The Normandy town of Sainte-Mère-Eglise has been totally transformed into a living memorial to the American Airborne. On entering the town from the west you will see the American Memorial situated in front of the Hotel-de-Ville.

Passing the Memorial, to the left, you will find the town square. In the centre of the square is the church of Sainte-Mère-Eglise. On first sight of the church you have just got to stop and catch your breath! It is very difficult to imagine, the event that happened here in the early hours of D-Day. American Airborne troops of the 82nd. descending into the actual town which was strongly defended by Germans. These poor men didn't stand a chance..

The church steeple can be seen to the right. The effigy of Private John Steele can be seen hanging from the steeple.
Visitors are welcome inside the church and can light a candle of remembrance.
The main window of the church has been dedicated to the brave men who liberated the town, it is a masterpiece in stained glass.
Take a close look to the left, can you see the paratroopers depicted on the window?
When visiting Sainte-Mère-Eglise, the church is the focal point of the whole town, and rightly so.

It is hard to avoid parachutes in Ste-Mère-Eglise, a lot of the buildings have them painted on the walls. The main street has several W.W.11 memorabilia shops selling anything from German helmets at 850FF. (£85 or $140) American helmets also at the same price.
Uniforms at various prices, It is interesting to browse around and maybe see something that you would like to buy.
The town itself is very much the same as it was in 1944. Fortunately it had not been destroyed like so many other parts of Normandy.
There are several cafés and hotels in the town, also quaint little shops, selling most goods.
The most popular place to visit, after the church is definitely the new AIRBORNE MUSEUM
a fabulous tribute to the brave men of the 82nd. and 101st. Airborne. It consists of two buildings shaped in the design of a parachute canopy, one houses a Douglas D.C.3 Da