A Journey from Paris to Normandy: Visiting Omaha Beach and the Memorials

In June 2024, just as Paris was buzzing with anticipation for the upcoming Olympics, we decided to escape the city’s hustle and take a meaningful trip to Normandy. Our destination: Omaha Beach and the surrounding memorials, a place rich in history and solemn remembrance.

Our journey began early one morning as we picked up a rental car to drive from Paris to Normandy. The scenic route took us through the picturesque French countryside, offering a stark contrast to the bustling urban landscape we left behind. Several times during our drive, we encountered toll roads. We quickly adapted to the process: grabbing a ticket at the entrance, keeping it in a safe spot for later, and paying by credit card as we exited the long stretches of road. We discovered by taking toll roads, the cost of the trip increased and should be considered if you are heading any distance in France.

Signal Monument, Omaha Beach

Upon arrival in Normandy, we were greeted by a serene coastal landscape that held an indescribable weight of history. Omaha Beach, one of the five landing beaches during the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944, was our first stop. Standing on the sand, we could hardly imagine the chaos and courage that had unfolded here 80 years ago. The vast expanse of the beach, the gentle waves of the English Channel, and the quiet stillness seemed almost at odds with the dramatic events of that fateful day.

As we walked along the beach, we visited the various monuments and plaques that commemorated the bravery of the Allied forces. One particularly moving moment was standing before the Les Braves monument, a stunning sculpture that honors the courage of the soldiers who fought and died on these shores. The metallic structure, rising from the sand like abstract wings, symbolizes the rise of freedom and hope from the devastation of war.

Jon and Frankie in front of Les Braves Monument at Omaha Beach

At the far eastern end of Omaha Beach, we explored a notable memorial that offered a sweeping view of the beach and its surroundings. This site not only provided a deep appreciation of the strategic significance and vast scale of the D-Day landings but also included detailed descriptions of the complex logistics involved in the invasion.

We stayed in a charming Airbnb in Angerville, a peaceful village that offered a cozy retreat after our day of exploration. Our host Oliver was incredibly welcoming, and the stay added a special touch to our Normandy experience. During our trip, we also made new friends at Le Trot restaurant in Trevières, where the local hospitality and delicious cuisine created a memorable dining experience. We feel this must be mentioned to debunk the untruths about the people of France—despite the stereotypes you might have heard in the U.S. or elsewhere, we've found them to be incredibly friendly and accommodating. Many have spoken English with us on several occasions (another myth debunked). At one restaurant, we asked where to buy a charging cable for our phone, and a generous Frenchman at the next table let us use his Apple charging "brick." We spent most of that dinner chatting with our new friends, Jean-Claude and Florence, who knew more about American politics than most Americans and spoke excellent English. It was the perfect end to a wonderful day.

Jon, Jean-Claude, Florence, and Jen swapping stories at Le Trot

In the early morning, we were roused by a raucous rooster rivalry and crowing contest. We returned to Paris, our hearts full of memories.

Visiting Omaha Beach and the memorials in Normandy was not just a historical excursion; it was an emotional pilgrimage that deepened our appreciation for the past and its lasting impact on the present.