D-Day Beaches and Battlefields Tours in Normandy

The windswept coast of Normandy was the setting for some of the most significant events of World War II, from the D-Day landings to the Battle of Normandy. To learn about the heroic Allied soldiers, here’s a rundown of tour options. 

Group Tours

Group tours offer the best value, allowing you to visit several sites in one tour and often including entrance fees and lunch. Depending on your preferences, perhaps choose a tour that focuses on American D-Day sites such as Utah Beach, Omaha Beach, and Pointe Du Hoc; British sites such as Sword Beach, the Hillman Bunkers, and Pegasus Bridge; or Canadian sites including Juno Beach, the Canadian War Cemetery, and the Hill 67 memorial. For a more personalized experience, opt for a small-group tour limited to about 15 participants. 

Private Tours

Private tours mean you can maximize your time and benefit from the undivided attention of your tour guide. Most importantly, you can customize your itinerary to spend more time at the sites that interest you most, enjoy guided visits of the battlefields and memorials, and travel in comfort with roundtrip transportation included. Tours typically include hotel pickup and drop-off.

Things to Know

• Normandy is located in northwest France on the English Channel coast, and is about 135 miles (220 kilometers) west of Paris (about 2.5 hours away by road and two hours away by train).  

• Tours of the D-Day beaches and battlefields typically run from Bayeux, Caen, Le Havre, and Paris.

• There are five D-Day beaches—from west to east, Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword beaches—while other key battle sites include Pointe du Hoc, Arromanches, and Pegasus Bridge.

• Half- and full-day tours are available from Bayeux and Caen.

• Full-day tours from Paris can last up to 14 hours.

• Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and dress respectfully if you’re visiting the war cemeteries and memorials.

• Most tours include entrance fees and roundtrip transport; some also include hotel pickup and lunch.