Why do people go to normandy

Alongside the dozens of memorials and sites, however, a range of new tourist operations have emerged, offering souvenirs, Jeep and tank rides, and even a D-Day "escape game".

Since opening the simulator in , the museum now has , visitors a year, up from just 20, previously. A few kilometres away, "Le Blockhaus" will soon open its escape game to re-create the June beach stormings, while the Normandy Victory Museum offers minute tank rides for 39 euros. And near Sainte-Mere-Eglise, groups can sign up for a euro theatrical nighttime re-enactment of the parachute landing, complete with Jeep tour.

It's an approach that specialists have denounced as a cheapening of the sacrifices made by the thousands of Allied troops who braved Nazi fire while wresting Normandy, and eventually all of France, from the Germans. You have to explain the complexity of war, and the dead," he said. But the Caen memorial, where attendance levels have stagnated in recent years, will open this month an immersive, degree cinema for recounting the landings.

Country roads that are perfect for exploring. A variety of interesting architecture. Apple orchards producing delicious beverages. Incredible history that continues to live on. An abundance of fresh seafood. Copy link. Map View. Book Now. Once a major site for Christian pilgrimage, the Mont Saint Michel is now one of the most visited sites in France, though less than 50 people reside on the island. The combination of the unruly channel surrounding the striking grey rock mountain that towers into the misty sky is a must-see on any visit to Normandy.

More info. Open In Google Maps. Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy, , France. Visit Website. Give us feedback. Atmosphere: Family Friendly. Crucial hours were lost in the battle to hold Normandy. When Hitler did finally wake up, at around 10am, he was excited at news of the invasion - he thought Germany would easily defeat the Allies. While America formed the biggest national contingent, the combined force of Commonwealth service personnel - mostly British and Canadian - was greater.

Of the , men who landed in France on 6 June, 73, were American, and 83, British or Canadian. The Commonwealth naval contingent was twice that of the Americans. There were five beaches that were chosen for the operation, codenamed, from east to west, Sword, Juno, Gold, Omaha, Utah. Casualty rates were slightly higher than they were during a typical day during the Battle of the Somme in Having been given his top-secret mission to attack the Merville battery on D-Day, Terence Otway had to be certain his men wouldn't spill the beans ahead of 6 June He sent 30 of the prettiest members of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force, dressed in civilian clothes, into village pubs near where his soldiers were training.

They were asked to do all they could to discover the men's mission. None of the men gave anything away. Image source, IWM. Photography appeal. Image source, Getty Images.