If you’re a student of history, ancient or modern, a drive through Normandy makes for a great holiday.

If you want to start with some of the older history, it was from Normandy that William the Conqueror set out to take over the throne of England in 1066.  If you are into 20th century history, there are the D-Day Invasion Beaches to explore.

You’ll probably start by driving to Rouen.  Though it is a big city, there are plenty of historical sites to see in its center.  You can find a car park near the Place du Vieux Marche (the old Market Square).  It was here that Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in 1431.

Wander up the street and under the large old clock that is in a tower that straddles the street – the Gros-Horloge.  Make your way up to the Cathedrale Notre-Dame.  This gothic cathedral was the subject of several of Claude Monet’s paintings. (more…)

The Normandy beaches that are most famous are the ones between Cherbourg and Le Havre.  They are also known as the D-Day Invasion Beaches.

While Normandy beaches are great for family holidays, with miles of peaceful, sandy beaches to enjoy, the area is a special draw for those interested in the history of World War II.

Americans, Canadian, English, and some French troops stormed these beaches on June 6th, 1944.  On D-Day, the beaches were anything BUT peaceful.

The Allies gave the beaches code names…. Sword, Gold, Omaha, Utah, and Juno.  The British were assigned to Sword and Gold.

The Americans landed at Omaha and Utah. The Canadian sector beach was Juno.  The beaches are still known by these code names.  The area is dotted with museums and reminders of that historic time. (more…)