Second World War remembered  Normandy was selected by the allies as the landing point from which to start the assault that eventually led to the end of the Second World War in Europe.  Even though the German army was expecting an attack further north in the Pas de Calais, this area was still heavily defended and there was an inevitable loss of life that is difficult to imagine.  There are many places one could visit in this area on the north coast of the Cherbourg peninsula, here is a small selection.

Pointe du Hoc

Location: On D514 between the American Cemetery
at Omaha Beach (Colleville-sur-Mer) to the east and Grandcamp-Maisy to the west.
General Info: A large car park and recently built information point with toilets is sign-posted from the main road. A level walk takes you to the well preserved site where you are totally free to wander.
Description: With a huge series of German gun emplacements and interconnecting bunkers situated on a prominent headland between Utah and Omaha beaches on the Normandy coast, Pointe du Hoc was considered by the allied invasion forces to be of crucial importance on D-Day. Today as you wander the picturesque headland with its beautiful far-reaching views its make it is hard to imagine the scenes of over 60 years ago. It is still possible today to go inside the bunkers as well as viewing the former gun sites.
Our Recommendations: While fascinating to aficionados of history this is worth visiting only if you are in the area. We loved it but appreciate that it is not everyone’s cup of tea!!
For the Children: There is lots of space to run around, although care needs to be taken with younger children as there are steep drops around as well as wartime debris. Also one should remember that this is an historical site and needs treating with respect.

    - American Cemetry (Omaha)
    - Arromanches 360
    - Atlantic Wall Museum
    - Caen Memorial
    - Canadian Museum (Juno)
    - Merville-Franceville Battery
    - Pegasus Bridge
    - Pointe du Hoc
    - Tour of the Battlegrounds

If you know of any other historic attractions in Normandy which are worthy of inclusion in this website, please send us your feedback.

For more pictures of the area visit the schools history website here.

And an excellent D Day site that is full of useful information.