D-Day 2009

[steveR]

Anyone else going over this year for the 65th celebrations and commorative events in Normandy?

My lad and I are heading off later this week on the Transalp and hope to see one of the big parades and spend a bit of time at some of the smaller events along the coast. I also want to go to Falaise and see the ground and go the museum there.

Any recommendations??

[Scooter]

Am sure you went there, but Pont du Hoc is a phenomenal memorial to the futility and horror of war (US Rangers climbing the cliffs to destroy guns that weren't there. The shell holes from the aerial bombing are quite frightening, even 65 years later). American cemetery at Omaha beach is very moving, although the German cemetery at La Cambre is even more so.

IMHO.

[steveR]

Am sure you went there, but Pont du Hoc is a phenomenal memorial to the futility and horror of war (US Rangers climbing the cliffs to destroy guns that weren't there. The shell holes from the aerial bombing are quite frightening, even 65 years later). American cemetery at Omaha beach is very moving, although the German cemetery at La Cambre is even more so.

IMHO.

Did the P du H this time as well as Longue sur Mer on the Friday before the fireworks. Popped into Arromanche on the Sunday as getting near the coast on the Saturday was always going to be difficult, and from reports we got, it was! Hundreds of vehicles and folks dressed in period gear EVERYWHERE, most seemed to be french in US Para gear.

Went inland to Falaise on the Saturday instead, quite enjoyed the Museum though my lad was disappointed, possibly because we had seen so much already on the roads and in the fields all over the place! He particularly enjoyed the renactment camp at Dead Man's Corner, again mostly French guys (and gurls) but well done with a good eye to details.


Did not get to Omaha, or any of the cemeteries this time but IKWYM about the big WW1 military cemeteries, I come away from them feeling quite choked. So many so young.

But overwheming thought on France was god, it's getting VERY expensive now!! We met some Italians on the ferry back and they are going to find the UK so cheap, especially fuel and food.