Visiting the D-Day Beaches of Normandy was one thing we all the time wished to do, however by no means managed to place it on our journey itinerary. Once we lastly visited, we puzzled why it took so lengthy. June 6, 1945 modified the course of the struggle with greater than 100,000 Allied troops touchdown on Normandy’s seashores which led to the start of the top of World War II.
To see the historic seashores is one thing that everybody must do. It will not be solely a historical past lesson, however it is usually a reminder of how fragile democracy is and the way fortunate we’re immediately that so many individuals fought for our freedom. More than 10,000 males died on that seashore, however within the months forward, the remaining troops pushed on and, because of their braveness and sacrifice, defeated the tyranny of the Nazi Forces.
The Best Normandy Itinerary – D-Day Beaches
We thought we knew rather a lot about World War II, however after spending every week visiting the seashores, monuments, and museums, we gained a brand new appreciation for this essential second in historical past and located that the folks of Normandy are nonetheless grateful to those that liberated their seashores and made it doable for them to rebuild, thrive and revel in this stunning a part of France immediately.
We have put collectively a singular D-Day itinerary that will help you not solely study D-day and the months that adopted resulting in the top of the struggle but in addition get pleasure from the great thing about Normandy’s seashores, style its scrumptious delicacies, and have an opportunity to go to strategic areas and exquisite locations. Once you see all there’s to do in Normandy, you’ll need to put it on the high of your France journey itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival and Bayeux
Our journey to Normandy started in Paris, the place we had been picked up and pushed to Pont-l’Évêque (a couple of 3-hour drive) for lunch. The finest method to get round Normandy is to hire a automobile, so we propose reserving a automobile rental from the airport to have the ability to get pleasure from your Normandy itinerary at your individual tempo.
Lunch La Dégusterie
After a protracted flight and three-hour drive, La Dégusterie on Rue Saint Michel was the proper environment to get pleasure from a scrumptious array of Normandy cheeses and wines. The proprietor, David, greeted us with a giant smile and a heat welcome, similar to everybody we met in Normandy. We beloved tasting our manner via the area’s specialties as we paired them with totally different ciders and Calvados.
Where to Stay
After a fast one-hour drive, we arrived in Bayeux and checked into our resort, Hotel de Brunville & Spa. This 3-star resort is situated within the very heart of historic Bayeux and provides comfy trendy rooms with a swimming pool and sizzling tub. It was slightly slice of serenity and paradise in the midst of a bustling city.
Afternoon: The Bayeux Tapestry Museum
Bayeux is a superb place for a stroll alongside its cobblestone streets, that are crammed with loads of historical past. The Bayeux Tapestry Museum, situated within the outdated seminary, is by far the highest draw. This UNESCO-rated museum tells the story of the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 via detailed embroidery spanning 70 meters lengthy (229 ft). This tapestry is sort of 1000 years outdated, and it’s an interesting piece of historical past.
The museum will endure a large transformation in 2025, so ensure that to go to quickly earlier than the priceless tapestry is put into storage for safekeeping. It will shut on September 1, 2025, and is scheduled to reopen to the general public in October 2027.
Bayeux Cathedral
After visiting the museum, the Bayeux Cathedral is only a brief stroll away. Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Bayeux undoubtedly resembles the Notre Dame Cathedral of Paris. This National Monument dates again to 924 when the Viking Rollo turned the primary Duke of Normandy. If you watched the History Channel’s Vikings, you’ll know what I’m speaking about.
Dating again to the Gallo-Roman interval, the cathedral’s Gothic structure is price visiting to see its beautiful stained glass home windows and the unique crypt.
Dinner: L’Alcove
We ended our first evening in Bayeux with a scrumptious dinner at L’Alcôve, an area restaurant serving fantastic Norman delicacies. We feasted on contemporary seafood and apple-infused dishes (Normandy is known for its apples), and it was the proper introduction to the area’s specialties.
Day 2: Sainte-Mère-Église and Omaha Beach
Our second day in Normandy started with a drive to Sainte-Mère-Église, one other city well-known in D-Day historical past. Sainte-Mère-Église was the primary city in France to be liberated, and it’s a poignant tribute to the Allied troopers who fought and died for our freedom.
Morning: Church of Sainte-Mère-Église
The very first thing you’ll discover is a paratrooper hanging off the roof of the church. US Paratrooper John Steele was hung up on the bell tower and was trapped there earlier than being reduce down by German troopers and brought prisoner. This scene is performed out in The Longest Day, starring John Wayne, and is entrance and heart when arriving on the sq..
Airborne Museum
Directly throughout the road is the Airborne Museum. This museum homes a set of 5 pavilions that inform the story of the U.S. 82nd and one hundred and first Airborne Divisions touchdown on D-Day. Paratroopers dropped into Normandy the evening earlier than D-Day to safe the cities and block German approaches in the direction of the touchdown seashores.
The first constructing to open was parachute-shaped constructing in 1964 and immediately it homes an exhibit depicting the German occupation of Normandy. Since then the Airborne Museum has grown immensely with 4 extra buildings added. The C-47 Building is a large exhibit that has paratroopers hanging from the rafters round an unique C-47 plane.
One of essentially the most highly effective displays within the Operation Neptune pavilion reveals paratroopers making ready to leap on the evening of June 5, 1944. You can really feel the vibration and sounds of the airplane as you stroll via the hull of the airplane, the place paratroopers put together to leap.
Another spotlight is the total dimension glider on show. The evening earlier than D-Day, moreover paratroopers, Gliders carrying infantry landed behind enemy strains to safe bridges and cities and help troops throughout their amphibious landings on the beahes. They had been meant to be flown solely as soon as and most had been destroyed, so it was fairly the coup when this glider was found and preserved to be displayed.
Lunch Le Biscuit de Sainte-Mère-Église
After visiting the museums, we strolled via city to peruse the historic indicators earlier than having fun with an area beer at Brasserie de Sainte Mere Eglise, which is simply on the outskirts of city.
A well-liked lunch spot is Biscuit de Sainte-Mère-Église, a comfy restaurant serving traditional Norman fare the place you possibly can decide up some souvenirs on the reward store.
Afternoon: Jeep Tour to Omaha Beach
After lunch, we boarded an genuine WWII jeep and drove to Pointe du Hoc, the American Cemetary, and Omaha Beach. Our guides Florent and Dylan had been incredible younger males who had been well-informed, captivated with sharing the world’s historical past, and made the day a number of enjoyable. They had been educated and captivated with historical past, and we discovered a lot from them.
Flo determined to begin this firm after touring across the United States for 3 years interviewing WWII veterans. He and his accomplice Jenny have made it his mission to protect their tales. Dylan joined the crew they usually all have a ardour for World War II and are decided to ensure veterans tales should not forgotten. Read their tales right here.
Pointe du Hoc
I didn’t even learn about Pointe du Hoc earlier than going there, however this was a sheer 30 meter (100 foot) excessive cliff that was scaled by U.S. Army Rangers to grab and safe German artillery that might have fired on the American touchdown troops at Omaha and Utah seashores. The rangers fought for 2 days dealing with a major quantity of casulaties. Out of 225 troopers solely 90 remained.
Tours take you to the German batteries, out to the cliffs, and alongside the waterfront. It has barely modified since WWII, and you may nonetheless see the huge caverns left within the land from artillery.
American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer
Our jeep tour took us on to the American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer. The white crosses and stars marking the fallen are a poignant tribute to the fallen. The cemetery overlooks Omaha Beach, the place greater than 4,000 lives had been misplaced on D-Day. Visitors can stroll via the almost 10,000 graves of the fallen.
Omaha Beach
After a solemn expertise paying tribute to the sacrifice of so many younger males, it was time for slightly levity, so we hopped again into our jeeps to tour the Normandy countryside. We drove via backroads and trails reducing via forests and fields and will virtually think about the presence of the troopers who pushed on via these lands.
The tour ended with a view of WN60 Nests of Resistance excessive above Omaha Beach, and when seeing the battlements, one can solely marvel how anybody survived.
We then drove to the seashore itself to stroll on the sand. I may solely think about the lengthy journey the troopers needed to face whereas avoiding hearth from above. The steep bluffs are a haunting reminder of the challenges dealing with U.S. troopers on D-Day. Our jeep tour ended right here, and we had time to stroll the seashore and take within the views.
Dinner – Le Petit Jardin
We had a scrumptious dinner at Le Petit Jardin, a restaurant well-known for its contemporary, native substances. It’s situated in a captivating backyard on the outskirts of Bayeux.
Day 3: Biking Through History
Morning: e-Bike Tour
After breakfast at our resort, we began day 3 with an electrical bike tour from Bayeux. We met the information and proprietor, Hugo, to choose up our bikes and helmets earlier than setting off via the picturesque Norman countryside to the German Battery of Longues-sur-Mer.
Longues-sur-Mer
Longues-sur-Mer is a coastal protection web site and one of many best-preserved battlements of the Atlantic Wall. It was constructed by the Germans within the Nineteen Forties when weapons had been erected alongside the Atlantic Coast from France to Scandinavia to defend the coast from Allied forces. These battlements housed castmates geared up with weapons that might hearth as much as 20km.
Arromanches-les-Bains
We the cycled to Arromanches-les-Bains to see the remnants of Mulberry Harbor and synthetic harbour that was created by the English. It consisted of floating piers, pontoons and even roads to unload provides and reinforcements after D-Day. Today you possibly can see stays of the metal and concrete harbour. At low tide you possibly can even stroll out to them.
D-Day Museum at Arromanches
The D-Day Museum at Arromanches is a should for studying about how this feat of engineering was achieved. This is without doubt one of the latest museums in Normandy, and it’s devoted to the British landings in Normandy. Located immediately on Gold Beach, it has a number of multimedia displays showcasing the planning and execution of D-Day, how Mulberry Harbour was constructed, and what occurred after the battle.
Lunch – Fish & Co by Pappagall
We had a soothing lunch close by at Fish & Co by Pappagall. This fish and chips restaurant takes you straight to jolly outdated England, full with mushy peas. It’s an informal seafood restaurant with images of visiting veterans on the partitions.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, we visited the brand new British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer. Opened in 2021, this memorial honors the over 22,000 British troopers who died through the Normandy marketing campaign. The memorial is minimalist and exquisite, located on a bluff overlooking the coast and the world the place British troopers fought and died. The names of the fallen are etched in stone, and it’s a poignant tribute to their reminiscence.
Evening – Hotel de la Marine
We checked into our resort, Hotel de la Marine, a seafront property in Arromanches-les-Bains. It’s a beautiful resort with comfy rooms and a restaurant on the seashore.
Day 4: Canadian D-Day Exhibits and Pegasus Bridge
Day 4 is all about Canada’s position on D-Day, and this was the day we had been most trying ahead to.
Morning: Juno Beach Centre
We began the day by visiting the Juno Beach Centre in Courseulles-sur-Mer. This distinctive museum tells the story of Canada’s navy and civilian contributions. With interactive shows and literature, the museum takes you on a journey via the Canadian D-Day efforts.
The most shifting tribute is the 12-minute movie They Walked With You. It is an emotional movie that makes use of precise D-Day footage and first-hand accounts from survivors to color a vivid image of what it was wish to face the D-Day landings. It was actually a shifting expertise.
When visiting the Juno Centre, younger Canadian volunteers lead guided excursions of the bunkers. It’s surreal strolling on the seashore, trying on the sandy bluffs and bunkers, and making an attempt to think about what it might have been like on that day.
Lunch
We had a scrumptious lunch close by at La Pêcherie, an area restaurant well-known for its seafood and Norman specialties. The restaurant is situated in a fisherman’s cottage downtown, and the decor is superb.
Afternoon – Pegasus Memorial
In the afternoon, we visited the Pegasus Memorial, a museum honoring the British sixth Airborne Division. The museum tells the story of the gliders touchdown at evening to seize Pegasus Bridge, a key goal that secured the japanese flank of the invasion. If they weren’t profitable of their mission, all may have been misplaced. The skillful gliders landed inside meters of the bridge, and the Allies secured the bridge.
The museum is a mix of interactive shows, a reproduction glider and the unique bridge. It is to not be missed when visiting Normandy.
Evening Caen
We spent the night strolling via the gorgeous metropolis of Caen. Located on the River Orne, Caen was thriving through the reign of William the Conqueror. The Caen Castle (Château de Caen) was the prime residence of the primary Norman King. The fort and its partitions are very spectacular and value visiting. The Vaugueux district is a medieval village consisting of cobblestone streets and timber-wood homes, and that is the place we had dinner.
Dinner El Olivo
El Olivo is a Mediterranean restaurant with a incredible menu and bustling vibe.
Overnight – The People Hostel in Caen
A really cool place to remain was the People Hostel situated in Downtown Caen. This hostel is strolling distance to the Caen Wall and fort, the waterfront marina and plenty of eating places. Many college students and college teams keep at this hostel giving it a really cool vibe and it is vitally safe since many teams e-book out complete flooring.
Day 5: Caen Memorial and Return to Paris
Our remaining day in Normandy began with a go to to the Caen Memorial, the biggest museum in France devoted to Twentieth-century historical past. The museum is big and tells the story of the lead-up to WWII, D-Day, and the post-war period, together with the Cold War.
This was our favourite museum in Normandy, and I’ll admit, I assumed I used to be “museumed out,” however the Caen Memorial was one of the simplest ways to finish our time in Normandy. Caen was almost destroyed in World War II after D-Day. Our passionate information saved us intrigued all through our journey via time.
This interactive museum has multimedia shows, interactive shows, emotional imagery, and loads of artifacts. It tells the story of the folks of Normand,y who are sometimes neglected when finding out the D-Day landings. 20,000 Normans died after June 6, 1944, and the town of Caen was closely bombed and shelled and was underneath siege for one more month earlier than being liberated.
The museum is damaged up into totally different sections together with German normal Wilhelm Richter’s bunker which is situated underneath the museum. Guests can stroll via the 70 meter (240 foot) lengthy tunnel.
Suggested Itineraries
1-Day Itinerary: Highlights Tour
If you solely have someday, ensure that to get an early begin. Visit Omaha Beach and the Normandy American Cemetery. It’s a shifting tribute and an ideal place to begin your day. From there, head to Pointe du Hoc, a dramatic piece of shoreline with steep bluffs and bunkers. End your day in Arromanches-les-Bains and go to the D-Day Museum, which is linked to Gold Beach.
2-Day Itinerary: D-Day Focus
Day 1: Head to Sainte-Mère-Église, the place paratroopers first landed and go to the Paratroopers Museum, after which Pointe du Hoc adopted by a go to to the American Cemetery and Omaha Beach.
Day Begin your day on the Juno Beach Centre to see the museum and tour the bunkers. Then make your method to Arromanches des Bains and go to the D-Day Museum of Arromanches, adopted by the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer.
3-Day Itinerary: Full D-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Utah Beach, Sainte-Mère-Église, the Paratrooper Museum, and Bayeux, together with the Bayeux tapestry and Notre Dame Cathedral. Explore this historic city within the night.
Day 2: Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc and the American Cemetery after which Arromanches des Bain, Gold Beach together with the D-Day Museum of Arromanches and the British Normandy Memorial at Gold Beach.
Day 3: Juno Beach, Sword Beach, and Pegasus Bridge.
Practical Tips for Visiting
Best Time to Visit: We assume Normandy is finest explored in late spring and early fall. Visiting in early October was excellent weather-wise, and there have been fewer crowds.
What to Pack: Layers are a should, it’s France and the climate is all the time unpredictable. Normandy can see many seasons in someday. It is windy, it may be wet and funky. Comfortable footwear are a should, we did a number of strolling.
Guided Tours or Independent Travel: We opted for a guided tour for its comfort and to make sure we noticed all the things. If you choose to journey independently, you’ll need to plan your time very fastidiously and permit sufficient time for every location.
If you aren’t taking a guided tour, one of the simplest ways to get round Normandy is by automobile. You can evaluate automobile leases right here.
Visiting the D-Day Beaches in Normandy is not only a visit; it’s an expertise. Each location has its personal distinctive story, a testomony to the bravery of troopers on either side. It’s a shifting expertise and one which we gained’t quickly neglect. Plan your journey thoughtfully, and be ready to be moved by the wonder and bravado of Normandy.