Visiting the D-Day Beaches of Normandy was one thing we at all times wished to do, however by no means managed to place it on our journey itinerary. Once we lastly visited, we questioned why it took so lengthy. To see the historic seashores is one thing that everybody must do. It shouldn’t be solely a historical past lesson, however it is usually a reminder of how fragile democracy is and the way fortunate we’re at this time that so many individuals fought for our freedom. Not solely is Normandy the location of the touchdown seashores on D-Day, it’s a area of welcoming individuals, scrumptious delicacies and lovely landscapes.
The Best Normandy Itinerary – D-Day Beaches
We thought we knew loads about World War II, however after spending every week visiting the seashores, monuments, and museums, we gained a brand new appreciation for this important second in historical past and located that the individuals of Normandy are nonetheless grateful to those that liberated their seashores and made it attainable for them to rebuild, thrive and revel in this stunning a part of France at this time.
June 6, 1944 modified the course of the struggle with greater than 160,000 Allied troops touchdown on Normandy’s seashores which led to the start of the tip of World War II. More than 10,000 males (Germans and Allies) died on the seaside, however within the months forward, the remaining troops pushed on and, because of their braveness and sacrifice, defeated the tyranny of the Nazis.
We have put collectively a singular D-Day itinerary that can assist you not solely find out about D-day and the months that adopted resulting in the tip 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 places 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 few 3-hour drive) for lunch. The finest approach to get round Normandy is to lease 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 personal tempo.
Lunch La Dégusterie
After a protracted flight and three-hour drive, La Dégusterie on Rue Saint Michel was the right ambiance to get pleasure from a scrumptious array of Normandy cheeses and ciders. The proprietor, David, greeted us with a giant smile and a heat welcome, identical to everybody we met in Normandy. We beloved tasting our means via the area’s specialties as we paired them with completely different ciders and Calvados.
4 Cs of Normandy +1 of our personal
The 4Cs of Normandy are Calvados, Cider, Camembert and Creme and we had an opportunity to pattern all of it whereas working our means via the highest historic websites and cities. We’d like so as to add one other C, the cemeteries which can be scattered all through its shores the place tens of hundreds of troopers are laid to relaxation.
Where to Stay
After a fast one-hour drive, we arrived in Bayeux and checked into our lodge, Hotel de Brunville & Spa. This 3-star lodge is situated within the very middle of historic Bayeux and presents comfy fashionable rooms with a swimming pool and sizzling tub. It was a little bit slice of serenity and paradise in the course of a bustling city.
Afternoon: The Bayeux Tapestry Museum
Bayeux is a superb place for a stroll alongside its cobblestone streets, that are stuffed 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 a captivating piece of historical past.
The museum will bear an enormous transformation in 2025, so make sure 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 positively 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 night time in Bayeux with a scrumptious dinner at L’Alcôve, a neighborhood restaurant serving great Norman delicacies. We feasted on contemporary seafood and apple-infused dishes (Normandy is known for its apples), and it was the right 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
If you lookup, the very first thing you’ll discover is a parachute dangling off the church. US Paratrooper John Steele’s parachute was hung up on the bell tower when the Paratrooopers dropped into Normandy the night time earlier than D-Day. He was trapped there and feined being lifeless to keep away from being shot at, however was finally caught and brought prisoner by German troopers. This scene is performed out in The Longest Day, starring John Wayne, and is entrance and middle when arriving on the sq..
Airborne Museum
Directly throughout the road is the Airborne Museum. This museum homes a group 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 night time earlier than D-Day to safe the cities and block German approaches in direction of the touchdown seashores.
The first constructing to open was parachute-shaped constructing in 1964 and at this time 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 authentic C-47 plane.
One of probably the most highly effective displays within the Operation Neptune pavilion reveals paratroopers making ready to leap on the night time 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 complete measurement glider on show. The night time earlier than D-Day, moreover paratroopers, gliders carrying infantry landed behind enemy traces to safe bridges and cities and assist troops throughout their amphibious landings on the seashores. 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 a neighborhood beer at Brasserie de Sainte Mere Eglise, which is simply on the outskirts of city.
We didn’t eat there although, as a substitute, we made our approach to a preferred lunch spot, Biscuit de Sainte-Mère-Église. It is a comfortable restaurant serving basic Norman fare the place you may decide up some souvenirs on the present 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 of World War II Veterans Memories, had been incredible younger males who had been well-informed, passionate, and made the day lots of enjoyable. They had been desirous to share the historical past of the struggle, D-Day and of Normandy. We realized a lot from them.
Florent determined to start out this firm after touring across the United States for 3 years interviewing WWII veterans. He and his associate Jenny have made it their mission to protect the tales of veterans. Dylan joined the group and all three have visited the United States to talk with veterans and have had individuals come to go to. They are all decided to verify veterans tales aren’t forgotten. Read their tales right here.
Pointe du Hoc
I didn’t even find out 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 practically 10,000 graves of the fallen to ponder the sacrifices made for his or her freedom.
The Cemetery is free to enter and is open from 9 a.m. to six p.m. from April 15 to September 15, and from 9 a.m. to five p.m. the remainder of the 12 months.
Omaha Beach
After a solemn expertise paying tribute to the sacrifice of so many younger males, it was time for a little bit levity, so we hopped again into our jeeps to tour the Normandy countryside. We drove via backroads and trails slicing via forests and fields and will nearly 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. There had been 14 battlements set above Omaha Beach with weapons pointed immediately at troopers making an attempt to come back to shore. But WN60 was the primary to be captured by Allied forces after dealing with unimaginable odds.
We then drove to the seaside 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 seaside and take within the views. There was a tribute to the medics who died on D-Day and additional alongside the seaside is a bigger memorial.
Dinner – Le Petit Jardin
We had a scrumptious dinner at Le Petit Jardin, a restaurant well-known for its contemporary, native components. It’s situated in an enthralling backyard (Hence the identify) at Château la Chenevière simply on the outskirts of Bayeux.
Day 3: Biking Through History
Morning: e-Bike Tour
After breakfast at our lodge, we began day 3 with an electrical bike tour from Bayeux. We met the information and proprietor, Hugo, to select up our bikes and helmets earlier than setting off via the picturesque Norman countryside to our first cease on 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 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 outfitted 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 may see stays of the metal and concrete harbour. At low tide you may even stroll out to them.
D-Day Museum at Arromanches
The D-Day Museum at Arromanches is a should for studying about Mulberry Harbour and the way this feat of engineering was completed. 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
Afterward, we had a calming lunch close by at Fish & Co by Pappagall. Located within the coronary heart of Arromonches, this fish and chips restaurant takes you straight to jolly outdated England, full with mushy peas. It’s an off-the-cuff seafood restaurant with pictures of visiting veterans and well-known guests 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 Gold Beach 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 lodge, Hotel de la Marine, a seafront property in Arromanches-les-Bains. It’s a beautiful lodge with comfy rooms and a restaurant on the seaside.
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 transferring 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 transferring expertise.
When visiting the Juno Centre, younger Canadian volunteers lead guided excursions of the bunkers. It’s surreal strolling on the seaside, 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, a neighborhood restaurant well-known for its seafood. The restaurant is situated in a fisherman’s cottage downtown, and the decor is superb. It is the right break after the Juno Centre earlier than heading on to your afternoon sights.
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 night time 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 duplicate 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 citadel and its partitions are very spectacular and price 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. It is situated within the Vauguex District and is a big restaurant making for a fantastic place to satisfy and eat.
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 lots of eating places. Many college students and faculty teams keep at this hostel giving it a really cool vibe and it is extremely safe since many teams guide out complete flooring.
Day 5: Caen Memorial and Return to Paris
Our last day in Normandy began with a go to to the Caen Memorial, the most important museum in France devoted to Twentieth-century historical past. The museum is large 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 the easiest way to finish our time in Normandy. Caen was practically 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 individuals of Normand,y who are sometimes ignored when learning the D-Day landings. 20,000 Normans died after June 6, 1944, and the town of Caen was closely bombed and shelled and was beneath siege for one more month earlier than being liberated.
The museum is damaged up into completely different sections together with German basic Wilhelm Richter’s bunker which is situated beneath the museum. Guests can stroll via the 70 meter (240 foot) lengthy tunnel.
Suggested Itineraries
1-Day Itinerary: Highlights Tour
If you solely have at some point, make sure that to get an early begin. Visit Omaha Beach and the Normandy American Cemetery. It’s a transferring tribute and a fantastic place to start out 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 related 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 approach 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 suppose Normandy is finest explored in late spring and early fall. Visiting in early October was good weather-wise, and there have been fewer crowds.
What to Pack: Layers are a should, it’s France and the climate is at all times unpredictable. Normandy can see many seasons in at some point. It is windy, it may be wet and funky. Comfortable sneakers are a should, we did lots of strolling.
Guided Tours or Independent Travel: We opted for a guided tour for its comfort and to make sure we noticed the whole lot. If you decide 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, the easiest way 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 transferring expertise and one which we gained’t quickly neglect. Plan your journey thoughtfully, and be ready to be moved by the sweetness and bravado of Normandy.