Juno Beach

On June 6th 1944, the Allied forces enacted Operation Neptune, the storming of the beaches along the coast of Normandy, France. This was part of a larger plan, Operation Overlord, an attempt to take Europe back from a Nazi invasion. There were five main beaches in total. The Americans invaded the Utah and Omaha sections, the British and Commonwealth along with some European allies and a couple hundred French Commandos invaded Gold and Sword. Canada was given Juno Beach, a six mile stretch with a small town in the middle called Courseulles-sur-Mer.

Arrow and I stopped here on our way to see the American Cemetary next to Omaha beach. I don’t know what I was expecting. I think so much of what we see about those beaches is steeped in war history, we are almost forced to picture it either in the peak of action, sand flying everywhere like some sort of movie, or the horror of the aftermath, all corpses, blood, and wire.

It’s nothing like that, obviously, but specifically, it’s peaceful.

There’s a serenity about the place that I can’t ascribe to any one attribute. When Arrow and I went the tide was out. We were playing in the sand, creating little rivers of the tidepools and looking for shells. It’s a place that invites relaxation. Not the typical suntan with a book relaxation, but a soulful one. Everything from the surf to the wind seems to say “Breathe deeply. You can let your guard down, now.”

We didn’t stop for long, but it was a good place to visit. Good for the soul, good for the shells, good for the sounds of sea breeze.

If you visit I recommend that you bring either a good set of shoes or a set of flipflops so you can make the most of the water. Have respect for your surroundings the same way you might any graveyard, beach, or memorial. It’s perfectly fine to run and play unless you see mourners, and if you have a picnic or a snack make sure you leave with whatever you brought. I also highly recommend the tour Arrow and I took by Paris City Vision, which leaves from Paris and stops at the Memorial de Caen, Juno Beach, and the American War Cememtary. I’ve been on several tours with this company and they’ve all been wonderful experiences.

Are there any places you’ve found in your travels to be oddly serene? Let me know in the comments!

Wash your hands, wear a mask, and stay safe gentle reader.