During the second world war (WWII), much of Europe suffered significant damage, with Normandy experiencing particularly severe destruction. The landing of the Allies in Normandy marked a pivotal confrontation between the two warring factions, resulting in many casualties and widespread ruin.
As you journey through Normandy, the shadows of war are still present, whether through physical remnants like bunkers or through memorials honoring those who lost their lives.
Below is a brief overview of some WWII leftovers and monuments that can be seen in Normandy. They are listed in no particular order.
This is Part 5 of the 5 part series.
Click here to read Part 1.
Click here to read Part 2.
Click here to read Part 3.
Click here to read Part 4.
Veulettes-sur-Mer
The village described below typifies what one might find in many, if not most, villages in Normandy. Cataloging them all would require several pages.
Veulettes-sur-Mer is a quaint beachside village, petite in size but frequented by campervans and tourists.
The church
The small church has a rather large portion of the cemetery dedicated to the Allied soldiers who gave their lives liberating France.
Click here to see where the Veulettes church is located on Google Maps
Beach monument
At the far end of Veulettes-sur-Mer beach, there stands a prominent sign.
This sign pays tribute to the crew of a B17 bomber plane that was downed at this location, detailing the names of the crew members and their roles.
Click here to see where this monument is located on Google Maps
Saint-Valery-en-Caux
In Saint-Valery-en-Caux, there's a sizable cemetery devoted to the fallen military personnel.
The inscription on the entrance post of the cemetery states, “The land on which this cemetery stands is the gift of the french people for the perpetual resting place of the sailors, soldiers and airmen who are honoured here“.
Click here to see here the cemetery is located on Google Maps
Ouistreham
At the Ouistreham harbour, just before the, Brittany Ferries entrance, you will see this sign:
Pont l’Eveque
The quaint town of Pont l’Eveque suffered significant destruction towards the end of D-Day due to intense combat between the Allies and the Germans.
Plaques and markers scattered throughout the town attest to the devastation. The church, in particular, sustained the most damage.
Click here to see where Pont l’Eveque is located on Google Maps
There is also a large Commonwealth War Graves cemetery.
Bunkers, Bunkers and more Bunkers
Nearly every coastal village, town, or city in Normandy boasts a history of having one or several bunkers. While many still stand, not all are accessible to the public (though some can be visited with a prior reservation).
Below are just a handful of the bunkers dotted along the Normandy beaches.
We've now concluded our series on WWII in Normandy. Of course, there are countless other sites awaiting your exploration—ranging from bunkers to memorials, cemeteries, and remnants of military equipment scattered throughout the region.
If you want to see more, drop me a note, or leave a comment.