While children will study the Second World War and the D-Day Landings throughout their school years, a stay in Normandy is an opportunity to introduce them to this important moment in history, while having a good time. In museums, on the beaches and by visiting the main sites in Normandy linked to June 6, 1944 and the days that followed, families discover a territory that will forever bear the marks of this history. And if this stay in Normandy is synonymous with a happy holiday, it is because everything has been put in place so that everyone learns while having fun

Museums that captivate young and old

During a Normandy holiday with a focus on history, as well as going for a run and enjoying the sun on the D-Day beaches, families have the opportunity to visit a multitude of museums retracing the major stages of the D-Day, the symbol of the return to freedom for the Allies. At Colleville-sur-Mer, at the Overlord Museum - Omaha Beach, adults and children open their eyes to admire a superb collection of war pieces such as tanks, vehicles and cannons. At the D-Day Museum - Utah Beach, in addition to admiring an authentic American B-26 Marauder bomber, the museum unveils a tour that allows visitors to relive the major stages of June 6, 1944. Treasure hunts and other fun and educational workshops are also offered to children. Another museum not to be missed is the Airborne Museum in Sainte-Mère-Église. Not only does it have a beautiful collection of war objects, but children will love going to the "Operation Neptune" building to live the immersive experience of boarding a C-47 plane in England at night and reliving the D-Day parachute drops in Normandy. And then you must also go and get some fresh air at Sword Beach and then spend some time at the Pegasus Memorial in Ranville. Recalling the arrival of the first liberators of the British 6th Airborne Division on Normandy soil during the night of 5 to 6 June 1944, the museum presents several objects and photos evoking the liberation of the region. Families can also admire the Pegasus Bridge, displayed in the park, and the life-size replica of the Horsa glider.

If there are many museums in Normandy to relive the history of D-Day, another place of choice is the D-Day Experience in Carentan-les-Marais. This incredible space allows you to relive the D-Day landing on the American and German sides. Young and old alike will enjoy climbing into the cockpit of a C-47 aircraft dating from 1943 for a flight simulation that is unique in the world!

The Caen Memorial is also one of these remarkable museums. An essential step in the understanding of the Battle of Normandy and the history of the 20th century, this museum of peace will allow everyone to discover the different stages from the origins of the Second World War to the Cold War. An immersive room will plunge you into this part of our history through an exceptional film of nearly 20 minutes

Stroll along the beaches and other key sites of the D-Day

Diving into the heart of the history of the D-Day with your family also means going to the famous Normandy beaches where the Allies landed. You can start your adventure with a stroll on Omaha Beach, and then go to the Pointe du Hoc site. It is there that you will discover a field of ruins caused by bombs and shells. A visit to the American cemetery, which overlooks the beach, is another must. For the grandeur of the site, but also for the moving moment of the ceremony of the colors, where to the sound of a military hymn, the American flag is lowered and folded. At Gold Beach, you can contemplate with emotion the artificial harbour ofArromanches with your family, before joining the circular cinema and its nine screens to relive the Battle of Normandy. If visiting the beaches with your family means realising that they all have something to offer, Juno Beach and its eponymous museum have a tour for young people with interactive modules and touch screens, to learn while having fun, as well as paying tribute to the 45,000 Canadians who lost their lives during the D-Day landings.