My husband and I were traveling from Paris to the area of Mont Saint Michel in Western France. We set out by car,me organized with my navigation plans fully planned out. My husband noted that we would be driving through the Normandy area. Thinking it was a site not to be missed he wanted to take a “quick” detour. I had carefully planned out our route and this was going to throw off my plans significantly which immediately set off my anxiety button. But, instinctively, I knew he was right. We headed for the Juno and Utah beach areas closest to our previously planned route. And, I am so grateful we did, despite my fear of missing out on anything at Mont Saint Michel.
It was an honor to visit the area and a few local museums. The museums were naturally filled with veterans of the war on both sides with honors going to all countries who participated. How meaningful and moving it must be to come back to the location of the invasion so many years later with one’s children and grand children in tow. It is really easy to see the area on PBS specials, movies, and books. It is all very real and very breathtaking standing on the beach and seeing shells of tanks, giant metal obstructions placed in the water to impede boats from coming on shore, and cement bunkers still standing in place.
I was particularly impressed with an art installation on Juno Beach at the Canadian Juno Beach Center representing the soldiers who fought and who were lost. I was also equally impressed and shocked to see how far soldiers had to make it from the beach to their varying assignments if they were fortunate enough to survive. It is a testimate to the bravery of these soldiers no doubt.
It was a humbling and beautiful experience to visit and I am grateful my husband insisted we go. Sometimes, the unplanned moments on a trip become the highlight.
For more information on the Normandy invasion click here.
Bulldog Travels / Photos By Jenny 
I haven’t been there but the beaches in Pays de Calais have similar memorials to the war and I have seen these. Brutal times that should always be remembered!
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Certainly. It’s hard to even think of the things that happen in the serene and beautiful place.
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We definitely hope to visit this one day. Both our Grandfathers were part of the Canadian military that fought here. Thank you for sharing this!
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It’s a beautiful facility, with lovely monuments, and a peaceful and serene beach. It’s well worth the visit.
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Having visited these beaches years ago enjoyed reading your post and it’s inspired me to think about a visit back there again!!
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Thanks. I am glad to hear that. I wish we had more time to explore but I am happy to see what we were able to see. My husband loved it.
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I went to Normandy so many times with my parents when I was little. I really enjoyed this place, full of history.
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How fortunate!
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Definitely a place full of history worth doing a detour for. I like the art installation, it captured my eye:)
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It was really beautiful to me too.
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Unplanned stop that ends well 🙂 Normandy is certainly a nice place to visit, I love that they keep the history and place a beautiful art as memorial!
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They usually end well! Thanks for the comment.
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