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80th Anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy
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Day Trips
From Paris: WWII D-Day Normandy Landing Beaches Full-Day Guided Tour with Optional Lunch
- Calling out all the history buffs! Travel from Paris to go on a day tour around the region of Normandy and learn all about the U.S. D-Day accompanied by an expert guide.
- Your first stop is the Utah Beach Museum, which is located in an original German bunker, where you can learn about the complicated planning behind Operation Overlord.
- Next, visit Omaha Beach, where the most difficult took place, and also visit Juno Beach which houses the 'Canada House' said to be the first house liberated by the Allied Troops on D-Day.
- Visit the Colleville-sur-Mer Military Cemetery reflecting the sheer number of lives lost in the war and discover how it impacted World War II.
- Upgrade your experience and indulge in an authentic 2-course French lunch at a local restaurant or a tour with hotel transfers.
- Calling out all the history buffs! Travel from Paris to go on a day tour around the region of Normandy and learn all about the U.S. D-Day accompanied by an expert guide.
- Your first stop is the Utah Beach Museum, which is located in an original German bunker, where you can learn about the complicated planning behind Operation Overlord.
- Next, visit Omaha Beach, where the most difficult took place, and also visit Juno Beach which houses the 'Canada House' said to be the first house liberated by the Allied Troops on D-Day.
- Visit the Colleville-sur-Mer Military Cemetery reflecting the sheer number of lives lost in the war and discover how it impacted World War II.
- Upgrade your experience and indulge in an authentic 2-course French lunch at a local restaurant or a tour with hotel transfers.
Inclusions
- Full-day tour of Normandy D-Day beaches
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Small groups of 25 people or fewer
- Round-trip transfers from the meeting point in an AC coach
- Lunch (optional)
- Visit to Normandy American Cemetery & Memorial at Omaha Beach (optional)
- Visit to Pointe du Hoc battlefield (optional)
- Visit to US Military cemetery (optional)
- Round-trip hotel transfers (optional)
- Tip: Be sure to visit the Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy, located at the gateway to the D-Day beaches. It is the only museum that presents all of the military operations that took place on Norman soil in 1944.
- This experience is not accessible by wheelchair and pram/strollers.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Day Trips
From Paris: WWII D-Day Normandy USA Landing Beaches Semi-Private Guided Full-Day Tour with Optional Lunch
- Meet your tour guide-driver and get started on your journey back to June 6, 1944, when the Normandy landings took place, on a small group tour.
- Your first stop is La Pointe du Hoc, where US Rangers landed and captured the strongly fortified German promontory. Hear all about the events that unfolded here on D-Day from your expert guide.
- Next, continue your visit to Omaha Beach, where the most difficult and impressive attack happened because, in a matter of hours, almost 2,500 men lost their lives on this beach.
- Stop at Colleville sur Mer American Cemetery which has over 9,000 perfectly-aligned white crosses, dedicated to the American troops who lost their lives in Europe in the course of World War II.
- The day ends with a visit to Juno Beach, where you’ll see the famous “Canada House” said to be the first house liberated by the Allied Troops on D-Day.
- Meet your tour guide-driver and get started on your journey back to June 6, 1944, when the Normandy landings took place, on a small group tour.
- Your first stop is La Pointe du Hoc, where US Rangers landed and captured the strongly fortified German promontory. Hear all about the events that unfolded here on D-Day from your expert guide.
- Next, continue your visit to Omaha Beach, where the most difficult and impressive attack happened because, in a matter of hours, almost 2,500 men lost their lives on this beach.
- Stop at Colleville sur Mer American Cemetery which has over 9,000 perfectly-aligned white crosses, dedicated to the American troops who lost their lives in Europe in the course of World War II.
- The day ends with a visit to Juno Beach, where you’ll see the famous “Canada House” said to be the first house liberated by the Allied Troops on D-Day.
Inclusions
- Full-day tour of Normandy D-Day Battlefields & Landing Beaches
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Small group tour of 15 guests
- Guided visit of Pointe du Hoc
- Guided visit to Omaha Beach & Juno Beach
- Free time at Colleville sur Mer American Cemetery
- Round-trip transfers in AC vehicle
- Lunch (optional)
- Tip: Pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes. You'll be exploring beaches, bunkers, and museums on foot.
- This experience is not accessible by wheelchairs.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
- Enjoy hassle-free, round-trip transfers from Paris to the Somme Battlefields in an air-conditioned minibus.
- Honor the fallen at the Australian National Memorial in Villers-Bretonneux and delve into World War I history at the John Monash Center.
- An English-speaking guide will accompany you, providing insight as you walk along preserved trenches, reliving the tragic incidents of the Battle of the Somme.
- At the Museum of the Great War, discover a collection of military artifacts, including uniforms, weapons, and equipment used during World War I.
- Witness the result of 30 tons of explosives as Royal Engineer tunneling companies obliterated German dug-outs at the Lochnagar Crater.
- Enjoy hassle-free, round-trip transfers from Paris to the Somme Battlefields in an air-conditioned minibus.
- Honor the fallen at the Australian National Memorial in Villers-Bretonneux and delve into World War I history at the John Monash Center.
- An English-speaking guide will accompany you, providing insight as you walk along preserved trenches, reliving the tragic incidents of the Battle of the Somme.
- At the Museum of the Great War, discover a collection of military artifacts, including uniforms, weapons, and equipment used during World War I.
- Witness the result of 30 tons of explosives as Royal Engineer tunneling companies obliterated German dug-outs at the Lochnagar Crater.
Inclusions
- Full-day tour of Somme Battlefields
- English-speaking guide
- Round-trip transport in an AC minibus
- Small group tour (8 individuals max)
- Entry to the Museum of the Great War
- Entry to the Historial of the Great War in Péronne
- Entry to Somme Trench museum
- Tip: Capture your experience with photographs, but be respectful of the solemn atmosphere and avoid disruptive behavior.
- This experience is not accessible by wheelchair.
- The lunch stop in Poziere is at your own cost. Make sure to bring along cash.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Guided Tours
From Paris: WWII Canadian Battlefields & Landing Beaches Semi-Private Full-Day Guided Tour
- Uncover WWII history on a full-day guided journey from Paris to Normandy's pivotal D-Day sites, a remarkable experience not to be missed.
- A trip through the beautiful French countryside in a luxury air-conditioned van provides comfort while steeping you in the local ambiance.
- Traverse Juno Beach, venture through German Bunkers, and dive deep into poignant tales of bravery with an insightful guide in an intimate group.
- Visit the first house liberated on D-Day, "Canada House", and explore the off-limits German bunkers of the Atlantic Wall for an immersive understanding of the day's events.
- Visits to the Canadian Cemetery and the panoramic Grand Bunker Museum offer profound reflections on the sacrifices and the grand scheme of WWII.
- Uncover WWII history on a full-day guided journey from Paris to Normandy's pivotal D-Day sites, a remarkable experience not to be missed.
- A trip through the beautiful French countryside in a luxury air-conditioned van provides comfort while steeping you in the local ambiance.
- Traverse Juno Beach, venture through German Bunkers, and dive deep into poignant tales of bravery with an insightful guide in an intimate group.
- Visit the first house liberated on D-Day, "Canada House", and explore the off-limits German bunkers of the Atlantic Wall for an immersive understanding of the day's events.
- Visits to the Canadian Cemetery and the panoramic Grand Bunker Museum offer profound reflections on the sacrifices and the grand scheme of WWII.
Inclusions
- Full-day tour of Normandy (D-Day Canada events)
- Expert guide
- Round-trip transfers in AC vehicle
- Small group tour of 8 individuals
- Tip: If you're a history buff, you might want to read up on the D-Day invasion before the tour. The additional context will make the experience even more enriching.
- This experience is not accessible by wheelchair.
- Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted for guests under the age of 6 years.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Combos
Combo (Save 5%): Napoleon's Tomb & Musée de l'Armée Skip-the-Line Tickets + WWII: Normandy U.S. D-Day Beaches Full Day Trip with Lunch from Paris
from €135
€128.25
5% off
- With this cost-saving combo, get skip-the-line access to the Army Museum and go on a guided tour around the region of Normandy.
- Get up close to see uniforms worn by Napoleon Bonaparte himself, including his iconic bicorne hat and military coats at the Dôme des Invalides.
- See the heroes of the Legion of Honor of France at The Museum of the Order of the Liberation and marvel at 500,000 artifacts at the Army Museum.
- In a small group of 25 or fewer, tour the Colleville-sur-Mer Military Cemetery, a poignant reminder of the war's toll and its impact on the war.
- Learn about the history of WW2 from your English-speaking guide, and enjoy cider tasting and a French lunch at a local farm.
- With this cost-saving combo, get skip-the-line access to the Army Museum and go on a guided tour around the region of Normandy.
- Get up close to see uniforms worn by Napoleon Bonaparte himself, including his iconic bicorne hat and military coats at the Dôme des Invalides.
- See the heroes of the Legion of Honor of France at The Museum of the Order of the Liberation and marvel at 500,000 artifacts at the Army Museum.
- In a small group of 25 or fewer, tour the Colleville-sur-Mer Military Cemetery, a poignant reminder of the war's toll and its impact on the war.
- Learn about the history of WW2 from your English-speaking guide, and enjoy cider tasting and a French lunch at a local farm.
Inclusions
Napoleon's Tomb & Army Museum
- Skip-the-line entry to the Invalides and Musée de l'armée
- Access to Dôme des Invalides and Napoleon's Tomb
- Access to the Museum of Relief Maps and the Museum of the Order of Liberation
- Access to the Cour d'Honneur (Artillery Collections) and the Saint-Louis des Invalides Cathedral
- Access to the Historial de Gaulle
Normandy D-Day Beaches Full-Day Trip
- Normandy D-day beaches full-day tour
- Round-trip transfers in AC coach
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Small groups of 25 people or fewer
- Two-course meal
- Cider tasting (not available on Sundays)
Napoleon's Tomb & Army Museum
- Guests entitled to free access to the Museum must collect a ticket at the tills, even if they are accompanying ticket or card holders entitled to direct access to the Museum.
Normandy D-Day beaches Full-Day Trip
- Tip: Spend time walking along the beaches of Normandy, including Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword beaches
- This experience is not accessible by wheelchair and pram/strollers.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
- Embark on a full-day guided tour of the iconic Normandy D-Day Beaches, a poignant journey through history, from the comfort of an air-conditioned minibus.
- An expert English-speaking guide adds depth to your experience with insightful commentary about historic sites, like Pointe du Hoc and Omaha Beach.
- The tour includes entry to the Overlord Museum. Get a firsthand feel of D-Day through an extensive display of period uniforms, weapons, and tanks.
- Savor a delicious lunch at the museum, included in your package. This thoughtful inclusion offers a welcome pause to absorb the day's experiences.
- The American Cemetery at Colleville sur Mer, with its perfectly aligned white crosses, offers an opportunity for quiet reflection, rounding off a profound and unforgettable journey.
- Embark on a full-day guided tour of the iconic Normandy D-Day Beaches, a poignant journey through history, from the comfort of an air-conditioned minibus.
- An expert English-speaking guide adds depth to your experience with insightful commentary about historic sites, like Pointe du Hoc and Omaha Beach.
- The tour includes entry to the Overlord Museum. Get a firsthand feel of D-Day through an extensive display of period uniforms, weapons, and tanks.
- Savor a delicious lunch at the museum, included in your package. This thoughtful inclusion offers a welcome pause to absorb the day's experiences.
- The American Cemetery at Colleville sur Mer, with its perfectly aligned white crosses, offers an opportunity for quiet reflection, rounding off a profound and unforgettable journey.
Inclusions
- Full-day tour of Normandy D-Day beaches
- Expert English-speaking tour guide
- Round-trip transfers from the meeting point in AC vehicle
- Entry into the Caen Memorial Museum
- Lunch at the museum
- Entry into the American Cemetery at Saint Laurent
- Tip: At the Caen Memorial Museum, check out film screenings that recreate the emotions of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy
- This experience is not accessible by wheelchair.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Top things to do in Normandy
80th Normandy D-Day anniversary events
Fireworks Event
Date and Time: Saturday, 1 June 2024, at nightfall
Location: Over the 5 landing beaches
Normandy will host a major family-friendly firework display, lighting up the sky simultaneously over all five Landing Beaches. This event is free and open to everyone, providing an opportunity for those not attending official ceremonies to join in the commemoration.
Official International Ceremony
Date: Thursday, 6 June 2024
Location: Omaha Beach
This is an invitation-only event with heads of state, veterans, and officials gathering to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
Security Notice for 6th June
For security, many beaches and areas will be restricted and closed to the public. Visitors and vehicles will not have access.
Additional Ceremonies
- 5 June: An international ceremony will honor civilian victims in Saint-Lô.
- 6 June: A Franco-American ceremony will be held in Colleville-sur-Mer, followed by the official ceremony.
- 6 June: A Franco-Canadian ceremony will take place in Courseulles-sur-Mer.
- 7 June: President Joe Biden will attend a ceremony in Cherbourg.
- 7 June: President Macron will participate in the Bayeux Liberation Ceremony.
D-Day Festival Normandy
Location: From Pegasus Bridge to Sainte-Mère-Église, including the entire coastline of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy.
The festival features over 100 events, including parades, concerts, historical re-enactments, fireworks, exhibitions, and more. Highlights include synchronized fireworks at major D-Day sites, a giant picnic on Omaha Beach, Liberation Balls, bagpipe parades, and international parachuting events above Sainte-Mère-Église.
Art Installation
Location: British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer
An installation called "Standing with Giants" features 1,475 silhouettes, representing the British fatalities on 6 June 1944. This community project uses recycled materials for large-scale art installations, providing spaces for reflection. It will be available for visits throughout the summer.
Normandy D-Day beaches and sites
Omaha Beach
Perhaps the most renowned of the D-Day beaches, Omaha saw some of the heaviest fighting on June 6, 1944. Today, the beach stretches quietly along the coast, bordered by grassy bluffs. Walking this sandy stretch offers a visceral connection to the past.
Normandy American Cemetery
Located near Omaha Beach, and on the site of the former temporary battlefield cemetery of Saint Laurent, the solemn rows of white crosses at the Normandy American Cemetery commemorating 9,388 soldiers who gave their lives in World War II.
Pointe du Hoc
This promontory between Utah and Omaha beaches was a fortified German stronghold. The scars of battle are still visible in the form of bomb craters and ruined bunkers. Climbing the cliffs gives you a sense of the daunting challenge faced by the Rangers who had to scale them under a barrage of enemy fire.
Utah Beach
The westernmost of the landing sites, Utah Beach was taken by U.S. troops with fewer casualties than Omaha, but still faced tough resistance. The Utah Beach Museum recounts the planning and execution of the landings, and the airborne operations that played a crucial role in securing the beachhead.
Arromanches
At Gold Beach, where British forces landed, Arromanches hosts the remains of the Mulberry Harbour, an engineering marvel of the war. The artificial port allowed the rapid offloading of supplies necessary for the Allied push into France, and its remnants are still visible in the water today.
Pegasus Bridge
Captured by British airborne forces in the early hours of D-Day, this bridge was crucial in preventing German reinforcements from reaching the beaches. The Pegasus Bridge Museum not only tells the story of its capture but also displays the original bridge.
Juno Beach Centre
This site focuses on the Canadian forces, whose bravery and efforts were crucial in capturing Juno Beach against stiff resistance. The centre not only serves as a museum but also as a cultural facility for visitors to understand Canada's role in World War II.
Sainte-Mère-Église
Famous for its portrayal in the film "The Longest Day," this town was one of the first liberated during the D-Day operations. The Airborne Museum here is dedicated to the paratroopers who parachuted into Normandy as part of the invasion and features a replica of the church spire where paratrooper John Steele's parachute was caught.
Plan your visit to the D-Day 80th Anniversary Celebrations in Normandy
Getting there and around
Where to stay
The local flavors
What else to do in Normandy
Normandy is well-connected to Paris, which makes it accessible for those traveling internationally:
By Car: Driving from Paris to Normandy offers flexibility and the freedom to explore small towns and countryside at your own pace. The journey takes about three hours via the A13 motorway.
By Train: Direct trains from Paris Saint-Lazare station to cities like Caen and Bayeux take around two hours. This is a convenient option if you prefer not to drive.
By Tour: For a hassle-free experience, consider booking a guided tour from Paris. These often include transportation, guided visits, and sometimes meals, allowing you to relax and soak in the information without the stress of planning.
In Normandy, accommodations range from charming bed and breakfasts in the countryside to upscale hotels in larger towns. For a truly memorable stay:
In Bayeux: Opt for a boutique hotel like Hotel Reine Mathilde or a historic inn like the Hotel d'Argouges within walking distance of the city center.
In the countryside: Stay at a restored château or a farmhouse for an authentic Norman experience.
Normandy is as much a feast for the palate as it is a journey through history. This region's culinary tradition is deeply intertwined with its agricultural richness, producing some of France's most iconic foods and beverages.
- Apple-based beverages - You can't visit Normandy without trying its famous apple ciders. Soft and sweet or crisp and dry, the ciders here are made using age-old methods. For something stronger, sip on Calvados, an apple brandy that is often enjoyed as a digestif. Visit a local distillery to learn about the production process and enjoy a tasting.
- Cheeses - The lush pastures of Normandy are ideal for dairy farming, making it a cheese lover's paradise. Camembert, perhaps the most famous of the region's cheeses, originates here. Pont-l'Évêque and Livarot are other must-try cheeses, each with their own unique flavor and history.
- Seafood - Given its extensive coastline, it's no surprise that Normandy excels in seafood. The oysters from Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue are highly prized, and mussels and scallops are staples on local menus. A traditional seafood platter, often served with a tangy mignonette sauce, is a perfect way to sample the variety on offer.
- Normandy butter and cream - Known for being particularly rich and flavorful, Normandy butter and cream are used lavishly in local cuisine. They form the base of many sauces and are a key ingredient in dishes like Moules à la Crème (mussels cooked in a creamy sauce) and Tarte Tatin (an upside-down apple tart that benefits greatly from the rich local butter).
If you find yourself with extra time in Normandy or you're looking to add more to your experience beyond the historical sites, there’s plenty more to see and do in this richly diverse region.
- Explore the Medieval City of Bayeux - Aside from its connection to D-Day, Bayeux is famous for the Bayeux Tapestry, an 11th-century embroidered cloth that chronicles the Norman conquest of England. The city itself offers charming streets lined with timber-framed houses, quaint shops, and inviting cafés. The Bayeux Cathedral, a stunning example of Norman architecture, is also worth a visit.
- Visit Mont Saint-Michel - While technically just outside the boundaries of Normandy, this iconic island commune and its awe-inspiring abbey are easily reachable and make for an unforgettable day trip. The dramatic tide changes and medieval architecture provide spectacular photo opportunities.
- Caen Memorial Museum - For a deeper understanding of World War II and the Battle of Normandy in particular, spend a day at the Caen Memorial Museum. The museum not only covers the D-Day landings but also provides a broader context of the entire war.
- Norman Countryside and Apple Orchards - Take a leisurely drive through the Norman countryside. Many apple orchards offer tours and tastings, which can provide a delightful insight into the production of cider and Calvados.
- Antique Markets and Local Crafts - Normandy is also known for its antique markets and boutiques, where you can find everything from vintage Normandy lace to antique furniture. Exploring these markets can be a delightful way to spend a morning or afternoon.