Where Are the D-Day Invasion Beaches?
by hquittner
They are not in Bayeux, but are closer to small towns on or near the shore east or west of Bayeux. Only a World War II buff would know their names (or a tourist who is aVT buff). The code names of the different commands which gave rise to beach names are not towns either but are well known to historians and others. If Juno and Sword are grouped together, then there are 4 regions, each unit comprising about 20 km of coast, plus more at the Pointe du Hoc (an additional and important part of Omaha). The associations are as follows: AT
Juno-Sword Courseulles -sur-Mer (French, British, Canadian) (near Caen)
Gold Arromanches-les-Bains (British)
Omaha Colleville-sur-Mer (or alternately St. Laurent-sur-Mer)
(site also of the American Military Cemetery)
Utah Ste.-Marie-du-Mont or Ste.-Mere-Eglise
The Point du Hoc is near St. Pierre du Mont or alternately Grandcamp-Maisy.
Finally there is a German Cemetery near la Cambe.
If you look up all of these you will find over 100 Tips and pictures from avid VTers, many more than you will find under Bayeux and Basse-Normandie and more informative.
The Bayeux TI
by lamentforicarus
Located next to a quiet canal, the Bayeux tourist information office is a great way to find a tour of the nearby Normandy beaches. Reservations can be made for same day tours or days in advance, and staff members will usually give you several different tours and prices to compare. The office is also a good resource for learning more about the town of Bayeux itself, offering a wide selection of books and pamphlets about its many attractions.
Lots to see and do
by jayhawk2000
Walking the old streets, admiring the tapestry up-close, taking in the grand cathedral, lunching at a bistro, strolling out to the Commonwealth Cemetery and taking a tour of the D-Day beaches, bunkers and military cemeteries.
Here are a couple links to help plan your trip.
First, here is lots of information about the all D-Day beaches, with a downloadable map and info on public transport: http://france-for-visitors.com/normandy/d-day-beaches/index.html
And this is the official tourist site for visitors to Bayeux, with an English translation available: http://www.bayeux-tourism.com Soaking up some sunshine on a long stroll around this interesting town.
Saturday is Market Day
by hquittner
The main street: r. St-Patrice, r. St-Malo and even further is closed to traffic on Saturday morning and becomes a market where anything can be found, especially foodstuffs.(Other VT members have noted this). As you can see, even the rain does not dampen the activity.
Two kisses on the cheeks
by Mikebond
When people meet, they kiss on the cheeks (this typical French gesture is called se faire la bise). Unlike in other places, the number of bises in Bayeux is quite fix: two kisses seems to be the most frequent option, although three are also possible. I even saw two people exchange five kisses, but that is not typical of the area.
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Bayeux Saturday morning market
Bayeux Tapestry
Bayeux Cathedral
Bayeux Cathedral
