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Normandy is securely implanted in our minds for the role that Allied troops played in D-Day, which changed the course of World War II, particularly for Americans, Canadians and Brits. The invasion of German-occupied France is chronicled in numerous places, from landing beaches to museums to cemeteries. And this port of call, more than almost any other on a Seine River itinerary, is a reason that many fellow passengers booked the cruise in the first place.
Beyond its prominent place in World War II, the region was settled by Vikings in the 10th century and played a central role in the War of 1066, when the British attempted to seize France. What's a delightful surprise about Normandy is its beautiful rural countryside. And its beaches, too, which line the English Channel. Plenty of people were here to swim and sunbathe -- even if rusted out World War II pontoons still dot the beaches.
Don't Miss: The ship-hosted free guided tours of Normandy. It's a full day from your ship's perch in Rouen and the drive is about two hours.
There are two tours. The first is geared to Americans and visits Juno and Gold beaches, where troops landed. On to Arromanches, where the big attraction is the D-Day Museum. There's also a stop at Omaha Beach. Lunch is provided at a nearby restaurant before travelers move on to easily the most powerful moment of the day: A visit to the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer, where 9,400 American troops are buried. Viking hosts a moving ceremony there, and passengers who have served in the military are gathered and honored. There's free time to wander through the meticulously measured gravesites.
The tour that's organized for British and Canadians is also an 11-hour day but visits different locations. It starts with a drive to Bayeux to see the historic tapestry depicting the Battle of Hastings (it will be exhibited in the U.K. from 2022). In Normandy, the stop at Juno Beach, where Canadians landed, includes a visit to the Juno Beach Centre, a museum and memorial to the war. Other stops include the Beny-sur-Mer Canadian cemetery, British-focused Pegasus Museum and the British cemetery in the village of Ranville, the first village troops liberated.
Independent Meanderings: This is a case where the ship's tours really are incredibly well-organized with exceptional guides so we recommend you take the excursions. There's a little bit of free time, particularly on the American tour in Arromanches, where you can stroll through the pleasant seaside town and buy Normandy souvenirs, such as Pommeau (apple cider), Breton striped blue shirts and Calvados (the region's famous apple brandy). If you're feeling peckish (lunch is provided about an hour later), try the outside terrace at La Marine, overlooking Arromanches' artificial harbor. On Omaha Beach, Les Braves is a moving sculpture honoring the dead.
Active Pursuits: As incongruous as it may seem, you can pack a beach towel and a swimsuit and fling yourself into the sea for a swim in Arromanches and Omaha Beach.
Insider Tips: No one tells you how beautiful the countryside is in Normandy so that portion of the long drive to the D-Day beaches is very pleasant. Viking uses its own motor coaches and they're spacious, equipped with a bathroom and have charging outlets at each pair of seats so you can keep your mobile device/camera topped up; bring your own charging cords.
