Famous not for powdery sand or ideal swimming conditions, the coast of Normandy is better known for its pivotal place in history. On June 6, 1944, Allied Forces crossed the English Channel for the massive D-Day invasion. The Allies suffered massive casualties, but the event was a turning point on the road to victory. From that day forward the landing beaches have been known as Sword, Juno, Gold, Omaha and Utah. Tourists can visit the Caen War Memorial. The Normandy American Cemetery's cliff side location welcomes visitors from around the world who come to honor the brave soldiers who lost their lives during World War II. Vast rows of white crosses and Stars of David cover the rolling green hills overlooking Omaha Beach. The Walls of the Missing inscribe the names of soldiers whose bodies were never recovered.
Each spring the film world descends on the French Riviera for the Cannes Film Festival. Since the 1940s, luminaries of the movie industry have come to France to screen new films and award coveted film prizes. When the festival is not in town, sun worshippers take over the sandy beaches and lounge on deck chairs or under giant parasols. A trip to France wouldn't be complete without eating, and Cannes' rue St. Antoine's pastel-colored restaurants and food shops provide ample opportunity to taste French cuisine. Some people day trip to nearby Monaco and its luxurious casino at Monte Carlo. Few can resist shopping, or at least window shopping, along the rue-d'Antibes. Others prefer the tranquility of the Lérins Islands, just a short boat ride away. The Island Ste-Marguerite's Fort Royal once imprisoned the Man in the Iron Mask. The Island St. Honorat houses the historical Abbey de Lérins, still an active monastic community that welcomes guests to stroll the grounds or purchase its liqueurs, olive oil or lavender products.
Along the Bay of Biscayne, Biarritz is one of the premiere beaches of France's Basque region. Though mostly a popular summer resort, its mild climate makes Biarritz a year round destination. One of Europe's top surfing beaches, it also houses the second-oldest golf course in continental Europe. The resort area welcomes families and features attractions like a chocolate museum, historical museum and a casino. The cog railway Petit Train de la Rhune operates from May to November and offers a panoramic ride with views of the stunning Basque coast. Nearby Saint Jean de Luz is a beach resort that is also a center for Basque culture and gastronomy. Basque cuisine takes advantage of local ingredients and specializes in seafood.
