Operation Overlord and the Battle of Normandy, a Historical Primer

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Categories: French History, Normandy & Brittany

Normandy and the sites of Operation Overlord are where amazing feats of courage took place that made it possible to liberate France and eventually defeat Hitler and his armies.

But in a practical sense, there are so many important sites and so many parts to the history that it's hard to keep it all straight.

The purpose of today's episode is to review the main events that took place during Operation Overlord aka the Battle of Normandy which lead to the liberation of Paris and France.

Once you understand how the Battle of Normandy went, you will be able to plan out your trip out and, more importantly, understand the sites you're looking at.

We've also found some great hotels that don't get enough love online and that we heartily recommend. Enjoy the show!

Hotels Annie Recommends in this Area

Annie was in Normandy with a group for D-Day 2018, here are the hotels we used and recommend. There was one that wasn't any good in Bayeux that shall remain nameless. Just check these ones out!

Our Favorite Hotel near Utah Beach

Le Chateau in Flottemanville near Sainte Mère Église.

It is gorgeous, quaint yet comfortable, a wonderful find at a reasonable price! The owners speak great English, and if you ask they will tell you how her dad got shot by the Americans by mistake shortly after D-Day and lived to tell the tale and become the village mayor. This chateau, parts of which are from the 1200s, is not too far from Sainte Mère Église, but you need a car to get there.

Our Favorite Hotel in Bayeux

Le Castel Guesthouse in Bayeux.

Lovely rooms with comfort and charm. Welcoming staff, centrally located within Bayeux, well appointed, another great find!

Good Hotel near the Mont Saint Michel

The Mercure Mont Saint Michel offers comfortable spacious rooms with private parking. The hotel is 3 km away from the Mont, but there is a free bus. Think of it like a Disneyland hotel. The bus comes by and takes guests to and from all day until midnight. It’s the same with the hotels that are in the hotel area at the Mont Saint Michel. I’ve walked it, and it’s also a great option when you’ve spend too much time in the car.

As you know if you listen to the podcast, I am not a fan of the hotels or restaurants on the Mont proper. It is so touristy that they’re full all the time without trying. And the cobblestone! Dragging rolling suitcases up a cobblestone hill is not my idea of a good time. That’s why I always stay at the Mercure.