General de Gaulle, on June 6 in the afternoon: “The supreme battle is underway. Of course, it is the Battle for France, and it is the Battle of France! For the sons of France, wherever they may be, whatever they may be, the simple and sacred duty is to fight the enemy by all means at their disposal.”
The Allied Forces enter Bayeux
Together with our brave Allies and comrades-in-arms from all fronts, you will break the German war machine, sweep away tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and ensure security for all around the world."
The British forces entered Bayeux without difficulty on the morning of 7 June. Among them was Maurice Schumann, the spokesperson for liberated France and one of the voices of the BBC, who had landed at Asnelles on 6 June. Without a fight, they captured the German garrison at the coastal battery of Longues-sur-Mer.
On 14 June 1944, the destroyer La Combattante, part of the Free French naval forces, approached the Normandy coast. De Gaulle was on board, accompanied by a dozen of his closest collaborators.
In the early afternoon, the General set foot on French soil for the first time in four years at Courseulles beach. After a brief meeting with General Montgomery at the Château de Creullet, he made his way to Bayeux, arriving around 3:30 PM.
The local Resistance leaders had alerted the population to his arrival, and they greeted him with a triumphant welcome. An ever-growing crowd cheered for the General and his companions. Preceded by laughing children, the procession moved through the streets adorned with national colours. After a brief stop at the sub-prefecture, de Gaulle proceeded to the town square, where he delivered a short speech to a large gathering.
Following a stirring rendition of the Marseillaise, the General and his companions continued their journey through the liberated Bessin region, passing through Grandcamp and then Isigny, which had been almost entirely destroyed by the fighting.
Around Bayeux
D-Day and the Battle of Normandy Sites and Visitor Attractions
01
Musée Mémorial de la Bataille de Normandie
A genuine gateway to the D-Day Landing Beaches, the museum offers you a delve into History, over a chronological account of the events of the summer of 1944, enhanced with themed exhibition areas covering topics such as the Resistance and General de Gaulle, war correspondents, the Allied aviation, civilian life… all illustrated via period pieces…
More information
02
British Military Cemetery
The British Bayeux War Cemetery is located in the immediate vicinity of the Battle of Normandy Memorial Museum. 4,648 graves.
More information
Weekend in Bayeux
Inspiration for a trip to Bayeux by train
Explore Normandy at your own pace and enjoy a more sustainable stay. Discover our recommended hotels, restaurants, and attractions, all conveniently accessible from Paris / from the nearest train station without the need for a car.
