D-Day Beaches and Surrounding Area

I've been lucky enough to make it to the beaches twice, but would definitely like to go back to explore the area again. The region of France the D-Day beaches are located in, Normandy (Normandie), is absolutely beautiful. Standing on the beach, looking out at a beautiful sunset, it's hard to imagine what took place almost 50 years ago right where you're standing. The towns in the region are still mostly as they were then, quiet and very simple. The farmland is very tranquil and serene, and with the coastal breeze and humidity, the sunsets are as good as anywhere.

I recommend visiting the town of Bayeux (1st town liberated by Allied Forces), it's filled with monuments and has a good museum as well. Arromanches is perhaps the most startling of the D-Day coastal towns. This is where the British engineers deployed Mulberry Harbor, the artificial port that allowed for the unloading of heavy equipment and supplies once the area was secured. The remnants of Mulberry Harbor are still there, and at low tide you can walk out to inspect them up close.