The TLDR version of this post. I went to Courseulles Sur Mer in France, It was awesome you should go too (Image gallery at the end of the post).
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I came to Courseulles Sur Mer because I wanted to visit the beaches of Normandy. I felt it was important to see sacrifices Canadians had made for my freedom.
Arriving in Courseulles Sur Mer late due to the cheezies tornado I didn’t get to see much that first night. (Use the jet lag to your advantage and watch the sun rise over June Beach, I was not disappointed ) After breakfast the next morning a walk around the community. It’s a small coastal community (much like home) and to a tourist / foreigner it’s like everything you would expect to see in a small seaside fishing village of the coast of northern France.
From the fish mongers / poissonniers selling fresh seafood on the dock, to the farmers market on the weekend to Chipie Plage, a cute little shack that lets you rent a bike for 8 euro’s a day.
I had heard before my trip that the people of Normandy wanted to leave the war behind that they didn’t want to remember everything that was the war they wanted to return to their lives on the small coastal villages.
Well after visiting I can only say well that’s why Canadians landed here so many years ago! To help return the French to there way of life.
To completely forget the war had ever happened and not remember the past, I really don’t think so and didn’t see any evidence of that in any of my travels along the coast. I saw as many french and I did foreigners taking in the historic lessons of the area.
Like may other tourists I spilt my time between studying the history of the D-Day landing and enjoying the beach and relaxation of this amazing resort area.
I even met a fellow laser sailor who allowed me to sail his laser for about half an hour just off beach. That never would have happened without google translator.
Language Barrier
I’ve barely spoke a word of French since grade 9 in high school ( 25 years ago) and their are very few residents of the community who speak English. But after day three it was amazing what I was able to pick up. Even if it was only meaning and not the words.
Accommodations:
I stayed at La Pecherie and would highly suggest this hotel to anyone. They were awesome to deal with and attended to my every need. Read my trip advisor review for more info.
Places you should visit in the area:
- Juno Beach Centre
- Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery
- Canada House in Bernières-sur-Mer, France
- Gold Beach Museum in Ver sur Mer
In conclusion if you were looking to experience a small French coastal town that amazing seafood and great cuisine I would come to Courseulles Sur Mer.
If my writings have helped you out, you can buy me a coffee or a beer via paypal:
