For casual travellers, France is a country made for romance, woven around unfalteringly culture-filled cafe terraces, vintage villages, and lace-curtained bistros. But what many fail to appreciate is its rich history, and to this day, reminders of World War II dot the hexagon.
In 1940, the world saw the battle of France and the fall of its third republic. Paris, touted as the city of love, was ablaze with millions of prisoners facing military wrath.
So the next time you visit this great country, here are some historic World War II sites you may want to consider making part of your itinerary:
Pointe Du Hoc. Occupied by English forces during the Hundred Years' War, Normandy is one of the most haunting places to visit in France. In this region lies Pointe Du Hoc, a 100-meter-high cliff on the coast of Normandy in northern France. The site features prominent bomb craters and a memorial and museum dedicated to the battle.
Sainte-Mère-Église. Also found in Normandy, the flat area, also known as “le Plain,” has become one of Europe’s tourist hubs. Due to its role during the D-Day invasion—the first day Western Europe was critically invaded—the site features small museums commemorating the story of the Great War.
Camp de Rivesaltes. The camp, which is situated on a rail route 40 km from the Spanish border, was considered a strategic position for the French army during the Second World War. At the time, the site was used as a detainment camp, where thousands of Jews and over hundreds of children were murdered.
Indeed, France is more than just a place of love. It is a well-preserved republic that encapsulates one of the darkest ages in world history.
Learn more historical facts about World War II from this John Eilermann blog.
In 1940, the world saw the battle of France and the fall of its third republic. Paris, touted as the city of love, was ablaze with millions of prisoners facing military wrath.
Image Source: www.france-pub.com
So the next time you visit this great country, here are some historic World War II sites you may want to consider making part of your itinerary:
Pointe Du Hoc. Occupied by English forces during the Hundred Years' War, Normandy is one of the most haunting places to visit in France. In this region lies Pointe Du Hoc, a 100-meter-high cliff on the coast of Normandy in northern France. The site features prominent bomb craters and a memorial and museum dedicated to the battle.
Sainte-Mère-Église. Also found in Normandy, the flat area, also known as “le Plain,” has become one of Europe’s tourist hubs. Due to its role during the D-Day invasion—the first day Western Europe was critically invaded—the site features small museums commemorating the story of the Great War.
Image Source: www.theatlantic.com
Camp de Rivesaltes. The camp, which is situated on a rail route 40 km from the Spanish border, was considered a strategic position for the French army during the Second World War. At the time, the site was used as a detainment camp, where thousands of Jews and over hundreds of children were murdered.
Indeed, France is more than just a place of love. It is a well-preserved republic that encapsulates one of the darkest ages in world history.
Learn more historical facts about World War II from this John Eilermann blog.
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