Normandy

Near the waterfront, this luminous and tranquil space houses a fabulous collection of vivid impressionist works. — Lonely Planet

A tabletop map shows the location of the D-Day landings and a split-screen presentation of the D-Day invasion from both the Allied and Nazi standpoints gives a good overview. — U.S. News & World Report

Caen’s most important medieval site is the Men’s Abbey...and right next door, the magnificent, multi-turreted Église St-Étienne, with its Romanesque nave, Gothic choir and William the Conqueror’s tomb — Lonely Planet

Monet’s house has an extraordinary joyful feel, and you can easily imagine his eight children running around outside. — The Telegraph

You can tour the 420-foot submarine thanks to an audio tour and admire the barrage of designer fish tanks while plumbing the depths of submarine history. — Fodor's

Perret’s masterful, 107m-high Église St-Joseph, visible from all over town, was built using bare concrete from 1951 to 1959. — Lonely Planet

Dioramas, models and two films explain the logistics and importance of the artificial harbour of Port Winston. Guided tours are available in English, French and German. — Lonely Planet

Somewhere around 9,000 soldiers are buried in this Colleville-sur-Mer war cemetery...and about 1,500 soldiers who were missing-in-action are remembered on the Walls of the Missing — U.S. News & World Report

Most of Bayeux’ spectacular Norman Gothic cathedral dates from the 13th century, though the crypt, the arches of the nave and the lower parts of the entrance towers are 11th-century Romanesque. — Lonely Planet

Surrounded by sea in the high tide and sand in low, Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel is one of France's most-toured sites outside of the popular Parisian landmarks — U.S. News & World Report

For an introduction to the great 15th-century heroine and the events that earned her fame – and shortly thereafter condemnation – don't miss this excellent site — Lonely Planet

its clifftop ruins are a reminder of its dramatic past and a fascinating place to visit. — U.S. News & World Report

Note the intricate carvings on columns and arches in the chapel; the 11th-century crypt; and, in the choir, the marble slab commemorating Queen Matilda, who was buried here in 1083. — Fodor's