Museums in Basse-Normandie

THE 10 BEST Museums in Basse-Normandie

Museums in Basse-Normandie

Museums
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Showing results 1-30 of 166

What travellers are saying

  • Hope
    34 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The tapestry was really amazing and they also have another part of the museum with more exhibits on living during those times. Definitely worth a stop.
    Written 16 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Traveler O
    Washington DC, DC1,068 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    An excellent overall museum, with the focus being on WWII. It's even situated over a large German command bunker used during WWII for command of forces in Normandy - you can visit the bunker as well. Exhibition was very well done as it traced the origins of WWII and provided a lot of info on the war itself and how it affected the region. Be sure to get an audio guide as these provided excellent insight and commentary. There's also a film to be seen - just watch the monitor for when it's showing. Gift shop was great with something for everyone (books in French and English, momentos, toys for kids, etc.). There's also an eatery on the second floor which had a very good food options and allowed for a nice break. Staff were very polite and helpful. On weekdays, you'll encounter lots of school groups, but less so on the weekends.
    Written 3 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jnjtiger
    New Jersey527 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    There are many museums on D-Day in greater Normandy area. Senior area tour operators recommended this museum as their top choice - “if you visit just one…” This museum focuses on the American airborne assault on Normandy, starting the night of June 5. It also provides excellent background historical presentations on events leading up to D-Day. These really help put the Normandy invasion and airborne assault in perspective. Museum has three buildings. Visit them all. Realistic presentation of gliders and C-47s used to carry airborne troops. Of course, St. Mere Eglise the first town captured by US airborne troops, and town certainly worth an additional visit - tour. You can see a mannequin of Private John Steele on one of the church gargoyles, where his parachute got caught the night of June 5. Strong recommendation to do some research before visiting Normandy area. “Longest Day” book or movie. “Band of Brothers”, “Saving Private Ryan”. Stephen Ambrose books. Even selected YouTube videos. If coming this far, helpful to know the history of what you are seeing. This was an incredible undertaking and it merits at least some pre-work.
    Written 18 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Traveler O
    Washington DC, DC1,068 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Solid museum that covers the Utah Beach landings and much of the background to the D-Day beach landings. A number of mementos, equipment, and artifacts to be seen here including a bomber inside the hangar. Well done exhibit which also includes a 10 minute film (runs in French and English) on the Utah Beach landings in 1944. Gift shop at the end. Bathrooms on site and free parking. Also a small eatery just outside that is open depending on the time of year. The museum rests right over a German position which you'll be able to see through the windows towards the end of the tour. Very well done and worth the stop.
    Written 3 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • A C
    Derbyshire, United Kingdom72 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was better value than anticipated. The submarine is great, one of the best we have visited. We had read quite a lot about queues, but we never experienced any issues in this regard. The aquarium was a nice exhibit and a good contrast to the other exhibitions. The titanic exhibition was okay, but having visited The Titanic Museum in Belfast, it was never going to meet those standards - so we were slightly underwhelmed. All in all, a great museum and good value. There is a larger cafe at the other end of the main entrance which we wish we had known about as the small snack cafe at the entrance had little choice and wasn’t the greatest.
    Written 27 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • aj
    Wayland, MA4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Museum exhibits, displays, and stories were fantastic. Beautifully curated with Allied and Axis memorabilia and had some truly unique pieces. Did the whole package including the incredible flight simulator - suggest getting tix ahead of time since I think this hidden gem is going to become a must do. Left feeling a great appreciation for what the soldiers endured. Highly recommend.
    Written 22 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • freemca
    Milton Keynes, UK12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fascinating and moving. Focused on the Pegasus bridge area with lots of individual stories and memorabilia. Very good explanation by guide with large model of the amazing g job the glider pilots did. Good movie played in different languages. Many moving displays from families.
    Written 25 July 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TrailBlazer403553
    Slave Lake, Canada1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The highlight of my European tour was the Normandy part as My father was there. The Juno Beach centre was the highlight of that part. From the ride in the landing ship start to the film at the end this was a humbling experience . We were the only Canadians in our group but there wasn't a dry eye in the place at the end .
    "They Walk with Me " was a powerful ending to a world class memorial.
    Written 11 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • allelualle
    Boston73 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A good overview of the battle for Normandy during World War 2, with artifacts, maps and a film. I'm not interested in military things, but enjoyed learning about the history while my travel mate did an actual D Day tour. (Tip: you can buy a 3 museum ticket which includes this museum, the Bayeux tapestry museum, and the MHAB museum (general history of Bayeux over the centuries).
    Written 28 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • JohnCass
    Higher Walton, UK63 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Brilliant museum which really brings to life the experiences of all those who lived through that historic time. Very moving and humbling.
    Written 12 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • JohnHMapleValley_WA
    Maple Valley, WA381 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    My father was part of D-Day, landing on Omaha Beach as part of the 29th Division, we wanted to visit where he had been. There are lots of museums to pick from in the Normandy area, so based on our host's recommendation, we chose to visit the Overlord Museum. Museum is easy to find, right across from the entrance to the American Cemetery. It tries to tell more than just the story of D-day, with segments about the German occupation. Signage is very good in multiple languages, lots of artifacts and dioramas to show the participants, including even some with the Germans. It took us roughly an hour to complete.
    A few minor gripes:
    - Would loved to have heard more about the average soldiers on the beach-- perhaps some of recordings of their recollections.
    - I had the feeling that much of the history told is slanted towards British viewpoint. Examples: "the raid at Dieppe was urged by the Americans" (which is not true-- if anything, it was urged by Churchill and Mountbatten) and overstating the role of Montgomery in the initial operations (he was the Ground Force commander, but had little influence over the American beach operations), but nothing about how Monty screwed up and let the Germans trapped in the Falaise pocket escape.
    - There was hardly ANYTHING to be found about the 29th DIvision-- lots about "Big Red One" (1st Infantry), but the 29th was right there in the thick of Omaha beach, yet not mentioned much. And NOTHING in the gift shop about the 29th. Lots of 82nd Airborne and 1st Division...
    Written 3 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Traveler O
    Washington DC, DC1,068 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    These WWII Atlantic Wall bunkers are mostly in good condition and are a must for any history buff. The German coastal guns are still setup inside of most of the bunkers - condition varies, but it gives an insightful perspective. Parking is nearby for free and you then follow a gravel/dirt trail around to the gun emplacements and observation posts. Excellent chance to see things up close. Entry is free.
    Written 28 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Deliese
    Woodbridge, VA19 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We thoroughly enjoyed our tour and learning about the process of making Calvados. The experience is interactive and is offered in English and French. The tour is concluded by a tasting that is very generous. We left with several purchases and will never forget our special time at Pere Magloire. Definitely put this on your “must do” list when visiting Normandy.
    Written 28 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • isle&arc
    Quezon City, Philippines1,260 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Interesting detour in Granville. Must for those interested in fashion. Otherwise, the garden is enough to just appreciate.
    Written 19 September 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • woody W
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great unexpected find on the eastern coast of Normandy battlefield near the Pegas Bridge area. This German bunker turned museum shows how the Germans lived here prior to D-day. Very interesting to see the other side of the lines so to speak. Spent about two hours and it was worth every minute and penny. Highly recommend adding this to your Normady Tour list if you are close to the British sector.
    Written 23 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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