normandy landings self drive tours

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Half Timbered Farms in the Normandy Hinterland - Normandy Tours Calvados Tourisme

Self-drive Normandy Battlefield Tours

Normandy tours: from world war to camembert.

Not too far from Paris, this verdant, hilly region is teeming with history, from the Vikings' invasion and William the Conqueror through to the World War II Normandy landing beaches . The D Day beaches , Utah, Omaha , Gold, Juno and Sword are a vibrant memoir of the 20th-century history and worth seeing while visiting Normandy. Other important historical sites of the Battle of Normandy such as Sainte Mère Eglise, Pointe du Hoc, Caen Memorial or Military Cemeteries are places to honor and remember the sacrifice of the Allied troops.

N ormandy has everything you need for the perfect getaway. 

My sister and I wanted to plan a vacation together with our husbands to Normandy and the Loire Valley so I started online only to find it was a difficult process. We found "France …

My sister and I wanted to plan a vacation together with our husbands to Normandy and the Loire Valley so I started online only to find it was a difficult process. We found "France Just for You" and our problems were solved, Emilie planned every detail! Our hosts in all accommodations spoke English and made us feel most welcome, our stay in each place allowing us a French experience which we all truly enjoyed. Our guides were extremely knowledgeable and their English fluency excellent, Chris, our guide for the Normandy Beaches was exceptional, he spent 10 hours with us and still hadn't parted with all that he knew! We all strongly recommend you use Emilie and her company.

Our Self-Guided Tours in Normandy

From history to countryside, from the painters to the apple brandy makers...Normandy has a lot to offer.

Langeais town in the Loire Valley David Darrault

Normandy & the Loire Valley Loop

Normandy & the Loire Valley are 2 regions of France you should not miss: the climate is mild, the people are very welcoming and history is around every corner.

Burgundy wine tasting ©Alain Doiré

The Center of France on the Back Roads

Exploring by the back roads is the best way to experience France and immerse yourself in the culture. Get a real feel for the authentic France, and enjoy at your own pace.

La Concorde in Paris David Lefranc - OT Paris

Heritage, Wine & Back Roads

Get a taste of the real France in very typical regions, famous for their cultural heritage as well as their sweet way of life.

Arromanches cliffs L.Durand - Calvados Tourisme

Normandy beaches, the Loire river banks & Paris

Follow the waterways in France from the Norman beaches on the Atlantic coasts to the Loire river, its castles and wonderful gardens . . . ending along the Seine river banks in Paris.

Honfleur - Chateaux of the Loire tour - loire valley castles tour OT Normandie

Chateaux of the Loire & Norman History

From the Loire Valley castles, the famous village of Mont Saint Michel surrounded by water, the landings beaches and the Norman countryside . . . to end the trip at Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny: you’ll have to keep your eyes wide open!

You may not believe it but this is a Paris street... David Lefranc - OT Paris

Northern France at your own pace

This itinerary gives you the perfect tour of Northern France, including Paris, the Loire Valley castles and gastronomy, and ending in Normandy with the landing sites, the hinterland and beautiful Giverny.

on the Loire River David Darrault

Northern France Must Sees & Hidden Beauties

This is the best itinerary to thoroughly discover the Northern part of France: Burgundy vineyards, Loire Valley castles, Normandy WWII history . . . and ending in the most famous and beautiful capital in the world - Paris.

Mont Saint Michel Mont Saint Michel

A Day in Mont Saint Michel

Spend a memorable day exploring the mythical Mont Saint Michel! How to get there This tour starts in Avranches, near Mont Saint Michel. You may take a train or a bus from Paris. If you stay in the area, we may also meet you directly in Mt St Michel parking lots. Mont Saint Michel is one of the most visited sites in France and many travelers are caught in the crowds. We will plan your day for you to enjoy this unique site at its best. ppen in the morning or in the afternoon.

WWII landing sites on the beach CDT Normandy

Bayeux & WWII Sites in a Day

Get immersed into the Battle of Normandy and Bayeux history. How To Get There This Day Tour starts in Bayeux. From Paris, you can take a direct train. Bayeux Old City Bayeux may not be well known compared to Omaha Beach but the city has a lot to interest travelers. We plan for you to walk around Bayeux old city in the morning. We will provide a detailed map and information: restaurants, special shops, streets you don’t want to miss. You will also see the famous Bayeux Tapestry which is a beautiful testimony of the Middle Ages and William the Conqueror history. The WWII Landing Sites In the …

france itinerary 4 weeks CRT Bouches du Rhone

Self-Driving around France - from Paris to Nice

Spend about a month traveling from Paris to Nice on the French Riviera and get a real feel for the authentic France!

Lovely Dordogne town CDT Dordogne - Cochise

The Many Facets of France

This itinerary is for independent travelers who may already know the southern coast of France and who are looking for discovering the “inside” of the country. Five regions that are totally different from each other, showing you the diversity of France.

Utah Beach C.S Frères - CRT Normandy

World War II History Tour

If you are interested in WWII history and/or have a family member who fought in the Battle of Normandy, this tour is just for you. We can plan a general itinerary based on what we think you would be most interested in, or you can tell us. For example, North Americans may like to visit the American and Canadian beaches of Omaha, Utah and Juno, and the American and Canadian war cemeteries. If you have a family connection, we will plan an itinerary that follows the route your family member took with their battalion during the Battle of Normandy. WWII Family History Tour What is truly unique about …

Calvados Tourisme - L. Durand

Paris, the Loire Valley and Normandy at a slower pace

This itinerary will take you to three of the culturally richest regions of France, at a relaxed pace and away from the beaten tracks. We recommend flying into and out of Paris for this itinerary.

Colleville American Cemetery in Normandy Vincent Rustuel - Calvados Attractivité

World War History Tour of France

Many of us are related in some way to the World Wars' history : a father, uncle, grandfather, family friend, or a famous soldier we admire, who fought amongst the Allied troops on French soil. We are very happy and proud to plan itineraries for you to learn more about the history of the two World Wars of the 20th century. The below tour is a sample and we will craft your own trip based on any information you may have available or are willing to discover.

Royal Fortress in Chinon Jean-Christophe Coutand - ADT Touraine

The Very Best of Northern France

From East to West, discover the Northern half of France at your own pace. Visit Alsace, Burgundy, the Loire Valley, and Normandy, ending your wonderful adventure in Paris.

Marc Schaffner - Morbihan Tourisme

Normandy, Brittany & the Loire Valley Tour

From the landing sites in Normandy to Mont Saint Michel on to Brittany ending in the Loire Valley, this itinerary will have you discover all the history, traditions and gastronomy of the North-West of France.

Slow Travel to Normandy, Brittany & Paris

This itinerary will uncover the treasures of the North-West of France, at a very relaxed pace...so you really have the time to meet with locals.

How to get to Normandy

Normandy from paris.

Normandy is very easy to reach from downtown Paris or Paris Charles de Gaulle airport. Drive out of Paris or CDG Airport and you will reach Monet's house in Giverny in 1 hour, then Rouen in about 1h30. If you plan on staying in Caen or Bayeux (3hr drive from Paris), you can stop over for lunch in the beautiful Honfleur or Deauville areas. Normandy tours are very easy to organize from Paris. There are also direct trains from Paris to Normandy - however, hiring automatic rental car in Caen or Bayeux can be difficult.

Normandy from the Loire Valley

If you come from the Loire Valley - or Castle Country as it's known - Mont Saint Michel or the D-Day Landing Beaches are about 3 hour 30 drive. Most travelers drive to Normandy from Paris then to the Loire Valley. However, there is also a lot to be said for doing the journey in reverse: starting in the Loire Valley, then heading to Normandy. Also, if you want to avoid spending the last night of your trip to France in CDG Airport, you can consider staying in Giverny which is only 1 hour drive from CDG, and just heading to the airport the day you fly. 

Ma p of Normandy

The touristic region of Normandy spreads along the French coast of the English Channel  from Rouen (1hr30 drive from Paris) at the Eastern end, all the way to Mont Saint Michel at the Western end . As one of the most visited regions in France, our Normandy driving tour has a lot to offer to independent travelers. A self-guided driving tour of Normandy in France is the best way to get a real feel for this region.

Click on the map to enlarge and read more about Normandy geography and sightseeing. You can also take a look at our other maps of Normandy .

Wh at to do in Normandy

Monet's house & gardens in giverny.

One of Normandy's main selling points is its culture, a prime example being Giverny and its marvelous gardens and water lilies, home of Claude Monet and a number of other Impressionist painters. We will be happy to include a skip-the-line visit to Monet's house and gardens in your Normandy driving tour.

Despite its international fame, especially in the US, it might surpise you to know that most French people aren't familiar with this place. To us - the Frenchies - Monet is associated with the Musée D'Orsay in Paris, as it's where you will find most of his paintings.  Monet's gardens  at Giverny are beautiful, especially from May through July, but they can get very crowded.  

Waterlilies in the Japanese garden in Giverny

World War II Sites: Battle of Normandy Tours

D-day beaches self drive tour.

Many of our travelers come to Normandy to learn the history of their father, uncle or grand-father who were involved in the D Day landings in 1944 . This is always an emotional experience, regardless of whether you have relative who fought or not, and so we do our best to make sure our travelers get as much detailed information as possible about what happened to those brave soldiers. For those who have names, dates or places they want to learn about – we will be happy to craft the itinerary accordingly.

We have selected a very few English-speaking guides who specialize in Normandy D Day tours. They will be happy to take you on a Battle of Normandy tour and bring the history of this area alive and answer all of your questions. To us, this is a must – at least if this is your first visit to Normandy. 

Normandy Beach Tours

For American travelers, Omaha or Utah Beach as well as Sainte Mere Eglise and Pointe du Hoc are a must see. The American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer  – right above Omaha Beach - is also incredibly impressive and illustrates the enormity of the sacrifice the Allies made to free the French people. The German, British and Canadian cemeteries are equally awe-inspiring.

Canadian travelers will get the chance to learn about the Canadian landing at  Juno Beach Center , which is very interesting. British people can visit Sword Beach , North of Caen to discover the history of their ancestors. It is also worth checking out the impressive remains of the  Arromanches artificial bridge which was built in a night.

Whether you like better a self-guided tour of Normandy beaches or you rather take a battlefields guided tour, we can craft your days in Normandy to make the most of your time. 

©Calvados Toursime - Arromanches Artificial Port

Mont Saint Michel Village & Abbey

A day visiting Unesco World Heritage site and popular tourist attraction  Mont Saint Michel is a must, too. This 8th-century abbey sitting atop a tidal island off the Normandy coast is a sight to behold and is definitely worth your time. In your Normandy itinerary, we will tell you the best way to visit Mont St Michel so that you avoid the tourist crowds and learn all the secrets of this mystical place.

Many people visiting Normandy plan a trip to Mont Saint Michel, a small village built on a rock off the Norman coast. It is the most visited site in France and is likely to continue to be thanks to its beauty, history, architecture and the rhythm of the tide as it laps against its shore. The fascination we feel standing in front of this mystical site never ceases. Mont Saint Michel and its bay became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Click here to read more about Mont Saint Michel . 

©Ben Bard - Mont Saint Michel Village & Abbey

The Normandy Hinterland

Thinking about Normandy might conjure up images of sandy beaches, but that's not all the spectacular region has to offer.  Normandy’s hinterland is a beautiful part of the country and well worth taking the time to explore. Its rolling green hills, black and white cows and apple orchards give the area a unique character. Combine that with some of the most beautiful villages in France featuring gorgeous half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets, and you’re all set for the perfect Normandy driving tour! 

Make sure you spend some time in the  Pays d’Auge , admiring its picturesque villages, such as Beuvron-en-Auge with its beautiful half timbered houses.

©Dieter Basse - Half-Timbered Houses in Normandy

Normandy Beach Resorts : Honfleur to Cabourg

Along the Normandy coast, from Dieppe in the North of Rouen to Honfleur , Deauville and Cabourg , Normandy was - and still is - one of the main getaway destinations for the Parisians.

In the 19th century, famous painters such as Eugène Boudin immortalized these weekends in Deauville or Honfleur through their art. Later Monet and Manet – impressionist painters – also tried to reproduce the very special light that shines down on the Normandy beaches in the morning, at dawn or on a stormy day.

Top tip: if you are planning on driving from Paris CDG airport to Normandy direct on the day of your arrival, make sure you have " moules frites " for lunch in Honfleur port, followed by a stroll along the Deauville boardwalk. This is the perfect way to start your Normandy tour and unwind after your flight and get your first taste of French life !

Bathing Time in Deauville by Eugène Boudin in 1865

Normandy's Old Cities

Many historical sites were bombed during the Invasion of Normandy . However, many sites remain untouched (or were rebuilt after the war). 

• Bayeux's old town  with its majestic cathedral and millennium old Bayeux Tapestry  depicting the Norman conquest of England in 1066 are must-sees. Bayeux city, 5 miles inland behind Arromanches' artificial harbor, is the only big city that remained untouched by WWII and is perfect for strolling around, soaking up the atmosphere of Normandy. 
• Those passionate about impressionist painters or Joan of Arc will also enjoy visiting Rouen . 

©Ben Bard - Bayeux Old City

Normandy Gastronomy: if you like apples and dairy products...

You'll find out while self-driving in the Normandy, that the people there know how to enjoy life! Reputed gastronomes, they love a good home-made meal with a drink. Normandy is affectionately called the "butter land of the gods" because of its important production of some of France’s finest dairy products. With its seafood, cheese and apples, Normandy cuisine is one of the best in France. 

Why You Should avoid Day Trips from Paris to Normandy

Normandy is famous worldwide for playing a vital role in the Second World War . The American landings on Omaha and Utah beaches and the Canadian and British landings in Juno, Gold and Sword beach marked the beginning of the end of a terrible war. Today, thinking about Normandy, we all have these images in mind: military cemeteries, memorials and bombarded cities. A day trip from Paris is simply not enough to truly make the most of this fascinating part of France : a self guided tour of Normandy for several days is the best way to discover the region.

There is so much more to this authentic region, which is why it's worth giving it as much time as you can afford. Here are three great reasons to spend more than a day in Normandy!

Over 1000 years of Normandy history

Of course, the history of Normandy extends far beyond the 20th century. It was first invaded by the Vikings in 845 (find out more aout the Siege of Paris ). It bore witness to Joan of Arc ’s bravery in the early 15th century, when  she was burned at the stake . It saw  William the Conqueror ’s endless thirst for greatness, followed by the Hundred Years War (between France and Great Britain) and then World Wars I and II . Too much to see in a day ! You should take your time and enjoy our self-guided tours of Normandy battlefields. 

Normandy Gastronomy

Normandy cuisine is renowned for its mouth-watering taste, with a particular focus on dairy, alcohol and seafood . Local specialties include butter and other dairy products, as well as Norman cider and Calvados (apple brandy). The apples come from the local orchards that you will spot as you make your way through the Norman hinterland and seaside.

The People of Normandy

Perhaps one of the best things about Normandy is the people who live there . It’s always difficult to generalize on these matters - and neither Guillaume nor Emilie have Norman roots. However, speaking objectively, we know the people of Normandy are joyful, open people who are easy to talk to and eager to welcome you to their region.

Before or After Normandy, where to ?

Normandy is only a 1 hour to 4 hour drive from Paris , depending if you want to reach Giverny or Mont Saint Michel. 

It is also about 2hrs30 to 3hrs drive to the Loire Valley , which makes a Paris, Normandy and Loire Valley wonderful itinerary without driving too much in between the different regions.

Also, Brittany region is right next to Normandy and a great addition to your self drive trip in France.

We take pride in crafting personalized tours of Normandy that take people to the popular places and attractions but avoid the worst of the tourist crowds. Better than an organized group tour, this self guided tour allows you to explore Normandy by car at your own pace. Scroll down to see a list of tours that include Normandy, or contact us to let us know your wishes and we can craft a tour just for you.

Explore Normandy at your own pace on a self drive tour with France Just For You

FAQs about Normandy

To fully understand the history of the Normandy region, we suggest a self-guided driving tour of Normandy for about 3 to 5 days (or more). Then, for travelers interested in history, we will plan for a Battle of Normandy tour with a local guide. For history lovers we will recommend a mix of D-Day beaches self-drive tour (for the site where you won't need a guide) and guided tours (private or with a small group depending on your budget) for the rest of the time.

All the D-Day beaches are open to the public freely. Some travelers may be surprised to see locals bathing in this area but for les Normands, it's part of history, but it's also the place you come with your children and enjoy the nice weather. Normandy beach tours are very popular with Northern American and British travelers.

It depends on the season you are visiting. June, with D-Day anniversary celebrations, gets booked at least 6 months in advance and our best guides are book over a year ahead for all the month of June. 

If you come another month of the year, booking about 4 months ahead gives us flexibility to craft your self-guided driving tour of Normandy and include all your wishes. 

Blog posts about Normandy

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Tour of Normandy Beaches - An Interview with Expert Guide, Christophe

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Rouen Armada 2023: France’s Tall Ship Festival

Explore your Ancestry in France - Interview with a French Genealogist

France in September

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France in May

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Our travelers’ reviews.

My daughter and I went to Paris and Provence area for her college graduation. France for You provided a tremendous amount of information, maps, advice etc to book us the perfect trip. The B&Bs were charming and very convenient to beautiful sites and shopping. They are the experts on Traveling through France!! You will not be disappointed if you use …

My daughter and I went to Paris and Provence area for her college graduation. France for You provided a tremendous amount of information, maps, advice etc to book us the perfect trip. The B&Bs were charming and very convenient to beautiful sites and shopping. They are the experts on Traveling through France!! You will not be disappointed if you use their services!!

We are independent travelers, and usually I do extensive research on Tripadvisor and other websites, and plan our own itinerary. I started doing this for our France section of our trip, and came across Emilie's France Just for You website. End of research ! After an initial inquiry, Emilie totally customised our Normandy and the Loire Valley trip …

We are independent travelers, and usually I do extensive research on Tripadvisor and other websites, and plan our own itinerary. I started doing this for our France section of our trip, and came across Emilie's France Just for You website. End of research ! After an initial inquiry, Emilie totally customised our Normandy and the Loire Valley trip, based totally on our requirements regarding the things we like to do. For seven days we held tightly onto our own little travel book, as we read every page and experienced in person everything on our itinerary. What a unforgetable experience ! Emilie is the most professional travel consultant that I have ever dealt with. Her wealth of knowledge of France is exemplary. I have no hesitation, after visiting Europe on three separate occasions, of giving France for you the highest recommendation possible.

France just for you was fantastic. We provided a list of places we like to see, they customized our trips with great suggestions. They Provided Car, places to stay, a 2 book itinerary with wonderful suggestions, great Bed and Breakfast and small hotel (very romantic) , assistance when ever we accidentally called their number. We requested guides at …

France just for you was fantastic. We provided a list of places we like to see, they customized our trips with great suggestions. They Provided Car, places to stay, a 2 book itinerary with wonderful suggestions, great Bed and Breakfast and small hotel (very romantic) , assistance when ever we accidentally called their number. We requested guides at several locations and the guides were outstanding. The books were fantastic, coordinates on everything make it easy to find parking in difficult places. Tips on driving, language, places to eat, places to see, Every evening we would use the book to plan our next day a life and time saver. It even had routes to walk through village centers. First time in France and the trip was very relaxing and enjoyable. Emily attention to the little things was amazing. Emily put together a package that had the museum passes, bike rentals, car rentals, canoe rentals, brochures on each location we visited. The trip was a very romantic trip for my wife and I. I came back with an appreciation for France, its culture and people. I am a happy customer thanks to France Just For You.

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Sipping coffee & chasing dreams, a self-guided tour of historic d-day sites in normandy.

Visiting the historic D-Day sites is an unforgettable way to spend the day.  It is one of those bucket list trips that leave you better for having made them. June 6, 1944, is one of the most historic dates in world history. The victory achieved on D-Day changed the course of the world.  

The freedoms I have today are in large part due to the battles fought on the shores of Normandy. If you have an opportunity to travel to France, take some time to visit the D-Day sites in Normandy. You’ll never forget it.

In this post, I share my one-day self-guided itinerary to some of the D-Day sites in Normandy, France.  You’ll get a chance to learn about my experience and also see how easy it is to plan your own trip to this historic region. Although I would have preferred a minimum of 2 days for my visit, even with only one day to see the D-Day sites, you can cover a lot of ground and still have an unforgettable trip.

Overview of Our One-Day Itinerary to D-Day Sites in Normandy

Click on the map below to view trip details and driving directions for this route., what we saw on our one day self-guided tour:.

• Church of Sainte-Mere-Eglise
• Airborne Museum at Sainte-Mere-Eglise
• La Cambe German war cemetery
• Pointe du Hoc
• National Guard Association Monument at Omaha Beach
• Omaha Beach Memorial
• Lunch at D-Day House at Omaha Beach
• Normandy American Cemetery

Where We Started Our Road Trip

We took a direct train from Paris to Caen, where we’d booked our hotel and rental car.  In addition to spending one day seeing the D-Day sites, we also spent one day driving to Mont-Saint-Michel . For our one-day D-Day itinerary, we drove from our hotel in Caen to our first stop, the Airborne Museum in Sainte-Mere-Eglise. Then we worked our way back in the direction of Caen for the remainder of the itinerary.

Tip: You could easily make this trip in reverse, and depending on what time of year you go, you may want to.  We discovered during our visit here in October, that places open later and close earlier in the fall and winter.  

So in the case of our route, we arrived at the Airborne Museum, thinking it opened at 9:00 a.m. (according to Google) only to discover it did not open until 10:00. Thus, we could have started at the Normandy American Cemetery, which opened at 9:00 and closed at 5:00 and then saved the Airborne Museum for last, which closed at 6:00 p.m.  Live and learn!

Benefits of a Self-Guided Road Trip to See D-Day Sites

By driving yourself to the D-Day sites, you have more flexibility and choices in which places you see and how long you spend there. Driving in France was easy for me since they drive on the same side of the road as we do in the U.S. As long as you can drive a car with a manual transmission, it is pretty much the same as driving in the States. The road signs may look a little different, but all in all, it’s a very similar experience.

However, if you’re not comfortable with driving on your own in France, there are a lot of tour companies that will drive you around to the historic D-Day sites. You can take 12-hour day trips from Paris, or local tours starting at Caen and Bayeux. So decide on whichever option works best for you and your itinerary.

A Little Background About This Trip

My visit to Normandy, France, was a part of a 2 1/2 month backpacking trip I took with my friend through Europe.  As I planned our route and the “must-see” stops along the way, I knew that visiting Normandy, France, and the historic D-Day sites was a must for me.  Our visit to Normandy was during the final three weeks of our trip through Europe.  

Before arriving in Normandy, we toured the house where Anne Frank hid in the attic before being captured by the Nazis. We visited Berlin and walked over what was once Hitler’s underground bunker and wandered through the Memorial to the Murdered Jews.  Then we traveled to Krakow, Poland, where we took a day trip to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps. Finally, we went to Normandy, France, and visited some of the historic D-Day sites.  

It was a journey through World War II history, starting with the atrocities that forced people into hiding and ultimately led to the death of millions of people. Our travels brought us full circle to Normandy, and the history surrounding D-Day, the battles leading up to it, and the battles fought afterward. 

Although the history surrounding D-Day was one of tragedy, it was also one of triumph and hope. I saw the bleakness of death at Auschwitz, which only made my visit to the D-Day sites all the more impactful. The price was high, the sacrifice great, but freedom demands we risk everything or end up with nothing. I am so grateful for those who gave their lives so I could live in freedom.

Site 1: Church of Sainte-Mere-Eglise

We started our day of sightseeing in the town of Sainte-Mère-Église. We arrived a little after 9 a.m. and found that the Airborne Museum didn’t open until 10 a.m. So we wandered over to the Church of Sainte-Mère-Église, where a mannequin of a paratrooper’s body hangs from the church steeple.

John M. Steele

We learned more about the paratrooper represented on the church steeple during our visit to the Airborne Museum. His name was John Steele, and he was a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division. During the drop into  Sainte-Mère-Église,  one of the houses caught fire, which unfortunately illuminated the night sky, and thus the paratroopers dropping in. 

John Steele was hit in the foot on his way down and lost control of his parachute. His parachute caught on the church steeple. He hung there for around 2 hours, pretending to be dead before German soldiers came up and brought his body down. They took him as a prisoner, but three days later, he escaped and returned to his division. He survived WWII and returned home after the war was over. 

A beautiful stained glass window in the Church at Sainte-Mere-Eglise.

There is so much more to John Steele’s story and to the paratroopers that dropped that night. For any of you who have watched “The Longest Day,” you might remember seeing the scene of the paratroopers dropping in.

The real story is full of heroism, as one of his fellow troopers on the ground gave his life to save John’s.  The chaos was compounded by the house fire, which lit up the sky and made them glowing targets.

Go inside the church and take a look around. There is a beautiful stained glass window created in memory of the paratroopers that lost their lives here. There is also another one portraying the angel Michael surrounded by the symbols of the various Allied forces who fought to free  Sainte-Mère-Église.

Time Spent Here: (~ 30 minutes) Location: Church of Sainte-Mère-Église, Rue Koenig, 50480 Sainte-Mère-Église, France Commute Time to Next Site: ~ 1-minute walk across the parking lot.

Site 2: The Airborne Museum at Sainte-Mere-Eglise

The Airborne Museum  is a thoughtfully designed museum made up of multiple buildings as well as an outdoor area. At the ticket desk, you receive a tablet to carry with you as you make your way through the different areas.  The tablet provides additional information about the exhibits and includes interactive features, which if you have kids, they will especially enjoy this feature. For the most part, you won’t need the tablet. However, it guides you in a particular order throughout the museum complex.

The first building we entered after purchasing our tickets was the building designed like the inside of a big parachute.  Inside there are numerous displays of paratrooper’s gear, mementos, and stories of some of those involved in the liberation of  Sainte-Mère-Église . The museum does a beautiful job portraying the details of what these paratroopers must have gone through to prepare for their mission.

In the next building is a large display of an airplane, and on one side is a mannequin of President Eisenhower and a printed copy of his D-Day order.  Many of these guys were barely out of high school. They didn’t have much training, and yet they were going into one of the biggest and most important battles in US history. They would be some of the first boots on the ground for the US military in Normandy, France.

“You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hope and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you.” ~ General Dwight D. Eisenhower

One of the Airborne Museum’s life-sized displays.

In another room, audio speakers play the sounds of battle along with a display of an aerial view of  Sainte-Mère-Église . I also learned during my visit here, that the paratroopers had to carry packs that weighed anywhere from 90 lbs to 180 lbs!  Can you imagine jumping from a plane with a pack the size of a human strapped to your back?

The Soldier’s Stories Helped to Connect on a Personal Level

It was incredible to hear their stories and to take a glimpse into what those men went through. It was heroic yes, but also scary. Real courage isn’t without fear. It’s acknowledging the fear and moving forward in spite of it. Courage understands what’s at stake.

We watched a touching film that showed the images of Holocaust survivors and also the piles of dead bodies. Tears sprang to my eyes as it put in perspective what was being fought for.  All of our future freedoms were at stake if Hitler, and the other countries fighting against democracy, had not been stopped.

I highly recommend making the Airborne Museum a part of your itinerary when visiting D-Day sites in Normandy. They took excellent care to make it a moving and thoughtful museum and memorial to 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions.

Time Spent Here:  (~ 1.5 hours) Location: Airborne Museum, 14 Rue Eisenhower, 50480 Sainte-Mère-Église, France Commute Time to Next Site: ~ 30-minute drive

The entryway in the German war cemetery at La Cambe.

Site 3: La Cambe German War Cemetery

Our next stop is the La Cambe German war cemetery . It is a simple and somber graveyard, and it is also the largest war cemetery in Normandy. There are over 21,000 bodies buried here as compared with the less than 10,000 buried at the American cemetery in Colleville-Sur-Mer.

As you walk through the entrance to the cemetery, you notice straight in front of you, a mound of raised earth (also known as a tumulus). Sitting on top is a giant dark stone cross with a man and a woman on either side. I assume this represents the mother and father of the dead. I recommend you walk to the top and get a bird’s eye view of the enormous size of this cemetery.  

Most of the graves are marked with simple bronze-colored stones set in the ground. There are also rows of dark stone crosses spaced here and there across the cemetery. As I pass by the markers, I notice that most of the soldiers buried here were only 18 or 19 years old.  According to the cemetery , most of the soldiers buried here died between June 6, 1944, and August 20, 1944.

The German soldiers buried here were teenagers sent off to war by the command of their country. A surviving German soldier said that some of the soldiers enlisted in WWII were only 16 years old, forced to go to war, scared to death, wanting to run, but told they’d be shot if they did.  They had families who loved them and mourned their loss.  War is ugly no matter which side you’re on.

A view of the German cemetery at La Cambe from atop the tumulus.

A Comparison of Two Cemeteries

My visit to the German war cemetery at La Cambe provided a thoughtful comparison with my visit to the Normandy American Cemetery at Colleville-Sur-Mer. I left the La Cambe cemetery feeling sorrow at the tragic loss as a result of this war.  Although there is still certainly a sense of loss at the American cemetery, I left it feeling a sense of pride and gratefulness. It was a cemetery that celebrated and thanked those buried within, rather than only mourning their loss.

Time Spent Here:  (~ 30 minutes) Location:  La Cambe German war cemetery, Les Noires Terres, 14230 La Cambe, France Commute Time to Next Site: ~ 20-minute drive

Looking down the path to the memorial for the fallen Rangers at Pointe du Hoc.

Site 4: Pointe du Hoc

Next, we drive to the parking area for Pointe Du Hoc . Near the parking area is a memorial to the Army Rangers who gave their lives during the bloody battle fought here.  It is a moving tribute to their courage and sacrifice. It tells the story of the Ranger’s persistence to scale the cliffs soaking wet in the middle of a storm while being gunned down by Germans from above.

What courage and commitment it took for them to continue scaling the almost 100-foot cliffs! Their fellow soldiers were dying one after another, and yet they continued to climb until at last some of them reached the top and claimed Pointe du Hoc as an Allied stronghold.

The same cliffs at Pointe du Hoc the Rangers once scaled.

This, of course, is the short version.  The entire story of what occurred at Pointe Du Hoc on June 6, 1944, is an incredible tale of heroism. It is almost unbelievable, like something out of a Hollywood movie, and yet it’s true. These men defied unbelievable odds. 

The craters from the aerial bombings dot the landscape.

Lunar Landscape

F rom the memorial near the parking lot, you continue down a trail leading to the very cliffs these Rangers climbed on that dark and stormy night. You walk past large craters from aerial bombings and get a chance to step inside the bunkers the Germans built to house their 155mm arterial guns. These guns could target ships up to 12 miles offshore! You can understand why it was so crucial for Allied forces to overtake these strongholds to win the fight on D-Day.

The walk to the stone memorial overlooking the water is memorable in itself. It gives you a scope of the type of battle fought here.  Kids will enjoy exploring the craters and empty bunkers. The walk from the parking lot takes about 10 minutes.  Make sure to wear sturdy walking shoes and give yourself enough time to explore the grounds before heading on to your next stop.

Time Spent Here:  (~ 1 hour) Location:  Pointe du Hoc, 14450 Cricqueville-en-Bessin, France Commute Time to Next Site: ~ 15-minute drive

The National Guard Association Monument built atop a former German pillbox.

Site 5: National Guard Association Monument at Omaha Beach

The  National Guard monument  located along Omaha Beach is an inspiring monument dedicated to the soldiers of the National Guard who fought not only in World War I but also in World War II.  That was one of the things written on the monument that stuck out to me. It mentioned how the sons of the National Guardsmen would fight for freedom in WWII just as their fathers had fought for freedom during WWI. What a powerful legacy.

Take time to read the words and quotes engraved on each side of the monument. Close to the monument is another memorial of a National Guardsmen carrying his fellow soldier out of battle. This memorial is in tribute to the National Guardsmen of the 29th Division’s 116th Infantry Regimental Combat Team. 

They were some of the first to land on the area that is now referred to as “bloody Omaha.” They came with brothers, and boyhood friends, never to return home to their families or to live out their lives.  They were so young and so courageous. The soldiers who fought in WWII are true superheroes. 

The tribute to the National Guard titled “Ever Forward.”

Walk along the beach while you’re here and look up at the cliffs. Imagine what it was like for the soldiers who landed on these shores, wet, cold and disoriented, being gunned down in the water before they even had a chance to fight. No matter what, they wouldn’t be stopped.  They knew what they had to do, no matter the cost!

Time Spent Here:  (~ 15 minutes) Location:  National Guard Monument (Secteur Charlie), 12 Boulevard de Cauvigny, 14710 Vierville-sur-Mer, France Commute Time to Next Site:  ~ 5-minute drive

Site 6: Omaha Beach Memorial

We drove along the waterfront for another 5 minutes before reaching the parking area for the Omaha Beach Memorial.  The wind was blowing and the cold air bit into our skin. The skies were blue and clouds dotted the horizon. It made me think of the weather conditions the soldiers dealt with during the early morning hours on June 6, 1944. 

I tried to imagine a much darker and stormier scene.  The first wave of soldiers arriving soaking wet, many drowned before they ever made it to shore. Gunfire raining down from German soldiers perched on the cliffs and the beach. This was war, ugly and chaotic with freedom on the line.  

I live in the light of victory, but on D-Day, victory was still being fought for. It was a scene of tragedy, and decades later, many survivors would continue to have a hard time talking about it. I’ll never truly understand the full cost, but I’ll do my best to live gratefully.

A stone memorial at Omaha beach commemorating D-Day.

Next to the parking lot, there is a large stone marker, which is a memorial to the Allied forces landing here on Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944.  On one side of the stone memorial is the inscription: —No mission too difficult —No sacrifice too great. Duty First. Forced Omaha Beach at dawn 6 June. The other is etched with the images of soldiers and reads:  Erected in memory of those —The 116th RCT 29th Infantry Division AUS landed here June 6, 1944.

Just behind it is a beautiful metal sculpture rising out of the sand just off the shore. The sculpture created by French sculptor Anilore Banon is titled “Les Braves.” According to Banon, the sculpture consists of the following three elements:

The Wings of Hope –  So that the spirit which carried these men on June 6, 1944, continues to inspire us, reminding us that together it is always possible to change the future. 

Rise Freedom! –  So that the example of those who rose against barbarity, helps us remain standing strong against all forms of inhumanity. 

Wings of Fraternity –  So that this surge of brotherhood always reminds us of our responsibility towards others as well as ourselves. On June 6th, 1944, these men were more than soldiers, they were our brothers.

“Les Braves” sculpture on Omaha Beach.

The people of Normandy are still very grateful to the American and Allied forces for freeing them from the Germans.

If you have extra time and want to stop, there is the  Omaha Beach Museum  about a 5-minute walk from the Omaha Beach Memorial.

Time Spent Here:  (~ 1 hour) Location:  Omaha Beach Memorial, Avenue de la Libération, 14710 Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer, France Commute Time to Next Site:  ~ 15 minute drive

Lunch Break

We ate lunch at the D-Day restaurant across from the Omaha Beach Memorial parking lot. It was a choice of convenience. However, it was warm and cozy inside the restaurant. My lunch consisted of some toast topped with ham and cheese. It was a warm break from the chilly weather outside.

I recommend packing snacks and water in your car, and possibly a picnic lunch if you’re able to. I didn’t see too many dining choices along this route.  However, that may be due in part to the time of year when we visited. In the summer, you might find more options available.

Location: D-Day House, 1 Rue Désiré Lemière, 14710 Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer, France

This beautiful cemetery dotted with white crosses is a serene resting place for the heroes buried here.

Site 7: Normandy American Cemetery & Memorial

Next, we drove to  the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer. Due to the delay at the Airborne Museum, we only had about an hour to spend at the cemetery before it closed at 5:00. So we quickly parked and headed down the long path.  We bypassed the visitor’s center, knowing what little time we had and instead continued to follow the path towards the ocean, along the infinity pool, and then curving around to the cemetery.

The beautiful mosaic on the chapel ceiling.

The rows and rows of white crosses stretched out almost endlessly in front of us.  People were milling about through the rows of crosses, searching perhaps for the grave of a loved one.  As you walk throughout the Normandy American cemetery, you feel almost as though you are in a park and not a cemetery. The setting is so lush and green. It is very peaceful.

Sculptures & Artistic Tributes to the Fallen

Make sure to stop in the cemetery’s chapel.  It is the rotund building at the center of the cemetery. Step inside the small chapel and admire the beauty and thoughtfulness put into the gorgeous mosaic on the chapel’s ceiling. American painter Leon Kroll created this beautiful portrait symbolizing American on one side, sending out her son to battle and France on the other side, taking our fallen soldier in her arms.  It is such a beautiful image.  

After you finish your walk around the cemetery, make your way to the large reflection pool where you’ll see a tall bronze statue rising above from the far end.  This beautiful sculpture created by  Donald Harcourt De Lueis titled “Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves.” It bears an inscription at the bottom that reads “Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.” On the walls close to it, you’ll find huge maps displaying all of the various forces along the shore and their routes.  It is awe-inspiring!

“The Spirit of American Youth Rising.”

If you have time, walk along the shores of Omaha Beach below the cemetery. Make sure to stop in at the visitor’s center for more helpful information regarding those buried here and to view the beautiful infinity pool.  They have volunteers on staff who can also help you locate any loved ones who are buried here.  

Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer is a beautiful park-like setting, very peaceful.  A wonderful resting place and memorial to these soldiers.

Time Spent Here:  (~ 1 hour) Location:  Normandy American Cemetery, 14710 Colleville-sur-Mer, France Commute Time to Next Site: This was the final stop, and it was about a 45-minute drive back to Caen.

The reflection pool at Normandy American Cemetery.

Tips & Recommendations for a Self-Guided Tour of D-Day Sites

Planning tips.

• Always check the hours for each museum directly on the museum’s website. Google is not always up to date on its listing for hours and operations.
• Pack snacks and drinks in the car to keep your energy up in between stops.
• Make sure you can drive a manual transmission before renting a car in Europe.
• Organize your day, so you have the most time at the sites you want to see. Then if you can’t make it to all the stops on the list, you will at least have seen the ones most important to you first.
• Wear layers and sturdy walking shoes.

How Much Time To Spend Here

There is so much to see that you could spend days or possibly weeks here, depending on your interests.  However, with only one day, you’ll need to pick the top sights you want to see and save the rest for your next trip. One site I would have liked to have fit into our day was Utah Beach. I guess I’ll save that for my next trip!

Getting Here:

You can take a direct train from Paris’ Saint-Lazare station to Caen. This takes approximately 2 hours, 15 minutes. You can also take a train from Caen to Bayeux if you prefer to stay there.  In Bayeux, bus #70 takes you to many of the D-Day sites if you prefer not to drive.  You can also, of course, book a tour of the sites. Caen also has an airport so if you’re coming from somewhere other than Paris, you might check to see if they have flights that go through it.

Recommended Apps to Download Before Your Trip

Google Maps:   This invaluable tool will help you get to each destination along your journey. If you plan to do a self-guided driving itinerary, then you will want to install Google Maps on your phone ahead of time and also download it for offline use.

Normandy D-Day 1944 (by Spot on Locations Ltd):  This  Normandy D-Day app  provides the names and locations for all the various D-Day sites in Normandy. It gives historical details associated with each area and includes over 500 photos and 100 locations. If you like learning more about the history, then consider downloading this app before your trip and looking through the areas you’ll visit and read up on the history associated with each.

Rick Steves Audio Europe:  Consider downloading this app before any trip you take to Europe.  If you enjoy self-guided tours, then you will appreciate this app. Just put your earbuds in, and Rick Steves will guide you on your walking tour to whichever destination you’ve chosen on the app. 

 So say you choose France, you will then see a list of all the audio guides the app has for France.  Look for the one titled “Normandy: D-Day Sites” and listen to this before your trip to D-Day to get an idea about what there is to see and learn more about the history of the region. The app has not only audio walking guides, but also interviews with local experts on a variety of subjects relating to each location.

Roses and flowers left by crosses. Reminders that they are not forgotten.

Closing Thoughts on D-Day

Visiting the D-Day sites in Normandy was like walking through the history books. It is one thing to read about this incredible date in history, but it is something else to see the area firsthand. To see the graves of the thousands of soldiers who lost their lives here, and to read about their individual stories is an incredible and moving way to spend the day.  

Visiting sites like D-Day or even Auschwitz remind me of the beauty of the human spirit. Yes, there is an ugly side to humanity. However, there is also resilience and a determination to overcome even the worst odds for the good of mankind.

I hope you plan a trip to visit Normandy, France, and the historic D-Day sites. However, if you can’t do that right now, why not visit a local Veteran’s Cemetery or museum near you, dedicated to those who gave so we could have freedom.  Say thank you the next time you see a veteran, and let’s use our freedom to show compassion and grace to everyone we meet.

Thank You to All Who Served and Continue to Serve

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10 comments.

I enjoyed your article, very informative and clear. Great tip about a packed lunch. Gives that bit more freedom to go at your own pace and wander away from the bigger sites. Also big thanks for mentioning my app Normandy DDay 1944. It’s not exhaustive on locations but gives a taste for smaller cemeteries and locations off the beaten track. All the best, Evelyn

Hi Evelyn, thank you so much for responding! I think your app is a wonderful way to learn more about the history of the area that I would not have known otherwise. Thank you so much for creating such a valuable tool!

What a wonderful article and very well written. We’re going to Normandy in September. I and excited to visit the area my dad fought in! Thank you for all this information.

Thank you Robin! I am so excited for you to get to visit that area, especially since your dad fought there. I know it will be a special trip!

Excellent overview on visiting normandy sites in a day

Thank you! I hope you enjoy your visit there!

I just got back to my hotel room in Caen. I followed your day, nearly identically, down to the restaurant. I did add Utah Beach to my itinerary, and the finished at the Overlord Museum. What a full and awe-inspiring day. I was so grateful I found your blog. It was the perfect guide to the perfect day.

That’s wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing, it made me smile. I am happy to know you had an inspiring visit. The Normandy area is so beautiful and rich in history.

We followed your itinerary closely and had a magnificent day with lots of things to think about. Thanks you so much Charity for sharing this.

Hi Paul, thank you so much for letting me know how your trip went! I am happy to hear my post helped. It is such a beautiful and historically rich area, you are right in saying it gives one lots to think about.

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A brief description of the D-Day Landings

The french resistance, airborne landings, sword beach, omaha beach, pointe du hoc.

NORMANDY BATTLEFIELDS – SELF-DRIVE TOURS

We readily can offer free advice to your party for private tours.

Normandy Self-Drive Tours

To be used in conjunction with the book “Stand Where They Fought” Available to order, in three versions, on this website.

All tours should be preceded by a visit to the Caen Memorial Museum principally to see the Allied and German films pre D-day and the Normandy Campaign which will serve as a needed introduction and educational background to tourists not familiar with this climatic event.

Normandy Battlefield Tours

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Phone: 847.445.3584

A guide to travelers planning a Normandy trip and a stimulus to those who have not planned to visit our heritage.

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Custom Made Battlefield Tours

D-Day Your Way: Your way to discover the landing beaches of Normandy

Welcome to D-Day Your Way

Let us guide you over the landing beaches of Normandy, France ! Discover the history of the beginning of the Liberation of Europe.

The first 24 hours would be decisive for the further course of the Second World War, friend and foe agreed. “D-Day – Your Way” offers tours to all these locations where history has been written, since June 6, 1944 ! Let us show you the American and British Airborne objectives, the American landing beaches Omaha and Utah Beach, and the British and Canadian landing beaches Gold, Juno and Sword Beach.

If you come to Normandy for a special reason, please share it with us and we will offer you an unforgettable Custom Made Battlefield Tour. Let us welcome you in and guide you through historic Normandy.

I look forward meeting you soon ! D-Day, Your Way

Willem Braam

Looking for an unforgettable travel experience that combines history, adventure, and breathtaking scenery? Look no further than our battlefield tours in Normandy, France.

At DDayYourWay.com we specialize in providing immersive tours of the sites and landmarks that played a pivotal role in World War II, with a particular focus on the D-Day landings. With our expert guides and carefully curated itineraries, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the beaches, battlefields, and monuments that bear witness to one of the most significant moments in modern history.

Our tours are designed to be both educational and engaging, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and delve deeper into the fascinating history of the region. From the museums and memorials of Pegasus Bridge near Ranville and the Airborne Museum in Sainte Mère Eglise, to the rugged terrain of Pointe du Hoc and the American Cemetary in Colville sur Mer, you’ll get a firsthand look at the challenges and triumphs of the Allied forces as they fought to liberate Europe from Nazi occupation.

Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking for a one-of-a-kind travel experience, our Normandy battlefield tours are sure to leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made by those who fought and died for our freedom.

So why wait? Book your tour today and join us for an unforgettable journey through the heart of World War II history.

Meet your tour guide

Willem Braam, Member of the International Guild of Battlefield Guide; speaks English, French, German and Dutch.

My name is Willem Braam, born in 1965 in the Netherlands.

As a young kid, I was touched by the war-stories of my parents and grandparents, regarding World War II  in general, and the Nazi-occupation of Western Europe in particular. 

Apart from my working career, as CEO of my interior decorating company, I started to visit the battlefields in France, Belgium, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. 

The knowledge I gained during these visits, and the stories told by the veterans (and civilians)  I met, I’d like to share with people who are interested in this part of our history. 

After 25 years I handed over my business to the younger generation, so that I can fully focus on what I like doing most: guiding interested people around the various European battlefields, and especially Normandy (Operation Overlord),  starting 06/06/1944 and the South of France / Riviera (Operation Dragoon), starting 15/08/1944.

Private Tours offers

D-Day Your Way offers three separate tours. Below you can find some more details on those tours by clicking the “more info” button.

Discover the American and British Airborne targets like Carentan, Sainte Mère Eglise, la Fière Bridge and la Barquette locks, Pegasus Bridge and the Merville Battery and learn about the battle of the hedgerows and offers brought by these paratroopers. Walk over the grounds where the American Rangers tried so hard to silence the big guns at Pointe du Hoc. Discover the American and British Airborne targets like Carentan, Sainte Mère Eglise, la Fière Bridge and la Barquette locks, Pegasus Bridge and the Merville Battery and learn about the battle of the hedgerows and offers brought by these paratroopers. Tour with us to the Artificial Port of Arromanches, the big guns of Longues sur Mer, the Petrol Port of Port-en-Bessin and the break-out from the beaches.

American Landing Beaches Standard Tour

• Sainte Mère Eglise
• Sainte Marie du Mont
• Dead Man’s Corner
• Purple Heart Lane
• Pointe du Hoc
• OMAHA beach
• Normandy American Cemetary

American Paratroopers in Normandy (101st & 82nd Airborne Division)

• (82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions)
• UTAH beach exit roads
• Brécourt Manor / Band of Brothers
• La Barquette locks
• Sainte Mère Eglise,
• Neuville au Plain crossroad
• Railwayline Caen – Cherbourg
• Chef du Pont Bridge and La Fière Bridge
• Battle of the Hedgerows

American Infantry in Normandy: Cutting the Contentin Peninsula

• 4th and 90th Infantry Divisions
• Neuville au Plain
• Gourbesville: monument 82 AB Div / 90th inf. Div
• Orglandes: German Cemetary
• Douve-bridges: Pont l’Abbé /St. Sauveur Vicomte
• Hill 116, Besneville
• Barneville Carteret – Guernsey
• Hill 145, bunker Battle of Britain
• Nehou – Camp Patton
• La Fière – Iron Mike / Sainte Mère Eglise

D-Day Your Way on Instagram

Ddayyourway.

guidedbattlefieldtours.co.uk

Normandy and the D Day Landings

The Second World War D Day landings on the coast of Normandy on 6 June 1944 were the largest and most complex military undertaking in history. To be successful, the Normandy D Day invasion force would have to be overwhelming. The problems involved in planning and undertaking the D Day landings were massive.

The story of the Normandy landings from the coast of Britain was an event that powerfully evokes the courage and sacrifice of those who took part in the D Day battles. Our WW2 Normandy independent self drive tour pack will take you to the sites of some of the most dramatic events of D Day from both the British and American sectors.

These are just some examples of sites which can be included in a D Day tour; however, there are many more:

Pegasus Bridge

This is the site of one of the most famous and remarkable events from D Day. Just after midnight, ninety men of the British 6th Airborne Division landed in three gliders within 50 yards of the bridge, which was captured within ten minutes. Despite numerous counter-attacks, the bridge was held until the early afternoon, when the airborne troops were relieved by forces which had landed on the beaches. The whole site is highly atmospheric and a visit to the museum, where the original bridge is located, is a highlight of any tour.

Arromanches

Once ashore it was essential to rapidly build up the strength of Allied forces and to bring ashore enormous quantities of stores. To achieve this, two harbours were built in Britain and towed across the Channel to Normandy. Constructing these harbours and bringing them to Normandy was a colossal task. 2.5 million men and 500,000 vehicles were eventually landed at the harbour at Arromanches and its remains are still quite visible today.

This beach was the landing site of the British 50th Northumbrian Division. A number of the German concrete defences still remain. From the beach, the visitor can follow the advance inland of the Green Howards, to the village of Crépon  where Company Sergeant Major Stan Hollis was awarded the only Victoria Cross of D Day. Today, the village is the site of the Green Howards memorial, one of the finest of the many memorials in the area.

Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery

The Allies suffered the highest D Day casualties on Omaha Beach. Although the beach where American troops landed has changed significantly, many features of the German defences remain and it still has a powerful impact on any visitor.  The cemetery is probably the most visited of the D Day sites and has featured in numerous films and documentaries. 9,000 American service personnel are buried here and the story on many of them is told in the extensive visitors’ centre.

Pointe du Hoc

This is one of the most striking of the German gun battery sites. Although covered in bomb craters, large sections of the German defences remain, some of which can be entered by visitors. This was the site of the famous cliff assault by American Rangers, who captured the site, only to find that the guns had been removed from the emplacements. Completely surrounded, the Rangers fought off German attacks for two days, until the survivors were relieved by troops from the beaches.

Some Recent Testimonials

Mr w, sheffield 2019.

“The tour pack was a magnificent piece of work. A fantastic and very busy schedule, which wouldn’t have been possible

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Mr H, Lichfield 2018

“Exceptional. The knowledge and personal stories made the tour feel very human rather than just dry history.”

Mr T. Northampton 2017

“Outstanding. Nothing seemed too much trouble.”

Normandy Beaches

On D-Day, 6 June 1944, Allied forces launched a combined naval, air and land assault on Nazi-occupied France. Codenamed Operation 'Overlord', the Allied landings on the Normandy beaches marked the start of a long and costly campaign to liberate north-west Europe from German occupation.

This self drive tour will take you to the important sites along the Normandy coastline.

• Pegasus Bridge LISTEN
• Grand Bunker, Ouistreham LISTEN
• German Battery, Merville Sur Mere LISTEN
• Canadian Memorial Centre, Juno Beach LISTEN
• Arromanches LISTEN
• German Gun Battery, Longues LISTEN
• American Cemetery, Omaha Beach LISTEN
• Point Du Hoc LISTEN
• Utah Beach Museum LISTEN
• U.S. Airborne Museum LISTEN
• Dead Man's Corner LISTEN
• German Cemetery, La Cambe LISTEN
• British Cemetery, Bayeaux LISTEN
• Caen Memorial LISTEN
• Canadian Military Cemetery LISTEN
• Falaise Pocket LISTEN

Visiting the beaches of Normandy: D-Day landings and WW2 sites – your ultimate guide

Visiting the beaches of Normandy, with its wealth of D-Day and world war 2 sites, was on our bucket list of things to do while in France and it’s one of those places that are well worth the visit.  

They can be accessed easily from either the UK or other parts of France (and as such, the rest of Europe) and each year they get more and more visitors eager to learn of what happened on 6th June 1944, or as it’s now known – D-Day.

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I hope our guide to visiting these WW2 sites on the French coast of Normandy will be helpful and inspiring to anyone planning a visit and also anyone with a passing interest in our recent history.

Essentials for your D-Day explorations:

• Guide book with background info on the D-Day Sites
• Normandy Road map

Guided tour from Bayeux

• Half Day Small group tour to Omaha Beach

Our guide to visiting the beaches of Normandy and WW2 sites

The words have become almost normal now – incorporated into our everyday speech – D-day, beaches of Omaha, Utah, Sword, Gold and Juno.  Strange to think that 100 years ago, these words meant nothing in the context that we now think of them.

That’s what’s so moving about visiting the beaches of Normandy , the fact that it was so recent, that there are still people alive who remember those days, lived through them and either were there themselves or heard the news about it.  As time moves on fewer are around to tell the tale first hand, so it’s all the more important to keep the stories alive and to give weight to those words.

I knew of D-day, of course.  I grew up with fairly limited knowledge of the history though, I had heard the term but only really learned about the operation when our son developed a passion about the time period.  We watched films, documentaries and tv series about the war – I thought I knew what we were going to see when we visited Normandy!

What remains of World War 2 in Normandy today is sombre, touching and hopeful.  Sombre because it was the scene of many deaths, not just fallen men, but brothers in arms (to coin a phrase), comrades and friends.  Touching because there are still memories of a time gone by scattered around.  Hopeful because it’s a reminder of what can be achieved by humans in the pursuit of a better world.

Pin for later!

It’s not all about the war in Normandy though.   If you’re planning a trip with those who aren’t quite as interested, or perhaps with children who might not cope with days learning about death and fighting, the area has so much more too.  Gorgeous little towns, beautiful scenery and of course that amazing French food!

Normandy Invasion – a super quick history

Ok, this will be quick as I imagine if you’re interested in visiting the Normandy D-Day beaches you have a slight inkling of the history involved.

It was one of the largest organised invasions of all time that incorporated naval, air and land troops and it was a turning point for the Allies in World War 2.  The Normandy invasion on D-Day, 6th June 1944, were truly immense undertakings from the armed forces of not only Britain but also the USA and Canada.

Prior to it happening, France was under occupation from the Germans and their advancement throughout Europe was continuing. The Allies needed to have a foothold in Europe in order to have any hope of turning the tide.  What’s interesting is that the Germans actually knew that an invasion was likely to be happening, but they didn’t know where from and where the Allies would land.  There were many attempts to throw off the scent and the Germans did think the invasion would come further up the French coast in Calais or Dunkirk where it was much closer to the UK coast but of course that never happened.

It was so much more than D-Day itself though – there was months of preparation which included simulating the Normandy coastline in areas of the UK coast, practicing their manoeuvres and training the personnel.  This was an immense undertaking.  Further to this there was an operation whereby the coastal defences were bombed in advance of the invasion.

On the day itself, the Allies began by parachuting in airborne forces behind the enemy lines where they took strategic points and would meet up with the troops that began to land in the early hours of June 6th.  They fought with the soldiers and guards of the Atlantic Wall that Hitler built.   It certainly wasn’t easy but eventually they took the areas one by one, strategic towns and points were gained and the Allied forces pushed the Germans back.

Although the operation as a whole was a success there were many stories within D-Day where it seems the opposite.  Many, many lives were lost on both sides which is a terrible tragedy no matter the outcome.

A note on the names of the beaches in case you don’t know.  

There were many different areas of the coastline that troops landed on but they were generally split in to 5 sections and each had a different armed force in charge of landing there.  

Each area was given a code name – Utah, Omaha, Sword, Gold and Juno.  The Americans were charged with the Utah and Omaha landings.  The British landed at Sword and Gold and Juno was mainly Canadians.   The overall operation was called Operation Overlord and the landings themselves Operation Neptune.  

The history of this time is vast and I’ve researched thoroughly for this article but I’m not a historian so please forgive me if there are any inaccuracies – and also let me know so I can put it right!  For more in depth research of this time period Wikipedia is a good start and from there explore their related links at the bottom.

Why visit the D-Day beaches in Normandy?

Of course D-Day has been immortalised in films and tv series over the years and it’s one of the biggest and most well known operations from the Second World War.  

It’s an iconic moment in history and one where we can look back and see the huge sacrifice that was made actually did make a difference.  If D-Day hadn’t turned out as it did the outcome of the war might have been very different.  As such it’s a huge part of our history.

I feel that we must always remember the sacrifices made for us and while watching documentaries, reading books and enjoying movies about it can keep the stories alive, visiting the sites really gives a new dimension.  

You can know that soldiers lost their lives on a beach, but it’s just words.  Seeing that area and visiting the nearby graves really brings home the personal sacrifices.

For many of us it’s important to visit because we have a personal connection to the day too.  Many people come as a pilgrimage to pay their respects to family members who fought there.

For others, and I include myself personally in this, it’s just a really interesting place to go.  This is recent history and an important piece of the huge story that is the second world war.  No matter what I know about a place or piece of history I can’t fail to get something out of experiencing the place in real life.  

Museums help to keep the information of each area in an organised manner and you’ll find many enthusiasts willing to speak to you about the history if you take the time to ask.  By supporting these places you’re also helping to preserve the historic sites for future generations – definitely worth it.

Lastly, Normandy is a beautiful place in its own right.  I’m focusing this guide on the D-Day beaches and the war history of the area, but there’s so much to enjoy here that’s not just war related so go enjoy the food, the countryside and the people too!

What are the Top 10 must see sights at the D-Day Normandy beaches?

Here’s the places you really shouldn’t miss on your tour of the D-Day beaches in Normandy – I’ve listed them in order from west to east rather than importance:  

The first beach that you’ll get to if you are coming from Cherbourg or doing the tour West to East is Utah.

This beach was landed by American troops and was the more successful out of the two the US were dealt.  The reasons are most likely geographical, the Germans were defending a wide open coastline here, flat with no difficult to reach areas they could attack from.  Overall there were less than 200 casualties for the Allies here and it was a relatively quick victory.

Utah beach is one that isn’t in a built up area and the beach itself is nice to walk along if you get good weather with many remains of the German defences scattered along and lots of monuments to the battalions and units present there.  There’s also a museum which attracts most people with an interest in the time period and is fairly inexpensive.

Utah Beach Landing Museum – learn about the chronology of the landings, see a B26 bomber.

Winter opening hours (Oct 1st – May 31st): 10am – 6pm. (It is closed for the majority of December, opening from the 26th – 30th only)

Summer opening hours (June 1st – Sep 30th): 9.30am – 7pm

Get tickets here

Sainte-Mère-Église

A big part of the operation at Utah beach was the destruction and capturing of many of the strategic points in the area from the airborne divisions who landed at various places including Sainte-Mère-Église, a small Normandy town.

Some of the 82nd Airborne division landed at Sainte-Mère-Église in the very early hours of the 6th of June 1944, unfortunately too close to where they planned to land.   Many of them died as some buildings on fire in the town lit up the parachutists descending and were easy targets for the Germans.   One interesting tale is about the soldier, John Steele, who found himself caught on the steeple of the church as he tried to land.  He was shot in the foot, in lots of pain and could only watch some of the others in his company as they were killed.  He dropped his knife so could not free himself and so had to pretend to be dead while the fighting was going on around him.  He eventually was rescued from his precarious position by the Germans and he became a prisoner of war until he escaped a few days later. Despite early German dominance the town of Sainte-Mère-Église was taken soon after on June 7th 1944 and it also has the honour of being the first liberated town of the Normandy invasions.

In the town itself there’s a museum dedicated to the 82nd and 101st Airborne division – if you’ve watched Band of Brothers, 101st Airborne is portrayed in it.  

It’s well worth spending some time there with plenty that will keep kids happy (both of mine enjoyed their time there) and provide an insight in to what happened in the area for those interested to learn more.  Lots of replica planes and gliders to get a sense of what was involved!

The church keeps the story of the parachutist alive by keeping a fake dummy of a soldier on its roof top.

It’s a pretty town to explore round with many tourist shops selling world war 2 memorabilia, some restaurants and cafes too.  We really enjoyed our time there.

Airborne Museum  – learn about the airborne attack, how they liberated the town and also see some of the gliders and planes used.

Opening times:

• May – Aug: 9am – 7pm
• April and September: 9.30am – 6.30pm
• October – March: 10am – 6pm (the museum is closed throughout December and January)

See  here  for more information

Pointe du Hoc

One of the areas of Normandy that remains much as it was during the time of the landings is Pointe du Hoc.  It’s a steep cliff edge and the highest point of the area which sat between the beaches of Utah towards the East and Omaha which lay to the west.  As such it was heavily fortified and protected by the Germans despite it having been bombed prior to D-Day.  

The United States Army Ranger Assault group were charged with the scaling of the cliffs at Pointe du Hoc and removing the German artillery with the help of the British to land them at the scene.   Before even landing there were problems straight away with the sinking, and subsequent loss of those on board, of one of the amphibious DUKW vehicles. On landing the Germans fired heavily on all of the troops with disastrous effect and on reaching the base of the cliffs the Rangers were at half the initial numbers. To reduce the risk of them being fired at as they grappled up the cliffs, navy ships from the US and British navies fired on the German defences.   On reaching the top the soldiers struggled with yet more set backs: their radios didn’t work and their objective of removing a main artillery defence was already gone.   After intense fighting the finally overpowered the remaining guns and destroyed them.  They held off lots of counter attacks from the Germans over the next couple of days until they got relieved by further US troops on the 8th June.  

Pointe du Hoc is one of the stories I personally didn’t know much about but which I’m so glad I learned about.  

The museum at Pointe du Hoc does a really touching video which explains what happened.   Reading about the words often don’t convey the sense of what happened, but listening to the stories from the soldiers who scaled the cliffs themselves, watched their friends get fired upon and who came home to tell the tale brought tears to my eyes.  

There’s lots to see at Pointe du Hoc as well as the visitor centre – the remains of the casemates built by the Germans can be explored and you can imagine how it might have looked to them as the enormous amounts of D-Day troops descended on the area.   Craters litter the site too where it was heavily bombed.  

Visiting Pointe du Hoc

Open daily throughout the year

• April 15th – September 15th: 9am – 6pm
• Rest of the year: 9am – 5pm

Pointe du Hoc is one of the few free things to do in Normandy related to WW2 – if you’d like more information about visiting see here .

Maisy Battery

I have such a soft spot for parts of history that are covered over and forgotten about for years and Maisy Battery is one such place.

It was a very important German defensive position situated between the Utah and Omaha beaches and consists of over 2 miles of tunnels, bunkers and trenches.   The history of the site is still coming to light with all the war documents being released over the years – it seems that it was an unknown site to the Allies and that the Germans used Pointe Du Hoc as a ruse to confuse them and with the removal of the big guns that were expected to be there, this could certainly be true. It was lost to the world for over 60 years and was only rediscovered as someone found an old map to it in a veteran soldiers trousers.   That discovery combined with the opening of war files has opened up an exciting and interesting chapter!

If you drive past you might miss it – it’s completely camouflaged from the casual viewer!   Nowadays you can walk round the site, explore the tunnels, see some old guns, cannons and weaponry.   It’s a great day out and quite different to many of the other WW2 sites around Normandy.

Visiting Maisy Battery

Opening times

• April 1st – May 31st: 10am – 4pm
• June 1st – Aug 31st: 10am – 6pm
• September 1st – September 30th: 10am – 4pm
• Closed from October – March (although you can contact them with a possibility of visiting)

See here for more details and tickets

Omaha beach

The US Army had the objective of securing the Omaha beachhead however a catalogue of mistakes and confusion led to this being an extremely difficult operation with huge numbers of soldiers losing their life.   It started with the naval bombardment of the German defences – it wasn’t enough as they navy didn’t want to risk hitting the landing crafts. The landing troops were also blown off course quite a lot on the morning of the invasion due to the weather and this did not help matters.   The intelligence about the defences were flawed, they had trouble bringing vehicles on land with many of them being swamped as they tried to land and finally many of the soldiers were wiped out as soon as they did land due to heavy gun fire from the Germans.   As many as 2000 lost their lives (some sources report up to 5000) on that day.  After many days of fighting the objectives were completed, the beach secured and it was eventually used as a harbour to bring artillery and troops in to France and to help the push against the Germans.

Nowadays there’s a few remnants of the war still visible.  There’s many monuments to the regiments that fought along this stretch of land and who also lost lives as well as a memorial museum.  At low tide you might also be able to see the remains of the harbour that they built but not as prominent as the one at Arromanches.

Omaha Beach Memorial Museum

• February: 10am – 5pm (opens mid February – check their site for dates if travelling round then)
• March: 10am – 6pm
• April – May: 9.30am – 6.30pm
• June: 9.30am – 7pm
• July – August: – 9.30am- 7.30pm
• September: 9.30am – 6.30pm
• October – November: 9.30am – 6pm (closes mid November)
• Closes from mid November – mid February.

See more information  here

American cemetery

Overlooking the beach at Omaha is the American Cemetery which holds a great number of US soldiers who died in the second world war and with many of them being in the time of the Normandy landings.  It’s a beautiful place which overlooks the sea and it’s a heartbreaking visual reminder of the loss of life suffered.

Of course, it’s not the most cheery of places to visit and we couldn’t stay long as our daughter didn’t want to go (always something to bear in mind when visiting these WW2 sites with kids) but it’s a very important place that should be included in your itinerary if you can.  

There’s a visitors centre there too which tells the stories of the soldiers and is free to enter.

Normandy American Cemetery Visitor Centre

Admission is free – see more info about the site here

Gold beach & Arromanches sur les bains

This was my favourite site of our trip (see below for our thoughts on what to visit if you can only visit one beach) and it provides lots for anyone visiting Normandy with hopes of seeing WW2 history – there’s lots still visible!

The landings at Gold beach are slightly to the east of Arromanches and this was on of the two beaches that was taken by British troops.   The day started like many of the others with bombardment and bombing of the area the night before and the troops landed in the early hours of the morning of 6th June.   Choppy and rough seas meant that like many other beaches the men landed slightly off course and the vehicles they tried to bring ashore would get bogged down in the sand.   There were many casualties at Gold with around 1000 reported.   At the end of the day, almost 25,000 troops landed, they took Arromanches and eventually used that site to build a mulberry harbour which allowed them to bring in more weaponry to mainland Europe for the rest of the war.

There’s lots to see at this area.   We really enjoyed our visit to the town of Arromanches-sur-les-bains as you can see lots of the remains of the mulberry harbour.   This was the temporary harbour that was built to move tanks, weapons and soldiers in to the country.   There’s also a really good museum in the town too which I recommend to learn more about this area and how they landed and used the town.   Longues-sur-mer battery is also a well preserved German defence area that is worth visiting if you’re around this section.

Longues-Sur-Mer Battery

Freely open to look around – there are guided tours as well at the following times of year:

April, May, June, September & October: weekends only

July & August: daily

Tours run in both English and French – see here for more details.

Musée du Débarquement / D-Day Museum in Arromanches – learn about the mulberry harbours and the d day landing beaches

• January: Closed
• February: 10am – 12.30pm & 1.30pm – 5pm
• March: 9.30am – 12.30pm & 1.30pm – 5.30pm
• April: 9am – 12.30pm & 1.30pm – 6pm
• May – August: 9am – 7pm
• September: 9am – 6pm
• October: 9.30am – 12.30pm & 1.30pm – 5.30pm
• November & December: 10am – 12.30pm & 1.30pm – 5pm

See here for more details

The responsibility of the Canadian army was Juno beach which was located inbetween Gold and Sword.   The familiar story of the sea conditions causing delays and problems to the landings also applied here and the beaches were heavily protected by the Germans.   Although there was a preliminary bombardment of the sites they weren’t very effective and as such the troops landing were under heavy fire from the very start.   It’s considered one of the more successful landings, alongside Utah, even though many of the objectives weren’t actually met.   Casualties were relatively low, around 340 dead on the day.  

One of the towns in the area, Courselles-sur-Mer, now features a museum and memorial called the Juno Beach Centre.   If you’re at all interested in the Canadian effort in the war as well as the specifics of the Juno landings then I’d highly recommend a visit.  

Juno Beach Centre

• January: closed
• February: 10am – 5pm
• April – September: 9.30am – 7pm
• October: 10am – 6pm
• November- December: 10am – 5pm

Get more information  here .

Sword beach & Pegasus bridge

The final beach going from west to east is Sword beach at the town of Ouistreham.  

Sword was the responsibility of the British army and although the experienced quite a few casualties on landing at the beach, they managed to get their armoured vehicles landed quickly and took the beach in fairly good time.   This beach was the closest to Caen which was a major objective in Operation Overlord and so the troops moved onwards to there but suffered lots of setbacks and resistance on the way. Another important place nearby is Pegasus Bridge which played a part on the night before the landings where the plan was to secure the bridge and prevent any further German troops from gaining access to the bridge and hindering the landings the day after.  They arrived by using gliders successfully taking the Germans by surprise.

Sword beach was the first that we visited and it’s very strange, yet happy place that is a completely normal beach town.   Not what we were expecting at all.   There were people playing on the beach, lots of land sailing going on and just a generally nice atmosphere.  

The town of Ouistreham is a pleasant town to spend a night as well with lots to see if you’re interested in the landings.   There’s the Grand Bunker museum which is well worth a look, No4 Commando museum and also the Pegasus bridge memorial too all within that town.

Grand Bunker Museum, Ouistreham – see the command post as it was and learn about the Atlantic Wall

• Jan 6th – Feb 8th: Closed (2019 dates)
• Feb 9th – March: 10am – 6pm
• April – September: 9am – 7pm
• October – January 5th: 10am – 6pm

See here for more information

Pegasus Memorial Museum

Open every day from 1st February – 15th December

• February – March: 10am – 5pm
• April – September: 9.30am – 6.30pm
• October – 15th December: 10am – 5pm

See here for more information.

Though not a beach, a major player in the Battle for Normandy is the city of Caen which suffered terribly in the days after D-Day.  It was actually in the plans for it to be captured on D-Day itself, but that never happened, the Germans defended it fiercely and what ensued was fierce fighting and many casualties on both sides and civilians.  It actually took around 7 weeks for the city to be taken and ended with a bombing from the Allies which killed many French citizens and completely destroyed the city, reducing the majority of it to a pile of rubble.

Caen has many memorials about WW2 but the main one is the Memorial de Caen which houses a really good museum which is worth checking out.  If you are in the area do also check out the Abbey d’Ardenne which was the site of an atrocity committed by the Germans against some Canadian soldiers they had taken as prisoners.  At least 20 soldiers were executed there and there’s a touching war memorial to the men.

Caen Normandie Memorial Museum

• February – March: 9am – 6pm
• October – December: 9.30am – 6pm (some Mondays are closed also in this time)

See here for more information and tickets

Tips for visiting the Normandy WW2 sites

• Winter sees lots of the sites close for the season – do be aware of this if you are coming in the winter months.  If sites are open their hours are reduced a lot too.  Although out of season is generally a good time to visit, do make sure what you want to see will be available.  January sees many of the museums close completely so I’d recommend not to visit that month at least.
• It rains.  A lot.  We were there for about a week in April and saw so much rain!  Later we learned that Normandy is a very rainy region and is well known for it!
• As these are war graves, dress and act respectfully
• Around D-Day itself many of the sites close for ceremonies and it will be much busier so if you’re visiting around then check individual sites and book well ahead.
• France is well known for long lunch hours – as you’re visiting the towns and villages around be aware of this and don’t be surprised that shops shut.
• Sundays are also a day when almost everything shuts (although the D-Day museums around here tend to be open) – get any supermarket shopping done in advance.  We were definitely taken by surprise by this on our first visit to France!

What Normandy WW2 museums are worth visiting?

There are many museums along the coast line and in towns, too many really for one trip.   Unless there’s a specific area or operation that you’re interested in I’d suggest heading to wherever is convenient for you and enjoying what is on offer there.   There’s a chance of information overload if you try to do too many.  

I mean, how many guns can you see without getting bored?  My son would probably argue with me about that!

We haven’t visited all the museums in the area (unfortunately!) but we did enjoy the D-Day museum in Arromanches as well as the Airborne museum in St Mere Eglise and I’ve heard good things about all the museums in Normandy.  

How long should you spend in Normandy?

If you’re planning a Normandy trip I’d say that a good time to take in the sites is around 3 or 4 days.   This would allow you to really see all the beaches, plenty of museums and other sites around the area and for you to take in the larger towns such as Bayeaux and Caen.  

More than this and I’d imagine that history overload might take over, but your mileage may vary!

If you want to incorporate checking out the rest of the area including the gorgeous Mont St Michel then I suggest as long as you can spare and at least a week!   France is a great place to visit and we enjoy the slow pace of life there a lot!   Try not to rush your time there.

You can only visit one beach – which one?

This is a difficult one to answer and each person in our family who I asked said a different place.  

I think this can possibly depend on your war knowledge or maybe your heritage – Americans will almost certainly say Utah or Omaha, Canadians will say Juno!  

Personally I found Gold beach and specifically the town of Arromanches to be a really special place to visit and this is coming from someone with only basic knowledge of what happened in Normandy in WW2.  With parts of the artificial harbour still in view and being able to be seen up close, it really helps you visualise what happened back then.  Obviously if you can, visit at least a couple, but if I had to choose just one it would be the area around Arromanches-sur-les-bains.

I asked my son (our resident WW2 nut – he knows way more than me!) for his opinion and he said Omaha due to the extreme loss of life there and the significance of that beach in later films so that would be my second choice.  You also have the American Cemetery nearby too so easy to incorporate that in to your day.

My husband said to visit Pointe du Hoc.  I know, we’re not very helpful in narrowing down the choices!

If you are pushed for time, consider what is important for you to see.  If you’re British and want to see the places that they fought concentrate on the middle to east part.  If you’re Canadian you’ll likely want to concentrate on the Juno area and if you’re American or interested in the infamous Bloody Omaha then you’ll want to stick to the west.

Interested in more WW2 travel? See our posts about London’s WW2 sites or visiting Colditz Castle in Germany

Getting to the Normandy beaches

How to get to the normandy beaches from the uk.

Update – check out our new post about getting to Normandy from UK

When we travelled we took our motorhome over on the Dover to Calais crossing with DFDS  (always the cheapest option when I check) and travelled down from there.  It was a fairly straightforward journey but one thing I’d say is to not underestimate the time it can take to get to places in France.  It never looked too far on the map but it can be especially if you’re not using the motorways.

If you want to get yourself right in the heart of Normandy straight away and keep journey times to a minimum then I recommend a ferry to Cherbourg which means you can start at the Western end of the beaches near Utah within around 45 mins drive of the port.  Alternatively you can get a ferry to Le Havre which is about an hour and a half from Ouistreham and the eastern end of the beaches or Dieppe which is just over 2 hours drive away.

Brittany ferries – goes to Caen, Le Havre and Cherbourg

DFDS – goes from Newhaven to Dieppe

P&O ferries is another option to Calais

Looking for an itinerary for your trip? Check our 3 day self drive Normandy D-Day itinerary

There are also many tours that depart from the UK if you want to visit but aren’t too keen on doing it independently.  My Father in Law took a coach trip a few years back and thoroughly enjoyed his time there and it’s a great idea if you want to just sit back and enjoy your time there.

How to get there from Paris

If you are arriving in Paris and want to incorporate the beaches in to your France itinerary then I suggest one of two options: either hire a car or arrange a place on guided tour.  

It’s around a 3 hour drive to Ouistreham on the most eastern end of the landing sites so doable as a day tour if you wanted to, although it would be a long day.   To check out rental car options I recommend DiscoverCars.com which compares many companies to find the best deal.

Guided tours from Paris to Normandy are plentiful from the capital with some taking in the area over a couple of days and others just doing a day trip.  

When looking at these tours bear in mind if you have any specific places you want to visit and see if they include them as it’s impossible for them to cover everything!  

This one is a good option and if you have a couple of days to spare this one is worth a look  and even covers other Normandy sites such as Mont Saint Michel.

Visiting the beaches from Le Havre

Many cruise ships stop in Le Havre and as such it’s a good place to get excursions to the beaches.   Here’s one that covers many areas in a day.

Canadian sites from Le Havre

US sites from Le Havre

Using public transport to visit the Normandy beaches

It’s not particularly easy to use public transport to get to all the sites in Normandy but with some planning you should be able to visit a few places.  

Caen is an important part of the invasions and is worth seeing if you can.   Trains are around 2 hours from Paris in to the city.  If you want to do a tour from Caen this one would be worth checking out.

Bayeaux is another good town to visit and easily reached by train as well.   From Paris it can take between 2.5 and 3 hours to get there and it’s also easily reached by Cherbourg in about 1 and a half hours if you happen to be a foot passenger on one of the ferries.

Tours from Bayeux

There are many tours from Bayeaux that can take you on to the beaches themselves and are a better option that trying to navigate the buses which are infrequent.    

US Sites tour

US and British sites

Canadian sites tour

Driving tips for France

If you decide to drive over in France then here’s just a couple of tips:

• make sure you have a european driving kit that covers you for the legal things you need in France – Hi vis jackets, headlight deflectors (if coming from the UK),  
• the motorways in France are often toll roads and it can add up over time.   Either be prepared for this or plan a route that avoids them.

Where to stay when visiting the Normandy beaches

Bayeaux is a perfect base for any tour to the beaches whether it’s self drive or going by guided tour.  I’ve linked below to a couple of options with Booking.com – they are my preferred booking portal as often you can book without needing a deposit and they are super easy to use.

If you want to stay in the centre of town itself, be close to the town’s attractions such as the Bayeaux Tapestry (ok, now WW2 but still pretty cool) then I suggest the Hotel du Luxembourg which comes highly recommended.  It does have parking, although there’s a charge of €9 a day so do bear that in mind.   Check the hotel out here .

A budget option in Bayeux would be the Ibis hotel with free parking on site – here’s some more information about it .

Campervan and motorhome travel in Normandy

If, like us, you decide to take your motorhome to Normandy then you’re in for a treat as France is amazing for free or low cost camping areas (called Aires) in towns and villages all round the area.  

I think we managed pretty much not paying anything for the whole of our journey except for one night on a campsite.  I recommend getting the book All the Aires which gives all the information on where to stay and what facilities are available.

What next? Get inspired with movies, tv shows and books: Band of Brothers Saving Private Ryan D-day audio book Start planning your WW2 France trip with these guide books: Lonely Planet Normandy Travel the Liberation Route Book your hotel in Normandy: Booking.com

You might also like :

• Visiting Sherwood Forest: See Robin Hood’s Tree hideout – the Major Oak
• 5 gorgeous hotels overlooking Edinburgh Castle
• Our Texas to California Road Trip itinerary with 1000 miles on Route 66

Kirsty Bartholomew

2 thoughts on “Visiting the beaches of Normandy: D-Day landings and WW2 sites – your ultimate guide”

Opening times typically range from 9-10am to 5-6pm, but daylight stretches much further. Therefore, my usual question: which beaches/sites can be acceptably experienced outside 9-18 time bracket?

Good question Pablo – all the beaches are accessible outside of opening times for the visitor centres. I would say to perhaps look at the tide times especially for beaches like at Arromanches as when the tide is out you can walk up to the pontoons but of course when it’s in they are covered. BUT definitely don’t let the fact that the visitors centres not being open deter you from going. Plenty to see!

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

2 Days in Normandy: The D-Day Landing Beaches & Mont St. Michel

Last updated: April 19, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 37 Comments

Despite living in France for three years, I didn’t do much sight seeing. So when the opportunity arose to spend 2 days in Normandy, visiting Mont St. Michel and the D-Day Landing beaches in the north-west of the country, we leapt at it.

We didn’t have a great deal of time to play with as we were visiting my parents further south in France, but we gave ourselves a couple of days in Normandy, basing ourselves near Mont St. Michel, with the aim of exploring both that and the Normandy D-Day Landing Beaches.

Which was what we did. In this post, we’re going to share everything you need to know to spend two days in Normandy, including some tips on where to stay.

We’ve also put some tour options together in case you don’t want to do this all yourself. The closest tour to the itinerary we have described is this one , which departs from Paris, but we have a number of options including tours departing from Bayeux.

Now though, let’s get started with our guide to exploring the Normandy Landing beaches and Mont St. Michel over two days.

Table of Contents:

2 Days in Normandy

Day 1: visit mont st. michel.

When we visited Mont St. Michel and the D-Day beaches we were travelling from the UK. We took the overnight ferry with Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth to St. Malo. This meant that we had a good night’s sleep, arriving into France at around 9am local time.

Our guest house was an hour’s drive from St. Malo, and they were fine with us arriving early, so we did just that. After dropping our belongings off and parking the car, our first day was largely spent exploring Mont St. Michel.

This was, very conveniently, within walking distance of our guest house . This is a handy tip – if you’re going to stay near Mont St. Michel, stay within walking distance.

There’s no way to drive to the island on your own, and if you park there’s a daily fee for doing so (unless you park in the evening when it becomes free). And I’m sure you’d prefer to spend that money on a nice bottle of local cider, or a few glasses of wine, like we did.

There is a causeway to the island, and a free shuttle bus runs from the car park to the island. However, I’d suggest that for your first visit, you walk all the way to the island. The views are gorgeous all the way, and you can really appreciate the magnificence of the island as you get closer to it. Then, you can get the shuttle bus on the way home!

The island itself had more on it than I was expecting. There’s a whole village, with shops, two ATM’s, a number of restaurants and of course, plenty of places to buy souvenirs from your visit. There are even hotels on the island, so you can stay over and enjoy Mont St. Michel when the crowds dissipate for the night.

Speaking of crowds, the streets are narrow, so it can get crowded. We visited on a less busy than average day, and it still got tight in places, so I imagine that in summer it must be very busy!

After stopping for lunch (many places do a menu of the day option for €17 – €20), we followed the street up to the Abbey which crowns the hill. This is the key point of pilgrimage for visitors, and the focal point of the island.

It’s not free to visit the Abbey, with opening hours varying depending on the season. Check the latest opening hours and prices here .

We suggest buying your ticket in advance online here to skip the queues. The online price is the same as buying it in person.

The good news is that entry includes an hour-long guided tour. Tours depart somewhat regularly and are offered in both French and English.

Obviously, we went for the English language option, and had a wonderful tour that taught us about the history of the abbey, the key events that led to its construction and look today, as well as the function of many of the rooms.

If you visit, I’d very much recommend taking the tour to learn a bit about the place. But if there is not a tour going during your visit, you can also purchase an audioguide or just do a self-guided tour with the free leaflet included.

Finally, once the tour was over, we headed out of the abbey and took the bus back to the mainland, where we had a spot of dinner accompanied by some excellent Normandy cider.

I then spent the evening capturing the sunset over the Mont, which was just gorgeous. So good in fact that I went the next night as well!

Day 2: Visit the D-Day Normandy Landing Beaches

Our second day in Normandy was a busy one. Having had a full day to explore Mont St. Michel at our leisure, we set ourselves the challenge of visiting some of the D-Day landing beaches in France.

There are quite a variety of sights, museums, memorials and attractions to visit, but we only had a day, so put together an itinerary that we felt was going to give us a good overview of the area and history. Here’s what we did, which we think makes for a good day of exploring the D-Day landing beaches and museums.

1. Utah Beach & Utah Beach D-Day Museum

We started by visiting Utah beach, where there is an excellent D-Day museum dedicated to the landings at Utah Beach.

From our research, this was indicated to be one of the best D-Day landing museums, and even though time meant we didn’t visit any of the others, it was certainly an excellent way to start our journey.

With a focus on the events at Utah Beach specifically, one of the US landing beaches, the museum went over the key highlights of 6th June 1944, including the planning leading up to it, and the story of the day itself.

There was an excellent video about the day, oral histories as well as objects and vehicles that were used.

Most impressive of these is an original B-26 bomber, one of six surviving in the world, and of the same type as those used during the bombing runs that happened in the moments before the men landed on the beach.

We then spent some time on the actual beach, and viewing the various memorials. It’s hard to really visualise what it must have been like here all those years ago, and I have to say that visiting the museum was a really worthwhile way to get a really good overview of how it was.

We then had a break for lunch in the wonderful Le Roosevelt Cafe, built around a bunker which housed a German communications center. Then, we headed on to:

2. Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial

Found in Coleville-Sur-Mer, and managed by the American Battle Monuments Commission, the Normandy American Cemetry and Memorial is the final resting place of over 9,000 US military personnel, the majority of whom lost their lives either during the D-Day landings, or in the days and weeks following the landings.

It was the first US WW2 cemetery on European soil, and was established as a temporary location on the 8th of June – two days after the landings started – a necessity given the high casualty rates, particularly at nearby Omaha Beach, which was the most heavily defended of all the landing locations.

Today, there is a visitor center, a memorial, chapel, and of course, the cemetery itself, all of which are free to visitors.

The visitor center is excellent, telling the story of the landings with a focus on the personal stories and losses of the people involved, particularly at Omaha beach.

It’s very worth taking some time to fully explore this. Then, of course, the cemetery is a sombre reminder of quite how many people died in this conflict.

3. Omaha Beach Monument

From the War Cemetery we headed back down to Omaha Beach itself, and the monument to the D-Day landings.

There are actually two installations here – the huge monument itself, and a huge stainless steel art installation known as “The Braves”, which commemorates the 60th anniversary of the landings.

Both are worth looking at, and of course, you’ll want to spend some time here on the beach as we did, casting your mind back across the decades, and just trying to get a tiny idea of the horrors that were witnessed here.

4. Pointe Du Hoc

Our last stop on our D-Day Landings Day was Pointe Du Hoc. This is a rocky cliff top area, the highest point of land between Utah and Omaha beaches, and during WW2, was a heavily defended German installation and lookout point.

It was thought that the destruction of this stronghold was going to be critical to the success of the D-Day landings, as the six 155mm guns that were believed to be installed here could have wreaked devastation on forces landing at both Omaha and Utah beaches.

To accomplish this mission, a 225 strong force of US Rangers was dispatched in the early hours of June 6th, with the mission of scaling the 100ft cliffs and destroying the 155mm guns.

As it turned out, the guns had all been moved to a nearby orchard to protect them from Allied bombardments, so whilst the rangers did find them and destroy them, the risk was not as great as first thought. The battle for Pointe Du Hoc was also costly, with 70 percent casualties, so even though deemed a success, it was with a brutal loss of life.

Today, Pointe Du Hoc serves as a monument to the Rangers who fought here. Other than the encroachment of nature, the site is not much different today to how it was when the Rangers landed.

Many of the original concrete bunkers, bomb craters and installations are still in place, and you can freely wander the area, and marvel at the challenges that must have faced the men landing here, from the rough seas to the 100ft cliffs to the barbed wire.

There is also a visitor centre, although it had just closed when we arrived. If it is something that interests you though, you can check the opening hours here to be sure that you schedule your day appropriately.

Pointe Du Hoc was the last stop on our tour of the Normandy D-Day beaches. It wasn’t the sort of day that fills you with joy, but I certainly learnt a great deal, and left with a heightened sense of admiration and respect for the many people who gave their lives so Europe and the world could be free.

Now, on to answering some questions you might have, as well as some practicalities.

Where we stayed in Normandy

There are lots of options for accommodation at Mont St. Michel. We found ourselves a little chambre d’hote , which is the French equivalent of a B&B.

This was excellent value, and within walking a half hour’s walk of Mont St. Michel – and more importantly, a ten-minute walk to where I was able to get photos like this:

We actually found that there are lots of these in the Mont St. Michel area, you can see Mont St Michel listings here on booking.com

There were three Chambres D’Hotes near each other, including the one we stayed at , with a price for two people, including breakfast, usually in the region of €70 – €120. Definitely an option worth investigating.

How To Get Around Normandy

Since we took the ferry, we were able to take our own car to France. This was very handy, and definitely meant we got to see everything we wanted to see at our pace.

I’d definitely recommend a car as the best option to get as much in as you can for your trip. If you’re coming from the UK, Brittany Ferries operates to a number of destinations in France, with Cherbourg, St. Malo and Caen likely to be your best options for a trip like the one we did.

If you’re looking to hire a car in France, we recommend searching for your car rental on Discover Cars here . They compare a range of providers so you can find the best deal for your trip.

Tours of Normandy and the D-Day Beaches

If you would rather not have the hassle of planning your car hire or hotels, it’s also possible to visit the D-Day beaches and Mont St. Michel on a guided tour. This will also carry the benefit that you will have someone on hand to explain the significance of what you are seeing.

It is possible to do this as a day trip from Paris, however the day trips will focus on either Mont St. Michel or the D-Day Beaches, as doing both would be challenging in a day from Paris. There are however two day (and longer) tours like this which cover both sights. Here are some options:

• A 1 day tour from Paris of Mont. St Michel , which includes transport and your entry ticket
• A 1 day tour from Paris of the Normandy D-Day landing beaches , which includes transport, museum entry and guide
• A 2-day tour of Normandy, Saint Malo and Mont St Michel from Paris , which includes transport, overnight 4* accommodation, some meals, a guide, and entrance fees. This would be our recommended option from Paris if you have the time as it covers many of the locations in our guide.

There are many more tours to choose from, you can see a selection on Viator here , and GetYourGuide here

These tours all run from Paris as this is the most popular departure point. However, there are also tours from Bayeux in Normandy, which you can reach by a 2.5 hour train from Paris. In this case, we’d suggest booking a 1 day tour of the D-Day beaches, and a 1 day tour of Mont. St Michel. Here are some options:

• A 1 day tour of Mont St. Michel , including transport and guide
• A private 1 day tour of Mont St. Michel , also including transport and guide. This is a similar tour with departure from either Caen or Bayeux.
• A 1 day small group tour of the D-Day beaches , with a particular focus on the beaches used by the American forces.

Getting To Normandy from the UK

As mentioned above, we took the ferry from Portsmouth to St. Malo (and back again!) with Brittany Ferries .

We had a four berth cabin on both crossings, which was particularly handy for the night crossing to France as it meant we could have a good night’s sleep. Each cabin also includes a sink, toilet, and shower so you can arrive feeling refreshed.

The boat was also well equipped, and we enjoyed an excellent dinner on board on our way to France, and a lovely lunch on the day crossing back. In the evening, after our dinner, we went and watched the cabaret show (and partook of the excellent bar!), with Jess having a huge cocktail and me going for a slightly simpler beer option.

Jess also got involved in the magic show (this seems to happen to her a lot!), as a man rather worryingly stuck a sword through her throat. This was a lot of fun, and overall, we’re happy to recommend the Brittany Ferries experience to anyone looking to travel to and from the UK by ferry with a car.

Further Reading for your Visit

We’ve written more about France to help you plan your visit to this lovely country. Here are some resources we think you’ll find useful:

• We have a 2 Day Paris Itinerary as well as a 3 Day Paris Itinerary
• We also have a guide to spending a day in Paris , if you’re on a really tight schedule and just want to focus on the highlights
• Our guide to the Best Photography Locations in Paris
• A full review of the Paris Pass , to help you save money on your visit, as well as a review of the Paris Museum Pass
• A guide to the best afternoon tea in Paris
• A guide to choosing the best Seine Boat River tour
• A guide to recognising and avoiding common Paris scams

And that pretty much wraps up our two days experience in Normandy! Have you ever visited the sights in the article? Have any tips or experiences to share? Let us know about them in the comments below!

So you know, we received complimentary tickets from Brittany Ferries to and from the UK for two people and a car. All other expenses, including meals and drinks on the boat, as well as our accommodation and activities in France, we covered ourselves. As always, you can read our code of ethics to find out how we choose to work with!

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There are 37 comments on this post

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Claire says

24th August 2024 at 9:31 pm

This was an incredibly helpful post. Thank you!

Laurence Norah says

25th August 2024 at 3:13 pm

Glad to be able to help Claire! Have a good time visiting Normandy and do let me know if you have any questions 🙂

Michael Giblin says

11th January 2024 at 5:18 am

Hi Jessica Thanks for the interesting article, especially the links to other information. We plan to go to France in Septembers, spend 6 nights in Paris then take the train to Bayeux rent a car and spend 3 days visiting the Normandy sites then spend 3 nights in Tours visiting the Loire Valley. Then take the train To Paris and head home. Your travel log is really helpful because after reading yours and many travel logs, we realize we can rent a car and do self-guided tours and go at our own pace. My wife speaks French so that will be a big help. Thank you.

13th January 2024 at 2:00 pm

It’s our pleasure Michael, have a wonderful trip to France and do let us know if you have any questions!

Eileen Cowley says

9th September 2023 at 2:08 am

I love all this wonderful and insiteful information about a 2 day Normandy visit. We will visit Mont St. Michel on the 1st day, and the beaches you recommended on the second. Should we stay 2 nights in the hotel close to St. Michel. or check out, visit the beaches and choose another location close to Point de Hoc? Thank you!

10th September 2023 at 3:05 pm

Thanks very much! So I would probably recommend checking out and moving on so you don’t have to drive backwards and forward so much. Of course, it will depend a bit on your overall itinerary, but personally I’d find somewhere closer to where you’ll be visiting on your second day.

Have a lovely time in France, let me know if you have any more questions!

Linda Karol says

16th July 2022 at 8:07 pm

Hello! My so is in the Air Force and was recently involved in the DDay Reinactment. I will go onto your Facebook site and post some of his pictures for you.

21st July 2022 at 7:54 pm

Thank you very much Linda 🙂

26th June 2022 at 8:49 pm

we are staying in Dol De Bretagne for a week ( arriving in st Malo) then driving up to normandy on the Friday so we can see the D Day beaches etc before getting the ferry on the Sunday from Caen back to the UK. we will have 2 days and your itinerary has been big help , where do you think the best place to stay is please ? Caen ? Bayeux , or somewhere else. we need to be at Caen for 7.30 on the Sunday morning for the ferry so don’t want to have to travel too far to get there. we are leaving Dol early fri morning so will have 2 full days . thanks for your help

27th June 2022 at 9:50 am

I think either Caen or Bayeux would work. Caen would obviously be easier for your early morning ferry, so I might opt for that, and it’s not too far to the majority of beaches. There are also lots of accommodation options in Caen as you can see here .

Have a great trip and let me know if you have any more questions!

Nicolas Mata says

14th June 2022 at 2:31 pm

Very educational. By the way, how did you create your own blog?

14th June 2022 at 4:19 pm

Thanks Nicolas! I created it initially back in 2010 using Google’s free Blogger service. Then I migrated to a paid service using WordPress. We actually have a complete guide to starting a blog , which you might find interesting 🙂

Patricia says

6th June 2022 at 5:15 pm

Fantastic comments and beautiful photos. Thank you

6th June 2022 at 5:50 pm

Thanks very much Patricia!

Stuart Robertson says

20th April 2022 at 6:55 pm

As the majority of troops to land on D-Day were British, it’s a shame you visited exclusively American sites. For information, Omaha was not the most heavily defended beach, Sword was.

20th April 2022 at 7:55 pm

Thanks for your comment! As my wife is American and had family members who took part in the landings, those were the beaches we chose to visit as they had the most personal connection to us. My grandfather was British, but I believe his war was primarily in Italy. Of course we are grateful for all their service, but don’t feel they would think any the less of us for which beach we visited. Hopefully we will be able to return soon and see more of the landing locations.

In terms of Omaha vs Sword, do you have a citation for that? The Imperial War Museum website here state that Omaha was the most heavily defended of the beaches, but I would add I am happy to change the information if there’s a more authoritative source.

Thanks again for your comment!

Linda Hyers says

4th March 2020 at 9:43 pm

We are going to Paris mid July and want to go to Normandy & St Michel. Looks like most of the tours leave on Thurs. we need to tour on Tues-Friday. Any ideas?

5th March 2020 at 2:05 pm

Hmm, that is a bit of a conundrum. I have a few options for you, depending on your budget.

First, there are a number of private tours you can take, where the day is less relevant. However, these are definitely more pricey. There are quite a few options listed on Viator, such as this one .

You might also try reaching out to Context Travel who do custom private tours of Normandy here . You get a 10% discount with our link too.

If the above options are out of budget, I have another idea.

You could take a 1 day tour of the Normandy Beach locations, like this one .

The advantage of the above tour is that is actually starts in Caen train station, not Paris, so you are not paying for a return trip to Paris as part of the tour. Instead, you would need to book your own train ticket to Caen. The fastest train takes around 2h – 2h30, so if you get an early train you can be in Caen by 9am.

You would then take the full day tour of the D-Day beaches and sights, which are harder to see without a tour or if you don’t have your own transport. You can then overnight in Caen, or head on to Mont St. Michel.

There’s a direct bus from Caen to Mont St. Michel, which takes around 3 hours. You can book this online. You can then spend the day exploring Mont St. Michel before heading back to Paris.

I appreciate this would be a bit more work on your end, but it would be much more cost effective than a private tour, and you would only need to book your train / coach tickets. You can book both of those in advance here .

Let me know if you need any further advice, I’m happy to help!

22nd February 2020 at 2:47 pm

Hi !!! Love the way you write and off course your photografy! My soon to be 15 year old son wants a trip to the D day beaches. We will be in London for 6 days then Paris for two days then we plan to be in Normandy for two days and we want to make sure we see Mt St Michel and the D day beaches! (Great suggestions from you on the aviator tours for 1 day only on those- we most probably book that) Is any way we can go from there back to London (to depart to the US) with out going back to Paris? Somebody suggested the ferry but then is there a train to London ? We obviously won’t have a car.

22nd February 2020 at 2:54 pm

Thanks very much Maria!

So yes, you can definitely take a ferry from Normandy or Brittany to the UK. Ferries depart from Caen, Cherbourg, Le Havre or Saint Malo and go to Portsmouth, and then it’s easy to take a train from Portsmouth directly to London, it takes around 2 hours. There’s also plenty to see in Portsmouth!

A couple of guides you might find useful:

This guide to getting from Paris to London, which actually has ferry information for all the major ports you should find helpful: https://independenttravelcats.com/how-to-get-from-london-to-paris/

This guide to things to do in Portsmouth: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/things-to-do-in-portsmouth-uk/

Let me know if I can help any more, and have a great trip!

Kristi says

12th February 2020 at 1:07 am

This info is fantastic. We’re planning a trip in June from London into Paris, then Normandy. Frankly, Normandy is to be our highlight, as its my husband’s 50th and its a bucket list item. We are taking our three kids (8,12, 14) and all love history. I’m doing my homework and came across your site. Thank you for this info. I’m still trying to figure out the best way to see both MSM and the American beaches/cemetery/museum. should we have a hub in Caen? We do want to take our time in the Normandy region and not be too rushed. Thank you!!

12th February 2020 at 1:35 pm

Thanks very much! I would definitely recommend having a base somewhere so you can have at least two days to explore. You’ll need at least a full day for the D-Day sites, and at least half a day for MSM. We based ourselves near MSM, but that was purely because I love photography, so I wanted to be within walking distance of the Mount at sunset and sunrise! Caen would make a great base for both, easy for the beaches and other D-Day sites, and within easy driving distance of MSM. It’s also accessible by direct train from Paris in 2 hours, which is going to be the fastest way to get there, and then you can hire a car in Caen.

Let me know if you have any more questions, I hope you have a wonderful trip and happy birthday to your husband 😀

Michelle says

21st October 2019 at 9:49 pm

We are traveling from Paris to Rennes by train. Renting a car and driving to Mont St Michel. I would love to see Dinan but it may possibly be to far “out of the way” and I don’t want to rush MSM but a few hours should be plenty there…? I would like to stay somewhere near MSM for one night. Then the next morning drive to Bayeux and DDay beaches staying in Caen to return car and hop on the train back to Paris. Any suggestions of towns to visit or see along the route from MSM to Bayeux? Also any suggestions of towns to stay in near MSM.

25th October 2019 at 4:51 pm

Hi Michelle!

Sorry for the slow response! We’ve been moving house, which has been a bit time consuming, and left us without internet for a while.

Anyway, you are correct, a few hours at Mont St Michel would be more than enough. It’s around an hour from Mont St. Michel to Dinan, so that would be theoretically doable in the same day.

From MSM to Bayeux is only 1h 38 minutes. So I would suggest just heading up that way and straight to the coast and the beaches, which run for a fair distance along the coast north of Bayeux.

For accommodation near MSM, well, you can either stay on the Mont itself, or one of the nearby villages. If you look at the map on this page , you should get an idea of nearby accommodation options 🙂

Have a great trip!

Susan Haydon says

29th May 2019 at 7:42 am

Hi Laurence,

We are off to Normandy this coming weekend. Do you have an approximate cost of entry fees to museums etc. or can you point me in the right direction to find these? Also, I would love to print this article to take with us. Is there a way to print it without all the ads?

Thank you to you and Jess for the excellent coverage of this wonderful location.

29th May 2019 at 10:59 am

So we don’t have a print feature like that – the best option would be to temporarily install an ad blocking extension I think. Alternatively you could copy the text into a word document and delete the ads / images.

For the museums, the prices are quite well hidden, if you can even find the website 😉 They vary, but i would estimate between €8 and €12 euros on average. For example, here are the Utah Museum prices: https://www.utah-beach.com/information/?lang=en

Have a wonderful trip, do let us know how you get on 🙂

29th May 2019 at 12:48 pm

Many thank, will do ????

17th October 2019 at 6:42 pm

I hope you had a great trip. This is too late for your Normandy trip, but in case you use our site in the future, I just wanted to let you know that we finally figured out how to implement a print feature, so you can now print ad and image free versions of all our pages from the print button on the site.

stephane yao says

29th April 2019 at 3:49 am

Hi Laurence, we plan to take on 1 day trip from the mont st michelle to the destination deauville. During this day, is it possible to follow your 3 landing location in 1 day by a rented car?

sincerly Stéphane

30th April 2019 at 5:41 pm

Hi Stéphane,

This is definitely possible as Jess and I did exactly this 🙂 So you shouldn’t have any problems,

8th April 2019 at 11:34 am

Hi there im heading to st.malo at the end of this month with hubbie is there a tour bus r train that culd take us to utah beach and the ww11 memorial that u mentioned thankyou

8th April 2019 at 11:43 am

It’s around a 2.5 hour drive to the D-Day beaches from St. Malo, so most tour companies instead operate from nearer locations like Cherbourg. From St. Malo, most tours are focused instead on Mont St. Michel. So the best option is likely to rent a car and drive yourself as I have not been able to find a tour from St. Malo. It is of course possible that they exist, but you might have to contact the local tourism office in St. Malo for information.

8th April 2019 at 12:03 pm

Thankyou Laurence

betseysheprow says

2nd February 2019 at 7:54 pm

is it possible to get a group guided tour of normandy and is it worth it?

3rd February 2019 at 11:49 am

It is certainly possible, here are two options, this one from Caen, and this one from Paris .

We have never done a tour like this so I can’t comment if it is worth it, but the reviews are positive, and we think that having a guide to help walk you through some of the history can only be a good thing 🙂

Have a great trip

20th April 2022 at 7:13 pm

Do bear in mind its a 9 hour round trip drive from central Paris to Utah Beach. A day trip from Paris is doable but it’s much better to get an early train from St Laxare to Carentan (depart 7am & 2.5 hrs) and then get a tour commencing there (look up Allan Bryson – a great guide).

20th April 2022 at 7:57 pm

This is absolutely true. We definitely feel the train is a better option and ideally folks should spend at least one night as well in the area if possible, if not more!

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D-Day Tours. The Normandy invasion brought to life. 

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The best D-Day tour guides, the best locations, the most detail. We cover the ground but you’ll never feel rushed, hurried or short changed. Bringing history to life.

BATTLE OF NORMANDY TOURS

Battles raged through Normandy until Sept. 1944. We go beyond the beaches and show you the locations of the key engagements in the campaign to push further into France, away from the landing beaches..

D-DAY TOURS ON FACEBOOK

Find more on facebook. More pictures, more updates, more info from Malcolm and Alison.

GUARANTEED QUALITY TOURS

Quality, value for money and total customer satisfaction are at the centre of everything we do.

Read some TripAdvisor reviews from past clients. We work hard to make sure every tour is successful and we’re proud of all these great reviews and of our Certificate of Excellence.

D-DAY CEMETERY TOURS

Pay tribute to fallen heroes in the moving atmosphere of the D-Day cemeteries

I just thought I would drop you a little note to thank Malcolm for the fabulous day we had with him on Saturday, the one day tour he took us on was perfect in every way and his enthusiasm for the subject is portrayed in the way he delivers the lectures/talks at the various locations he took us to, we ended up feeling that we were actually there on D Day so much is his passion for the subject, bearing in mind he has most probably delivered the same talks numerous times, but you could not tell. The numerous locations he took us to where perfect and I know we would never have found most of them and as such we would have missed some important locations/events that happened in the areas on D day. I would like to thank yourself for the lovely picnic lunches that you provided, they were just the right amount of food and a perfect mix of foods, and the location Malcolm took us to have our food was excellent. So I would like to thank you both for making the day absolutely perfect in every way and it totally exceeded our expectations.

Engrossing, informative, and intimate D-Day tour with a true expert on the subject! If you are looking for an engrossing, informative, and intimate D-Day tour that you will remember for years to come, look no further. Working out scheduling and meeting arrangements with Allison and Malcom was a breeze. When the day came, it was everything my partner and I could have wanted in an eight-hour tour. Malcolm’s understanding of the scope of the Day of Days (and the days beyond), is astonishing, and he is able to present his knowledge in a way that is wholly digestible and easy to understand. He expertly relays the macro and the micro of the European Theater of War through interweaving facts, statistics, and data, with amazing personal stories of individual persons or groups. This gave my partner and I an appreciation of both the broader global consequences of WWII, as well as the most important side – the war at the human level. Malcolm’s tours are a gem, and I would happily go back to schedule a week long sojourn with Malcolm across Normandy. If you are looking for a fantastic Normandy tour, this is it. He was even nice enough to stop at a local store so my partner and I could grab more power outlet adapters! Thanks for the lovely day, Malcolm!

It’s barely a week since we returned home to the states from a wonderfully memorable trip, of which you and Malcolm were such a big part. I think that by now, Malcolm might have mentioned to you what I had revealed to him in the last few moments of our tour – I am a Private Tour Guide in New York. Of course I did not want to reveal that info prior to or during our tour with Malcolm, because I knew it could make a fellow guide just a wee bit uncomfortable about being judged. Malcolm was a masterful tour guide and mad our tour of the D-Day Beaches and the Normandy area so much more remarkable, revealing, but most importantly – moving. The best tour guides, have a real knack for relating stories that bring history alive and Malcolm has the passion and the interest in the subject that make the D-day experience with him something very special. …I wanted to thank you for being so accommodating at the last minute (twice)… Thanks for offering to put us up at your property and then eventually changing our private tour date that allowed us to catch a ride to Mont St. Michel. Also, your lunch box you prepared for our tour day was delicious – in particular the ham and cheese baguette, and the wonderful homemade apple cake dessert – loved it. Good job ! Malcolm, like me, has found later in life, what he is truly built to do – relate incredibly important history that changed the world (in a very positive way) and show where it all happened.

Absolutely mezmerizing! From first contact to after the trip concluded Malcolm and his wife Allison treated us like family. Arriving in Bayeaux and seeing massive tour buses and large vans loading dozens of tourists it was refreshing seeing Malcolm standing alone and escorting us to his SUV. He prepares a folder for each tour and provides visual aides to reproduce the soldiers first hand accounts. Books and Hollywood do nothing to bring out the TRUTH and personal visceral feelings one encounters as you step in the footsteps of history. See and feel the bombed out bunkers, craters and turn off your phone/camera, place yourself upon those sites and just close your eyes. Malcolm is not just a guide but a story teller. He is so passionate about this subject. We talked the entire time. He took the time for personal interaction with both my 30 yo and 16 yo son along with my wife and myself. No one felt excluded. Halfway through the tours, his wife Allison provided a nice homemade picnic (optional and recommended) included sandwiches, quiche, fruit, wine and waters in a nice farming area away from the tour groups. Luckily we arrived with very low crowds and never saw more than 10-20 people at any of the sites. He truly is private and allows you to customize the tour, but follow his recommendations. You won’t be disappointed. If you want to see gift shops, this isn’t the guy for you! We just got home to the US and I can not stop watching war documentaries. I feel I have a much better understanding and can honestly say, “Hey, I saw that”! Thank you Malcolm and Allison.

Came to France to do the Normandy tour. Learned more from Malcolm in two days than I did in ten years at school. The accommodation was excellent and we recommend the old railway cycling track as an outdoor activity. We were privileged to avail of Alison’s cooking – and it is to be highly recommended. Both Alison and Malcolm were the perfect hosts and we can’t forget little Archie & Hendley (the dog and cat!).

Thank you so much for the excellent 2 day tour. It was a great experience. I had expected to see bunkers, guns, tanks, and so forth, as we did. But I had no idea that we would be treated to the many anecdotes and stories you tell so well, like that of the extraordinary bravery and skill of the glider pilots that made it possible to seize Pegasus Bridge. Or the stories of John Steele at Sainte-Mere-Eglise, of Lt. Richard Winters and Easy Company at Brecourt, of Lt. Col. Robert Cole, and others. Your extensive knowledge of the heroic exploits of the men that made D-Day a success is remarkable. That fund of knowledge combined with your passion to tell their stories made for extraordinary experience for Matt and for me, an experience that surpassed even our greatest expectations. So thank you. And a hearty thank you to Alison too for the delightful lunches. I feel very fortunate to have had you as a guide and would recommend you to anyone who wants to understand the events of D-Day.

Thank you for such an incredible day. This was the part of our trip that we were looking forward to the most, and it turned out to be the absolute highlight of our entire week. We truly felt like we were in a graduate level history course going to the various battlefield sights, churches, monuments, and beach landing sites with you. Having the opportunity to learn more about our great-uncle’s experience once he was dropped behind enemy lines was truly incredible, and it was absolutely awe-inspiring to visit the American cemetery where he is buried. The personal touch that you and Alison, with her fantastic picnic lunch, added to our day was so unique. We’re looking forward to sharing our experience with the rest of our family, especially our grandfather.

In Sept. 2014 my husband and I spent three wonderful days staying with the Cloughs and touring the Normandy Battlefields. The cottage, the meals, the extensive tour – all were wonderful ! Malcolm has such an extensive knowledge of the war and presents it in a professional, knowledgable, entertaining manner. We saw so many sites that wouldn’t be included on shorter tours. This was a Christmas gift to my husband and I thought I might be bored touring so many war sites, this was never the case. Malcolm’s wife, Alison, provided delicious breakfasts every morning, lovely lunches to be eaten while on the tour, and grand dinners. We ate in their dining room and they made us feel like old friends rather than guests. The cottage we had was spotless and decorated with care, plus, after Malcolm picked us up at the airport Alison had a basket with bread, cheese and other treats waiting for us. We have traveled to many places and this tour and the wonderful accommodations/meals are at the top of our list of 5-Star experiences.

What a wonderful day we had with you! Your knowledge was incredible and your enthusiasm was contagious. And your willingness to go at our pace displayed a level of customer service from which others could well learn. We all agreed that the day was extremely informative and enjoyable, and that we would gladly do it again with you as our guide. As Glenna (aka Grandma) said yesterday as we were re-living our day with you, “anyone who is doing a D-Day tour needs to use Malcolm”. I don’t think there is any higher praise than from an 89-yr old woman whose husband served in the war and who lived it herself. Thanks you so very much for you knowledge, enthusiasm and kindness. If you and your wife ever come to the States and decide to pass through St. Louis, Missouri, we would be happy to host you. Best wishes in your endeavors and thanks again!

Although we were pretty ignorant about the D-Day Invasion and had no personal connection to that part of WW2, it was a subject that interested us. So we did a detour from Cape Town, South Africa, via Normandy en route to see our family. We spent three nights with Alison and Malcolm Clough in their lovely home in the country and Malcolm was our personal guide for 2 full days. Malcolm’s incredible knowledge of the Invasion and his passion for the subject brought history alive for us. We stood at inland battle sites, had the drama of capturing bridges played out, visited all five beaches heard amazing stories of heroes – some of whom survived and some of whom sadly died in active service during the Invasion. At the end of each day we visited a war cemetery which was emotional and very sobering. Our days were long but relaxed and totally absorbing. Alison provided a delicious picnic each day and Malcolm always found the perfect place to enjoy it. We found this so much nicer that sitting in a restaurant and ‘wasting time’. There was so much to hear and see. I “found” Malcolm on the website and we reckon we hit Number One. Thank you Malcolm for imparting your knowledge in such a relaxed manner and so patiently. We were enthralled and give you a 5 Star rating. Alison, thank for our lovely studio accommodation, all the goodies in the fridge and your delicious meals. We loved it all and felt very much at home with you.

Of all the things we saw and did during our adventures, two stand out. One was kayaking in the Shetlands and the other was the time we spent with you in Normandy. I looked forward to every day we were in your care, and you two and Peter did a marvelous job. The accommodations were first class, the food was great, and most of all your companionship was the key to a truly wonderful experience. Such good care you took with us to insure we had a good time. Malcolm meeting us at the ferry. Alison’s cooking. Peter being Peter. What fun we had! I couldn’t help but feel, as I looked at the other tour groups being herded along, that no one was getting the quality experience that we were having. Malcolm and Peter’s knowledge of the events and locations was superb (I like to think I know a little about them myself), and brought to life so vividly with their narrative and stories that it stirred up emotions and feelings that surprised me with their intensity. And how many of those other people got to retire to such a nice bit of France, and have dinner and conversation with their hosts in their home at the end of the day, and even get to see their wedding pictures? You made us feel special, but I suppose you make everyone that crosses your threshold feel that way. To get to walk along the beaches, stand on the bluffs, walk through the shell craters and look down from the cliffs at Pointe du Hoc! I will never forget my moments at the American Cemetery. We thank you so much!

“My wife and I have been stationed in Europe with the United States Army for the past three years, and we recently took a vacation to visit Paris and the Normandy Coast. We planned for a single day to visit Normandy and scheduled a tour with D-Day Tours of Normandy, which is owned and operated by Malcolm Clough. Malcolm was waiting for us at the train station and immediately after showing us to his SUV, the tour began. He was more than willing to modify our trip based on our timeline and interests, and his extreme knowledge and personal excitement regarding all aspects of the D-Day invasion made the trip so much more fulfilling for my wife and I. Malcolm was able to take us to every major site on each of the battlefields, to include the American cemetery, all the while supplementing the experience with his extensive historical knowledge. The tour lasted the entire day and included a lunch packed and prepared by his wife Alison, who operates their catering and B&B business. I highly recommend Malcolm and his tours, he was extremely helpful and willing to work with us based on our schedule. He was a fantastic guide, and the only person I would hire to take my family and friends to the D-Day battlefields.”

‘Thanks so much for the fantastic day. Your tour of the D-Day sights was the highlight of trip for my aunt and I. Your narrative at Omaha beach made D-Day tangible for me. The tour you gave us of the American cemetery was poignant. The visit to Pont du Hoc was spectacular. We truly appreciate the bespoke approach you took with us- accommodating all of our requests, adjusting on the fly, and giving us a full day that we will always remember and treasure’… Kate Downes, Phoenix, Arizona, USA. “Our tour … had a definite impact on each of us. We appreciated your style, and the personal nature of the tour. I think when you told us that we were taking the same steps as the soldiers, it really made us think. Also, that the entire world might be a very different place if not for the brave soldiers on D-Day. …Thanks again, you were an important part of our holiday this year”

Stephanie and I are finally back from our French trip and write to express our profound appreciation for your company/services last week. Not only did you enlighten us as to the events on the D Day beaches and beyond, but you made us feel we were touring with a kindred spirit. We have much more of an understanding for the role Steph’s father played in the war, which whilst emotional, especially for Steph, only increases our pride of him – especially having seen the exact places where he fought and some of his friends fell. It was frighteningly easy to picture him defending the troops with his machine gun in the various woods, fields and ridges on our trip. This was his story. Having now visited Normandy and the battlegrounds, I can understand why he chose not to tell it. But it was important to Steph and I that it was told, and that his children and grandchildren know what he did. You bought that story to life for us with both facts and understanding, and we thank you. … It looked like it was a great deal of work for you, but rest assured every second of it was absorbed by us with great gratitude….

Malcolm and Alison provide an unparalleled experience for a visit to the beaches. His depth of knowledge is extremely impressive. Alison’s culinary skills will cause you to want to return solely for her delicacies. If a competitor offered a free guiding service I would turn them down, and still pay for another visit with Malcolm and Alison.

I’ve been on a number of battlefield tours over the years but none have been as informative or as interesting as yours. It was truly a memorable day and the highlight of my holiday. Your flexibility in accommodating the changing itinerary meant I came away feeling as though I had seen the key sites. You really made the whole experience come alive with your stories and expert knowledge.

Contact Malcolm or Alison today. We look forward to hearing from you.  .fusion-button.button-1 {border-radius:2px;} Click here to email

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NORMANDY D-DAY CUSTOMIZED TOUR

Quick details.

• Hour Glass Duration: 9-12 hours (including transportation)
• Checkmark Group type: Private tour

Private Group

Up to 8 people, from le havre, from bayeux, customize your private excursion to the normandy.

Create your own experience: the landing beaches, American cemetery, Overlord Museum, the artificial harbor, German guns battery… The choice is yours!

As a customized excursion, select your schedule, with 3, 4 or 5 sites to discover.

Our suggested D-Day Landing sites are:

Pointe du Hoc: One of the must-see attractions on Normandy landing beaches. Hoc Point is a 30-meter high cliff. The strategic point of the Atlantic Wall, the site of Pointe du Hoc was stormed on the morning of June 6, D-Day, by the Rangers Colonel Rudder. During your visit, you can discover what was a battery of artillery with its position of shooting direction, its case-mates and its shelters.

American Cemetery: Unmissable during your visit, it’s homes to the graves of 9,387 fallen soldiers, the chapel, the memorial and the garden of the disappeared. A great moment of emotion.

Overlord Museum: A unique exhibition of more than 10,000 pieces including 35 tanks, guns and artillery pieces of the Battle. Relive the landing step by step at the heart of a staging and life-size reconstructions.

Arromanches Artificial Harbour: Mulberry Port is an artificial port set up on the Arromanches beach. Its objective was to bring necessary provisions to Allied troops to see the Battle of Normandy through to the end.

Longues Sur Mer – German gun battery: This German Coastal Defense Battery includes a fire command post and four case-mates, each housing their original 150 mm guns.

Landing beaches: On the morning of June 6, 1944, Allied forces landed on five different beaches.

• Omaha Beach: Omaha Beach is 5 miles long. The weather conditions and the force of the water currents made the operation particularly dangerous. This American landing was particularly bloody, which is why it bears the nickname “Bloody Omaha”.
• Utah Beach: The objective of this zone beach was to gain control over the Port of Cherbourg.
• Juno Beach: One of the most fortified beaches, Canadian and British infantrymen landed here.
• Gold Beach: A great victory for the British troops who landed here late because of the tide.
• Sword Beach: The only D-Day beach where French troops landed with 300,000 British soldiers.

Sainte Mère l’Eglise: One of the first missions of the American paratroopers. During his descent, soldier John Marvin Steele was shot in the foot and got his parachute lines fouled in the church steeple for two long hours.

Local Product Tasting: Discover the local specialties with an authentic tasting. Apples, cider, and calvados from the orchard to the glass. Discover how Calvados is produced.

Other suggestions: Canadian Cemetery, Pegasus Bridge, Ardennes Anney, German Cemetery…

• Chevron down Highlights
• Customize your private excursion.
• Create your own experience to the Normandy landing sites with our expert guide.
• Feel a special emotion during the visit to the American Cemetery.
• Discover the exceptional remains of a German battery.
• Follow in the footsteps of the Allies in Normandy.
• Chevron down Inclusions
• Customized excursion
• Private guided day trip
• Licensed professional driver/guide
• Skip-the-line & priority admission tickets
• Hotel pick-up & drop-off
• Transport by luxury A/C minibus
• Chevron down Conditions
• Please bring a photo ID. Passengers of all ages are accepted in the tour, but at least one adult of age 18+ is required per reservation.
• During transportation, children below the age of 10 must be seated in a child chair by French law.

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France – Best of Normandy Hiking Tour

• 7 Nights / 8 Days
• Difficulty: Fit 3 out of 5
• Self Guided Hiking Tour

• 11-21 km/Day

Normandy Hiking Tour Self-Guided : Discover coastal paths and countryside walks that take you past some of Normandy’s most well-known sites and towns. Normandy is the birthplace of Impressionism, the artistic movement inspired by Claude Monet, who created many of his works of art in Honfleur and other sites in Normandy. Honfleur and its port will leave you impressed and perhaps inspired to paint or draw along the route. Experience the interior lands where apples are grown for cidre and the famous Norman whiskey – Calvados. Finish on the landing beaches of WWII, and feel the immensity of the landing that was the beginning of the end of Nazi Germany in France. Visit the sites between Arromanches and Colleville sur Mer, the site of the somber and beautiful American Cemetery. Back in Bayeux, stroll the old streets, visit the cathedral, and take time to view the famous Bayeux Tapestry, which depicts earlier battles of the Norman’s conquests in England. Hiking through Normandy offers incredible coastal views over impressive cliffs, giving you an authentic sense of the ‘savage beauty’ of this land, as well as the determination of the troops that landed here!

Arrival & Departure Locations

Arrival city is Trouville, which is easily accessible by train from Paris St Lazare (2 hours.) Tour finishes in Bayeux, which also offers trains back to Paris. 

Price Includes

• 7 nights of very charming, deluxe lodging 
• Daily breakfast at the lodging
• Private Luggage transfer between hotels
• Private Welcome orientation and tour introduction
• Private transfer on Day 5
• Detailed Tour Book including details maps, touristic information, a step-by-step itinerary, and cue sheets
• Pre-tour travel information and all necessary details to prepare for your trip
• Emergency local telephone support during the tour
• GPX files to use on your device, available prior to travel if requested

Not Included: 

• Admissions and entrance fees
• Travel Insurance (required)
• Tourist tax of 1€ to 3€ per person per night, payable upon checkout

Included Deluxe Hotels: 

• Trouville: Hostellerie du Vallon **** (2 nights)
• Honfleur: Le Maisons de Léa ****  (2 nights)
• Port-en-Bessin: Mercure **** (2 nights)
• Bayeux: Le Lion d’ Or *** (1 night)

Note: City taxes are not included and need to be paid in cash at the hotels. Superior rooms requested, subject to availability. There is the option to upgrade to 5-star hotels in Trouville (Hôtel Le Normandy) and Bayeux (Villa Lara.) Please inquire at the time of booking.

Optional Add-Ons

• Extra Nights in Paris - ask us for special rates!
• Travel Insurance is Required

Guides & Local Support

Tour Highlights

• Hiking the beautiful Landing Beaches of WWII
• Coastal landscapes, farms, and charming half-timbered Medieval villages
• Art galleries, churches, and museum visits 
• Delicious culinary specialties of the region: camembert, calvados, cider

Need to Know:  

• For parties of less than 4, this trip must start on Saturday or Monday. Other start days are possible with a supplement.
• The terrain is rolling meadows and coastline, with some hilly cliff-sides, and wet weather or coastal winds can happen in a short duration.
• Weather changes rapidly; experienced hikers come prepared with rain jackets and hike in both dry, wet, sunny, warm, and cool conditions!
• Bookings around June 6th dates are hard to book because of D-Day celebrations, and access to sites may be limited due to media coverage. These dates are not recommended.
• Travel Insurance is required on all Pure Adventures tours.
• General Country Information

Day 1 Arrive to Trouville

Today is your arrival day, making your way to a charming hotel in Trouville. You can easily take the train from Paris, or you may prefer to make your own arrangements with a private transfer. Tomorrow, get ready to lace up your hiking shoes and set out to explore beautiful Normandy!

Overnight: Trouville

Day 2 Deauville/Trouville Loop: 9 km / 6 mi

Today’s route consists of a walking loop, and you can do as much or as little as you like. Trouville and Deauville have so much to offer and are just separated by the Touques River. Trouville, an old fishing village, still has a strong fishing culture and also, a lively atmosphere in the evening with lots of restaurants. Deauville is a very famous beach resort built in the middle of the 19th Century by a wealthy Parisian industrialist. It was he who brought the first train route connecting Paris and the Normandy Coast. You are sure to enjoy exploring here, strolling along the well-known boardwalk. There is so much to see: two horse race courses, polo grounds, hundreds of stunning villas, the beautiful 4 km long beach, the occasional celebrity sighting, and more!

Meals: breakfast Distance: 9 km / 6 mi, +57 / -59m Overnight: Trouville

Day 3 Trouville to Honfleur: 18 km / 11 mi or shorter

Today’s walk taking you North-West towards the Seine Estuary, passing through the coastal villages of Villerville and Criqueboeuf. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere as you hike past numerous orchards, gardens, and typical French Norman houses, all while having the Seine river estuary and the city of le Havre accmpanying you for the majority of the route. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to do a visit and tasting at a local distillery in the village of Pennedepie (cider, apple brandy, etc.) If you want to walk less, our local representative can pick you up in the morning at your hotel and drop you either in Villerville or Criqueboeuf.

Meals: breakfast Distance: 11 km / 8 mi or 18 km / 11 mi, +362 / -372m Overnight: Honfleur

Day 4 Honfleur Loop Hike: 19 km / 12 mi

This day presents you with two options! You can either spend a “rest” day, taking some time to visit Honfleur. This medieval town has preserved its artistic and maritime heritage. Be sure to visit the picture-perfect old harbour, Ste Catherine church, art galleries, the impressionist museum, and many nice restaurants. From that rich past, almost everything is preserved, including the bell-tower, 500 year old buildings, and cobblestone streets. It is a real treasure!

If you prefer to do some more hiking today, you can do a 19 km loop. Starting in the old harbour, hike up to the Notre dâme de Grace’s chapel, pass through some lovely countryside, the Bois du breuil, and have the opportunity for a calvados or cider tasting in the Apreval. The tasting opportunity is located in Pennedepie, and we highly recommend making a stop here! Then, continue on through nice trails that return you back to Honfleur.

Meals: breakfast Distance: 19 km / 12 mi, +253 / -257m Overnight: Honfleur

Day 5 Honfleur to Gold Beach / Port en Bessin: 14km / 8.5 mi

After breakfast you can pack up to move to your next location on the famous landing beaches of D-Day. A one hour private transfer takes you to the start of the walk at Gold beach with the best view from the cliff over the artificial harbor of Arromanches (Mulberry port) . Further west is the the German Battery of Longues-sur-mer. A few more kilometers and you get to the fishing harbor of Port-en-Bessin.

Meals: breakfast Distance: 14 km / 8.5 mi +138 / -175m Overnight: Port en Bessin

Day 6 Port en Bessin Loop Hike: 12 or 25 km / one way or roundtrip

Today’s loop allows you to visit the American cemetery at Coleville sur Mer where you will want to leave some time to visit. A long day overall if you do the full round trip, you can arrange a taxi to return you 1 way back or to the cemetery. The entire loop is 25 km.

Meals: breakfast Distance: 25 km / 16 mi or 12 km / 7.5 mi, +268 / -269m (long route) Overnight: Port en Bessin

Day 7 Port en Bessin to Bayeux: 18 km / 11 mi

You leave the coast, and come to the little Aure Valley. From there you walk south to Tour-en-Bessin where you will see some stunning old granite manors & farm houses showing you this prosperous part of Normandy. You eventually walk westward through the village of Barbeville before arriving to the former allies headquarter through the commonwealth war memorial. The great cathedral will be your land mark to find your hotel right in the center of the extremely well preserved city of Bayeux. We also recommend the visit of the famous tapestry relating the Battle of Hasting – the Bayeux Tapestry. It is an unbelievable piece of art and you will want to allow 50 minutes for this visit.

Meals: breakfast Distance: 18 km / 11 mi, +152 / -107m Overnight: Bayeux

Day 8 Departure Day

Your tour ends today, after breakfast. To depart, you can take a direct train to Paris: 2hr 10min. Please let us know in advance if you would like to book additional nights in the area, or if you would like to add on another Pure Adventures tour!

Meals: breakfast

Dates & Rates

Dates: For parties of less than 4, this trip must start on any Saturday or Monday. Other start days are possible with a supplement. D-Day (June 6) and adjacent dates impact hotel availability; please plan well in advance.

2024 Tour Rates: (based on double occupancy)

• 2 persons: 2013 euros/person
• 4 persons: 1945 euros/person
• Single Supplement: 389 Euros/person (applies when 2 or more traveling but in separate single-use rooms)
• Solo Supplement: ask us for rates
• Start days are Saturday or Monday. To start any other day with less than 4 participants a supplement of 88 euros/person applies.
• New! Travel Insurance is now required to participate in this tour. You can book through our preferred vendors or your own. Proof of coverage will be required.

Make it Custom : Do you like this tour but want to make it different? Tell us your wishes & we will quote it!

Booking Terms:   In addition to our posted cancel Terms and Conditions , our local vendors on this trip have the following:  35 euros change fee for any modification after confirmation, 10% of total trip cost is non-refundable from time of confirmation, 20% of total non-refundable at 60 days to 30 days; then as much as 100% non-refundable at 15 days prior to travel. 

Our trip was great and the weather was really good!!! It was very moving to see the D-Day beaches and the American and British Cemeteries. We added on a side trip to Mont St. Michel and St. Malo at the end of the trip. Those were both quite impressive. Highly recommend this tour program!

We had a fabulous trip. Our guide was outstanding. SiSi was very well informed on the area and knew great restaurants for us to go to eat. She was very accommodating and made reservations for our group of 15 and made sure we had tables together. I became ill half way through the trip and had to finish the trip in the support van. Sisi took me to a doctor and a pharmacy for medicines. Thank goodness we had the support van. The countryside was gorgeous and the hotels were nice. A very memorable trip. Loved staying at Le Grand Hard. Jo was wonderful and made us all feel at home.

This was a great trip. Our support, CiCi, was just fabulous. The accommodations were perfect and the recommendations for meals as well. They did a great job in allowing us to enjoy the trip but not be overburdened with activities and a tight schedule.

A World War II historic guide to discover the D-Day Landing Beaches in Normandy

Travel normandy guide françois gauthron offers tours of the normandy landing beaches, world war ii battlefield. come and discover the most famous part of normandy where took place the landing and the battle of normandy in june 1944 to liberate france and europe. you will be escorted by a qualified bilingual guide who will show you round the major sites of the beaches. visit the highlights of world war ii sites in normandy with an expert license guide, first the most important sites of the landing beaches., cool d-day american tour from paris.

• 5 D-Day Beaches Highlights from Paris

American Landing Sectors Highlights 1 Day

• British and Canadian Highlights 1 Day
• 5 D-Day Beaches Highlights 2 Days

American Landing Sectors 2 Days

American airborne battleground in normandy 2 days.

• British Landing Sectors 2 Days
• Canadian Battleground 2 Days
• Customized Tours
• The Loire Valley
• A Taste of Brittany
• Canadian Battlefields in Europe

Normandy Travel

Travel in normandy with francois gauthron, d-day tours on landing beaches - world war ii battlefield tours in normandy.

• All the Tours
• The Books on line
• Practical details

D-Day Tours: the American Sectors

D-day tours on utah beach, omaha beach and airborne battleground.

4 hours tour

9 hours tour

18 hours tour

Utah Beach, major sites of the american D-Day tours

The Church. The parachute and John Steele mannequin.

Sainte-Mère-Église

One of the most disastrous drops (in a night filled with disasters) occurred in Sainte-Mère-Église. Around midnight, a stray incendiary bomb had set fire to the house of Monsieur Harion, located to the east of the square.

Wakened by the mayor and the tolling of the church bell, the townspeople turned out in large numbers to form a bucket brigade supervised by members of the German garrison. (The hand pump used that night still sits on the east side of the square.) While the house continued to burn, the drone of planes could be heard over the tolling bell. The fire-fighters, looking skyward, saw ghostly silhouettes drifting down on them. Two sticks from the 1st and 2d battalions had gotten their green jump light directly over the village. Illuminated by light from the burning house and tracers from German AA guns, the paratroopers were easy targets for the Germans below. Few survived.

One who did was Private John Steele, whose parachute caught on the steeple of the church in front of you. The wounded paratrooper hung there limply for two hours, pretending to be dead, before the Germans took him prisoner.

The less fortunate hung from the trees all around the square where they had been shot. Once the fire in Monsieur Harion's house had burned itself out and the last of the paratroopers were killed or captured, the German garrison (a transportation company) quite inexplicably called it an evening and turned in.

A mile northeast of Sainte-Mère-Église, Lieutenant Colonel Edward Krause, commanding the 3d Battalion, assembled ninety men within an hour of landing and promptly ordered an advance on the village. Around dawn, the German garrison was again turned out, this time by the rattle of small-arms fire. Krause's men cleared the village in a rush, capturing thirty Germans and killing another eleven. With Sainte-Mère-Église in American hands, Krause ran a worn American flag to the top of the village flagpole, a flag that he had carried with him from Sicily.

Sainte-Mère-Église Stain glass signification dedicated to 82nd Airborne

This stain glass has been offered by the 505th Regiment to celebrate the 25th Anniversary.

American Airborne Museum

Inside of the glider displayed in the American Airborne Museum at Sainte-Mère-Église. I highly recommend the visit of this great Museum.

Merderet Bridge.

General Gavin's fox hole at La Fière.

La Fière Bridge and Merderet River

The 82nd airborne division astride the merderet.

One of the most confused fights took place west of the village at La Fière Bridge, over the Merderet River. Uncoordinated groups from the 505th, 507th, and 508th regiments hold the position and finally went over the bridge on the 7th. The Monument Iron Mike is overlooking the site, its twin statutes is at Fort Benning. Alongside the road is General Gavin's fox hole. The photo of flooded marshland, a common occurrence that Germans exploited, shows the conditions as they were in 1944.

A piece of cake

«general omar n. bradley called the assault landing on utah beach «a piece of cake», and it was, compared to that on omaha».

General Omar N. Bradley called the assault landing on Utah Beach «a piece of cake», and it was, compared to that on Omaha. The landing plan called for the 4th Infantry Division (Major General Raymond O. Barton) to land along 2,200 yards of sandy beach on a two-regiment front, two battalions abreast. Colonel James A. Van Fleet's 8th Infantry (including the 3d Battalion, 22d Infantry) was to land at 0630, followed by the 22d Infantry in eighty-five minutes and the 12th Infantry at 1030.

DD tanks were to lead the way in, preceded by an intense naval and air bombardment. Various engineer units were scheduled to land close behind the infantry to clear beach obstructions and to blow gaps in the low sea wall paralleling the beach.

The landing of the thirty-two DD tanks was delayed when one of the control ships was sunk by a mine. Four of the tanks were lost when the LCT carrying them sank before they could be launched. In contrast to the heavy losses off Omaha, twenty-eight DD's made it to the beach able to provide fire support for the infantry already ashore.

In proud memory of our dead

In addition to a D-Day museum, La Madeleine is the site of these monuments:

• an obelisk commemorating the D Day landing of the 4th U.S. Infantry Division,
• a stone commemorating the 90th U.S. Infantry Division.

The first (designated 00) of the 1182 cylindrical milestones marking the «Voie de la Liberté», the route that the U.S. Third Army followed from Normandy to Bastogne. All bear forty-eight stars and a symbolic torch of liberty patterned after that held aloft by «Liberty» in New York harbor. They are similar to the stones which line La Voie Sacrée (the Sacred Way), the road from Bar-le-Duc to Verdun along which hundreds of thousands of French soldiers moved in 1916. A monument to the 1st Engineer Special Brigade, raised in 1945 atop a blockhouse of the W5 strongpoint. This massive blockhouse, captured on D-Day and used as the Brigade HQ, contains a memorial crypt (protected by a locked iron grill) commemorating the members of the Brigade who died on Utah Beach. Another plaque commemorates Maj. General Eugene Mead Caffey and the achievements of the Brigade he commanded. Other plaques in French and English commemorate the assault on Utah Beach. An imposing stone plinth, unveiled by General J. Laughton Collins on 5 June 1984, commemorating «in humble tribute... its sons who lost their lives in the liberation of these beaches, June 6, 1944». A stone plaque marking the presence of the heads of state of the United States, France, Great Britain, Luxembourg, Belgium, Norway, and the Netherlands for the 40th anniversary of D-Day. A stone plaque commemorating General Dwight D. Eisenhower as Supreme Allied Commander. Some fifty-nine road signs named after members of the 1st Engineer Special Brigade who died in the fighting on Utah Beach.

Azeville, Casemates.

German Batteries

Crisbecq, german battery.

I highly recommend this visit. Take an hour or so to discover an amazing number of bunkers, which were buried for years after the war and finally exhumed by the landowner. This fortified complex contained casemates housing 210-mm guns which easily reached Utah Beach. Despite shelling from large-caliber guns and repeated infantry assaults, the battery held out until 12 June, all the while harassing landing operations. It was the one major battery in the lodgement area that actually became a factor in the post-D-Day battle.

Azeville, German Battery

The casemates, that housed four French 105-mm guns, flank the road just before you enter the village. The casemates are not open to visitors. After withstanding attacks from the 22d Infantry for two days, the battery surrendered after a flamethrower, triggered by Private Ralph G. Riley, set off ammunition inside one of the casemates. Riley was awarded the Silver Star for his single-handed attack.

Foucarville, Prisonners Camp No. 19

By the end of June a camp for 20,000 German prisoners was established, which finally was extended to 40,000 men including 18 Generals and 6 Admirals. The Camp was commanded by Lt. Col. Kennedy.

This CCE was almost a town, with hospital, prison, churches, theatre, pub, bakery etc... The total surface was 306 acres including 48 acres of garden, circumference 3.2 miles, roads and side walks 3.9 miles, barbe wired fences 180 miles, water pipe lines 24 miles, high voltage line 19 miles, communication lines 64 miles, phone installed 275, squad tents 1100, pyramidal tents 370, 50 kitchen...

Unfortunately nothing subsists today apart a barn made with field stones use as explosive storage and use as private living home today.

Les Dunes-de-Varreville, 2nd DB Memorial

Les Dunes-de-Varreville (WN 10), the original D-Day landing objective of the 4th Division.

In 1944, this area was strongly defended, and many of the original blockhouses still squat ominously amid the dunes.

Today, the site is marked by a monument, a Sherman tank with French insignia which commemorate the 1 August landing of the 2d French Armored Division, a half-track and an armored car M18.

The D-Day tours with Utah Beach

Cool-d-day-american-tour-from-paris, american-landing-sectors-highlights-1-day, american-landing-sectors-2-days, american-airborne-battleground-in-normandy-2-days, 5-d-day-beaches-highlights-from-paris, 5-d-day-beaches-highlights-2-days, the parts of my books about utah beach, battlefield guide book , chap. 1: tour a, utah sector, battlefield guide book , chap. 2: tour a/a, utah sector special, battlefield guide book , chap. 3: tour a/b, utah sector special historical 101st airborne & band of brothers tour, omaha beach, major sites of the american d-day tours.

Quentin Roosevelt grave.

American Cemetery

The garden of the missing.

Its semi-circular wall contains the name of 1.557 MIAs, they come from 49 of the 50 States. The tragic night of December 24th is engraved on that wall. German U-Boats were trying to prevent Allied reinforcements from reaching «The Battle of the Bulge». The 66th Infantry Division was not going to the Bulge, but Saint-Nazaire. At 6.00 pm on Christmas Eve, a torpedo exploded into the starboard aft hold of the transport ship «Leopoldville», packed with 2,235 G.I.'s from the Division. The ship remained afloat for 2-1/2 hours before sinking into the English Channel 5-1/2 miles north Cherbourg. Because of the holiday celebrations, rescue was slow in coming to the ship. When rescue ships arrived while the ship was taking on sea water, many different scenarios developed around victims and survivors. Approximately 516 G.I.'s were missing and presumably went down with the ship, and another 248 died from injuries, drowning, or hypothermia from the 48° sea water. The huge loss of lives proved embarrassing to the governments of France, England, Belgium, and the U.S.A. Wartime security kept the tragedy details buried for fifty years. Many families of the 764 victims and the 1,471 survivors still do not know details about the Christmas death of their sons.

The Memorial

The Memorial is centered by a 22 foot bronze statue, on both sides two enamel maps, representing the Battle of Normandy in South loggia till August 1st and the Battle of Europe in North loggia, notice the shingles on the ground, reminding the beach. The four scenes on the urns in the north loggia are the same in the south one. The Statues and the urns were made by De Lue.

Theodore J. Roosevelt and Quentin Roosevelt

Theodore J. Roosevelt, President Theodore son's and President Franklin D. Roosevelt nephew's. Born: 9/13/1887. Medal of Honor. Dead from heart attack at Méautis on July 12th during the night. Plot D, Row 28, grave 45.

Quentin Roosevelt, President Theodore son's and President Franklin D. Roosevelt nephew's. Theodore's youngest brother. Born 11/19/1897.Dead in a Nieuport 28 fighter, was shot down behind German lines by Sgt. Thom, a German ace with 24 victories on Jul 14th 1918 WWI. Plot D, Row 28, grave 46.

Pointe du Hoc

To reach the Pointe du Hoc Ranger Monument, now maintained by the American Battle Monuments Commission, follow the direction signs west along D 514 to the car park outside the monument (6 m).

The Pointe du Hoc today retains much of its battlefield character because of the destruction left by the rain of bombs and shells the Allies unleashed to neutralize this rocky point. The much feared battery was bombed three times before D-Day, then hit from the air again that morning. 600 tones of bombs were dropped. The battleships Texas and Arkansas battered the area with their 14- and 12-inch guns just after dawn. The destroyer Satterlee saturated the position with her 5-inch guns in direct support of the Rangers.

This concentration of fire left craters and ruined casemates which over sixty years have yet to erase. From the barbed-wire fence along the cliff top, you can look down the hundred-foot cliff to the east beach where three companies of the 2d Ranger Battalion, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel James E. Rudder, landed on D Day. Their mission was to scale the cliff, then silence the six 155-mm GPF thought to threaten the landing operations on both American beaches.

Omaha Sector First Wave

«every man who set foot on omaha beach that day was a hero», the american planning.

H-Hour was 6.30 am on June 6th 1944. The landing window had to consider the availabilities of landing craft, Navy and air support. Plus the combination of daylight, tide and moonlight. Low tide was at 05.30 am, sunrise was at 05.58 am. The D-Day planners decided to land at 06.30 for several reasons: LCA's could come closer to the bluff, minimizing the uncovered distance for the GIs, and all the obstacles would be exposed. The sunrise hour permitted the Navy and the Air Force to optimize their shelling and Bombardment.

In military times are discussed from the moment an operation begins thus: D-Day for the invasion of France in 1944 was June 6th. H-Hour is the beginning hour and minute of an operation. For the 29th, 1st and 4th Infantry Divisions H-Hour was 06.30 am, for the paratroopers 82nd and 101st H-Hour was 01.30 am on D-Day June 6th 1944.

«Two kinds of people are staying on this beach, the dead and those who are going to die now let's get the hell out of here» Col. George A. Taylor

Medal of honor in the cemetery and 1st id memorial, «we too born to freedom and believing in freedom are willing to fight to maintain freedom - we and all others who believe as deeply as we do would rather die on our feet than live on our knees» f.d. roosevelt 19 june 1941, ike head quarter on continent.

On April 27th 1944 was established the first Headquarter «SHARPENER» located at 0.8 mile from Southwick House, close by the huge SHAEF Camp «SHIPMATE». General Eisenhower stayed there from June 2nd to June 12th 1944.

Regarding the inland movement on the continent, it had been decided to establish an advance HQ in the village of Maison in-between Port-en-Bessin and Bayeux on D6 road. Maison was selected because of its immediate proximity with Longues Air Strip (B11) and Tour en Bessin Airstrip (A13) and also a midway position between Omaha and Gold Sectors. This CP will be operational from July 31st and will be referenced as CP12.

But it wasn't used by Eisenhower, only as a SHAEF transit camp in August 1944. It was decided to organize a new CP at Le Planitre near Molay Littry close by A9D, this camp will be use from August 5th but still not by Ike. Another one is activated on August 7th at Tournières, referenced as CP21 «SHELLBURST» where Ike welcomed Prime Minister Churchill, Gen. Montgommery, on August 20th Gen. De Gaulle with Gen. Koenig and many other celebrities. An airstrip was built in the next field. After the Saint-Lô breakthrough («Cobra» Operation) the SHAEF HQ was transferred near Grainville, on August 16th, Communication Service was established in the Hôtel Normandy, code-named «LIBERTY».

On September 15th the new Grand HQ was moved to Saint-Ouen at Jullouville. Almost 3000 people worked there, and on August 30th Ike stayed at Château Montgommery at Saint Jean le Thomas 4 miles away from Jullouville. On September 10th the Grand HQ was transferred to Versailles (Palace Trianon).

The D-Day tours with Omaha Beach

The parts of my books about omaha beach, battlefield guide book , chap. 4: tour a/c, omaha sector first wave, battlefield guide book , chap. 5: tour a, omaha sector, normandy travel: françois gauthron, wwii battlefields expert licensed guide.

François Gauthron is an official tour guide.

He has been guiding Battlefields for more than 15 years, Normandy is his region of birth.

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