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.

Canadian Museum at Juno Beach

Location: Just off the coastal D514 on the western edge of Courseulles-sur-Mer.
General Information: Website. Voie des Français Libres-BP 104, 14470. Tel No: 0(2) 31 37 32 17. Open all year without interruption, except Christmas day and all of January. Centre prices - Adult €6.50 Reduced Rate €5.

Description: This Museum is located on the edge of Juno Beach that was the site of the D-Day landings by Canadian soldiers. The museum exhibits cover not only the landings themselves but they also give an insight into Canadian culture and life, both past and present. Following a welcome by bilingual Canadian guides and an introductory film, you are free to wander at will through the rest of the exhibition.

Our Recommendations: If time permits take one of the guided park tours (extra charges) which take place outside the museum on the beach itself and among local remains of the defensive Atlantic wall.
For the Children: This visit is particularly appropriate for children who can follow two fictional characters, Peter and Madeleine in a discovery of Canada from 1930’s to the present day.

    - 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.