Omaha Beach, Normandy, France

 

I left Bayeux with Omaha Beach as my day's destination. According to maps it's about 15 miles. I came across this marked bike route and boy it's marvelous--taking you on shaded one lane country roads past beautiful dairy farmland, tiny villages and, very impressive chateaux (yep, that's the plural of chateau). 

Look at this 17th century beauty.

Here's a closer view. During World War ll the German General Staff of the Coastal Sector was housed here. How do I know? A plaque next to the road in French and English says so. See next photo. 

I must be getting close to Omaha Beach. Saw this sign for Golf Omaha Beach and checked out the golf course. Didn't see any World War ll obstacles on the course.

I'm at the coast (English Channel) and find this gravel path for cyclists. Nice! That structure in the distance is some kind of French government military installation as signs tell you photography is not allowed. Note: I was at a safe permitted distance when snapping this. 

Wow, this kind of gives you a view of the steep cliffs. 

Normandy Cemetery is situated on a cliff overlooking Omaha Beach. It covers 172 acres and contains the graves of 9,387 of our military Dead, most of whom gave their lives in the landings and ensuing operations. Omaha Beach was one of five Allied landing areas. (Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, Sword Beach, Juno Beach and, Gold Beach).

On the walls of the memorial garden in the previous photo are inscribed the names 1,557 of our Missing who rest in unknown graves.  

The Normandy Cemetery is very moving. It's to the left of the low wall with the beach to the right. 

You have to leave the cemetery property and follow a trail to reach the beach. This was an entrance to a German machine gun pillbox. I've seen and read dozens and dozens of World War ll documentaries, movies and books. Standing here I'm absolutely awestruck at what those soldiers on D-Day accomplished. 

Imagine exiting the landing craft only to mowed down instantly by enemy machine guns, if you survived that and make it to shore--there's no cover--only mines, barbed wire and other obstacles. How those soldiers managed to overcome the well dug-in enemy on the cliffs is absolutely unbelieveable!

You can drive down to an Omaha Beach parking lot and wander around. I will say again, how amazing it was what those soldiers did on D-Day! 

Overlord museum is very close to the cemetery.