In June 1944, D-Day altered the course of history as Allied soldiers landed in Normandy, beginning the liberation of Europe.
To commemorate the 80th anniversary, Normandy has a programme of events celebrating peace, liberty and reconciliation. At the British Normandy Memorial, 1,475 silhouettes are displayed on wild meadow fields to honour British fatalities on D-Day, as part of the Standing With Giants installation. There are also behind-the-scenes tours of the Airborne Museum in Sainte-Mère-Église, which help visitors to understand the role Allied paratroopers played in D-Day.
The region also celebrates the 150th anniversary of Impressionism this year with the Normandy Impressionist Festival. This offers exhibitions and experiences across the area, including a spectacular audio-visual show projected on to Rouen Cathedral and an exhibition by David Hockney.
A new immersive Viking Museum can also be found in Rouen, exploring Normandy’s Viking history along the Seine. Discover how the region became the most powerful in Europe in just a century, with a journey through 100 years of Viking invasions. In Honfleur, the reconstruction of William the Conqueror’s flagship that led the Normans to England in 1066, La Mora, offers a glimpse into Norman history.
Whether you're seeking adventure or tranquillity, Normandy promises a journey of discovery, local traditions and breathtaking sights. Brittany Ferries offers direct routes to Normandy with sailings from Portsmouth or Poole. By sailing direct to the region, your holiday will start the moment you drive aboard, from relaxing in your spacious en-suite cabin to enjoying gourmet dining.
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