World War II military cemeteries in Normandy
A number of military cemeteries are to be found in Normandy that pay tribute to the many soldiers of all nationalities that fought during the D-Day landings and the Battle of Normandy. These emotionally-charged places, with their many headstones representing every man that fell during combat, can only encourage each of us to celebrate peace.
27 military cemeteries can be seen in Normandy, of which the American cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer is the most-visited of the D-Day cemeteries.
American cemetery of Colleville-sur-Mer
27 military cemeteries can be seen in Normandy, of which the American cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer is the most-visited of the D-Day cemeteries. This place of homage and reflection in honour of the US troops welcomes you just next to Omaha Beach. A magnificent 23′ bronze statue towers over the centre of the Memorial. You can also discover here four maps of the military operations of June 6th 1944 that retrace the series of attacks carried out by the Allied forces.
Commonwealth war cemetery of Bayeux
The largest British cemetery present on French soil. It houses 4 648 graves from both sides. Bayeux did not suffer much damage during the liberation of France, which is why the British soldiers wounded during the landing on the beaches of Gold Beach and Sword Beach were treated in this place. France has ceded the cemetery site to the United Kingdom and today it is the Commonwealth War Graves Commission that manages the place. Nearby you will find the Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy which transmits the history of the city of Bayeux during the conflict.
La Cambe German war cemetery
Inaugurated in September 1961, the cemetery includes on its 7 hectares, 21,222 graves of German soldiers who died during the Battle of Normandy. The hillock which dominates in its center is the resting place of 296 soldiers of whom 207 are anonymous. The German military tradition is respected in this sober cemetery where the crosses are in dark colors. The graves are represented by stone plaques on the grass.
German war cemetery of Orglandes
Located 11 km from Sainte-Mère-Église, the German military cemetery of Orglandes collects 10 152 graves. This place of memory invites to remember in a very sober aesthetic. From 4 to 6 soldiers rest under the same cross. Two generals who died during the Battle of Normandy are buried there: General Wilhelm Falley and General Heinz Hellmich.
Canadian war cemetery of Bény-sur-Mer
This Canadian War Cemetery is made up of 2,049 graves of soldiers who landed June 6, 1944 in Juno Beach or fought at the Battle of Caen. Some Canadian prisoners of war also rest in this place. There are also the graves of 4 British soldiers and a French resistance fighter R. Guenard.
Take a look at the D-Day beaches guide to see the list of military cemeteries in Lower Normandy
How to choose a campsite near Utah Beach.