Family-Friendly Adventures in Sainte-Mere-Eglise, Normandy!

Sainte-Mere-Eglise

Why Visit?

Sainte-Mère-Église, located in Normandy, France, is an iconic World War II site perfect for a family day out filled with history and learning. Begin your adventure at the Airborne Museum, situated right in the heart of the town. The museum is dedicated to the American paratroopers of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions who played a key role during the D-Day landings. Younger visitors will be fascinated by the life-sized displays and interactive exhibits. You can reach Sainte-Mère-Église via car from Paris in about 3 hours or take a train to Carentan and then a short bus ride to the town.

After exploring the museum, take a leisurely stroll to the Church of Sainte-Mère-Église, just a few minutes" walk away. This is where paratrooper John Steele famously got caught on the spire during the D-Day operations, a story depicted in the movie "The Longest Day." The church has a stained glass window commemorating the paratroopers and a dummy paratrooper hangs from the spire in honor of Steele.

Next, visit the town square and enjoy a picnic with local French delicacies from nearby shops. The square is child-friendly and often hosts events and markets.

If time allows, drive about 15 minutes to Utah Beach, one of the D-Day landing beaches. The Utah Beach Museum showcases exhibits related to the beach landings and offers educational insights that are suitable for children.

Finish your day with a relaxing walk along the beach, allowing the kids to play and enjoy the vast landscape where history unfolded. This visit not only provides a profound historical insight but also offers engaging and interactive experiences suitable for all ages.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Cherbourg

Why Visit?

Welcome to Cherbourg, a charming port city in Normandy, France, famous for its maritime history and vibrant culture! Here"s a perfect family-friendly itinerary for exploring Cherbourg:

Morning: La Cité de la Mer

Start your day at La Cité de la Mer ("The City of the Sea"), an exciting oceanographic museum located in the former transatlantic railway terminal. Easily accessible by bus or a short walk from the city center, this attraction is a must-see. Dive into the depths of ocean exploration, walk through the awe-inspiring submarine "Le Redoutable," the largest submarine open to the public, and learn about deep-sea ecosystems in their captivating aquariums.

Lunch: Parc Emmanuel Liais

After your underwater adventures, enjoy a picnic lunch at Parc Emmanuel Liais, just a 10-minute walk from La Cité de la Mer. This quaint park, hidden away behind the museum, offers lush greenery, a small zoo, and a botanical garden — a serene spot to relax and refuel.

Afternoon: Musée Thomas Henry

Next, head to the Musée Thomas Henry, around a 15-minute walk from the park. The museum, named after the local painter Thomas Henry, showcases a collection of over 300 works of art, including pieces by Millet and Boudin. It"s a great way for children to experience art in an intimate setting.

Evening: Le Quai Alexandre III

Conclude your day at Le Quai Alexandre III. This bustling waterfront area is perfect for a leisurely stroll. Enjoy the scenic views of the harbor and treat the family to some local seafood or crêpes from nearby eateries. The area is pedestrian-friendly and offers a relaxed atmosphere to unwind after a day of sightseeing.

Cherbourg, with its rich blend of history and nature, offers a delightful escape for families seeking both education and relaxation. Enjoy your trip!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Caen Memorial Museum (Mémorial de Caen)

Why Visit?

Morning: Visit to Caen Memorial Museum (Mémorial de Caen)

Start your day with a fascinating journey through history at the Caen Memorial Museum, known for its dedication to peace. The museum opened in 1988 and is located at Esplanade Général Eisenhower, easily accessible by bus or car from the city center. Dive into the museum at 9 AM when it opens to make the most of your visit. Begin with the World War II section, which provides a compelling narrative of the conflict from its origins to its aftermath. Engage with interactive exhibits, personal testimonies, and rare artifacts that make history come alive for all ages.

Lunch Break at the Museum’s Café

Around noon, take a break at the museum’s café, which offers a variety of meals suitable for children and adults alike. Enjoy a meal with views of the serene surroundings.

Afternoon: Exploring the Grounds and Peace Garden

After lunch, explore the museum’s expansive grounds. Visit the American Garden, which commemorates the United States" role in liberating France during WWII. There"s also a British Garden, reflecting on the UK"s contributions, and a Canadian Garden, paying tribute to Canada"s involvement. These thematic gardens are not only beautiful but also provide a space for reflection and learning about the contributions of different nations to peace.

Interactive Family Workshops

Check the museum’s schedule for any family-friendly workshops or guided tours available in the afternoon. These activities are designed to engage children with history in a hands-on manner, making the learning experience fun and memorable.

Departure

Conclude your museum visit by around 4 PM, allowing time to browse the gift shop for educational books and souvenirs, ensuring that the history lessons learned today continue at home.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Ranville War Cemetery

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Ranville War Cemetery

Morning: Arrival and Exploration of Ranville War Cemetery

Start your day by heading to the peaceful village of Ranville, Normandy. This cemetery, the first one liberated by the Allies during the D-Day invasions on June 6, 1944, is easily accessible by car or local buses from Caen (approximately 15 km away). Upon arrival, take your time to walk through the serene setting. The cemetery holds 2,564 war graves, mostly of British soldiers, but also Canadian, Australian, and others, making it a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during WWII.

Interesting Fact

Look for the grave of Den Brotheridge, believed to be the first Allied soldier killed in action on D-Day during the capture of Pegasus Bridge, located just a few kilometers from the cemetery.

Midday: Visit Pegasus Bridge Museum and Café Gondrée

After paying your respects, drive or take a short walk to Pegasus Bridge, a key strategic point captured by British paratroopers. Visit the nearby Pegasus Bridge Museum to understand the detailed planning and execution of this daring raid. Just adjacent, Café Gondrée, the first house in France liberated during the Normandy invasion, offers a perfect spot for lunch. The café still retains its historical character and provides an engaging atmosphere to discuss the morning’s experiences.

Afternoon: Leisurely Walk and Reflection

Post lunch, take a leisurely stroll back towards Ranville, tracing the route of the liberators. Use this time to reflect on the stories and heroic deeds you"ve learned about at the museum and cemetery. Before heading back, spend some quiet moments at the Ranville Churchyard, where more soldiers are laid to rest.

Conclusion of Day

End your visit by discussing what everyone learned and felt during the day. This engaging trip not only educates but also connects the family with historical events that shaped the world.

This itinerary provides a comprehensive yet reflective look into a pivotal moment in history, ideal for a thoughtful family outing.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

St. Catherine’s Church (Eglise Sainte-Catherine)

Why Visit?

Embark on a delightful family day out in the charming city of Brussels, centered around the captivating St. Catherine’s Church (Eglise Sainte-Catherine). Start your day at this historic site, easily accessible through the Sainte-Catherine metro station, which is just a short walk from the church.

Morning: Explore St. Catherine’s Church

Begin at St. Catherine’s Church around 9:00 AM to avoid the crowds. This beautiful church, dating back to the late 19th century, showcases a fascinating blend of architectural styles. It was built on the site of a former port area, reflecting the maritime history of the area. Take your time to admire the stunning stained glass windows and the serene ambiance of the church interior.

Lunch and Stroll: Sainte-Catherine Square

After exploring the church, head to the nearby Sainte-Catherine Square, where you can enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the local seafood restaurants, famous for their fresh catches. Post-lunch, indulge in a family-friendly walk around the square, which often hosts markets and seasonal events that captivate both locals and tourists alike.

Afternoon: Visit the Brussels Aquarium

Just a 10-minute walk from St. Catherine’s Church, find the Brussels Aquarium. It’s an excellent spot for families to learn about marine life and the importance of aquatic ecosystems. The aquarium presents a variety of species, offering interactive sessions that are both educational and fun for children.

Evening: Dinner and a Walk by the Canal

Conclude your day with dinner at one of the cozy bistros along the Quai aux Briques. After dinner, take a relaxing stroll along the nearby canal to digest your meal and enjoy the scenic views of the city as it lights up for the night.

This itinerary provides a blend of culture, history, and leisure, ensuring a memorable family day in Brussels centered around the historic and beautiful St. Catherine’s Church.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.