Caen

[ajt2403ljt]

I asked on the other Discussion forum about travelling from Portsmouth to Caen and I probably should have asked it here.

I was also wondering today about how close some of the D-Day Landing beaches are close to Caen as we will probably arrive quite early for our overnight crossing home. I was hinking this might be a way to eat into the time or if anyone has any other ideas of what to do I would be very grateful. I've always wanted to visit the beaches where it all happened and it seems like it could be an ideal opportunity.

Many thanks in advance!

[EstharMan]

One of the beaches, (I think it's Sword) is *right* next to the port at Ouistreham, you can get quite a good view from the ship as it enters/departs the birth.

[cvabishop]

It depends on which direction you are coming from and how much time you have. If we have time in hand we often head for Bayeux and then up to the coast at Arromanches where you can see the remains of the Mulberry harbour. If you have not been there before then it's definitely worth a stop for the D Day museum on the front and the viewpoint up on the cliffs to the East as you drive out. You can then travel East along the coast to the ferryport at Ouistreham. There are several signposted WW2 bunkers etc en route which can be visited if you have time, otherwise it is a pleasant drive and avoids the need to tackle the Caen ring road.

If you have more time available then hit the coast further West and take in Omaha beach and the American Military Cemetery first, plus perhaps the Pointe Du Hoc which was stormed by the US Rangers. The cemetery is a very poignant place and there is a viewing table immediately above the landing beach itself from which you can see just what a difficult task the US troops had when coming ashore.

Any of these places are definitely worth anyone's time in view of the sacrifices that were made there.

Colin

[Craig]

Originally Posted by cvabishop

If you have not been there before then it's definitely worth a stop for the D Day museum on the front and the viewpoint up on the cliffs to the East as you drive out.

I would always recommend a trip to the museum. Ranks amongst one of the best I have ever visited.

[smartie]

Heartily agree with everything said above. I try and visit every year, my maternal grandfather was in one of the gliders that landed at pegasus bridge and liberated the Gondrand Cafe. Caen Memorial is brilliant as well. But look out for the "Operation Overlord" signs they tell the history. If you stick to the, I think, N514 coast road you can't go far wrong.

[Millsy]

Originally Posted by EstharMan

One of the beaches, (I think it's Sword) is *right* next to the port at Ouistreham, you can get quite a good view from the ship as it enters/departs the birth.

If you have children it is also one of the finest beaches imaginable for simply lounging away a summers day.....

[ajt2403ljt]

Thanks for all the advice guys.

We will probably arrive in Caen around 4pm. We leave Vieux Boucau in the South-West around 6.30am to give us plenty of time. Is that too late to visit the beaches? I'm assuming it will be too late to make it into the museums. We were thinking if we got to Caen at that time it would give us time to visit any places then go for a meal before getting on the ferry.

Thanks again.

Sorry, i should have also posted before that we will be coming in on the A28.

http://www.viamichelin.com/viamichel...raryFuelType=0