Sainte-Mere-Eglise

The small town of Saint-Mère-Eglise was of great strategic importance during World War II, due to its location between Paris and Cherbourg. With its now-famous role in the D-Day operations, the village has become a must-visit for history buffs interested in gaining insight into the war.

Don't miss the chance to visit the Airborne Museum, where you can delve into the remarkable exploits of the D-Day paratroopers. Admire some of the rural architecture, including the Church of Sainte-Mère-Église standing tall in the middle of town. With plenty of other historical sites and beautiful beaches nearby, such as Utah Beach, there's plenty of things to do in this part of Normandy.

• Sainte-Mère-Église is filled with a rich history that dates back to the Roman Empire.

• The best place to learn about the village’s crucial role in the D-Day landings is at the Airborne Museum.

• See the dummy paratrooper on the church roof in the town, in commemoration of the infamous incident of paratrooper John Steele, who got stuck on the bell tower during the D-Day invasion.

Sainte-Mère-Église is 34 miles (55 kilometers) west of Caen, and easily accessible by car via route N13. Nestled in the Marais du Cotentin Natural Regional Park, the town can also be reached from Paris by taking the train from St. Lazare to Cherbourg. From Cherbourg, the bus to Sainte-Mère-Église takes just under 1 hour.

Normandy is a popular place to visit in the summer, but for fewer crowds, fall or spring may be a better time to visit. Temperatures drop pretty quickly outside of summer, though, requiring plenty of warm clothing.

Immerse yourself in the agricultural heritage of Sainte-Mère-Église with a visit to the Ferme-Musée du Cotentin. This old farmhouse provides a window into Normandy's farming tradition. Learn about local techniques and produce through the museum’s exhibits, and afterward, observe animals and discover the apiary and vegetable garden outside.