On June 6, 1944, the Allies launched the largest amphibious invasion in history on five stretches of Normandy beaches. The bloody battle would mark the beginning of the end of WWII in Europe. The beaches are remembered by their code names (Omaha, Utah, Gold, Juno and Sword), vast cemeteries and films like "Saving Private Ryan" and "The Longest Day." The beaches, battlefields, cemeteries, monuments and museums - a few hours from Paris - draw crowds of tourists, particularly around the anniversary of the battle.
Omaha Beach, France