Omaha beach
Omaha (Omaha Beach) is a place, mainly known for the events of the Second World War. A very wide beach in Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer and Vierville-sur-Mer, cities of the province of Calvados in Lower Normandy. The nature here is very diverse: sandy, shingly beaches, snow-white cliffs, river valleys, overgrown with forests.
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Beach description
Omaha Beach is quite deserted, there is no civilization on it, in the outskirts there are many sights of a cultural and historical nature. The beach is quite long. It is characterized by constantly high waves, so surfers feel here in freedom.
Nearby there are Pointe du Hoc, Utah. These beaches are worth visiting for those, who love a secluded, devoid of the charms of civilization, rest, who are interested in history. Omaha is quite wild, devoid of infrastructure. It stretches for almost 8 km. Is here shingle or sand - depends on the high tide and low tide time. A wide part of the coast is covered with sand, during high tide the beach becomes shingly. Places around look mysterious, covered with dense vegetation.
You can walk here infinitely. Paths are laid, along which many tourists wander. One of well-trodden paths is to the cemetery, which is the territory of the United States, where the allied soldiers, who died during the 1944 operation, are buried.
The wide beach in the immediate proximity to Colville-sur-Mer is more inhabited and convenient for tourists:
- the presence of monitoring during the summer season;
- there are toilets;
- the beach is provided with free parking lot;
- there are shops, where it is possible to buy something to snack;
- near the beach there is a Recreation Center, which provides services for the organization of active water activities, including yachting;
- comfortable place not only for romantic couples, but also for spending time with friends, family.
When is the best time to go?
It is possible to relax in France at any time of the year, the time of the trip depends more on your preferences. Summer - a great time to travel to the sea. Thanks to the Mediterranean climate, even on the southern French Riviera is not hot weather. In winter , people go to ski resorts in France. It should be be mindful that in summer and winter in France there is a high season, respectively, prices soar. To enjoy the excursions, choose the time from February to April or from September to November, when both in the north and in the south it is not very crowded. If you go to the French Riviera in September, you will never lose: You will find a time when the weather is still warm and the prices are not so high.
Video: Beach Omaha
Infrastructure
Nearby settlements offer travelers rest in comfortable hotel rooms, both large and mini, where a full range of services is provided.
Within walking distance from Omaha Beach there is La Sapiniere Hotel Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer, 3*, where guests can stay for a comfortable rest. Several rooms for staying with children were allocated, the apartments face an outdoor terrace, Wi-Fi is provided, and conditions for disabled people are created. Pets are not prohibited.
The restaurant at the hotel has excellent cuisine, and it is also possible to relax in the lounge bar, which serves strong drinks.
Сopious breakfasts are not popular in Lower Normandy. The main meal of the day is supper. For a visit of the restaurant, it is better to choose a time closer to 21.00, when the chefs are ready to serve the main dish. Supper usually includes appetizers, soup, followed by a main dish (which can be quite fatty), then salad and dessert The portions are usually small, nicely decorated. Interior, music, dinner companions - everything should satisfy. Duck, rooster in wine, onion soup, veal in cream are popular. Do not ignore oysters and potted seafood.
Those interested can visit the Memorial Museum, located at half an hour's walk, drop in the winery a few kilometers away.
Weather in Omaha
Best hotels of Omaha
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- Climatic conditions in the summer are quite comfortable, it is possible to sunbathe and swim. Winter is not cold, humid. By mid-April, there are more warm and dry days. July is the sunniest and hottest month.
- It is convenient to get to the beach from Caen or Bayeux by regular buses. Trains from almost all cities in France run to the Bayeux station. It takes quite a bit of time to drive from Colville by bus or rented car.
- It is necessary to attend to accommodation at best, car rental in advance.
- Service staff can, as a rule, communicate in English. Difficulties may arise for those, who don’t know French, because city inhabitants do not willingly switch to English, and in small settlements people simply don’t know it.