In the footsteps of WWII

Deauville is a tourist town with lovely beaches for relaxation and perhaps a cold dip in the English Channel. There are plenty of activities in the area, such as sailing, golf and horse riding. It is also a mecca for horse racing with the Hippodrome Deauville La Touques and the beautiful Casino Barrière. You are in the classic Calvados area, so be sure to try a local version of this drink.

In the morning, drive on to Caen and begin your journey in the footsteps of the Second World War. Just outside Caen, the WarMemorial is well worth a visit. Then continue to Bayeux where you check in for two nights.

Today you start the day by driving out to Utah Beach, where the first American troops landed on 6 June 1944. The museum tells the story of D-Day in ten sequences from planning to final outcome and victory. On the way home, you will stop at Pointe du Hoc, where you will have the opportunity to see even more bunkers and crater holes. You can reach Pointe du Hoc via the D514, located on a cliff on the coast between Grandcamp and Vierville.

Today you travel to Omaha Beach, where the Allies landed on D-Day on 6 June 1944. On the way, you will stop at the American cemetery in Colleville Sur Mer, also known from the film Saving Private Ryan. In Saint Lauren sur Mer, the name of the beach town of Omaha, you can walk along the beach and dunes where bunkers still exist, some of which are accessible. There is also a small museum. If you haven't had enough war history, in the afternoon you can continue to Arromanches, another of the landing sites that were part of Gold Beach. There is also a small museum here - the Musée du Débarquement. In the evening you drive to Rouen where you check into your hotel.

Rouen, the city of 100 bell towers, is the historic capital of Normandy with its towering Gothic cathedral, beautifully restored medieval quarter, impressive old churches, excellent museums and a vibrant cultural life. Stroll along the winding cobbled streets of the old town and visit the 15th century Notre Dame Cathedral (also known as Notre Dame) and St Malou Church.

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