Ten Things That Shock Tourists who Visit Normandy, France
Hey there, fellow travelers! Today we’re in Normandy, which is most famous for the D-Day beaches. We love to help travelers prepare for their vacations, and other than telling you the best things to do, we love to share the things that will shock you upon arriving in a new destination. Today we’re sharing the top ten travel shocks for visitors to Normandy.
Visit Normandy Shock #1: The Moving Experience of the D-Day Beaches
When you visit the D-Day beaches and the cemeteries, it’s an incredibly moving experience. You really get a feel for what happened during World War II on D-Day. You can visit Omaha Beach, where the Allied troops landed on June 6, 1944.You learn the stories of the soldiers, and how much they sacrificed. You will tear up at the stories.
Tip: Visit some of the Normandy museums before you visit the beaches and the sites; you’ll have a better understanding of the background.
Watch: Visiting D-Day Beaches: Advice and Tips on Visiting the Normandy Beaches
Visit Normandy Shock #2: The Number of Museums and Memorials
You will be shocked at how many D-Day and Battle of Normandy museums and monuments there are in the area. There’s an insane number of museums; it can be hard to decide which ones to visit. There’s one just about paratroopers, one about Operation Overlord, an Omaha Beach museum, a Battle of Normandy museum, and so many more.
Visit Normandy Shock #3: There are German Cemeteries in Normandy
When you think about D-Day, we usually think about the Allied troops, the Brits, Canadians, Americans and others. But Germans died at Normandy, too, so there are German cemeteries here.
Visit Normandy Shock #4: Your First Glimpse of Mont St. Michel
One of the most photographed places in France that is outside Paris is Mont St. Michel. Mont St Michel is an abbey on a rocky island, and it stands alone on the horizon. You can see it for miles as you approach, and it’s really cool when you get your first glimpse.
Visit Normandy Shock #5: Wine Isn’t the Drink of Choice
When we think of France, we think of wine. Surprisingly, the beverage of choice in Normandy is cider. If you want something a little stronger, there is Calvados, or apple brandy. For the kids, there is apple juice. You can find wine, but cider is definitely the local specialty in Normandy.
Visit Normandy Shock #6: Rustic Beauty of Normandy Landscape
If you rent a car to travel around Normandy, you’ll see amazing villages, with manor houses and stonework barns surrounded by nature and wildlife. It’s fun to see the unpolished, rustic version of France, especially in comparison to the polished, sophisticated France we usually think of. It can make you feel like you’ve gone back in time.
Visit Normandy Shock #7: Variety of Things to do Besides D-Day Beaches
Of course, the D-Day beaches are a main attraction for visiting Normandy. But you’ll be shocked at how many other things there are to do in Normandy. In addition to Mont St. Michel, there are cool towns like Rouen, where Monet painted the cathedral. Or check out Honfleur, to see the fishing villages, or the beaches at Deauville. It’s shocking how much this quiet area of France has to offer.
Watch: What to See & Do in Rouen, France
Visit Normandy Shock #8: Seeing the Bayeaux Tapestry
This is the history of how William the Conqueror became King of England in 1066. The tapestry shows the Battle of Hastings, and shows the history of England over 70 meters. The whole museum is the tapestry wrapping around. The detail of the embroidery is amazing; and depicts battles in graphic detail.
Visit Normandy Shock #9: It’s OK if You Don’t Speak French
French is of course the official language here, and you won’t hear very much English spoken in this area. However, the locals will gladly help you, and they won’t give you a hard time if you don’t speak French. The people of Normandy are shockingly awesome! You might even have a stranger hand you a bottle of Calvados!
Watch: Learn French: Basic French Phrases for Tourists
Visit Normandy Shock #10: How Relaxed You Can Be
Often when you picture a vacation in France, you picture hustle and bustle, surrounded by tour groups, but Normandy isn’t like that. It’s so easy to relax, and much more laid-back than other destinations in France. There are good museums, great food, but most importantly, a very chill vibe that allows you to relax and enjoy your Normandy vacation.
We hope these ten tips help you better understand Norman culture, and lessen the shocks you have when arriving in Normandy. Have you been to Normandy? We’d love to hear what shocked you; just leave a comment below! For more Wolters World travel tips, check out these blog posts and videos: