I'm going on a week-long D-Day tour of Normandy, Omaha Beach, Point du Hoc, etc. in May. I'd like to take some time to prepare myself for the experience. For those of you who have been, what would you like to have known before you went? Are there any books or articles you suggest I read before going?

I don't want to overthink the experience, but I want to immerse myself in it as much as possible.

The Longest Day by Cornelious Ryan is what I read prior to visiting. I was very glad I did.

D-day by Stephen Ambrose is a faster read, not as much detail or focus on what was going on in the big picture.

There is a good book from the German perspective as well that I can't remember right now. I'll try and look it up.

A light map study would be helpful. I wouldn't worry about digging into exactly where Dog Red beach was but knowing where St. Mere Eglise and Caen and some of the other villages that were important to the campaign as well as general geography will help with understanding what was going on.

I can provide more advice regarding the trip if you will share the town/city you will be staying at during the trip.

Recommend you get the book D-Day by Beevor. Of all the D-Day books I like this one the best. Plus it goes into Operations Goodwood and Cobra as well as the Breakout and Pursuit.

Also would recommend you include both a U.S. Tour and a Commonwealth tour. Plenty to see for both from Caen to Cherbourg. Pegasus Bridge, Point du Hoc, Colleville sur Mer, Bayeux, Ste Mere, and all points in between.

Also will this be a guided excursion or are you doing a self-guided trip?

This is a guided trip, organized by the National WWII Museum.

Haven't been to Normandy but I have to second "The Longest Day" and Anthony Beevors book "D-Day". Great books!!

There is a Pointe du Hoc app for your smart phone!! :-)

If the "Texas Aggies go to War" exhibit is still at the Belgium War Museum I would definitely recommend it!! The exhibit was good, but the War Museum and Memorial to our troops was amazing and humbling to see!!!

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This is a guided trip, organized by the National WWII Museum.

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So when we went in 2004 we stayed across from Mont St Michel, close to Avranches, France, south of the landing beaches.

During our stay we traveled through St. Lo, Carentan, St Mere Eglise, and both American beaches and Pointe du Hoc.

we rented a car and drove and spent a lot of time looking around, but we also did family stuff like a day trip to Paris, etc.

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The Longest Day by Cornelious Ryan is what I read prior to visiting. I was very glad I did.

D-day by Stephen Ambrose is a faster read, not as much detail or focus on what was going on in the big picture.

There is a good book from the German perspective as well that I can't remember right now. I'll try and look it up.

A light map study would be helpful. I wouldn't worry about digging into exactly where Dog Red beach was but knowing where St. Mere Eglise and Caen and some of the other villages that were important to the campaign as well as general geography will help with understanding what was going on.

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The German Book is "Invasion - They're Coming," by Carrell, I think it is. It's actually quite good. It has a companion book titled "Hitler Moves East" that is much better known. He also wrote one about the Afrika Korps. All are based on interviews of the participants. All are worthy of reads.

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The German Book is "Invasion - They're Coming," by Carrell,

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The French do not consider D Day as an invasion, but a debarkation

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I'm going on a week-long D-Day tour of Normandy, Omaha Beach, Point du Hoc, etc. in May. I'd like to take some time to prepare myself for the experience. For those of you who have been, what would you like to have known before you went? Are there any books or articles you suggest I read before going?

I don't want to overthink the experience, but I want to immerse myself in it as much as possible.

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Great Website info: http://www.ddaymuseum.co.uk/d-day/d-day-and-the-battle-of-normandy-your-questions-answered

I went in 2012 and it was awesome. Our trip was a Staff Ride of Operation Cobra and Operation Goodwood. We didn't focus on the D-Day invasion but we did get to spend some quality time at Colleville-sur-Mer and Bayeux. Here are a few of the pictures. I am sure you will get many more to share with us upon your return.


Looking down on Omaha Beach from the bluff of the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer.


Looking up at the bluff from Omaha Beach.


Colleville-sur-Mer American Cemetery.


Commonwealth Cemetery in Bayeux.


Pegasus Bridge.




Collins HQ...somewhere in the Bocage Country south of Omaha Beach.


The Cathedral in Bayeux...maybe you can see the tapestry while you are there.

My Dad told me that the snipers could ruin your day.

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I can provide more advice regarding the trip if you will share the town/city you will be staying at during the trip.

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I'm staying in Bayeux for a few days, then in Port-en-Bessin.

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I can provide more advice regarding the trip if you will share the town/city you will be staying at during the trip.

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I'm staying in Bayeux for a few days, then in Port-en-Bessin.

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We stayed in a bed and breakfast close to Mont St Micheal.

My advice is to rent a car, get a map and visit the areas that you want to see.