problem for you. Even if you don't have a car available the French Public Transport system is much better than you'll find anywhere in the States you'll be fine.
Even as a german you should go and visit!
and visit La Cambe it is very impressive
I’m going around Europe to visit WWII monuments and we will end the trip at the Canadian World War Cemetery where there will be a ceremony with the Prime Minister of Canada, Queen Elizabeth II and other royals, and the Prime Minister of France! I love the history in Europe.
Daaaaaammnnn, I love your vids, thank you for that!!!
I am German, I dont know why but when I listen to your vids, its like watching a german video in my ears, great!
No Special accent like US Middle-South. Where are you born?
Great Video about Normandy, we plan to drive all througt that area next year.
This year is from Seattle to Las Vegas.
Good hints from you, I really appreciate that.
Ähhhhh....your beard looks great on you, keep it.
Go on that way, greets from far away germany,
Henning
Omfg I saw that anti tank at 3:18
I want to go i am usn
คำพูดจากคนขาดบนสร้างเรื่องบิดเบื่อนทำลายหน้าประวัติศาสตร์บนหลุมศพวีระชนผู้เสียสละ....
Wow just wow Port Winston, aka the Mulberry harbours, where a British invention they are still at Arromanches, unlike at Port Winston where they where constructed wrong by the Americans and floated away....cheeky shit