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Normandy Spring Camporee 25-27 April 2008

Last Call Normandy Merchandise

We will accept Normandy Merchandise Orders except for "hat pins" until 9 May. (The hat pins have too great a minimum, unless you want to order 250). Please use the order form. The expected delivery time for items will be 25 June (six weeks from placing the order). Order Now

 

Event Information   Money & Registration Information   Directions & Maps   Location  Scheduled Program  Free Time Program Opportuntiies  Hotel Information

Please use the registration form (on-line) (fill in on-line) (print out) (PDF)   Bungalow Housing List

New Maps: Map of Monuments Along Omaha Beach     Area Road Map with Directions to Beach Clean up Sites

Last minute hotel room needed...try Domaine de l' Hostreiere. It is right at the entrance to the US Cemetery 0033 2 31 516 464 (speaks English). Very nice hotel with great owners.

La Sapiniere in St. Laurent, right off Omaha Beach, 0033 2 31 92 71 72 , has some rooms

ALL REGISTRATION FORMS, BOAT FORMS, SPECIALTY ORDER FORMS WILL BE DISABLED ON SUNDAY EVENING, CANCELLATIONS, ADDITIONS, BOAT TICKET SALES, WILL BE AT REGISTRATION OR THE TRADING POST. IN CASE OF A UNIT TOTAL CANCELLATION, PLEASE CALL VINCE AT 0032 476 317 555

MOST OF THE TAC STAFF LEAVES ON WEDNESDAY FOR NORMANDY. THERE WILL BE A MINIMUM PRESENCE ON WEDNESDAY, AND THURSDAY (CLOSING AT 2 P.M.) AND NO ONE ON FRIDAY IN THE MANNHEIM OFFICE

THERE ARE 65 TICKETS FOR THE BOAT TRIP AVAILABLE FOR SATURDAY 12:15, FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED. THERE ARE STILL A VERY LIMITED NUMBER OF TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR FRIDAY

PLEASE ASSUME THAT NORMANDY RELATED E-MAILS WILL NOT  BE READ AFTER TUESDAY AT NOON

GPS: Chemin du Castel, Port en Bessin (no street number) Portland Camping,

Veteran's Ceremony/Campfire: St. Laurent sur Mer (rue de Vierville) (1st Division Monument)

Map (Google Earth of Beach Clean Up Sites)
Beach Clean Up Assignments
Beach A (Wigwam, Gefosse-Fontenay), All Even Numbered Units
Beach B (Gefosse-Fontenay) All Odd Numbered Units
Beach C (Grandcamp-Maisy) All Buses

If units (that are mixed odd/even numbers) are traveling in cars, then pick either A or B, you don't have to split up

For Bungalows
Remember, sheets, pillows or square pillow cases, dishwashing liquid, extra toilet paper, towels.

Please remember when you park to put all valuables out of sight, GPS, handbags, etc. Although this is not a "high" crime area, having a big tourist weekend could make us a target while we are trying to enjoy the area.

Questions have been coming in...yes, the water is potable on site
No, there is no ice machine and I do not know of a French store that sells ice

We have "lost" our lifeguard to the pool and will not be offering swimming on site (2,000+ people for a pool that holds 80 max). We cannot conform to BSA safety standards for a safe swim.

A French Supermarket Chain (Leclerc) has provided trash bags, and gloves for the beach clean up

Please plan to recycle (Glass, Plastics, Paper, Rubbish). All trash points are located in the camp parking lot

Patches, Beach Clean up Assignment are at the campground

Special Order Form for Normandy Merchandise is Posted!!! Link Here

Driving
Tolls from Saarbrucken via Paris to Port en Bessin are EUR 44.90

Near Reims travelers are given an optional route to Normandy avoiding Paris....according to Mappy it adds 20 minutes to the trip and the tolls are EUR 48.40. It is a viable option especially as it is easy to get confused on the route around Paris.  (I would have suspected that it would take much longer via Amiens, Le Havre to Caen).  Might want to check your GPS and your computer mapping programs to calculate the distance.

There are speed cameras throughout France and they are usually well marked. There is one that has caught many people over the years and that is on the N-13 direction Cherbourg near the town of Columbs. The speed limit drops suddenly from 100 (or 110) to the posted speed limit. There is a camera not too far from the new speed limit sign (also going home direction Caen). Often times there is a 2nd camera not far from the first to catch those who pass the fixed camera and think it is safe to speed back up again.  Of course, we recommend that you keep to the posted speed limits at all times!!!

More notes on Medical Forms as this seems to keep inspiring more and more questions...
1. Medical forms are kept with the unit
2. Class 1 is sufficient
3. For non-BSA participants, the purpose of having medical forms is so that if someone is hurt and does not know their medical history and cannot reply that we have a form that lets the responder/doctor know of allergies and history. It would seem to be prudent that everyone have some type of history with him or her for the trip. The forms in whatever form they are are the responsibility of the unit as past history shows that most units stay together and having the forms in a central location when the event is spread out over 25 kms. is not a good thing. For experienced units, usually there is someone who is the keeper of the forms who stays with the group.
4. This is not a paperwork exercise but we are trying to make sure we are following the Scout Motto of "Be Prepared" so that in the event of an injury we can do our best to provide the safest and best medical care available.

Service Project....
All units with buses will be Beach C which is parking in the town of Grandcamp-Maisy and then walking towards Gefosse-Fontenay (walking west) or as you face the sea, on your left.

We will divide up units coming by car by Beach A (Wigwam, Gefosse-Fontenay) and Beach B (Gefosse Fontenay)

The Service Project area is about 25 minutes from the campground via the D 514 for cars and via the N-13 for buses (Grandcamp-Maisy exit)

Campground Etiquette
All trash (waste) containers will be off the site in the Parking Lot
Recycle (plastics, glass, cardboard, rubbish)
Pack out your propane containers
Observe quiet hours
Watch your youth (it is possible to hop the fence and access the cliffs, there is a small pond on site, etc. Our staff will have "eyes" but all of us need to keep everyone safe
Dump waste water in the large sinks (after removing solid waste), if you dirty something clean it up
Help our newest campers (politely) to leave little or no trace

There are a limited number of places where we can do this. You will see that this is a "5 star campground" It is a new location and we have a good reputation, please help us to keep it.

Youth Eagles and their families are invited to a reception after the 11 a.m. ceremony on 26 April with the Veterans. Lunch (cold buffet) will be provided. This is an opportunity to meet and talk with Veterans. They are looking forward to it!!

The campground has a good restaurant (good food, quick service), you are welcome to use it and they are expecting us but not in our entire numbers. If you would like to reserve a large group please let Vince know

Directions if you are in the overflow bungalows at Camping La Rosarie (map)
Stay on the N-13 (Caen-Cherbourg highway) exit at the D 30 exit (exit for US Cemetery)
Take a "hard right" you will be driving parallel (back towards Caen) on the road you just came down. You will come to an intersection, go straight across the road (still keeping parallel), at the next intersection, turn left and turn left again and you should be at the campground. It is on the edge of the town of Surrain (on the Caen side as opposed to the Cherbourg side of town).

What you need to bring if you are staying in a Bungalow

Towels, Sheets, Pillows (pillows are French Square pillows, so square pillow cases if you have them or your own pillows). If you are 6 people staying in what is normally a 4 person bungalow extra plates, glasses, silverware for the folks.

A new map of Port-en-Bessin-Huppain (credit to Google Earth) with campground and parking area for boats

Wanted Buglers....need good buglers for TAPS for campfire on Saturday evening and at the Cemetery for the Closing Ceremony on Sunday. There is the word "good" which could possibly mean that someone who has just taken up the bugle two weeks ago may not have the necessary proficiency for a public rendering of TAPS. We would prefer Scouts of course, but will accept Scouters. Contact Vince.

Medical Forms: A Class 1 Medical Form is necessary for Normandy however, we do not maintain the forms for the unit, that is done by the unit leadership. We have a limited amount medical team in Normandy, and units need to be prepared to take care of "band-aids."  However, we will work with you with injuries. Most treatment over above what we can handle at the camp site is done by the hospital in Bayeux (most doctors are English speaking)

Please take a look at this article used with permission

This article by Bruce Heydt appears in the April 2008 issue of AMERICA IN WWII magazine. © 2008 AMERICA IN WWII. www.americainwwii.com  It is about the role of the Boy Scouts of America in World War II

Take a look at the program...more details on Saturday events....

We really appreciate all your efforts to let us know that you are participating, and your numbers to date. It is really important to us as we work on our planning as well.

If you have not registered, please do so! We want you to attend and just give us your best information. We do realize that it is complicated for everyone so thanks for all your efforts!!!

Boats....The Boat Trip is back

The Saturday Boat Trip at 1415 is now completely booked

The Saturday Boat Trip at 1215 is now completely booked

 
One of the most popular trips has been the Omaha Beach boat trip. The company that has provided the boat trip since 1994 went out of business (owner retired) and until recently there has not been a boat tour company. We have made contact and reservations for this optional trip.

We have space for 300 participants (150 per boat) on Friday and for 600 participants on Saturday (2 boats each departure time, 150 participants per boat).

The boats will leave from port at Port en Bessin, near the campground, by the town center. The trip will be 1hr 30 minutes and will sail from Port en Bessin along Omaha Beach

Departure Times....these are the times the boat leaves the dock so if you show up at this time, the boat will be leaving. Please show up 20 minutes in advance so we can collect the tickets, make sure that all are on the right boat at the right time.

Friday 25 April, 2 departures 1145  and 1345 (again this is the pull away from dock time)
Saturday 26 April, 2 departures, 1215 and1415 (pull away from dock time)

The cost is $12 per person adult or child. To be clear, the fee is per person (per soul). It is $12 for an infant and an adult as each person takes one of the 150 places. The maritine regulations are very strict in the area, and the agreement reached is a per person price.

Boat trips are reserved first come, first served with payment.

Boat Reservation Form

2008 Patch!  1 provided to all registered participants! If you are hiking the Normandy Historical Trail and you wan the patch, it costs $4.00 and needs to be ordered separately (there is a place on the registration form to order Historical Trail patches).

Message Board

 4 person bungalow with 3 available beds (Ladies or small children only please) that we could share the cost starting Friday through Sunday. Contact Tony  or call  +49 228 329 2746

We have a Scout family who would like a ride to Mont St. Michel on Saturday. It is a parent and child and they are willing to share gas costs. Please contact the scouter if you can assist!! Thanks for helping someone's visit come true!!!

There is room on the bus from Vilseck, if anyone would like to join in please contact Josselyn

Swimming: There is an indoor pool at the campground. It is reserved for us, but we have to manage it and manage it so that it is done safely. There will be a 2 Euro fee per person for the pool use for 90 minutes. Each person will sign in. We will have lifeguards on duty. The pool is not available when there is not a lifeguard on duty.

Please Register as early as possible so we know if we can fit everyone into the campground or need to find alternative solutions. There is no cancellation fee so if your numbers are wrong, you will get reimbursed. We really need good working numbers in early March.

ALL BUNGALOWS ARE BOOKED (Sorry!) There are many hotels in the area for those who do not wish to camp. There are also many bed and breakfasts. Follow the links to Hotel Information.

For Bungalows, a 50% deposit will hold your bungalow. Refunds are based on whether we rent the bungalow or not. In order to provide the bungalows to our families, we had to rent all of them as the camporee will be during the French vacation period. We expect to rent all of them, and to have a greater demand than supply.  The deposit must be paid by 15 October or they will be released to the large (and growing) waiting list.

Tide Schedule (Arromanches)
Saturday, 26 April

Low Tide : 8:59 a.m.
High Tide: 2:14 p.m. (means should avoid the beach from 12:45 p.m. until 3:30 p.m.)
Low Tide: 9:15 p.m. (campfire will not wash out to sea, no stunning photos of a floating campfire..sorry)

The Saturday program
Beach Clean up service project 08:30-10:30
Veteran's Ceremony at St. Laurent (11:00-noon) followed by reception with Veterans
Campfire starting at 7:45 p.m.

A Hotel in Tracy Sur Mer (not too far from campground between Port-en-Bessin and Arromanches sent the following info (in French). I have typically have had good experiences in hotels in the Logis de France chain.

Before 1 March 2008 we will need a roster from each unit participating with the following information

Participants Name, Category (BSA member, sibling, Adult/Leader), Camping, Hotel, Bungalow at site,

All changes to the original information will be made in red and will be added below:

Background

In April 1994, the Charlemagne and Mayflower Districts hosted a 50th Anniversary Commemoration Camporee near Omaha Beach. The event was for Scout troops and was eventually opened to the rest of the Transatlantic Council. The event proved to be such a great experience for the families that attended that a decision was made to hold this camporee every five years. Our aim is to provide the opportunity for a memorable experience to all of our Scouting families. Originally we planned this event for every five years, but due to the requests from our Scouting families, we now conduct this event every three years. Our next Normandy camporee after 2008 will then be in 2011.

Event Information

Registration will begin at 9 a.m. on 25 April and the last formal activity will end at 10 a.m. on 27 April

The camporee staff  will be available as of Thursday afternoon, 24 April. The director and staff will arrive Wednesday evening. We will be able to assist you with your setup location as of 12 p.m. on the 24th. If you wish to come earlier no staff will be on site but arrangements may be made. (You may have to move once the staff arrives to the location designated for your group, although where possible we will try to keep you where you are located) Also arrangements may be made to stay past Sunday. The campground expects us to collect all fees relating to the event so if you are coming early or staying late please register with the council office.

Who may attend and parent attendance requirements: This event is open to all registered youth and their families in Transatlantic Council. All units that wish to participate must have completed the recharter process with Transatlantic Council. Units in a lapsed or dropped status will not be permitted to participate. Tiger Cubs, Wolf and Bears must have a parent or guardian with them. Webelos should have a parent or guardian but are permitted to camp as long as the youth to adult ratio does not surpass 2 Webelos per adult attending. Troops, and Crews need to follow the BSA youth protection policy of a minimum of 2 adults leaders per troop and crew. If a crew has female members then there must be a minimum of one female leader attending. In no circumstances are youth to share sleeping quarters with adults who are not their parents.

Location & Facilities 

We will be camping at Camping Portland in the town of Port en Bessin-Huppain. It is located across the street from the Omaha Beach Golf Course and Mercure Hotel (very well sign posted) Maps and directions are part of the attachments. This is a 4 star campground located about 10 km from the American Cemetery and 12 km from Bayeux. This is a different campground from 2005. The camp does have running water, restroom facilities,showers, a restaurant, and indoor pool. With the large number of people expected to participate, port-a-potties will be rented. The campground is beautifully landscaped and sites are already laid out. There are some large open areas for larger units who wish to camp. . The amount of space allocated to each unit will be proportionate to the number of people who register. If we have 1000 people, units will have a fair amount of space. If we have 2000 people then space will be tight. Units need to be prepared for jamboree style camping with tents side by side forming a "U ", and with the cooking area in the middle. Since this event is conducted every three years, we will not turn any Scouting family away. We hope and expect our units to honor this intention.

We have rented extra showers and bathrooms for this event. There can be significant waits during "peak periods" (evenings after program activities).

The campground is on a bluff not far from the sea.  The camp is lead by friendly, supportive people. Families need to be prepared for cold, damp weather. We will do all we can to provide a warm welcome.

For families without good camping gear (warm weather sleeping bags, weather resistent tents), it may be better to reserve accomodations in the area.

We also have six, six person bungalows and sixty-three, 4 person bungalows on site for rent.

The six person bungalows have 1 double bed, 2 rooms with 2 individual beds each, and a sofa bed that sleeps 2, along with kitchenette, shower, toilet

The four person bungalows have 1 double bed, 1 room with 2 individual beds, and a sofa bed that can sleep 2. along with a kitchenette, shower, toilet

Cooking   There are no ground fires. You can use burn barrels as long as they are raised sufficiently off the ground that the heat does not burn the grass. There is no wood in the area to gather for fuel. The event director has assured the owners of the camping area that there will not be burn marks on the ground and that the turf will not be dug up. Units leaving any burn marks will be assessed a minimum of $50 to cover turf damage upon check out (the amount depends on the extent). We are strongly encouraging the use of propane stoves. If units have US type stoves, they should make sure that they have sufficient quantities of propane for the weekend as it is not available locally (or make sure that they have a US to European converter valve so local gas can be used). Of course the last time we did this event, units that were short were helped by units that had extra in the best of Scouting traditions.

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THERE IS NO ALCOHOL AT BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA EVENTS. PLEASE TELL YOUR PARENTS!

Money Matters & Registration

The Spring Camporee costs $35.00 per person camping, (no charge for children 5 and under) and $15.00 per person attending the event and staying elsewhere.

A two night stay in the four person bungalow costs $275.00 including all camporee fees. ($15.00 additional per person if 5 or 6 people are staying in the bungalow)

A two night stay in a six person bungalow costs $300.00. This also includes all camporee fees. ($15.00 per additional person if 7 or 8 people are staying in the bungalow)

For the bungalows, it also includes a supplemental cleaning fee to prepare the bungalows for the following week (French vacation).

If bungalows are not cleaned, or items are broken or misplaced, it will be the responsibilty of the person renting the bungalow to pay for damages.

There is a unit fee of $75.00 to cover the costs of flower arrangements for the American Cemetery, and unit recognition items. If absolutely don't want a wreath to lay at the Sunday ceremony (you are leaving, please don't), then just let us know with the application form. The unit fee is then reduced to $25.00

Extra fee per person per night camping: $12.00

Extra fee per night per bungalow: $115.00 ( 4 person) $ 125.00 (6 person)

This fee covers patch, camping fees, port-a-pottie fees, administrative costs, and program fees. This fee does not include: admission to any museums; boat trip; and food. The $15 fee per person does not cover your lodging.

This is the first fee increase since the original event in 1994. The dollar/euro exchange rate, increase in garbage and sanitiation costs, and using a better facility are all reasons for the increase.

This event is subsidized by approximately € 50,000 by local and regional governments, the Office of Veteran Affairs,  and Planet Earth...SOS,

All fees should be sent to:

Transatlantic Council, BSA                  Transatlantic Council, BSA
attn: Normandy Camporee                    attn: Normandy Camporee
Unit 29242                                             Stem Kaserne (Bldg. 1002)
APO AE 09102                                      D 68232 Mannheim

Checks should be made payable to TAC-BSA

Please use the registration form (on-line) (fill in on-line) (print out) (PDF)   Bungalow Housing List

This event is open to all families within the Transatlantic Council but we wish to receive a unit registration form and not individual family forms, nor den or patrol forms. We need to have a unit point of contact with an alternate in case we need to communicate any additional information. At the event the point of contact is responsible for paying any additional fees.

If a no other families in a unit are planning on attending then we will accept individual application forms. We want everyone who would like to attend to feel welcome.

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THERE IS NO ALCOHOL AT BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA EVENT.  PLEASE TELL YOUR PARENTS!

Refunds

Refund requests should be made in writing to Transatlantic Council within 10 days of the event. Cancellations within two weeks of the event are subject to a 20% administration fee.

If we are unable to find an occupant for a bungalow canceled less than 30 days before the event, we must charge for the bungalow (bungalow fee minus the event fee).

Registration Deadline: 1 March 2008

Thanks to our units respecting this important deadline, we were able to determine in 2005 that we needed space for an additional 600 campers. Had our units not kept to the deadline, we would not have been able to find additional space, toilets, and dumpsters.

Additional families can register after the deadline. Your unit space allocation may not increase. The space concerns are relative to the total number of participants, and space depends on the conditions at the campground.  We will endeavor to make sure every unit has ample space but last minute large group reservations do cause logistic problems, so please send it what you have no later than 1 March and then if you need to add a few more families that is much easier than a new reservation of 160 people a few days before the event. Also if an overflow camping area needs to be booked, those units who register after 1 March (or who increase their numbers substantially) will be using the overflow camping area regardless of when you arrive.

Registration will begin at the campground at 9 a.m. on Friday. The campground will be occupied from 12 p.m. on Thursday. We realize that families within units may not arrive at the same time. Families will be shown to their unit's camping area.

Unloading & Parking

With the number of people and vehicles at the camporee, it is important that when people arrive, they check in at registration where they will find out where they are camping. They will proceed to the camping area with their vehicle and then off load their vehicle. As soon as the vehicle is off loaded, it will then proceed to the parking area while someone stays with the equipment. There is a large lot at the campground used to handling large groups. However, it is an unmarked area so please follow parking instructions so everyone can park and also not be blocked in.

PLEASE DO NOT DRIVE ON THE GRASS

This sounds really good in the package but the reality the last time we were there was that people would not wait for vehicles to off-load, and units off-loading were anxious to put up tents and do everything except move the vehicles. We are Scouts and we need to cooperate.

Also last time people left the vehicles parked on either side of the small camp road so units would have easy access to supplies. Of course, if we needed to bring an ambulance or fire engine into the site, they would not have been able to pass. You will be told at registration, but you need to know in advance that type of safety hazard will not be tolerated. We will make arrangements for vehicles to be towed away if they are not properly parked. I know this sounds decidedly unfriendly for a scout event, but it could be YOUR family in need of emergency assistance and that far outweighs the inconvenience of having to park in overflow parking areas. Also of course the people that do cooperate feel a bit taken advantage of as well. Enough said&ldots;.

Travel to Program Areas & Pack up on Sunday
With the expected large number of participants, we need to keep safety in mind at all times with the vehicles in camp. When drivers check in they will be given directions on driving within the campground and to the various events. We wish to avoid gridlock with a number of vehicles coming into the site to pick up Scouts to go on the activities while there are a large number of vehicles who have picked up Scouts who are trying to get out of the site. Please adhere to the rules that are given. They will be designed to make it as easy as possible for everyone to get to where they want to go.

For travel to the camp wide program activities please keep in mind that everyone will be going at relatively close to the same time. What might be a normal 15 minute trip from the campground to American Cemetery on your own may take a bit longer. Allow plenty of travel time from the campground to all the activities.

For check out on Sunday, once your site is packed up please go to the registration area and a Commissioner will make sure that your site is in an acceptable condition. Only then should vehicles be brought onto the site to load up. Once loaded up, the unit should depart the campground immediately. (or proceed to the line waiting to leave).

We will do all we can to prepare for the worst traffic scenario.

PLEASE DO NOT DRIVE ON THE GRASS!

School

In 1994 1999, 2002, and 2005 every school gave an excused absence based on what the scouts would experience during the weekend. Several of the schools did have the Scouts make a report to their classmates about the weekend in return for the excused absence.

Travel

Use a software program for Port en Bessin (near Bayeux).

We do not recommend leaving after school on Friday (except maybe for Troop 112 in Paris) as you will arrive very late. Night driving on unfamiliar roads in unfamiliar areas is very difficult. For units going around Paris, Friday night on the Peripherique (Ring Road around Paris) can be an absolute nightmare (as it can be at just about any other time as well, but Friday is a pretty sure bet). We do recommend that you try to be at Paris before 4 p.m. and the earlier the better. It is Spring Break for French schools.

For units traveling on the motorways (autoroute, autobahn), these roads in France are toll roads. You should have euros or have credit cards to pay for the tolls. For a car traveling from Germany to Normandy, you should have around 75 euros for each way.

Van drivers, military bus drivers etc. may want to consider booking a hotel for Saturday night to get a better night's sleep. It is a long drive on a busy weekend for all of us so the more rest that you are able to get, hopefully the safer the journey home will be. For your travel day as well, I know in some cases that it cannot be avoided but working all day and then driving Scouts to Normandy can be just too much. Drive safely and use common sense.

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THERE IS NO ALCOHOL AT BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA EVENTS. PLEASE TELL YOUR PARENTS!

Military Vehicles in France
Thank you to the good people in the transportation office at SHAPE, we have the following information for units wishing to bring military vehicles into France. Prior planning and coordination is required! (PDF document)

If we are traveling by train what is the closest rail station and are there buses to the campground?

The closest train station to Port en Bessin is Bayeux. There are no local buses to take you to the campground. There is a local bus private bus company that we can put you in contact with if you have a large group. Otherwise we are dependent on scout volunteers who have cars to bring you to the campground. There is also no public transportation in the area to visit the sites.

Do you have spaces on a bus that you are trying to fill? 

Are you trying to find a way to Normandy ?

As a service if you are looking for a bus to hook with to go to Normandy, send me your email address, # of spaces and community. I will make your information available for those who are looking to fill those last spaces on their bus.

If you have spaces, please let me know the same information along with how many spaces that you have and I will put you in contact of anyone who may be willing to join up with you.

Campground Address
Camping Portland
Chemin du Castel
F 14.520 Port en Bessin-Huppain

+33 (0)2 31 51 07 06

Security  During the day and most of the evening on Saturday and Sunday morning most people will be away. Commissioners will roam the site watching for people who should not be in our camping area. Units are free also to leave adults behind to watch their property, but in no case should a scout be left back at the site for security. We have also hired a private security firm to assist with security as well.

Flowers  We are including wreaths in with the unit fee this year. When units have had the option most ordered wreaths and those that didn't wish that they did and sent us scrambling on Saturday. If absolutely don't want a wreath to lay at the Sunday ceremony (you are leaving, please don't), then just let us know with the application form. The unit fee is then reduced to $25.00

Staying in a Hotel  We are glad you are in Normandy and for families without camping gear or even camping gear for April in Normandy it is a really smart move. Please try to stop by the campground and see if there are any changes in the program. We will try to have packets or a schedule for families at least at the Mercure.

Scout Shop

We will have a Scout Scout featuring special Normandy Camporee items, as well as BSA supplies. The shop will be open on Friday and during non-Program hours. We will accept MasterCard and Visa, US Dollar Checks, Dollars, and Euros.

Once we have placed our custom design orders for Normandy, we will allow units to pre-order merchandise. We anticipate Normandy T-shirts, Sweatshirts, neckerchiefs, coins, lapel/hat pins. Once we have sold out however, we are sold out, and will not be taking orders to mail out later. Most custom design articles take a minimum of 8 weeks.

For questions on programs and logistics, please contact:

Vince Cozzone
Email: vince.cozzone@tac-bsa.org
Cell Phone +32 (0)476 31 75 55

For questions about payments, refunds, receipt of information, changes to information sent contact

Robby Robertson-Martinez
DSN  375-4008  Office 0621 487 4008 (from outside Germany dial 0049 621 487 4008)
Email program@tac-bsa.org
DSN Fax 375 4002   Office fax +49 (0)621 487 4002

Camporee Program

Schedule

Friday

09 a.m.-????     Registration, Check-in and Set up

There is no leader's meeting as all information will be distributed during check-in. If you have questions, please stop by the registration area. If there are any changes you will be informed by the camp commissioners

Saturday

DAY
The program schedule for Saturday is based on the tide schedule. Activities such as our Service Project, are based on when is high tide. High tide and the 2 hours preceding and 90 minutes after covers most of the beach.

During low tide, we will have our service project and a ceremony honoring World War II veterans in St. Laurent. We will also have a reception where Scouts can meet and talk with Veterans.

The Service Project  0830-1015

This is a time to make a difference. It is also one of the scariest times for the director. Please use the BUDDY SYSTEM, don't allow Scouts to wander towards the edge of the water. Some of the areas further out are like quick sand. We had one Scout stuck, and another left behind on the beach last time. One might say that was not bad considering there were 3400 people cleaning but we need to keep everyone safe. This is one time that if you see a Scout going where he or she isn't suppose to go, get them back with the group...even if it isn't YOUR Scout.

Groups will be assigned based on the capacity of each area. If in doubt and you are in a bus, go to Point C as that has the most bus parking.

This is the starting plan, it will be refined as we coordinate with local towns.

You will be designated upon check-in as Group A, B, or C. This will correspond to your area.

Groups A and B will assemble at Géfosse Fontenay and A will start at the Wigwam and work their way down the beach towards Isigny Sur Mer

 Group B will collect trash from their start point (Géfosse Fontenay)  towards Grandcamp Maisy

Group C will park at the Grandcamp Maisy and collect trash going towards Géfosse Fontenay. 

Maps will be available at registration, plus we will have guides towards the routes.

Collection Points (Probable)

Groups A  near the Wigwam (farm) in GEFOSSE-Fontenay

Group B between GEFOSSE-Fontenay and Grandcamp Maisy

Group C  Grandcamp Maisy,  We will have commissioners and the environmental agency (SOS.....Planete Earth) will have people that will help you get tot he right place.

Bring your own trash bags preferably heavy duty bags. Do not overfill bags to the point of breaking. It is not a service project if the sanitation people from the towns have to pick up the trash because our bags break. Please bring and use bag ties. You might want to bring work gloves with you for this project. Please supervise the Scouts and if they do not know what they are picking up, ask them to leave it.

 It has been known to have medical waste on the beach (not very often so please exercise some caution). Please be aware that they may also be some unexploded bombs on the beach. Please tell your Scouts if they are not sure what it is (or if they are sure it is a bomb) to let an adult know. We will stake it and then have EOD do their thing (Bomb Squad).

In 2005, bags and gloves were provided, if that is the case in 2008, we will let you know, but for now prepare to bring your own heavy trash bag.

1100 (11 a.m.) Service Honoring Veterans at St. Laurent

This ceremony starts at 11 with the raising of the colors and serves as our opening ceremony for the camporee. It is held at the First Division Monument at St. Laurent sur Mer (huge area). We will be welcomed by local officials (much briefer than last time). Veterans will be attendance and will distribute badges (Bleuets) to participants.

The Bleuet is akin to the poppy. It is the French flower for remembrance. It is the symbol for the War Veterans and Victims. The French Ministry for Veteran's Affairs are strong supporters of this event.

 
2000 (8 p.m.) Campfire at Omaha Beach  (Tide Permitting)

Parking in St. Laurent in the main square. We will have a Webelos Crossover Ceremony, Order of the Arrow Call Out Ceremony, Eagle Scout Presentation, and we will retire American flags that are no longer serviceable. That being said, we would very much like to include a US flag flown in Iraq and Afghanistan that should be retired. Campfire will begin on time and ceremonies will take place in the following sequence

• Webelos Arrow of Light/Crossover  (Need list of names no later than at registration). Webelos should bring a small container to collect Omaha Beach sand as part of the ceremony)
  

• Order of the Arrow Call Out  (Need list of names at registration)
  
• Silver Beaver Presentation (not confirmed)
  
• Eagle Scout Ceremony (need list of names by 1 April, so we will have Eagle Kits). Eagle Scout awards will be presented to youth whose applications were screened at Transatlantic Councl and approved for a Board of Review, who then pass their Board of Review (normal procedure). We cannot present Eagle Scout badges to Scouts whose records have not been verified. The ceremony is impressive and moving but it may involve 30 or more Eagle Scouts. Many Scouts go on to have a more personal Eagle Court of Honor in their home community.
  
• Venturing Leadership Awards, Ranger, Silver Awards
  
• Flag Retirement Ceremony

Memorial Service       Sunday 27 April 2008

Assemble in American Cemetery Parking lot by 8:45 a.m. by unit

Designate one youth member to bring the unit flag (don't forget to bring it) and  a wreath layer. These youth members will be up at the Memorial and marching at the head of the line.

During this ceremony, we will have a Memorial Service. Units will have a chance to lay their wreath. (individuals may purchase wreaths but the official ceremony will only involve unit wreaths)

After the Ceremony, units will have an opportunity to conduct a private service for at an individual gravesite. Several carnations have been purchased to leave behind at an individual's grave. There is a list of names and graves that will be available at registration. Unfortunately there are far more graves than there will be of us, so every family can choose one.

Please bring unit flags to the ceremony on Sunday. Designate one flag bearer and one wreath bearer for the service. The flag bearer will lead the unit into the Cemetery and then will stand at the Memorial with the unit flag. The wreath bearer will march across the Memorial and at the appropriate time will lay the unit's wreath.

Some units in the past have had to leave before the ceremony. We understand that it is a long way home for all of our units, and for many units that there is a scheduled ferry to catch. This ceremony has been the most moving part of a weekend filled with memories. If you possibly can you owe to yourself and to your unit to attend. When will you be back with 2500 Scouts and Scouters?

9 a.m.  Closing Ceremony at American Cemetery
9:45 a.m    Private Graveside Ceremony

Drive Home Safely or please go back and check out of camp

Area Hotels

Port en Bessin

Hotel Mercure

This is a *** hotel in Port-en-Bessin. With prices around 120 euros per night for a double. Phone is 0033 231 22 44 44.. There is an excellent restaurant in the hotel, and a very fine 27-hole golf course. The campground is located across the street from the hotel.  directions

If you do not wish to stay in a hotel then the tourist office in Bayeux (www.bayeux-tourism.com) also lists what are called Chambres de Hôtes. These are bed and breakfasts and can run from very reasonable to expensive.

KING HOTEL (Hotellerie Hotel)
20 Rue Nord
14520 Port En Bessin Huppain

Tél.:+33 (0)2 31 21 44 44 

This hotel caters to groups and is reasonably priced. If your unit wishes to stay as a group in a hotel this could be an attractive option.

Bayeux

There are a large range of hotels in the town. It is the largest town in the area

Port en Bessin/Bayeux Information is available in English on Bayeux's website at http://www.bayeux-tourism.com. Many people have stayed at the Novotel and at La Campanille (Novotel  *** chain, La Campanille ** chain)

Vierville sur Mer   (about 3 kms. From the American Cemetery)

Hotel du Casino
Rue de la Percée
Phone 0033 2 31 22 41 02
Fax: 0033 2 31 22 41 12
Price: 55-60 euros

Isigny sur Mer  
This is where the camporee was in 1999 to 2005. Many Scouters enjoyed staying at the hotel. It is about 30 kms. to Port en Bessin

Hotel de France 
13 rue Emile Demagny (main street in Isigny)

Phone:0033 2 31 22 00 33             Fax 0033 2 31 22 79 19

Approximately 60 euros part of the Logis de France chain, usually good reasonably priced hotels

If you do not wish to stay in a hotel then the tourist office in Bayeux (www.bayeux-tourism.com) also lists what are called Chambres de Hôtes. These are bed and breakfasts and can run from very reasonable to expensive.

Program Opportunities for Saturday (Free Time)

Normandy Historic Trail
The Transatlantic Council Normandy Historic Trail is a popular choice for this weekend activity. The trail stretches from the American Cemetery at Colleville sur Mer to the beginning of the cliffs in Vierville along the beach. One may no longer hike on the bluffs overlooking the beach due to dangerous conditions. The hike other than tide conditions is basically flat and can be completed in 2 to 3 hours depending on the age and experience of the people on the hike. (It could take all day too). Please take the time to visit and read the inscriptions on the many monuments in the area.

Please pay attention to the tide schedule when it is published. Basically the tides work on 4 six hours cycles.  At high tide the water comes up to the road and there is no beach. The tide also comes in very fast and not in a straight line. One should not hike either 90 minutes before nor after the published high tide schedule.

There is a Normandy Historic Trail Patch available for purchase for those who complete the trail. The patch costs $4.00. Patches can be pre-ordered so they are at Normandy (use link to order from Scout Shop) and can be presented to those who complete the trail. (this is done by the unit and not at the campfire).

Note about Normandy Historic Trail
When one reads the word "trail" one of course thinks of hiking. For most of the morning on Saturday (and Friday) the trail from Vierville to Colleville is covered by the tide. There is a sidewalk from Vierville to St. Laurent (not far) and towards Colleville (US Cemetery), that one can walk. The trail was originally designed when one could walk the cliffs overlooking the beaches. Those have been closed since 2001 due to erosion. The Normandy Historic Trail is completed by visiting Omaha Beach, the American Cemetery and Pointe de Hoc. This can be done by foot where possible and by vehicle. It is prohibited to walk on the road from Vierville to Pointe de Hoc. Two cars can barely pass on the road and it is the scene of several pedestrian and vehicle accidents (buses, and cars driving too fast). The important part is the history and learning about what happened on D-Day,

Link to this external website for information on what to do and see in Normandy

Thanks to Jim Vandenberg from Troop 324, Patch Barracks, Stuttgart for his excellent research!!

Overall website to access info about all sites in Normandy: www.normandiememoire.com

(Select English)

MUSEUMS and LOCAL AREA TOUR SITES

1)Saint Laurent-sur-la-Mer: Omaha Beach Landing Museum
" les Moulins " - Avenue de la Libération 14710 SAINT-LAURENT-SUR-MER
Phone: (33) 231 219744
Fax: (33) 231 927280
Email: musee-memorial-omaha@wanadoo.fr
Site: www.musee-memorial-omaha.com
Description: Located actually on Omaha Beach, this 1200 m2 museum has a fine collection of uniforms, arms, vehicles and personal effects.

Several displays, maps and photos together with a film of witness accounts from American veterans will throw more light on the landings at Omaha Beach and the raid on Pointe du Hoc. Military hardware also includes a landing craft, Sherman Tank and a 155mm Long Tom gun, the only one in Normandy. Open daily from 03-16 to 05-15 : 09h30 - 18h30.

2)Pointe du Hoc and Ranger Museum
Quai Crampon 14450 GRANDCAMP-MAISY
Phone: (33) 231 923351
Fax : (33) 231 229995
Email : GRANDCAMP-MAISY@wanadoo.fr
Description: Location of the 2nd Ranger Battalion scaling rugged cliffs to capture strategic gun emplacements. This was an important element to the success at Normandy as the guns from the Pointe du Hoc could easily reach both Omaha and Utah beaches. You will never forget what courage and bravery, teamwork and training to scale the cliff. There is a wonderful visitor center that opened in 2005. 18 minute video, Models symbolizing the courage of the young American soldiers involved in its storming, the famous Pointe du Hoc was one of the strongholds in the German fortifications and was taken by force on the morning of 6th June by Colonel Rudder's "Rangers". The site, full of emotive memories, has been completely redeveloped; its impressive appearance bears witness to the intensity of the battles. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 02-15 to 05-15 : 13h00 - 18h00.

3)Arromanches 360 Theater and Arromanches Landing Museum
Chemin du Calvaire - BP 9 14117 ARROMANCHES-LES-BAINS (360 Theater)
Phone: (33) 231 223030 / 223431
Fax : (33) 231 223355
Email : contact@arromanches360.com
Site : www.arromanches360.com
Description: Theater - This is a 360 degree theater. You will be plunged into the middle of the D-Day action. This theater has received great reviews from visitors to the Normandy area. There are local experts often on site to describe the battle. " The Price of Freedom ", an outstanding film, is shown on 9 screens in the round. A mixture of pictures of the D-Day Landings in 1944 and of Normandy as it is today, you will find this 360° film show an unforgettable experience.

This was a bit too much for my children in 2005 (10 years old) with the booming canons (Vince note)

 
Two shows per hour at 10 and 40 minutes past the hour. Open 1010 until 1640 hours.
Place du 6 Juin 14117 ARROMANCHES-LES-BAINS (Landing Museum)
Phone: (33) 231 223431
Fax: (33) 231 926883
Email : info.arromanches@normandy1944.com
Site : www.normandie1944.fr
Museum - The permanent landing exhibition is located in front of the very remains of the extraordinary artificial port. Models, diorama, a film, etc. Open year round, except from 01 to 22 January. Hours: 0900 to 1800, doors close 30 mins before closing time.

4)Sainte Marie du Mont: Utah Beach Landing Museum
Utah Beach 50480 SAINTE-MARIE-DU-MONT
Phone: (33) 233 715335
Fax: (33) 233 719236
Email: musee@utah-beach.com
Site: www.utah-beach.com
Description: The Normandy Landing Museum opened for the 50th anniversary in 1994. It is an outstanding museum that captures the essence of the D-Day landings. Located opposite the beach on the UTAH site, this museum uses archives and souvenirs to recount the military and engineering exploit of the American landing at UTAH. This museum also has and excellent reputation.

Contact: Musee du Debarquement Utah Beach.

5)Longues Battery
Office de Tourisme Intercommunal Bayeux Bessin 14400 LONGUES-SUR-MER
Phone: (33) 231 214687 or 0231 512828
Fax: (33) 231 512829
Email : longues@bayeux-tourism.com
This German artillery battery, which gave the Allied ships a pounding on the morning of 6th June, is the only coastal battery to have kept its guns, giving an impressive picture of what an Atlantic Wall gun emplacement was really like. Open all year round. Guided tours from Easter to September. Very impressive (Easy drive toward Arromanches) Scouts will love the bunkers/observation posts with guns intact.
Open daily year round.

6)Vierville sur-la-Mer: Omaha Exhibition
Phone: (33) 231 224366
Description: This museum was completely refurbished in 1994 and has become one of the premier museums in the area. Open from April to September 1000 to 1200 and 1400 to 1900 hours daily.

7)Courseulles-sur-Mer: Juno Beach Museum
Voie des Français Libres - BP 104 14470 COURSEULLES-SUR-MER
Phone: (33) 231 373217
Fax: (33) 231 378369
Email : contact@junobeach.org

Site : www.junobeach.org

Description: The only Canadian Museum on the Landing Beaches, the Juno Beach Centre explains the role of Canada in the Second World War as well an insight into Canadian culture.

Canadian tour guides. Temporary exhibitions complement the permanent display.

8)Caen: Memorial for Peace Museum

Esplanade Général Eisenhower - BP 55026 - 14050 CAEN
Phone: (33) 231 060645
Fax : +33 2 31 06 06 70
Email : resa@memorial-caen.fr
Site : www.memorial-caen.fr

 
Description: An original idea, the history of our century from 1918 up to today. This trip through history is followed by three audiovisual shows which invite the visitor to reflect upon peace. A completely documented center completes this museum which is unique of its type in France. 20 years of the Memorial of Caen, an exceptional year to relive and understand our History! Between friends or in family, live this unique experience in Europe of a journey which will drive you in the heart of the history of the XXth century. During the school holidays, come to discover our  full of life visits , free animations of 45mn in the route for families. Open 02 January to 31 May and 01 September to 31 December: 0900 to 1900. Open 01 June to 31 August: 0900 to 2200 hrs.

9)Benouville: Museum of Airborne Troops & Pegasus Bridge

Avenue du Major Howard 14860 RANVILLE
Phone: (33) 231 781944 / 446254
Fax : (33) 2 1 781942
Email : memorial.pegasus@wanadoo.fr
Site : www.normandy1944.com
Description: The "Pegasus Bridge" Museum retraces the historic hours of D-Day (6 June 1944) and the capture of Benouville bridge by British paraglider troops. At dawn on 6th June, 1944 the first allied troops arrived in Ranville-Bénouville. You can come and relive their story and learn about their heroic combat to liberate the region.

The museum contains hundreds of authentic objects, all emotive souvenirs, and features the famous Pegasus Bridge which was the first bridge to be liberated on the French mainland. An actual-size model of a glider from that period is also exhibited in the museum's grounds.

Open: 01 March to 31 May from 0930 to 1230 hours and from 1400 to 1800 hours. June, September and October from 0930 to 1230 hours and from 1400 to 1900 hours. July and August from 0930 to 1230 hours and from 1400 to 1900 hours.

10)Sainte Mere Eglise: Museum of Airborne Troops & Church

Phone: (33) 233 414135

Description: The town of Sainte Mere Eglise was liberated by US Airborne troops in the early hours of 6 June 1944. The town church was made memorable in the film "The Longest Day" by Actor Red Buttons who portrayed the Airborne trooper whose parachute was suspended by the church steeple. (The paratrooper survived the ordeal).

11)Bayeux: Battle of Normandy 1944 Memorial Museum
Boulevard Fabian Ware 14400 BAYEUX
Phone: (33) 231 514690
Fax: (33) 231 514691
Email: bataillenormandie@mairie-bayeux.fr

Description: Retraces the military and human history of the Battle of Normandy from 6 June to 22 August 1944. Located in the first town in France to be liberated, this museum presents entirely new displays to offer a better understanding of this decisive action in the liberation of Western Europe. Open 16 March to 31 May and 01 September to 15 October from 0930 to 1230 and 1400 to 1830 hours. Summer hours: Open 01 June to 31 August from 0900 to 1900 hours. Winter hours: Open 16 October to 15 March from 1000 to 1230 and 1400 to 1800 hours.

12)Quistreham: Commando 4 Museum

Place Alfred Thomas 14150 OUISTREHAM

Phone: (33) 231 966310

Description: Museum dedicated to the French Commando Unit that retook the seaside town of Quistreham. The museum retraces the epic story of the first commandos to land on Sword Beach at dawn on 6th June, including the Franco-British commando and French Commandant Philippe Kieffer. Open weekends 01 October to Easter 0930 to 1730 hours and from 01 June through 30 September 0900 to 1800 hours.

13)Cherbourg: Liberation Museum
Fort du Roule 50100 CHERBOURG-OCTEVILLE
Phone: (33) 233 201412
Fax: (33) 233 201412

Site: www.ville-cherbourg.fr 

Description: At the top of the "Montagne du Roule" stands this Second Empire fort with a view of the harbour. Opened in 1954 and completely renovated in 1994, this was the first Liberation Museum to be opened and it will further benefit from new additions in 2004. Various reconstructions, including numerous audio-visual displays, take us from the Shadows of the Occupation to the Lights of the D-Day Landing.

Open every day except Monday & Tuesday from 10-01 to 04-30 : 14h00 - 18h00.

14)Tilly-sur-Seulles: Museum of the Battle of Tilly
Chapelle Notre-Dame-du-Val 14250 TILLY-SUR-SEULLES
Phone: (33) 231 809210 ou 06 075946
Fax: (33) 231 807289
Site: museetilly.free.fr

Description:  Museum of the Battle of Tilly. Open: daily 01 June to 31 August from 0900 to 1200 and 1430 to 1900 hours. From 30 September to 31 May from 1400 to 1800 hours.

15)Saint Martindes Besaces: The Percee du Bocage Museum

D 675 14350 SAINT-MARTIN-DES-BESACES
Phone : +33 2 31 67 52 78
Email : bluecoat@wanadoo.fr
Site : www.laperceedubocage.com
Description: Through 8 museum displays and a sound and light show presented using a diorama, the guided tour brings you the adventure of the fighters in the hedgerows. Groups all year by prior appointment. Open everyday except Tuesday from 06-01 to 09-15 : 10h00 - 12h00 and 14h00 - 18h00.

16)Fakause: Museum of the Roche de Falaise Battle
Route de Bretahne, chemin des Roches.
Phone: (33) 231 903719
Description: Open daily except Mondays from 01 March to 31 May and 01 September to 30 November from 1000 to 1200 and 1400 to 1800 hrs.
Open daily from 01 June to 31 August from 1000 to 1200 and 1400 to 1800 hrs.

17)Avranches - Museum of the Second World War

2 le Moulinet - Le Val Saint-Père 50300 AVRANCHES

Phone: (33) 233 683583
Fax: (33) 233 681555
Email: museesecondeguerremondiale@alicepro.fr

Description: On the actual site of the breakthrough at Avranches, equipment and uniforms of troops in action during this great liberating operation are on display.

18)Saint-Come-Du-Mont - Dead Man's Corner Museum
2 Village de l'Amont 50500 SAINT-CÔME-DU-MONT
Phone: (33) 233 420042
Fax: (33) 233 420042
Email: carentan.101@orange.fr
Site: www.paratrooper-museum.org

Description: At the point where the men of the 101st Airborne Division encountered the Green Devils (the German paratroopers of the 6th Fallschirmjager Regiment) for the first time you can get an insight to the horror of the battle for Carentan on the site which has remained largely intact.

19)Radar Museum

Route de Basly 14440 DOUVRES-LA-DÉLIVRANDE
Phone: +33 231377443 / 0231362424
Fax: +33 2 31 36 24 25
Description: The first museum devoted to the history of radar in the former German radar station at Douvres, where two remarkably preserved bunkers and an original layout help you to understand the role of radar and how the technique was developed. Open from 1/07 to 31/08

20)Musee du 6 Juin 44
Place Fulbert-de-Beina 61300 L'AIGLE
Tel. : +33 2 33 84 16 16
Fax : +33 2 33 84 94 94
Email : patrimoine@ville-laigle.fr

Site : www.ville-laigle.fr

Description: This museum plunges you into the hard realities of the Second World War via its presentation of the decisive events of the Battle of Normandy and full-size wax models using actual voices.

21)ARROMANCHES-LES-BAINS: Disembarkment Museum 

Description: Located right in front of the actual vestiges of the artificial harbour (Mulberry B), this museum is devoted to the incredible feat of technology achieved by the British in building and setting up the artificial harbour. Models, a diorama, video show.

22)Bayeux: Centre Guillaume le Conquerant - Bayeux Tapestry Museum

Rue Nesmond

Phone: (33) 231 512550

Description: From a different era and different battle, the Bayeux tapestry is perhaps the most famous in the world. The 230 foot long tapestry depicts the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Woven by the women of the Norman court, it is a wonder of early medieval Europe. Audio guided tour in six languages.

CEMETERY SITES

American
Saint James (Montjoie-Saint Martin) between Avranches and Fourgères)
Colleville sur Mer (This is the Cemetery where we will be doing the Memorial Service on Sunday). There is a visitor center that opened on D-Day in 2007 that is excellent. If you cannot visit on Sunday with time restraints, it is well worth a visit during your stay.

British
Banneville-Sannerville
Bayeux
Brouay
Cambe en Plaine
Chouain
Douvres la Délivrande
Fontenay le Pesnel
Hermanville sur Mer
Hottot les Bagues
Ranville
Ryes-Bazenville
Saint Manvieu
Secqueville en Bessin
Tilly sur Seulles
St. Charles de Percy
St Désir de Lisieux

French
Le Nécropole des Gateys 

 Canadian
Bény sur Mer
Cintheaux

Polish
Urville-Langannerie

German
La Cambe  (near Isigny)
St Désir de Lisieux
Marigny
Orglandes
Huisnes sur Mer

Many of these cemeteries are spread throughout Normandy & Brittany

CAR & BUS TOURS (REGIONAL TOUR SITES)

These tours are recommended by the Normandy Tourist Bureau, and are sign posted along the route.

Overlord-L'Assaut  (Overlord-The Assault)  72 kms

This route is designed to help you discover a great many places that marked the 6th June 1994 in the Anglo-Canadian sector from the right bank of the Orne Estuary to Bayeux.

The visitor will first cross the famous Pegasus Bridge at Bénouville, then carry on along the coast following the Sword, Juno, and Gold landing sites as far as Arromanches and the Longues Battery&ldots;finally reaching Bayeux, the first French town to be liberated.

D-Day-Le Choc (D-Day the Onslaught) 130 km

Starting out from Bayeux, this route covers the entire length of the Omaha Sector as far as Carentan. Taking in places like Colleville sur Mer and the Pointe du Hoc, it gives an idea of the violence of the battle and the scale of the American casualties which earned Omaha Beach the nickname, "Bloody Omaha."

The route then follows the hard fought advance of the American troops towards the town of Saint Lô, badly scarred by intensive bombing raids, and then takes the visitor through the marshlands to Carentan where the linkup took place with the troops coming ashore from Utah Beach.

Objectif-un Port (Objective- a Port)  95 kms from Carentan to Cherbourg

This route lets you relive the parachute drop by the American 82nd and 101st Airborne Division around Sainte Mère-Eglise and the landing on Utah Beach at Sainte Marie du Mont. It then invites the visitor to move on to Cherbourg along the route taken by the Allies to cut off the Cotenin Peninsula and capture the deep water port of Cherbourg.

Other car/bus tours that are designated but are further away from our area

ONE OTHER FAMOUS PLACE

1)Mont Saint Michel

CAR/BUS TOURS

These tours are recommended by the Normandy Tourist Bureau, and are sign posted along the route.

Overlord-L'Assaut  (Overlord-The Assault)  72 kms

This route is designed to help you discover a great many places that marked the 6th June 1994 in the Anglo-Canadian sector from the right bank of the Orne Estuary to Bayeux.

The visitor will first cross the famous Pegasus Bridge at Bénouville, then carry on along the coast following the Sword, Juno, and Gold landing sites as far as Arromanches and the Longues Battery&ldots;finally reaching Bayeux, the first French town to be liberated.

D-Day-Le Choc (D-Day the Onslaught) 130 km

Starting out from Bayeux, this route covers the entire length of the Omaha Sector as far as Carentan. Taking in places like Colleville sur Mer and the Pointe du Hoc, it gives an idea of the violence of the battle and the scale of the American casualties which earned Omaha Beach the nickname, "Bloody Omaha."

The route then follows the hard fought advance of the American troops towards the town of Saint Lô, badly scarred by intensive bombing raids, and then takes the visitor through the marshlands to Carentan where the linkup took place with the troops coming ashore from Utah Beach.

Objectif-un Port (Objective- a Port)  95 kms from Carentan to Cherbourg

This route lets you relive the parachute drop by the American 82nd and 101st Airborne Division around Sainte Mère-Eglise and the landing on Utah Beach at Sainte Marie du Mont. It then invites the visitor to move on to Cherbourg along the route taken by the Allies to cut off the Cotenin Peninsula and capture the deep water port of Cherbourg.

Other car/bus tours that are designated but are further away from our area

One other famous place

Mont St. Michel 

Between Brittany and Normandy near the town of Avranches is a world wonder. The peninsula becomes an island during high tide. A famous cathedral dominates the landscape.

Directions & Maps

Camping Portland is just off the D 514. You turn right (if coming from Port en Bessin) at the traffic light for the Mercure Hotel.  

Area Map

Monument Map