Normandy and war graves.

jeff_chandler

I'm now in my 70s and would like to visit Normandy and the war graves.

I'm not comfortable driving these days so I would have to go via train and euro star, or fly if there are flights to that region from UK.

I live in Greater Manchester, are there any web sites with info on how to get there. Has anyone on here been and done it who could offer any advice or, even an itenarary.

Thanks in advance.

twopenny

I've looked into it ages ago and the cemeteries are out of town so some sort of transport is needed.

I found I could get to the locality ie village or town easily enough with flights or public transport.

There's a taxi or private car. Local tours. Tours that leave from the UK. The problem with those is that they may not go to the ones you want and they tend to include talks or guided tours of the cemetery which I didn't want as I wanted to visit family graves.

So a lot depends on your purpose for going.

la531983

May be better doing a coach holiday such as this

D-Day Landings in Normandy | Leger Holidays

This is not a recommendation of that specific holiday btw, do your own research into them

strawb_shortcake

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6677141/normandy-and-war-graves

Leger holidays do these type of holidays.

I did Normandy with an organisation that does not cater to the general public but I'd thoroughly recommend going. We were fortunate that we had 2 exemplary historians travelling with us that really helped our understanding and provided context to where we visited.

I've never used Leger so no idea what they are like.

2 places that stick in mind is the 360 cinema at Arromanches and Pegasus bridge - though the Historian really bought that alive with the stories of the gliders and some tales of the enemy.

Brie

The various cemeteries were surprisingly interesting to me when I've visited but as mentioned they are out of town and sometimes not well sign posted - particularly the German ones.

My parents did a tour which ensured they saw the Canadian bits - so Juno beach and then the big memorial at Vimy as my mom's dad was deployed there and gassed multiple times and insisted on going back to the battle after each recovery. (he even tried to enlist again for WWII) They really enjoyed the camaraderie of the tour and even the busing about as it included showing Blackadder Goes Forth. This was a number of years back so I've no recollection of the tour company and they're no longer about to ask. But I'm sure a google would turn up some options.

The alternative might be to find a local history group and see if they are organising anything. I've one friend who travels to Normandy regularly as part of a motorcycle organisation and a husband of another friend who goes to participate in gatherings for those with an interest in military jeeps.

edited to add - this looks like a fun idea!! (no knowledge of the site personally)

Bayeux D-Day Landing Beach Sidecar Excursion 2026 - BOOK NOW

On-the-coast

overnight ferry from Portsmouth to Caen is worth looking at. It’s relatively cheap to book a cabin so you can sleep each of the sea crossings.
and Caen is right in the heart of Dday beaches.
I’ve done that journey several times.

NoodleDoodleMan

A few years ago we did the D-Day & Normandy coach tour with Leger Holidays, who specialise in these types of trips - it was excellent.

Do you have a specific cemetery which you wish to visit ? In which case you'd need to contact Leger for guidance.

Modern comfortable coach, decent quality hotels with breakfast and evening meal - visited large US cemetery above Omaha beach and a couple of British & Commonwealth ones plus well known sites connected to the landings such as Pegasus Bridge, Merville Battery and St.Mere Eglise ……..and filming locations from "The Longest Day" film 1962.

The guide was first class……I have no hesitation in recommending.

jeff_chandler

Wow, thank you for all your replies, they are appreciated.

My Father was a survivor of the D day landings, he seldom spoke about it, and when he did he broke down. He mentioned Pegasus bridge and various locations which since I read about. I have avoided it for all these years because I think I'd break up myself. I'm ready to visit.

I have some great advice from you all for which I'm grateful.

NoodleDoodleMan

Pegasus Bridge is a highlight.

The Airborne Museum is situated nearby and apparently some bad blood developed with the lady who owns the famous cafe - the Paras wanted a selection of their memorabilia returned for display however she wasn't too keen on the idea.

We were told that the actor Richard Todd who'd been in airborne and was there on D-Day was persuaded to act as intermediary and calm troubled waters. He played Major John Howard whom he'd served with in the film so his credentials were sound.

James_Londoner

The Man in Seat 61 has a guide to getting to Normandy by train

https://www.seat61.com/France.htm#london-to-normandy

NoodleDoodleMan

The OP is not comfortable driving - so getting there is only one aspect of the trip.

Normandy is a relatively large area, I reckon an organised tour, if a suitable one is available, would be the best option.