can you visit omaha beach

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11 Useful Things To Know Before Visiting Omaha Beach, Normandy

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Omaha Beach in Normandy, France, lives in legend as the site of one of the most amazing battles of World War II. And what happened here was just part of a vast effort to reclaim freedom. On June 6, 1944, the Allies crossed the English Channel and landed along 60 miles of Normandy beaches to set in motion the liberation of Europe from the Nazis. Operation Overlord included five separate landing zones and 160,000 American soldiers, British forces, and Canadian troops. Code names for the beaches were Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword. Omaha is often the focus for Americans.

Historians agree that the landing on the stretch of about 5 miles that is Omaha Beach was the most difficult of a day of unimaginable difficulties. This beach turned out to have the largest number of German troops. Allied bombing runs failed to take out German strong points. The beach was riddled with mines and obstacles. Also, stormy weather and navigation issues led to men drowning before they could even reach the beach. Those who gained the beach faced a fortified sea wall and high bluffs from where German artillery rained down on them. But by the end of this Day of Days, the Americans claimed a toehold of about 1.5 miles on the shores of Omaha Beach.

Making the trip to tour Omaha Beach can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience you will cherish. Here are things to know and things you will want to do. Some are practical tips, and some are places to include in your itinerary. You will be visiting a place drenched in history. The more you know before you go, the more you will be able to grasp the significance of this sliver of beach.

Sharon Odegaard

11 Things To Know Before Visiting Omaha Beach, Normandy

1. pay your respects at the normandy american cemetery.

The focus of a visit to Omaha Beach today is the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer. On a windswept bluff above Omaha Beach, this peaceful cemetery is the final resting place of almost 10,000 American soldiers who gave their lives in the battle for Normandy. The rows and rows of graves attest to the price paid for liberation in one small corner of the world.

The reflecting pool leads to a memorial featuring a tall, graceful sculpture called “Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves.” Large maps of the battles of World War II decorate the memorial walls.

Pro Tip: Allow time to wind your way down the path to the beach. It’s a bit steep but well worth the hike to stand on the landing beach. Look out across the English Channel and imagine the landing craft filled with frightened young men heading for this spit of sand. Once they landed, guns on the bluff rained down massive firepower, coils of barbed wire blocked their way, and the sand was booby-trapped with mines. The soldiers pressed on anyway.

2. Plan To Go To The Memorial Museum

A small museum next to the cemetery at Omaha Beach offers displays of uniforms, military vehicles, and even objects of civilians caught in the battles. A well-loved teddy bear reminds you that children, as well as grown-ups, suffered from the fighting. At the museum entrance, an infinity pool leads to the beach and invites you to reflect on what happened here.

Allow about an hour at this museum. If your time is limited, see the cemetery and beach first. If time allows, end your visit at the museum.

3. Marvel At The Monument To The Brave At Vierville-Sur-Mer

At the far west end of Omaha Beach, in Vierville-sur-Mer, you’ll find an imposing sculpture called The Brave. The artist, Anilore Banon, said he created this to honor the courage of the sons, husbands, and fathers who faced danger during World War II. These men often sacrificed themselves in the hope of freeing the French people. The “wings of hope” remind us to stand strong for freedom and to speak up against all forms of inhumanity.

4. Visit The Bayeux War Cemetery

The Bayeux War Cemetery near Omaha Beach is a large, beautiful cemetery for Commonwealth soldiers who died in France in World War II , mostly in this Normandy area. More than 4,000 men rest here. Plan a visit here and honor their memory.

5. Learn More About World War II At The Memorial Museum Of The Battle of Normandy

This is one of the outstanding World War II museums in Normandy. It’s located across the street from the Bayeux War Cemetery. The Memorial Museum presents in chronological order the events of the battle for Normandy, starting with the D-Day landings and continuing through the summer of 1944.

You’ll find quite a collection of tanks and other vehicles as well as numerous displays of items from World War II both inside and outdoors.

Olivier de Caen / Shutterstock

6. Trudge Around German Bunkers At Pointe Du Hoc

At the southwest end of Omaha Beach, a picturesque point of land stands high on cliffs above the beach. Pointe Du Hoc is about 8 miles from Omaha Beach, and what happened here is directly related to both the Omaha and Utah landing beaches.

Allies learned that the Germans built bunkers on this land and manned them with soldiers and large guns that could reach Omaha and Utah . American Rangers were tasked with climbing the 100-foot cliffs on rope ladders and silencing these guns. Though many military minds thought this was a suicide mission, the Rangers persevered. They threw their ropes up the cliff and scurried up the ladders in the face of fire. Despite the odds against them, they accomplished their task.

One reason to include Pointe Du Hoc in your itinerary is that the battle site looks today very much as it did in June 1944. Other sites, such as Omaha Beach, were cleaned up, and German bunkers were destroyed. But here, you can enter the bunkers and walk through the craters made by the bombing of the ground.

Pro Tip: In the bunkers, look up at the ceiling. Notice the burned wood, charred by American flamethrowers. Then peer through the lookout slit in the bunker. Imagine the English Channel that’s in your view suddenly filled with hundreds of Allied troops vessels coming straight at you on D-Day.

7. Choose From A Self-Guided Tour, A Day Tour, Or A Full-Service Tour

Consider the options for touring Omaha Beach as you plan your trip. You can go on a day tour from Paris, book a tour that leaves from your hotel in Normandy, or tour on your own.

A day tour that includes a 2-hour bus ride from Paris will, of course, leave you less time at the beach. And you spend a lot of time on the bus. Rather than be rushed, stay in the beach area if you have enough time.

You will love staying in the Normandy countryside, and basing yourself near the D-Day beaches will allow you to see more of this fascinating part of France.

So, once you are in Normandy, it’s up to you whether to book a day tour or go around on your own. I have done both. My recommendation is to book a tour. A knowledgeable tour guide makes the area come alive with stories of the soldiers and civilians. And you’ll see photos from World War II to compare with the exact places you stand in today.

Whether you choose a private tour or tour with others is another decision to ponder. I enjoyed a wonderful day with Overlord Tours at the Normandy beaches. Our group of seven people chatted about history as we drove from place to place in the van. And the guide kept up an informative running commentary.

For a deep dive into history, book your own guide. I can recommend Rudy Passera of Normandy American Heroes , who lives in France and is an expert historian.

8. Take The Train From Paris, Then Rent A Car

You will likely be heading to Omaha Beach from Paris. It’s easy to take the train from the St. Lazare station in Paris to Caen. Public transportation in the Omaha Beach area is not well developed. Plan to rent a car from the row of dealers directly across the street from the train station.

Pro Tip: Some bed and breakfasts and tour guides will give directions using GPS coordinates. Check your online maps or a paper map to figure out where you are headed before you start. I had never needed to rely on longitude and latitude directions in the U.S. and found it was easy to get lost.

Stefano_Valeri / Shutterstock

9. Stay In Bayeux To Be Close To Omaha Beach

About 6 miles inland from Omaha Beach, the charming town of Bayeux is perfect for a stay in this area. Not only is this a medieval wonder with cobblestone streets and sidewalk cafes, but it also boasts the famous Bayeux Tapestry and one of the most beautiful cathedrals in France.

My favorite hotel is The Churchill , on the main street in the heart of the city. You’ll be able to walk anywhere in town from here. The breakfast in the sunny day room is a big plus, too.

Bed and breakfasts and Airbnbs are plentiful in this region. I can highly recommend 32 Les Bis , a one-bedroom apartment in the middle of the town. It’s spacious with comfortable, pleasant décor. The front windows provide a view down to the main street, perfect for watching this town in Normandy wake up in the morning, with locals rushing around and cafes opening up for the day.

On the 70th anniversary of D-Day, President Obama spoke at Omaha Beach and said: “Whenever the world makes you cynical, whenever you doubt that courage and goodness is possible — stop and think of these men. By the end of that longest day, this beach had been fought, lost, refought, and won — a piece of Europe once again liberated and free.”

10. Take a Step Back in Time at Maison de la Libération

Take a step back in time to visit the very first house to be liberated by the US troops who landed on Omaha Beach. Maison de la Libération is packed with original 1940s material from families living in the sector.

At this D-Day heritage site, you can join the evening Omaha vigils and learn of its history from visual displays and testimonies from veterans, resistance fighters, and civilians.

11. Discover Bunker WN62

Towards Colleville-sur-Mer beach, you’ll come across the road to bunker WN62 . The barbed wire and beach obstacles are long since removed, but the bunkers built by the German forces in the wake of D-Day are too big to get rid of and the shell holes made by the assaulting American forces are still there to be seen.

At observation post WN62, Apart from two bunkers and tobruks for machine guns, there are two monuments to the 5th Special Engineering Brigade and the 1st infantry division, the Big Red One.

If you go to Normandy, you can walk on this beach and imagine the events of June 1944. You can feel the sand between your toes; the waves lap at your feet. Children will be playing around you, and families will be out for a stroll, enjoying the sun and the sea. We live free of tyranny now, and it’s only fitting to remember those who gave their last full measure of devotion to make this possible.

What Happened During the Normandy Invasion by the Allied Forces?

On D-Day, Allied forces launched the largest amphibious invasion in the history of warfare that started a long and costly campaign to liberate north-west Europe from the German forces. The Allied troops consisted of American and Canadian forces, together with British troops. 

Which Allied Forces Landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day?

The assault troops at Omaha Beach were the U.S. 1st Infantry Division and 29th Infantry Division, while German forces involved consisted of the 352nd Infantry Division. The initial assault waves on the coast of Northern France on D-Day were met with heavy losses by the German artillery fire.

What Other Beaches Were a Part of the Allied Invasion on D-Day?

Omaha Beach linked the U.S., British, and Canadian beaches whose code names were Utah Beach, Gold Beach, Juno Beach, and Sword Beach. At Utah Beach and Gold Beach, the U.S. 1st Infantry Division and the British 2nd Infantry Division suffered only light casualties.

Were the Initial Landings at Omaha Beach Successful?

No, even though the D-Day landings were preceded by extensive aerial and naval bombardment, the initial assault didn’t break the enemy lines and the German beach defenses. German artillery and machinegun fire was devastating, the landing craft were hung up on beach obstacles, and enemy positions remained intact.

What Were the Sections of Omaha Beach?

Charlie, Dog White, Dog Green, Dog Red, Easy White, Easy Green, Easy Red, Fox White, Fox Green, and Fox Red were the code names for the Omaha beach sections. The American beaches were assigned to the Western Task Force, while the British beaches were the responsibility of the Eastern Task Force.

As the owner of the travel blog, Exploring Our World , Sharon enjoys taking her readers on a journey with her. Articles often delve into the history of a place, and by adding in a generous number of photos, she inspires others to explore for themselves. In her early travels, she was most frustrated by coming back home and learning that she had missed a fascinating sight or a hidden gem. Now she helps travelers prepare for a trip by passing along travel tips, pointing out lesser known things to see, and alerting them to enjoyable day trips from major cities.

Her travel articles have been published by Stripes Europe Newsletter and the World War 2 Writing and Research Center. Whether she's discovering more about her hometown of San Diego, California or flying to faraway places, she enjoys sharing with travel lovers around the world.

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Normandie Lovers

To awaken your senses in Normandy - Claire et Manu’s Blog

10 best things to do in Omaha Beach (+ visit tips)

by Emmanuel ROBINSON , Region Lovers | August 25, 2023 | no intrusive ads, no sponsored content, just some affiliate links - if you use them, we get a small commission (read more)

Are you passionate about the history of D-Day or simply curious? Visiting Omaha Beach was a memorable experience for us.

Located along the Normandy coast in Calvados, Bloody Omaha is the most famous D-Day beach, because it was so deadly. We took the opportunity to visit the American Cemetery overlooking the beach, and other commemorative sites nearby.

In this article, we share with you the 10 must-do activities on the beach, based on our experience and our photo tips .

This review is completely independent , we visited anonymously and paid our entrance tickets in full.

The Landing at Omaha Beach – introduction

D-day and the role of omaha beach.

But what was the role of Omaha Beach? It was one of the beaches where Allied forces, mainly American troops, landed in Normandy. However, the assault on Omaha Beach was particularly difficult due to natural obstacles and formidable Nazi defenses. The American soldiers encountered major difficulties due to intense enemy fire and the topography of the terrain. Despite this, thanks to their courage, determination and the support of amphibious troops, they finally succeeded in securing the beach, albeit with heavy losses. That’s why it’s known as “Bloody Omaha “.

What to see in Omaha Beach

Today, you can see the beach and its famous sculpture, as well as numerous D-Day museums and memorials. We list them below.

You’ll soon have access to a short video listing the must-do activities on Omaha Beach.

Practical tips and map: Omaha Beach, Normandy, France

Omaha Beach is a large beach bordering several communes in Normandy: Sainte-Honorine-des-Pertes, Colleville-sur-Mer, Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer and Vierville-sur-Mer. It is located in the Calvados department in Normandy. The American Cemetery overlooks this D-Day beach.

Where is Omaha Beach?

• Driving time from Rouen : 2h,
• Driving time from Bayeux : 25min,
• Driving time from Caen : 45min
• Driving time from Deauville : 1h25,
• Driving time from Cherbourg: 1h,
• Driving time from Paris: 3h20.

Here is a map to help you find your way:

How to get there From Paris, Caen or Bayeux

• By public transport: difficult access, train to Bayeux then Nomad bus line 120 to the cemetery.
• Guided tour from Bayeux – see program and availability .
• Guided tour from Paris – see program and availability .
• By car: the easiest way to visit everything, access via the N13 trunk road. The beach and cemetery are well signposted.

OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Normandy

• Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
• Choose a car that is comfortable enough (distances can be long) but compact (some parking lots and villages are narrow).
• Think of the complete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
• There is a lot of demand, book it early .

What to do in Omaha Beach if you only have half a day or a day?

If your timing is tight, we recommend you prioritize the following activities:

• walk along the beach and observe the sculpture Les Braves ,
• visit the Normandy American Cemetery,
• extend your walk to support point WN62,
• discover the Overlord Museum .

Of course, if you have more time, we recommend exploring the other sites listed in this article to complete your D-Day experience.

See our offers for organized day tours of D-Day sites in Normandy.

1. Contemplating the beach and its sculpture Les Braves

Why observe the beach and its sculpture les braves .

The sculpture Les Braves , a true symbol of Omaha Beach, is an important and poignant memorial. It honors the memory of the soldiers who died during the Normandy Landings in the Second World War. We were captivated by the elegance of this work of art, which blends into the natural setting lost between land and sea. The sharp shapes reminded us of the harshness of the fighting on this beach on June 6, 1944.

We recommend taking the time to observe the beach and the horizon. Can you visualize the scene? Imagine boats loaded with young fighters arriving in the distance, and planes dropping paratroopers from the sky. Next, position yourself with your back to the sea to observe the German defense points, including the top of bunker WN62. A way of imagining what the young Allied soldiers must have felt.

What you will see

Omaha Beach is one of the most photographed D-Day beaches. Created by Anilore Banon (a French artist specializing in monumental works), the sculpture was installed in 2004 for the 60th commemoration of D-Day. Les Braves is composed of 3 metal elements anchored in the sand: Les ailes de l’espoir , Debout la liberté! and Les ailes de la Fraternité . After taking the time to contemplate the work, we realized that it symbolized heaven, sea and earth, evoking the union of nations and forces that have worked for freedom. We were impressed by this sculpture, which pays tribute to the courage and sacrifice of Allied soldiers.

Practical advice

The beach is accessible free of charge all year round. We advise you to check the weather conditions before coming, as this is an entirely outdoor visit.

A must-see on any tour of the D-Day landings, the beach is very popular. If you want to get around the busy times, we recommend avoiding the summer period and other school vacations. The anniversary date of D-Day (June 6) and other major official events (such as Memorial Day , held on the last Monday in May) are also off-limits.

STAYING NEAR THE D-Day beaches

Option 1: Bayeux

The most practical option, in our opinion, is to base ourselves in the town of Bayeux. We recommend..:

• Hotel Domaine de Bayeux in an 18th century mansion – see prices, photos and availability
• see all top rated accommodations in Bayeux

Option 2: in the countryside

In the countryside around the D-Day beaches, you will find beautiful buildings with a lot of charm: farms, manors…

• Hotel Domaine d’Utah Beach – prices, pictures and availability
• Hotel Ferme de la Rançonnière – prices, pictures and availability

Option 3: next to one of the beaches

If you’re looking for a seaside holiday or are fascinated by one of the beaches, you can choose a more specific hotel:

• Hotel Villas d’Arromanches in Gold Beach Beach – prices, pictures and availability
• Hotel La Sapinière in Omaha Beach Beach – prices, pictures and availability

See all our advice on where to stay to visit the beaches

2. American Cemetery

Why visit normandy american cemetery.

A unique place of commemoration, the American Cemetery houses 9387 graves of Allied soldiers who died in the Second World War, and the names of 1557 missing soldiers are engraved in the Garden of the Missing. We found the experience both moving and rewarding. It’s a solemn, poignant tribute to the human sacrifices caused by the Normandy landings.

By observing gravestone alleys, we’ve humanized these individuals and established a connection with the deceased. It’s a place where we’ve reflected on the values of peace and gratitude to those who gave their lives for freedom. We highly recommend a visit to this cemetery, as you’ll never forget it.

At Normandy American Cemetery, you’ll find several memorials to Allied soldiers:

• the museum, visitor center and reflecting pool,
• the belvedere,
• the alleys of the 10 grave squares,
• symbolic statues,
• the chapel and its mosaic ceiling,
• the memorial and its bronze statue,
• the Garden of the Missing.

We recommend that you consult our dedicated article for more information.

• open from 9am to 6pm from April to September,
• open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from October to March.

Admission to the cemetery is free for all.

Like Omaha Beach, this is a very busy site. We advise you to avoid school vacations and official commemorations.

Consult our guided tours of the D-Day Landings.

3. Visit the Overlord Museum

Why visit the overlord museum.

Located near the American Cemetery and Omaha Beach, the Overlord Museum covers the period from D-Day to the liberation of Paris. Its name refers to Operation Overlord, the code name for the Allied invasion of the Normandy beaches. The collection was founded by a local who witnessed the war as a teenager. We highly recommend a visit to this museum, which shed light on the unfolding and consequences of D-Day. In fact, it’s included in our article on the 7 best D-Day museums .

This museum is famous for:

• tanks and armored vehicles,
• its impressive collection of artifacts showing the life of soldiers (documents, souvenirs, personal effects),
• its recreations of period scenes,
• his uniforms,
• his portrait gallery.

• open from 10am to 5:30pm in February, March, October, November and December,
• open from 10am to 6:30pm in April, May and September,
• open from 9.30am to 7pm between June and August.
• full adult price: €9.50,
• Reduced price (children aged 7 to 15): €7,
• free for children under 7 and veterans.

Official website here .

Our dedicated article will be available soon.

4. Discover bunker WN62

Why explore the wn62 fulcrum.

Continuing along Omaha Beach towards Colleville-sur-Mer beach, you’ll come across the road to bunker WN62. Perched on a promontory high above the vast expanse of sand, it faces the sea. We recommend a visit to complete your WWII-themed tour. This immersion in the heart of a German defense point that was supposed to counter the Normandy Landings in June 1944 left a lasting impression on us. We suggest you use your imagination, and try to put yourself in the shoes of a soldier lurking in a bunker, watching the enemy on the horizon. How were they supposed to feel?

At observation post WN62 , you’ll be able to watch:

• 2 bunkers and tobrouks for machine guns,
• a monument to the 5th Special Engineering Brigade,
• a monument to the 1st infantry division, the Big Red One .

We recommend that you check the weather conditions before visiting WN62. The visit will take place almost entirely outdoors. Access to the site is free of charge.

If you’re passionate about blockhouses, we recommend a visit to the Musée du Mur de l’Atlantique in Ouistreham.

See our article on Le Grand Bunker in Ouistreham.

5. Explore the Omaha Beach Museum (Memorial)

Why visit the omaha beach memorial.

Located 200m from Omaha beach, this museum is dedicated to preserving the memory of the soldiers who died during the Normandy landings. It provides an immersive, educational presentation of the events and issues at stake at this crucial moment in history. We discovered detailed information on operations, military strategies, and the lives and sacrifices of the soldiers and civilians involved.

This memorial houses a vast collection of artifacts relating to D-Day on June 6, 1944:

• personal items,
• a short film,
• period photographs,
• reconstructions with mannequins,
• soldiers’ outfits,
• historical documents.

• open from 10am to 5pm in February, from 10am to 6pm in March, from 9:30am to 6:30pm in April, May and September, from 9:30am to 7pm from June to August, from 9:30am to 6pm in October,
• closed in November, December and January.
• full adult price: €7.50,
• children (7 to 15): €4.50.

MORE ABOUT THE D-Day sites

• The best landing sites to visit
• Visit the 5 D-Day landing beaches
• Where to stay – best hotels near the beach
• The best D-Day museums in Normandy
• German batteries to visit
• Car rental tips: Caen – Roissy-CDG – Orly – Beauvais
• Visit Omaha Beach
• Visit Utah Beach
• Visit Gold Beach
• Visit Sword Beach
• Visit Juno Beach (coming soon)

You’ll really have to use your imagination here, as there aren’t many remnants of the artificial harbour left. However, you can still see the pontoon sunk into the sand, and wrecks of reinforced concrete caissons at low tide.

We recommend checking weather conditions before visiting the artificial harbour.

If you want to see the wrecks of reinforced concrete caissons, you’ll have to visit Mulberry Harbour at low tide. Otherwise, you’ll only be able to see the pontoon, which is still visible.

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7. Visit the D-Day Museum (Omaha Beach)

Why visit the d-day museum (omaha beach).

It’s a small museum with lots of character, housed in an authentic American period building. This is an interesting private collection. It is divided into 2 parts: inside and outside. As soon as we arrived, we were able to see large pieces such as an armored turret, as well as smaller ones once inside the monument. If you want a lot of explanation, this is not the museum for you. The pieces are displayed in large, unorganized showcases. But if you’re the kind of person who likes to rummage around for surprising objects, you’ll love it.

You’ll be able to observe:

• LCVP “Higgins Boat” barges,
• an armored turret,
• of the Mulberry’s floating bridges,
• several artillery pieces,
• a collection of rare objects,
• period reconstructions and models,
• the Goliath tank,
• the para motorcycle,
• Enigma encoder.

• open from 10:30 am to 6 pm in April, May and September,
• open from 10am to 7pm between June and August,
• closed between October and March.
• full adult price: €7,
• free for children under 8 and veterans.

8. Visit the Civil Museum (before, during and after the war)

Why visit the civil museum (omaha beach).

For a change from weapons of war, uniforms and tanks, discover this tiny museum with a fine collection of everyday objects (from before, during and after the war). We were able to take advantage of this breathing space to discover another aspect of war. By exploring the everyday tools used by civilians during the Occupation, we’ve taken a fresh look at this period in history. Thanks to our visit to the museum, we were able to understand that life went on despite the violence of the confrontations. Unlike our grandparents, we didn’t experience life under the Occupation.

This museum is teeming with everyday objects of all kinds:

• iron supply cans,
• record player,
• kitchen tools,

• open from 2pm to 6pm between February and September,
• open by appointment only between October and December.
• full adult price: €5.50,
• children (8 to 16): €4.50,
• free for children under 8.

USE OUR GUIDE TO PLAN A DREAM TRIP TO Normandy

All the information you need for your trip:

• 8 maps that make planning easier
• 160+ pre-selected locations
• 300+ photos to help you choose

9. Discover the Big Red One Assault Museum

Why visit the big red one museum (colleville-sur-mer).

This is another small museum on the D-Day landings, but it has the particularity of being dedicated to the 1st American Infantry Division Big Red One. The fruit of the personal collection of the passionate Pierre-Louis Gosselin, it features unique period objects whose owner can tell you the story in detail! We particularly enjoyed the intelligence reports and his explanations of how he found certain objects.

The museum isn’t very large, but you’ll be able to see objects relating to the 1st American Infantry Division Big Red One:

• archive photos,
• period documents.

• open every day except Tuesday, 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm, March to May and September to November,
• open daily from 10am to 7pm from June to August.
• full adult price: €5,
• child rate: €3.50.

10. Visit the Maison de la Libération (Omaha Beach)

Why visit the maison de la libération (saint-laurent-sur-mer).

To round off your D-Day tour, you can visit the first house to be liberated on the morning of June 6, 1944, at Omaha Beach. It now houses a gîte, so it’s even possible to stay directly on site. This house marked by history can be visited, on request, during evenings or guided tours offered by the Association des fleurs de la Résistance. More information on the official website here .

What you’ll discover

Unfortunately, we haven’t been to the Omaha vigils (yet!), but they understand:

• a projection of the before, during and after D-Day,
• testimonies from veterans, resistance fighters and civilians told by candlelight.

If you’d like to sleep in the Maison de la Libération, it’s possible, but availability is limited.

See offers for the Maison de la Libération gîte.

PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Normandy

Inspiration destinations

• Deciding where to go in Normandy – the best destinations
• Our weekend ideas: best-of , romantic , unusual , seaside , luxury , family
• 16 seaside hotels in Normandy
• The most beautiful charming hotels in Normandy

• Best things to do in Normandy
• Best cities in Normandy
• Most beautiful beaches of Normandy
• Most beautiful villages of Normandy
• Best castles of Normandy
• Best abbeys of Normandy
• Read our complete guide to visit the Mont-Saint-Michel
• Discover the D-Day sites

• Where to stay in Normandy – best places and hotels
• See our tips for renting a car at CDG airport , Orly airport , Beauvais airport , Caen , Rouen , Bayeux …

Best things to do near Omaha Beach

La pointe du hoc.

This coastal promontory between Omaha and Utah beaches is the ideal transition from the former to the latter. Pointe du Hoc was a key objective targeted by Allied forces during the Normandy landings on June 6, 1944. This Nazi fortified site, with its heavy guns and other defensive installations, was very difficult for the Rangers to secure. There were heavy casualties. We found it an important site, because it testifies to the Allies’ deep-seated determination to do whatever it took to liberate Europe.

Battery of Longues-sur-Mer

Would you like to visit other D-Day blockhouses? Longues-sur-Mer is home to a series of German coastal batteries, set on a cliff facing the English Channel. This major structure of the Atlantic Wall played a strategic role at the time of the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944. We were shown a fire command post and 4 casemates.

La Cambe Cemetery

The German military cemetery at La Cambe was inaugurated in 1961. With over 21,000 headstones, it is very different from the Omaha Beach American Cemetery. We thought it would be interesting to compare these two sites, which ultimately share the same objective: to pay tribute to the soldiers who died in the Second World War. Even if they were enemies, they were all human beings first and foremost.

Maisy Battery

Located in Grandcamp-Maisy, a 25-minute drive from Omaha Beach, this German battery was one of the key defensive positions of the Atlantic Wall during the Second World War. It remained largely unknown for decades before being rediscovered and opened to the public as a historic site in the 2000s. We were able to explore these Nazi fortifications and military installations, and discover the complex history of this forgotten defensive position.

We strongly recommend that you take advantage of your visit to Omaha Beach to visit Bayeux afterwards. The Normandy town is a 30-minute drive away, and is packed with treasures, including the famous Bayeux Tapestry. In fact, we’ve written a full article compiling the 12 must-do activities in the city.

Visit the other D-Day beaches: Utah, Gold, Sword, Juno

After seeing Omaha Beach, would you like to discover the other D-Day beaches? Take a look at our article on the 5 D-Day landing beaches , and our article on the best sites , and decide on your next destination. They’re all must-sees on a trip to Normandy. Their story is both heartbreaking and inspiring.

• What to do in Utah Beach (coming soon),
• What to do in Gold Beach (coming soon),
• What to do in Juno Beach (coming soon),
• What to do in Sword Beach (coming soon).

Frequently asked questions

Is omaha beach worth a visit.

Absolutely, it’s a must-see D-Day beach! On June 6, 1944, Bloody Omaha was the scene of fierce confrontations that resulted in very heavy casualties on both sides. This was one of the deadliest beaches on D-Day.

Can we walk on Omaha Beach?

Yes, you can walk on the beach. We advise you to walk along it, as it hides bunkers and memorials.

Can we swim at Omaha Beach?

Yes, you can swim at Omaha Beach. We recommend you keep an eye on the tide times if you want to swim in good conditions.

All our tips in this article were put into words with the help of Elisa.

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Omaha Beach - D-Day landing site Calvados Tourisme

Visiting Omaha Beach in Normandy

Omaha beach is sadly famous for the most devastating but glorious moment of the Normandy invasion, which marked the beginning of the end of World War II.

This very long sandy beach stretches as far as the eye can see, and remains a silent homage to D-Day and its victims. Omaha beach is key to understanding the US invasion of Normandy. However, if you are not very well informed about this historical event, you’ll definitely benefit from the expert knowledge of a local guide. This is why we work with private guides who speak English fluently and have grown up in the area. They will have you factually live and understand what happened on D-Day.

In this article we give you a brief summary of some of the events of the Battle of Normandy and key places to visit near Omaha Beach on your self guided driving tour of Normandy .

Monument to the Brave Men - sculpture on Omaha Beach - ©FJFY

Historical Background

Omaha Beach  was one of the D-Day landings beaches invaded on June 6, 1944 by allied troops as part of Operation Overlord. It was part of the American sector, with units of the United States 29th and 1st infantry divisions landing there. It is on this American sector that the number of allied casualties was highest, with around 2,000 soldiers killed or wounded during the invasion. Many soldiers drowned during the approach from ships offshore or were killed by defending fire from German troops surrounding the beach.

Ranger Battalions in Omaha beach, Normandy

Both the Second and Fifth Ranger Battalions joined the assault waves on Omaha Beach on D-Day. Under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Max F. Schneider, the Fifth Ranger Battalion, formed at Camp Forrest in Tennessee on September 1st, 1943, arrived in Great Britain in January 1944. On the morning of June 6th, it landed with the 116th Infantry Regiment of the 29th Division. Along with Lt. Col. James E. Rudder’s A, B, and C Companies from the Second Ranger Battalion - formed in Tennessee on April 1st, 1943 and who had specialized in amphibious and mountain warfare skills as part of their D-Day training - they played a crucial role in the troops' advance inland.

Rangers at Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach. Photo: Official U.S. Navy Photograph

Visiting Omaha Beach

Omaha Beach has an impressive war memorial monument and a museum with artillery equipment from the battle. The American cemetery of Colleville sur Mer, right behind Omaha Beach, reminds us of the importance of the Battle of Normandy. The nearby town of Bayeux has a larger and even more impressive War Museum, with more information about the history of the battle, photo, artillery and other war exhibits. It's worth a visit if you have time.

Individual visits

If you plan to travel to Omaha Beach alone (i.e. without a tour group or tour guide) you can take a bus to the beach from Bayeux (see below on How to get to Omaha Beach). Please note that the buses are infrequent and don't run at all times of year, so you will need to check these before you travel. You can also drive to the beach and park right in front of the beach at the end of Avenue de la Libération, where there is free parking.

If you plan to visit with a private tour guide (highly recommended) you can ask for them to meet you in Bayeux or at the beach. On our tours of the Normandy landings beaches and WWII battle sites, we normally arrange for our guide to meet you in the morning at your B&B accommodation so that you can travel to the beaches together by car.

Group visits

There are many tour companies that offer trips to the Normandy landings beaches (often day trips from Paris) for small groups. We don't, however, recommend doing this, for several reasons. First, it is about a 3-hour trip from Paris to Omaha Beach each way, which means you would spend most of the day traveling and would not have much time for the beach. You also would not have time to visit other places of interest nearby, such as museums in Bayeux or Caen and you would be very restricted with regards the time you could spend in the places you do have time to visit. Second, even on a small group tour (which ultimately could be up to 20 people) you won't have much individual time with the guide to ask all the questions you want to ask. Finally, it won't be possible to tailor a small group tour to your specific interests.

On our self-drive tours of Normandy, you tell us which places you would most like to visit or tell us your interests and background, and we will craft a tour that we think you will love. If you had an ancestor who fought in the war, we can also do research into your WWII family history and help you to retrace their footsteps and visit the exact places that they would have been to during the war.

Omaha Beach Museum

The Memorial Museum of Omaha beach is located where the American naval landing took place. This will be interesting for people who would like to learn about the type of equipment that was used by soldiers landing on Omaha Beach. It is an important showcase of uniforms, vehicles, personal objects, arms and weapons, including tanks and machine guns.

Understandably, the museum very much focuses on the American effort during the Battle of Normandy. There are many other museums and monuments along the coast to visit, including the including the Musée du Débarquement at Arromanches, which includes the artificial harbour that was built especially for the invasion. Also the Juno Beach Center at the Canadian landings site, the Gold Beach museum at the British landings site, and the Utah Beach museum at the other American landings site. For a much wider and in-depth coverage of the Battle of Normandy, a visit to the Battle of Normandy museum in Bayeux is a must, as well as the WWII section of the Caen Memorial.

The Omaha Beach Memorial Museum's opening times vary according to the time of year. Check the website before planning your visit. The museum closes for the winter between late November through early February. 

American cemetery of Colleville sur Mer

The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial is a World War II cemetery and memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer just behind Omaha Beach, which honors US troops who died in Europe during World War II. It covers more than 172 acres and contains 9,388 graves. It receives one million visitors a year. The memorial includes maps and details of the Normandy landings and military operations. A visit to one of the war cemeteries can be a moving and emotional experience even for those who do not have a family connection with World War II. 

The cemetery and visitors' center is open every day from 9am - 6pm. There are some interesting exhibits, including personal stories from men and women who fought and contributed to the Allied operations during the Battle of Normandy. A moving film " On Their Shoulders " follows the stories of three American soldiers who gave their lives as they fought for the liberation of Europe.

American Cemetery. Photo: CC BY 2.0 (pxhere.com)

Pointe du Hoc

About 15 minutes' drive west of Omaha beach is the Pointe du Hoc, an overhanging cliff overlooking the English Channel. During the war, it was fortified by the Germans and used as an observation post. From there, the Nazis had a perfect view of the ocean from which the Western Allies would invade Normandy on D-Day. 

During the Battle of Normandy, the plan was to capture this vantage point from the Germans, as it posed a dangerous threat to the success of Operation Overlord. It was an onerous and dangerous task for the American troops at Omaha Beach, and the Nazis did not give it up easily.

To commemorate of this epic battle, a granite needle stands as a memorial at the edge of the Pointe du Hoc, which to this day remains full of craters left by the bombardments during the Battle of Normandy. 

Aerial view of Pointe du Hoc. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Stacia Zachary

How to get to Omaha Beach

You may drive from Bayeux if you have a car - the journey only takes 25 minutes. If you do not have a car, you may hire a taxi to take you around the region. There are some prices listed here , to give you an idea. If you would like to take a bus from Bayeux to the D-Day landings sites, the number 70 goes to Omaha beach, the American cemetery and Pointe Du Hoc. The 74 goes to Arromanches beach, the location of the Mulberry harbors. Visit this page and click on "VOS HORAIRES PAR LIGNE", then select 'Ligne 70' or Ligne 74' from the drop-down list to check the current bus timetables. Please note from the bus timetable that buses are few and far between, so you'll need to plan exactly which buses you will take to and from the sites in advance. Buses do not run during heavy snow, so check the bus website beforehand if there's a chance it will snow while you're in Normandy.

If you would like to find out more about our tours of Normandy , visit our tours page or contact us with your questions.

Self-drive itineraries which include a visit to Omaha Beach:

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.

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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.

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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!

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We have just returned from a road trip around France and with Emilie's help, we had one of the best trips we've ever had. We travel extensively and I normally do my own research and bookings because we don't like using formal , organised tours but we were looking for advice on self driving holidays in France. Emilie's attention to detail is …

We have just returned from a road trip around France and with Emilie's help, we had one of the best trips we've ever had. We travel extensively and I normally do my own research and bookings because we don't like using formal , organised tours but we were looking for advice on self driving holidays in France. Emilie's attention to detail is outstanding. She listened to our likes and dislikes and put together the most amazing itinerary, with a personalised guide book, maps, iPhone, booked our car rental , booked B&Bs , advised on restaurants and suggested daily itineraries. We had all the information and yet all the freedom , which is what we wanted. I would definitely use her services again and would highly recommend her to anyone thinking of doing a trip around France

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We would like to add our names to everyone else here who have had a truly excellent experience when using Emilie's, France Just For You company. We drove 2800 km on a recent holiday, and it was all arranged by Emilie. Everything she organized was perfect. We stayed in B and Bs and although we know a little French, all of our hosts spoke fluent English. We had private guides for both the WW1 battlegrounds and then for Juno Beach, the Canadian WW2 D-Day landing beach. They showed up right on time and where both just amazing. She organized a wine tour that was fun and a walking food tour in Avignon. If anyone likes doing food tours, this one is a must! Our rental car was waiting when we got to the agency, although there was a very slight misunderstanding at first, but a quick call to Emilie sorted everything out. We had a very nice hybrid, automatic transmission car, with full, walkaway insurance. The personalized guide books she provides are just full of things one would never know without her books. We had a moble phone with unlimited text talk and data to Canada (although in truth I used my iphone as I was so familiar with it and it's apps.) I could go on and on, but let me say that everything from start to finish was looked after impeccably, and for anyone considering a driving holiday in France, we recommend France Just For You with as high a rating as it is possible to assign. She is great!!!

When planning my 60th birthday celebration, my sister and I stumbled upon France Just For You, which saved us from the potential nightmare of traveling with 40 strangers on a bus. As a result, my sister and I, along with our husbands, experienced a trip of a lifetime! From the beginning, Emilie was extraordinarily responsive, informative, and more …

When planning my 60th birthday celebration, my sister and I stumbled upon France Just For You, which saved us from the potential nightmare of traveling with 40 strangers on a bus. As a result, my sister and I, along with our husbands, experienced a trip of a lifetime! From the beginning, Emilie was extraordinarily responsive, informative, and more than accommodating to our wishes, both before and during the trip. For example, my sister and her husband experienced travel delays, and Emilie immediately offered to arrange alternative travel from Paris to our first destination in the Loire Valley. Before our travels began, Emilie sent us keepsake book, detailing our daily itineraries, replete with scheduled activities, restaurant suggestions, and optional excursions.Traveling through the Loire Valley, Normandy, and Paris for 12 days, each day was more spectacular than the previous one. The B&B near Chenonceau was a fantastic introduction to quintessentially French hospitality, charm, food, wine, and culture. From there we experienced true luxury in a serene setting in a chateau, where unexpectedly dinner was served (complete with vegetables from the castle's organic gardens). The B&B in Normandy was most memorable for the genteel hospitality of our host, Comte, who shared tales of his family through the centuries, including the arrest of his father in the foyer of the chateau due to his resistance activities against the Gestapo during WWII. The Count's son and his girlfriend served us a lovely meal around a stone fireplace in their charming apartment on the gorgeous chateau grounds. Thinking we had already experienced the best that France had to offer, we were blown away when we arrived at the B&B near Bayeux, warmly and creatively appointed. Finally, while less extravagant, the Hotel in Paris was equally as charming as our previous accommodations, located in a neighborhood teaming with cafes and shops in close proximity to all of the amazing sites that Paris has to offer! All of our hosts were extraordinarily gracious, serving us homemade French delicacies each morning and offering us helpful suggestions for making the most of each day. All in all, due to Emilie's fastidious planning, the trip was beyond perfect and exceeded our wildest dreams of a French vacation.

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In the footsteps of heroes: visiting omaha beach, normandy.

Visiting Omaha Beach in Normandy, one of the D-Day landing beaches in France, can be a profoundly moving experience. Here is how to do it and what to expect.

Few things can prepare you for the emotional impact of visiting the Omaha landing beach in northern France. When I visited on a sun-drenched August afternoon, it was difficult to reconcile this golden beach, and the happy holidaymakers frolicking in its gently rolling waves, with the horror of June 6 th , 1944.

To fully appreciate the tragic events that took place on Normandy’s beaches, you should visit Omaha Beach at least once in your lifetime. To get the best out of your visit, here is some background information, what to expect once you are there and how to plan your visit.  

Some articles on this website contain affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases . Read the full disclosure here .

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The Normandy D-Day Landings

The D-Day landings were pivotal in the liberation of Nazi-occupied north-western Europe in WW2. Codenamed  Operation Neptune , the Allied seaborne invasion, involving British, American and Canadian troops, was the largest in history.

The 60-mile stretch of the Normandy coast was split into  five assault beaches :  Utah & Omaha  (USA),  Gold ,  Juno  and  Sword  (UK & Canada). Preceded by an airborne invasion of more than 18,000 paratroopers into northern France, over 132,000 ground troops landed on these beaches.

Although the Allies did not immediately achieve their aim of capturing major Normandy cities such as Caen and Bayeux, this assault paved the way for liberating north-western Europe.

However, the Allied victory came at a terrible  human cost .

It is estimated that there were more than 10,000 Allied casualties with 4,414 confirmed  dead ; German casualties are estimated at between 4,000 and 9,000. Allied casualties were heaviest at Omaha Beach with the Americans coming close to defeat.

The defences around the beach’s exits were not knocked out and small groups of survivors penetrated the beach by scaling the cliffs at the least defended points.

Although there are no confirmed figures for  casualties  at Omaha Beach on D-Day, estimates place the number of those killed, wounded or missing at between 2,00 and over 5,000. The Omaha Beach landing is brutally depicted in the opening of Steven Speilberg’s 1998 epic  Saving Private Ryan .

What to Expect When You Visit Omaha Beach, Normandy

Today, a bluff overlooking Omaha Beach is home to the  Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial . Covering 172 acres, it contains the remains of over 9,000 American military dead and is the largest war cemetery in Normandy.

Set in a landscaped park, fringed by Corsican pine trees, the graves are marked by gleaming white marble Latin crosses with a sprinkling of Stars of David. Here and there, people have placed a flower to remember the fallen or, in the case of the Jewish dead, a simple stone.

At the eastern end of the cemetery is a semi-circular limestone colonnade with maps and narratives of the military operations displayed in the two loggias at each end. Taking centre stage is a 22-foot tall bronze statue entitled  The Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves,  facing towards the graves.

The remains of 1,557 Americans who lost their lives in the invasion of Normandy have never benn located or identified. By way of remembrance, the Walls of the Missing behind the memorial are inscribed with their names.

Near the centre of the cemetery, a circular chapel, constructed from limestone and granite, points towards Omaha Beach. Above the chapel door is an engraved replica of the United States’ Medal of Honor, and its ceiling is adorned with a brightly coloured mosaic.

Near the car park is a small  Visitor Center  that houses uniform collections, weapons and vehicles from the D-Day invasions. As well as highlighting the significance of the Normandy offensive, it poignantly focuses on the daily lives of soldiers as individuals.

Other Places to Visit Near Omaha Beach

As compelling as the Normandy American Cemetery is, there is a clutch of other places to visit near Omaha Beach if time permits. It’s impossible to visit every beach and museum in the area but here are a few to consider.

Overlord Museum

Located a short distance uphill from the Normandy American Cemetery, the superb Overlord Museum houses a collection of restored WWII military equipment from both sides, photos and letters. The human dimension is also recalled through audio and personal stories

Memorial Museum Of The Battle of Normandy in Bayeux

Near Omaha Beach, is the one must-see museum in the area. The Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy presents the military operations of the Battle of Normandy in chronological order, from the D-Day landings to the end of August 1944.

The Bayeux War Cemetery

Across the road from the museum, the Bayeux War Cemetery is the final resting place for more than 4,000 Commonwealth soldiers who died in France in World War II.

Utah Beach D-Day Museum

Above Utah Beach, this museum focuses on the D-Day landings themselves, through a chronological collection of objects, vehicles, materials, and oral histories

German Bunkers at Pointe Du Hoc

Pointe du Hoc was the site of a series of German bunkers and gun batteries. Thanks to the site remaining largely forgotten for two decades after the fighting stopped, the bunkers are very much as they were left in June 1944. 

Plan Your Visit

How to get to omaha beach.

The Normandy American Cemetery at Omaha Beach is at Colleville-sur-Mer .

There is  limited public transport  to Omaha Beach and it is best reached by car.

Follow the coastal road between Arromanches / Longues-sur-Mer / Bayeux and Vierville-sur-Mer / Pointe du Hoc. Turn off at the Overlord Museum (with tanks on display next to the main road). Ample free parking is available.

If you don’t have a car, your best bet is to base yourself in  Bayeux. From here, you can take a bus or taxi, or join a day tour of the D-Day landing sites.

American D-Day sites excursion from Bayeux Choose between a half or full-day tour of the World War II Normandy battlefields with a guide.

>>> CLICK HERE TO BOOK

Bus #70 takes 40 minutes to make the journey from Bayeux to Omaha Beach. Check the timetable here.

Visiting Omaha Beach as a day trip from Paris

It is possible to visit the Normandy D-Day landing beaches from Paris. The French capital is a three-hour drive from Omaha Beach; by train, it takes the same length of time to reach Bayeux. If you don’t have a car, the best option is to visit Omaha Beach as part of an organised day trip from Paris. This will be a long day excursion but will typically include other landing beaches, museums and lunch.

Normandy D-Day landing beaches day tour from Paris

This full-day tour includes visits to the Normandy American Cemetery, Utah Beach Museum and Pointe du Hoc, lunch and cider and calvados tasting.

Normandy American Cemetery’s opening hours

• The  Normandy American Cemetery  is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm (closing at 6 pm from April to September). Admission is free.
• I strongly recommend arriving either when the cemetery opens at 9 am or towards the end of the day to hear the playing of The Last Post as the flags are lowered.

Where to stay near Omaha Beach

I visited Omaha Beach whilst staying in  Honfleur for the weekend , travelling between Portsmouth and Normandy on  Brittany Ferries . Honfleur is a charming base from which to explore Normandy and we rented Mansion Victorine , a wonderful apartment right in the thick of things.

However, if you are focusing your activities in the area around the Normandy landing beaches, stay in the lovely town of Bayeux , about six miles inland from Omaha Beach. Home to the famous tapestry, it oozes charm.

Here are a few recommended places to stay:

Le Petit Matin – a guest house in an 18th Century building in the heart of Bayeux’s historic district

Villa des Usulines – a centrally located apartment with a terrace.

>>> CLICK HER E TO BOOK

Why Omaha Beach is Worth Visiting

Visiting Omaha Beach is a profoundly moving and humbling experience. The endless sea of crosses is a visible reminder of the bravery of those who sacrificed their young lives for freedom from Fascism. I couldn’t help but imagine how they might have felt as they landed on those beaches 79 years ago.

But I am going to leave the last word to General Eisenhower:

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…I HAVE FULL CONFIDENCE IN YOUR COURAGE, DEVOTION TO DUTY AND SKILL IN BATTLE.

— GEN. DWIGHT EISENHOWER, (Message to the troops sent just before the invasion of Normandy)

About Bridget

Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.

Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.

To get in touch, email her at [email protected] or follow her on social media.

2 thoughts on “ In the Footsteps of Heroes: Visiting Omaha Beach, Normandy ”

Thank you. My wife and I were there in 2003. I also think every American who can should come to see this most emotional of all places I have been to. I was not prepared for what I saw and felt. I never felt more proud and grateful to be an American. God Bless. SMK

Very well said. Thank you.

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• Omaha Beach

Normandy Tourism, France

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Omaha Beach in Normandy

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Updated on 25 October 2023

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Two thirds of the seaborne troops from the United States on D-Day were launched against a four-mile long beach overlooked by steep bluffs and blocked off at either end by limestone cliffs, the place they call ‘Bloody Omaha.’

The 29th Infantry Division and the 1st Infantry Division would be badly mauled in their assault; mined obstacles on the beach and mines in the bluffs, a shingle bank or sea wall to overcome, barbed wire, and concrete fortifications beyond.  At its western end, the first wave was all but wiped out, and succeeding waves piled up on the sea wall, paralysed for a time. The courage of the men and the sheer scale and weight of the attack would lead to the Germans giving way and, by midday, the Engineers reported the beach quiet.  

IT’S NOW OFFICIAL!

The international ceremony will take place on Omaha Beach on Thursday 6 June 2024. Many heads of state, veterans and officials will commemorate the 80th Anniversary the D-Day Landings and the Battle of Normandy. Lear more  HERE

LA POINTE DU HOC

The western end of the Omaha sector consists of 30m-high cliffs which were attacked directly by some men of 2nd Ranger Battalion using rocket fired grappling irons. Their mission, to ‘jump’ the German artillery position there and silence it. In 22 minutes 180 of the 225 at the Pointe du Hoc had hauled themselves to the top. All was devastation, a wilderness of human destruction by air and by sea – and the guns gone. The 155mm artillery pieces in open turntables had been withdrawn earlier for safe keeping a kilometre inland. However, by 830, two of the Rangers had discovered them unattended and put them out of action – ‘mission accomplished’ – but a two-day battle followed.  

Things to see and do in the American omaha sector

Maison de la Libération

SAINT-LAURENT-SUR-MER

Cimetière Militaire Allemand

Musée D-Day Omaha

VIERVILLE-SUR-MER

Normandy American Cemetery

COLLEVILLE-SUR-MER

Overlord Museum – Omaha Beach

Musée Mémorial d’Omaha Beach

Don’t miss.

The D-Day and the Battle of Normandy The D-Day Landing Beaches D-Day: 10 Unexplored Sites of Remembrance in Normandy The D-Day and the Battle of Normandy sites near Bayeux

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 Visiting the D Day Beaches? This is the only guide you'll need

Published 19 May 2024 by  Leyla Alyanak  — Parisian by birth, Lyonnaise by adoption, historian by passion

Visiting the D Day beaches of Normandy can take a lot of planning. There are five main beaches, and each has plenty of things to see. I made two trips to the Normandy beaches recently and mapped out the details for you.

The 80th anniversary of D-Day on 6 June 2024 provided an opportunity to visit the Normandy beaches but this is an area of France that has always been high on people’s lists.

In the early part of 2024 I visited the D-Day landing beaches twice, for a week each time, and was able to get a strong sense of the best places to visit and the best way to see them, including how to avoid the crowds.

My own planning was complicated – where to go and what to see – so I decided to write this “uncomplicated” guide for first-time visitors wanting to visit the best of the beaches without being overwhelmed with research.

What exactly was D-Day?

The 5 main landing beaches on d-day, utah beach: american, omaha beach: american, gold beach: british, juno beach: canadian, sword beach: british and french, best times to visit d-day beaches, tips for visiting the d day beaches.

How to visit the D-Day beaches

Driving to the D-Day beaches

Taking public transport to the normandy beaches, taking a guided tour to the normandy landing beaches, d-day books to prepare your trip.

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As I watched families stroll along the beaches on a sunny afternoon, I couldn't begin to imagine that 80 years ago, tens of thousands of young men hit these same sands, armed and courageous.

But disembark they did, many giving their lives in their march to rid Europe of Nazism.

On 6 June 1944, more than 156,000 soldiers, sailors and paratroopers crossed the English Channel and stormed five Normandy beaches in a coordinated effort that would shift the course of World War II.

It was the largest military operation ever attempted on water and would break the Nazi’s stronghold on Western Europe. It was Operation Overlord. 

The assault targeted five beaches: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword, each heavily fortified by German forces. Allied troops – led by Great Britain, the US and the Soviet Union (but involving  many other countries  ) – had prepared meticulously.

An elaborate deception plan, Operation Fortitude, convinced the Germans the invasion would be further north, at Pas de Calais, the narrowest point between Britain and France.

So when the actual attacks took place some 350km/217mi away, the German high command was slow to move.

The success D-Day was not a foregone conclusion: Allied forces faced rough seas and high winds but were able to take advantage of a short break in the weather.

The success of the Allied landings led to the liberation of France from German occupation and opened a new Western front against Germany, in other words, it marked the beginning of the end.

Today, the Normandy beaches are dotted with memorials and museums that remind us of the cost of war and the price of freedom. The remaining bunkers and artillery and the pockmarked land begin to paint a picture of the daunting challenges the soldiers had to face.

Starting in the west, the landing zone encompasses five principal D-Day beaches: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword. Each beach is different, with its own story, linking us to its past, whether we had a personal connection – through a grandparent or distant friend – or are simply curious about something that happened not that long ago.

Utah Beach is the westernmost landing site and is located on the scenic Cotentin Peninsula, better known as a summer destination for Parisians in the know.

It was chosen as a landing site because of its proximity to the port city of Cherbourg, which the Allies believed they had to seize if they were to succeed.

The area was flatter than some of the other beaches, which made landings easier and fighting less intense, allowing American troops to secure the beach with fewer casualties than they would suffer elsewhere.

Must visit:

• Utah Beach Museum, which includes artefacts, personal narratives, and interactive displays.
• Sainte-Mère-Eglise Airborne Museum; this was the first village liberated by the Allies, and it has a memorial to the British paratrooper whose parachute was caught on the church steeple, leaving him hanging

Omaha Beach is probably the best known of the five beaches because of its intense battles and high casualties – some 2400 in a single day.

The terrain was tough. Once off the boats, those who actually made it to shore faced an uphill climb.

At Pointe du Hoc, a fortified German position, Rangers had to scale not a hill but a sheer cliff under direct fire from above. They were brave and persistent and eventually secured the beach, paving the way for further advances into France, but earning the beach its nickname of “Bloody Omaha” in the process.

Looking along the calm stretches of sand, there’s little to remind us of the sheer terror those involved must have felt on this day.

• Normandy American Cemetery, the final resting place of nearly 10,000 American soldiers, and its Visitor Center
• Overlord Museum
• Pointe du Hoc clifftop battlefield, craters and German artillery remains
• Les Braves Memorial Monument
• Longues-sur-Mer battery between Omaha and Gold beaches, with German casemates and observation bunkers 
• La Cambe German War Cemetery (more on this below)

At Gold Beach, British troops would overcome German defenses and capture the nearby town of Arromanches, needed to set up Mulberry Harbor, an artificial port whose scattered remnants can still be seen, especially at low tide.

These harbors were of great importance, since they allowed for offloading of troops and essential goods, keeping supply lines open for the Allies.

• Remnants of the ingenious artificial Mulberry Harbor at Arromanches, including floating pontoons and concrete blocks
• D-Day Museum, Musée du Débarquement, right on the beach
• 360° circular cinema for an immersive experience of the battle
• British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer, overlooking Gold Beach

Juno Beach is a landmark of immense significance to Canadian military history.

This is where Canadian forces faced tough opposition but succeeded in securing a vital victory, linking up with British forces from neighboring Gold Beach, essential for the subsequent push inland.

Today, the Juno Beach Centre at Courseulles-sur-Mer provides insights into Canada's role in World War II with detailed exhibits not only about the strategic nature of the advance but also about what was happening back home in Canada. You can also visit the remains of German bunkers and fortifications with a Canadian guide.

• Juno Beach Center and its memorial to Canadian troops
• Picturesque port of Courseulles-sur-Mer (within walking distance, a nice place for a lunch break)

British soldiers and Free French Forces stormed this easternmost beach together, contributing in a major way to the overall Allied advance and showing their solidarity by joining forces. 

For those seeking a more serene experience, Sword Beach is usually less crowded, where remnants of coastal defenses can still be seen but in a more peaceful setting.

• Grand Bunker Museum for a look at German fortifications and living conditions
• Sword Beach Monument
• Pegasus Bridge (a replica), captured intact by British airborne troops, and Memorial Museum

German War Cemetery

Near La Cambe, inland between Utah and Omaha beaches, sits the German War Cemetery, Normandy’s largest, the resting place of 21,000 German soldiers.

It is a somber site, even on a sunny day, with impeccable rows of black granite crosses and a central mound which pays tribute to the unknown soldier on both sides of the conflict. 

I was as moved by this cemetery as I was by the other memorials, all helping deepen my understanding of the universal losses of war and its shared human cost, which knows no national boundaries. A visit here is a strong reminder of the reconciliation and peace achieved since then.

May to early June is an ideal time to visit, but know that as you get closer to 6 June, the anniversary date, you can expect larger crowds and more traffic. That said, the entire region bands together on the anniversary to organize the D-Day Festival Normandy , with activities throughout the area that provide an extra historical experience.

In late spring, weather is less rainy than earlier in the year (it rains often in Normandy), and temperatures can be mild. I visited in March (cold, blustery, but uncrowded) and in May (sunny, filled with blossoms – but more visitors).

While there were definitely plenty of people in May, it’s nothing compared to the crowds of peak summer months. But parking lots are huge and these sites are spread out, with plenty of open spaces, so while you might feel the crowds on the roads or where there are entrances, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get away from people everywhere else.

Early fall, in September and October, is a bit like late spring, with nice weather and fewer crowds.

• To avoid the worst crowds and enjoy a more personal experience, arrive early in the day if you can, especially to the more popular sites.
• Be prepared for changes in weather, which often take place every few minutes in Normandy. Make sure you have an umbrella or raincoat or poncho for the rain, and an extra layer in case the weather cools.
• Please be respectful, especially if you’re visiting with children. Graves are not playgrounds, and although most people behave, you may be shocked to see people taking laughing selfies among the rows of the fallen.
• Consider how much time you’ll have for what you want to see. Ideally, two full days if you have your own transportation will get you to the main sights, while three would be even better. Distances are short, but there is so much to see.

The best way to visit the D-Day beaches

This will depend on how much time you have.

If you have several days at your disposal, driving is the best way to visit the D-Day beaches.

Independent transportation will allow you to reach far more sites than you would any other way, especially some of the more out-of-the way ones.

If you don’t have your own car, you can easily rent one here (or use the site to compare prices to get an idea), and if you’re a bit antsy about renting, here’s everything you need to know .

To give you an idea of distances, here are some examples for Omaha Beach:

• From Bayeux: 25km/15mi, or about 23 minutes
• From Caen: 52km/32mi, or about 40 minutes
• From Paris (Charles de Gaulle airport): 307km/190mi, or just under 4 hours

Parking is not a problem at any of the sites, the largest of which have huge parking lots. Many are free, but a few, such as the British Normandy Memorial, charge a fee that is then used for the memorial’s upkeep.

If you're a bit unsure of French driving rules (and some of them make no sense at all), this quick online course is excellent and will bring you up to speed.

This is quite complicated and requires planning – and time. Trains to the region usually leave from the Gare Saint-Lazare in Paris to either Caen or Bayeux. You’ll find schedules and prices here .

From either city, you can catch a local bus to some of the sights. 

From Bayeux or Caen, check the timetables for Nomad , the local bus company:

• Bus 101 goes from Caen to Courseulles-sur-Mer
• Bus 120 goes from Bayeux to Colleville-sur-Mer
• Bus 121 goes from Bayeux to Arromanches

There are probably others, and you should contact the tourist office (once you click through, scroll down to the bottom of the page for all the tourist office contacts) of the destination you want to visit for more detailed information. Every one I’ve called so far speaks English.

Just a word of warning: check train and bus schedules carefully because they can change drastically depending on the season or whether there are school holidays .

Using public transport takes planning and is not the simplest way of visiting the D-Day sites, since some bus stops are a significant distance from the sites. If you don’t want to be bothered with all this, take a guided tour to the beaches. I explain this in greater detail below.

I’ve tried all three methods. Driving was my first choice, followed by booking a guided tour. Out of season, public transportation should only be attempted if you have plenty of time because transportation can be quite infrequent and erratic.

I’ve taken several of the guided tours below and they’ve all been hassle-free. I’ve listed some of the better ones in case you choose this option.

Having a tour guide can be a great help in explaining the battle of Normandy and the events of D-Day.

The beaches are best reached from Bayeux (only a short drive from the coast) or Caen (not much further), and you'll find plenty of tours from either. However, if you’re in Paris and you only have a day, you can still take a day trip to the Normandy coast but it will be a very long day.

Here are various tours I can either recommend personally or that have excellent reviews from others who experienced them recently. Just one thing – itineraries change so use what's below as guidance but please check first before reserving.

Best guided tours from Bayeux

• Half-day tour to American D-Day sites  - hits the main sights of Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc and the American Cemetery
• Similar to the above tour,  this one  also covers the main three sites of the US landing
• Full-day guided tour  - includes the above stops but adds in the more distant Utah Beach and Sainte-Mère-L’Eglise
• Private full-day tour  - this includes both Omaha and Utah beach sites, as well as a rarer visit to a major paratrooper drop zone

Best guided tours from Caen

• D-Day sites + Caen Memorial  (including lunch) - this tour falls somewhere between the half and the full day, as it also involves lunch and a visit to the Caen Memorial
•  Small group tour to Omaha sites  - this tour provides a driver rather than a guide, but does include entrance to the Overlord Museum in addition to the three Omaha sites
•  Private tour to Canadian sites  - for up to 7 people, focused on Canada’s involvement in D-Day

Best guided tours from Paris

Remember that it’s a long drive from Paris and back, but if you cannot spend more than a day visiting the D-Day beaches, then here are some of the best tours for a rewarding visit from Paris. Note that only a few include lunch.

• Full-day tour with lunch - this tour includes both Utah and Omaha beach and lunch and is by coach, hence its more affordable price
• Small group all-day tour - includes several stops, including (in addition to the Omaha sites) the German battery at Longues-sur-Mer and the Overlord Museum
• Small group to Juno Beach - full-day trip to Canadian sites
• VIP Services private day trip - to avoid the crowds and travel in comfort, this private trip has hotel pickup (especially important given 7am departures) and takes you to the three Omaha sites plus Arromanches on Gold Beach

Other ways of visiting the D-Day beaches

While I’ve named the most common ways of visiting the beaches, you could also cycle along the coast. Normandy is well-equipped with bike paths and you can try either of these tour agencies: Petite Reine (for electrically assisted bikes) or Bike Tours (for standard bikes, although they also have some electric ones).

Visiting the Normandy beaches is a historical journey in many ways, so if you’re not familiar with what happened on D-Day or if you want to brush up on your history, try these books for some excellent background:

• The Bedford Boys by Alex Kershaw: about a group of young men from Bedford, Virginia, who were part of the first wave of troops to land on Omaha Beach on D-Day
• The Longest Day by Cornelius Ryan: a comprehensive account of the events leading up to and during the D-Day invasion
• Band of Brothers by Stephen E. Ambrose: about the ordinary men who became the World War II’s most extraordinary soldiers at the frontlines of the war's most critical moments
• Overlord – D-Day and the Battle for Normandy by Max Hastings: a journalist’s account of the D-Day landings
• D-Day – Juno Beach, Canada's 24 Hours of Destiny by Lance Goddard: hour-per-hour chronicling of one of Canada’s greatest military achievements

Before you go…

The D-Day beaches are an experience you’ll never forget, whether you have close personal links to them or not. This is a region incredibly rich in many kinds of history so while you’re here, if you have the time, you could go further afield to Caen or Bayeux.

Bayeux was spared fighting during the war and has remained intact for centuries, home of a magnificent cathedral, an excellent museum on the Battle of Normandy, and the world-famous Bayeux tapestry, which tells the story of the Battle of Hastings in 1066.

Caen is the site of the excellent Caen Memorial Museum , the largest in France dealing with World War II, but has plenty more to offer, including a lovely old town and Caen Castle.

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Bonjour! I’m Leyla! I was born in Paris and now live in the bucolic mountain foothills of Eastern France between Lyon and Annecy. 

I'm rediscovering my own back yard after years of living abroad in Canada, Spain and Switzerland as a journalist and a diplomat － and I'm loving every minute.

Passionate about history and culture, I’ve created Offbeat France to seek out my country’s mysteries and legends, less-traveled destinations, along with plenty of food stops and many castles － I am French, after all!

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A World War II Travel Blog

The Best D-Day Beach to Visit in Normandy (2024): Here’s How to Choose

Last Updated: June 15, 2024 //  by  Ashley Smith 6 Comments

While I’m sure you would love to visit them all, sometimes you have to concentrate on choosing only the best D-Day beach to visit in order to pack everything into your busy travel schedule. If you’ve done any research on D-Day landing beaches while planning your trip to Normandy , then you already know there are five to choose from:

• Omaha Beach
• Sword Beach

Each of these offers its own unique experiences, museums, relics, activities, and more. So, if you only have time to visit one , which is the best D-Day beach to visit? Well, that all depends. But this post is here to help you choose!

Table of Contents

Prefer someone else to pick for you? Check out my list of the 10 best local Normandy D-Day tours to take in 2024 or this list of Best Normandy Day Tours from Paris .

How to choose the best D-Day beach to visit

Which of the 5 Normandy landing beaches you will designate the best D-Day beach to visit will depend on several factors. Things like: your interests, your time limit, who’s visiting, and from where?

All five are worth a visit if you have the time (naturally), but choosing the best one for you can be narrowed down to a few criteria. However, if you only have one day to spend exploring World War II history in Normandy, I highly recommend you prioritize these 7 sites . (They’re spread across a few of the beach sectors.)

I do list just one beach in that post (which you should definitely check out… I’ll wait…) but read on and I’ll explain a little as to why and why that one may not be the best D-Day beach to visit for you .

Best D-Day beach to visit for Americans

If you’re an American visiting Normandy, you’ll likely find Omaha Beach to be the best D-Day beach for you. While the United States, Canada, and Great Britain all participated in the D-Day landings, Omaha Beach is one of the two American landing beaches.

In the Omaha Beach sector you’ll get to revisit one of the most significant locations in American history. As an American, when you think of “D-Day,” you’re probably thinking of the footage you’ve seen of troops storming Omaha Beach. In our minds, the two are synonymous.

You’ll get to visit the beach itself (that you’ve seen in so many movies), as well as other significant locations like Pointe du Hoc where the U.S. Army defeated the Germans by scaling cliffs using grappling hooks and ladders. (One of the most jaw-dropping sites to visit here, in my humble opinion.)

You’ll be able to visit museums like the D-Day Omaha Museum and the Overlord Museum and see the many memorials to American troops. Plus, you’ll also be able to spend some time at Normandy American Cemetery , arguably the most famous American war cemetery in the world.

Check out all there is to see and do at Omaha Beach here.

Where to stay near Omaha Beach

If you’re looking to concentrate your time in and around Omaha Beach, check out these popular places to stay:

• La Sapinière (in Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer) – Right across the street from the beach itself, modest and budget-friendly, reviewers love the location, the hotel’s restaurant, and the friendly staff.
• La Ferme aux Chats (in Formigny) – Adorable B&B, rave reviews for its homemade breakfasts, the size and cleanliness of the rooms, and the welcoming staff.
• See all Omaha Beach area hotels here to find the best one for you .

Best D-Day beach to visit for Canadians

For Canadian visitors to Normandy, you might find Juno Beach is the best D-Day beach to visit . Juno Beach is where Canadian troops landed on D-Day and where you might find the most relatable history.

At Juno Beach, you can explore the Juno Beach Center —Normandy’s only museum dedicated to Canada’s D-Day contributions. You can also check out the Canada House —a historic home and the first to be liberated by Canadian troops—that has since become a memorial to Canadian troops.

It’s also here at Juno Beach where you’ll find the Canadian War Cemetery . This cemetery serves as the final resting place for Canadians who died on D-Day and in the Battle of Caen the following month.

Juno Beach itself also contains a number of memorials to Canada’s fighting forces like the Canadian Gunners, the Fourth Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, the Royal Canadian Navy, and more. The Juno Beach Markers also explain the history of Canada’s D-Day beach landing with an hour-by-hour account, illustrations, and more.

Check out all there is to see and do at Juno Beach here.

Where to stay near Juno Beach

If you’re looking to concentrate your time in and around Omaha Beach, check out these well-reviewed hotels:

• Ferme de la Rançonnière (in Crépon) – Beautiful property in a relaxing location in the French countryside, reviewers love the location and property.
• Le Manoir de Mathan (also in Crépon) – Well-reviewed for its location, beautiful garden property, and the large, comfortable rooms.
• La Cremaillere (in Courseulles-sur-Mer) – Modern hotel directly on the beach, comfortable rooms, great views and staff.
• See all Juno Beach area hotels here in case there’s something you like better.

Best D-Day beach to visit for Brits

Like the U.S. and Canada, Great Britain has its own Normandy landing beaches as well. If you’re visiting from England, chances are you’ll find Gold or Sword beach to be the best D-Day beach to visit.

So yes, there are two British D-Day beaches (just like there are two American beaches) and they are not next to each other (Juno Beach is in between). So you may have to choose just one, but which one is the best? Well…

Also check out: WWII Sites in Paris : 20+ Fascinating Museums, Memorials, and More (+Tips!)

Gold Beach is the best D-Day beach to visit if:

• You want to see the remains of the artificial harbors used to bring troops and transports ashore
• You want to see the only fully intact remaining German gun installation
• You want to visit the largest Commonwealth cemetery in France
• You want to visit museums like Arromanches 360° and the Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy

However, Sword Beach is the best D-Day beach to visit if:

• You want to visit the Caen Museum , believed to be the best World War II museum in Europe
• You want to visit the Pegasus Memorial and Bridge (and have a drink at the Pegasus Café)
• You want to visit the Museum of the Atlantic Wall
• You want to learn about the D-Day landings from the angle of the Franco-British commandos at the French-British Museum

Check out all there is to see and do at Gold Beach here and Sword Beach here .

Where to stay near Gold Beach

If you’re looking to concentrate your time in and around Gold Beach, check out these popular places to stay:

• Hôtel De La Marine (in Arromanches-Les-Bains) – Right on the beach on a quiet street (pictured above), close to everything in town, ocean views.
• Le Petit Matin (in Bayeux) – Beautiful property with a little added luxury, short walk to Bayeux’s center, super friendly staff.
• See all Bayeux hotels here and all Arromanches-Les-Bains hotels here for all your options.

Where to stay near Sword Beach

If you’d prefer to spend your time in the Sword Beach sector, check out these popular places to stay:

• Hôtel La Fontaine Caen Centre (in Caen) – Right near the Caen Museum, super clean, excellent staff, a very popular hotel with reviewers!
• B&B HOTEL Ouistreham (in Ouistreham) – Simple and budget-friendly, good for a quick stay, but people love this place!
• See all Sword beach area hotels here to pick the perfect one.

If you’d like to check out both Gold and Sword Beach, you could always stay somewhere in the middle. In that case, check out the hotels near Juno Beach to be close to both.

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Best D-Day beach to visit for aviation enthusiasts

If you’re an aviation enthusiast like myself, Utah Beach is the best D-Day beach to visit for you. Here in the Utah Beach sector, you’ll get to experience some of the best aviation-centered D-Day museums.

Utah Beach is the other American landing beach and here you’ll find:

The D-Day Experience where you’ll be able to take a trip on the C-47 flight simulator aboard a genuine C-47 from World War II that’ll make you feel like you’re actually there on June 6, 1944.

The Airborne Museum – fully dedicated to the U.S. paratroopers from the 82 nd and 101 st Airborne Divisions. You’ll get to see actual WW2 aircraft and experience another C-47 simulator.

The Airship Hangar at Ecausseville that was actually used by the French Navy in 1917. Even though it was used for other purposes in WWII (by Germany), it’s still a neat structure with a lot of interesting history.

Where to stay near Utah Beach

If you’d like to explore D-Day’s top sites for aviation lovers at Utah Beach, check out these popular places to stay:

• Domaine Utah Beach – Le Grand Hard (in Sainte-Marie-du-Mont) – Gorgeous property where they serve meat from their own organic farms at their own restaurants, family-run hotel, close to Utah Beach, and lots of rave reviews.
• Ferme de Beauvais (in Sainte-Mère-Église) – An old farmhouse-turned-B&B, short walk to the Airborne Museum and Sainte-Mère-Église church, excellent hospitality.
• See all Utah Beach area hotels here to open up your choices.

Also check out: 14 Must-Visit Normandy Museums for WWII History Buffs

Best D-Day beach to visit with kids

While I don’t have children myself, I have done my research on the D-Day beaches parents most recommend visiting. In this case, the most popular recommendations revolve around sites where kids can see and explore actual remains from the war. Ergo, the best D-Day beaches to visit with kids are:

• Gold Beach – to explore the remains of the artificial mulberry harbors still on the beach and to check out the intact German battery
• Omaha Beach – to explore the bunkers at Pointe du Hoc (there’s also a lot of sheep here!) and for a large beach on which to spend the day (yes, people spend their beach days here like any other beach)

For more on visiting World War II sites with kids , check out my full guide here.

Best D-Day beach to visit for movie lovers

If you simply want to concentrate your time in Normandy on visiting the D-Day sites you know the most from movies and TV shows, that’s fine too! (I’m a big fan of visiting the real-life filming locations of my favorite movies and shows too.) In that case, if you love the movie:

Saving Private Ryan

…(and who doesn’t?), you’ll want to visit Omaha Beach . You can check out the actual beach where the biggest and most famous amphibious landing in history took place.

Plus, you can visit nearby Normandy American Cemetery which appeared at the beginning and end of the film when old man Ryan visits Captain Miller’s grave. Watch Saving Private Ryan here if you haven’t in a while.

Band of Brothers

…you’ll want to visit Utah Beach . Band of Brothers follows the American paratrooper unit known as Easy Company. So, most of the series’ D-Day focus centers on events around these two landing sectors.

In the Utah Beach sector you can visit a number of Easy Company memorials, the “Dick” Winters memorial, and even pop by Brécourt Manor (highlighted in Ep.2). You can also visit the town of Carentan as seen in Ep.3. You can watch Band of Brothers here or with either a Netflix or HBO Max subscription.

The Longest Day

…you’ll want to head to… well… all the beaches. The greatest thing about The Longest Day is that it covers many aspects of the Normandy invasions.

Therefore, you’ll want to visit Sword Beach , the invasion of which by the British is highlighted in the movie. As is the bagpiper of Normandy, to whom there is now a memorial on the shores of Sword Beach. You can also visit the Pegasus Bridge here.

However, you’ll also want to stop by the Utah Beach sector where you can stop by the church of Sainte-Mère-Église. The Longest Day shows the harrowing scene when paratrooper John Steele gets stuck hanging from the church’s tower. Today, you can see a memorial to him on the church—a sculpture of a paratrooper suspended by a parachute.

However again, you can also visit Omaha Beach , the invasion of which was also featured in the movie, as well as nearby Pointe du Hoc. If you have to choose between those three, well, just start back at the top of this page. You can watch The Longest Day here . (The Movieland app also has it but only without subtitles. And half the movie is in French and German.)

More info for your trip to Normandy’s beaches

• Hotels:  Read reviews and find great places to stay here on Booking.com (my personal favorite). Hotels.com and Expedia usually have good deals too though.
• Save lots of money and time  by getting some  Paris GoCity passes .
• Need a rental car? Check out the best local deals here .
• Don’t forget to pick up a Normandy guidebook .
• And this priceless France customs and culture guide .
• Looking for local tours? Start here with Viator and Get Your Guide .

Whichever beach you deem to be the best D-Day beach to visit, know that you’re going to learn a lot, feel a lot, and be endlessly glad you made the decision to visit such a historically charged location.

And even if you feel drawn to the beaches that represent your own country, consider expanding your gratitude and knowledge to those who fought on the other beaches as well if time allows. Enjoy your time at Normandy’s landing beaches!

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About Ashley Smith

Ashley is a World War II historian and travel expert who has visited 39 countries. She specializes in quick trips throughout Europe and the Americas with a focus on World War II museums, memorials, battlefields, and other sites of interest. Originally from Memphis, TN, she currently lives in Boston with her husband and two feline commanders.

Reader Interactions

September 11, 2023 at 4:16 pm

we are off a cruise ship for only one day at le havre oct.16 2023 we are looking at an excursion from le havre rt 7:30 -5:30 and it plans stops at north amerrican cemetry omaha beach and point du hoc. will that be worthwhile? are alternative is rt paris thanks

September 11, 2023 at 6:24 pm

Hi Bill, yes this is definitely a worthwhile cruise excursion! Those are 3 very important sites.

February 11, 2024 at 11:16 pm

We are driving to the Normandy beaches from Paris and we just have the day. Is that enough time? We want to make it a good experience for our 3 kids (ages 15, 13, & 10).

February 12, 2024 at 9:54 am

Hi Cassie! Yes, it’s definitely possible. For instance, take a look at the tours I talk about in this post . You can obviously drive yourself to the same places, but these will give you an idea of how much and what you can fit into a day. I also wrote this post on some of the best sites you can see in a single day. The main thing to keep in mind is that it’s about a 3.5-hour drive to the Normandy beaches from Paris, so you’ll be in the car a lot, especially if you head back to Paris that night. Even though you just have the day, it’s still a worthwhile trip for sure. 🙂

June 6, 2024 at 5:36 am

Thank you for all the great information!

June 7, 2024 at 8:46 am

Thanks for stopping by, Natalie!

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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 - 35 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.

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 35 comments on this post

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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.

Laurence Norah says

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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Visiting the D-Day Beaches: With Normandy Beach Map

Learn more about the historic Normandy Beaches during Context's Full-Day Private Tour with Private Car Service

Over one million people visit the beaches of Normandy every year to pay respects to the soldiers who lost their lives and experience the site of one of World War II’s most crucial turning points.

When was the D-Day Invasion?

D-Day, also known as Operation Overlord, was a significant event in history that took place on June 6, 1944. It marked the beginning of the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II – which continued until July 24, 1944.

On this day, a massive amphibious assault was launched on the beaches of Normandy, France, by British, American, Canadian, and other Allied forces. D-Day represented a pivotal moment in the war, as it opened a crucial front against Nazi Germany and ultimately led to the liberation of Western Europe from the control of the Axis powers.

If you’re interested in touring this historic site, here’s what you need to know about planning a visit to the D-Day beaches in Normandy.

Can you visit D-Day Beaches?

Visitors can walk the beaches, but those inclined to learn more about history can visit dozens of nearby museums and monuments. Planning ahead will help you optimize your itinerary and ensure you get the most out of this impactful experience.

Context offers a Full-Day D-Day and Normandy Beaches Tour so you can explore key Normandy landmarks, including Normandy Landing Beaches, Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach, The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, and the Mulberry Harbour at Arromaches.

An expert on D-Day history leads the full-day tour, and it is a meaningful and educational opportunity to learn more about the events of June 6, 1944 and their impact on European liberation.

What were the 5 beaches on D-Day?

Code-named Operation Overlord, the Allied Operation included over 156,000 American, British, and Canadian troops landing on five beaches along a 50-mile stretch of coastline occupied by Germans. This meticulously planned amphibious military assault is widely considered the turning point in World War II and ultimately led to the liberation of France and the rest of Western Europe.

1. Utah Beach

Utah Beach was a last-minute addition to the plan due to its proximity to Cherbourg, a port city. Sadly, many U.S. paratroopers perished when their heavy equipment weighed them down in the flooded marshlands near the beach. Others landed outside their drop zones, but they eventually secured the beach’s only four exit points.

2. Omaha Beach

Because U.S. troops suffered massive casualties at Omaha beach, it is named the bloodiest beach on D-Day. About 2,400 U.S. troops were dead, wounded, or missing once the battle ended. Omaha beach was flanked by steep cliffs and was heavily defended, making it a perilous and devastating battle scene.

3. Gold Beach

British troops stormed Gold Beach, located in the middle of the five D-Day Beaches, about an hour after Utah and Omaha (due to the direction of the tides). While the Germans initially had a stronghold on the beach, British warships, aerial attacks, and armored vehicles proved victorious.

4. Sword Beach

Canadian and British troops invaded Sword Beach’s eastern flank and took out key bridges to prevent German reinforcements from arriving. The Germans answered with moderate fire, but the British and Canadian troops took out critical German artillery resources.

5. Juno Beach

Rough seas made for a challenging landing at Juno Beach, giving German soldiers the initial upper hand. Canadian troops faced monumental casualties as Germans fired from seaside bunkers. However, as soon as German resistance slowed, Canadians quickly advanced inland and captured several towns.

World War II Sites to Visit in Normandy

Did you know that D-Day was only the beginning of the Allied Invasion of Normandy? For twelve more weeks after June 6th, Allied forces continued to fight . Normandy played a large role in World War II, so it's no surprise that history buffs flock to the area to see the many significant locations across this region firsthand.

Omaha Beach

The serenity of Omaha Beach today starkly contrasts the violent scene that occurred here nearly 80 years ago. Visitors walk the coastline and honor those who lost their lives in a wartime battle that lives in infamy.

Visitors can also see remnants of the artificial harbor constructed by the Allies, known as Mulberry Harbour, and view the German bunkers and fortifications that remain on the beach. There are also several museums in the area, including the Omaha Beach Memorial Museum.

Normandy American Cemetery

Just beyond Omaha, the Normandy American Cemetery honors the American troops who gave their lives on the D-Day beaches. It is a poignant way to pay tribute to the legacy of those U.S. troops who never had the opportunity to return home.

Each of the 9,386 headstones contains the name, date of death, service unit, and country where he volunteered, except for the 307 who have no name. There is also a monument to the 1,557 servicemembers whose mortal remains were lost.

Caen Memorial Museum

As you make your way across the D-Day sites, plan a visit to the Caen Memorial Museum . The Museum focuses on the Battle of Normandy and 20th-century history, offering visitors unique insights into the events that marked World War II.

With a range of exhibits that provide a glimpse into the wartime life of troops and civilians, the Museum offers multimedia experiences, films, and a firsthand look at personal items from soldiers.

Arromanches-les-Bains

Today, this picturesque town is known as a seaside resort, but its coast, Gold Beach, played a major role in the Normandy landings.

Gold Beach was one of the beaches designated to receive man-made landing harbors on D-Day, also known as Mulberry Harbours. The harbors were specially created to float across the English Channel and serve as temporary harbors on D-Day. Many of the large concrete blocks remain in Arromanches today as a reminder of its significance to World War II.

Longues-sur-Mer

Longues-sur-Mer was a battery built by the German navy and strategically positioned between the Omaha and Gold Beaches. On D-Day, Longues-sur-Mer was the site of an extended gunfight between the Allied fleet and the Germans. British troops eventually landed at Gold Beach and captured both the position and the surviving German soldiers.

Visitors today can see the original cannon and take in the view from the firing command. Longues-sur-Mer is one of the best-preserved World War II sites anywhere in France, giving visitors an unparalleled view not just of the Bay of Seine, but of what life was like on that fateful day in 1944.

Map of D-Day Beaches

Each beach has its own unique history, and as you examine the map you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the scale and scope of this historic operation.

To look at a Normandy Beach map is not just a lesson in geography; it’s a lesson in understanding what happened on June 6, 1944. Looking at the map, you can imagine the struggles, triumphs, and heart-wrenching losses suffered on the sand.

Whether you’re zooming in for a closer look at each beach’s remaining craters, or as you stand in person on the hillside above a neverending sea of white headstones, you’ll come away with a sense of gratitude, awe, and respect for those who gave their lives on the beaches of Normandy.

Tips and Tricks for Visiting the Normandy Beaches:

• Hire a Context Tour Guide, with Private Car Service: A knowledgeable local historian can offer unique insights into each landmark’s significance to WWII and provide you with a more personalized experience. Additionally, while it is possible to visit the beaches using public transportation, it's much more convenient to rent a car and book a tour. This will give you more flexibility to explore the area at your own pace.
• Dress appropriately: Wear comfortable clothes and shoes for walking, and bring a jacket in case it gets cold or rainy. Because you will be along the coastline, wind gusts can be an important factor when planning your wardrobe.
• Pack snacks and water bottles: Weather conditions can be brutal, especially during the summer. While most museums do offer concessions, it’s important to be prepared with adequate water and snacks to keep yourself comfortable throughout the day.
• Consider visiting early or late in the day: To avoid crowds, it's best to visit the beaches early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
• Allow plenty of time: Plan to spend a full day or more exploring the Normandy beaches. There is a lot to see and learn, and rushing through the sites won't do them justice. You’ll also want to consider the seasonal tides so that you can safely walk along the beaches.
• Respect the sites: The D-Day beaches and surrounding areas are sacred places. Show respect by not littering, staying on designated paths, and not disturbing any artifacts.
• Take a moment for reflection: The D-Day beaches are solemn places that hold somber historical significance. Take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by the thousands of brave souls who fought and died there.

Tour the D-Day Beaches

Enhance your Normandy experience with a guided tour of the D-Day Beaches with a local expert. Our Full-Day D-Day and Normandy Beaches Tour has exclusive insights into World War II history to ensure you leave Normandy with a complete understanding and appreciation for its pivotal role in the war.

If you’re looking for other opportunities to learn more about Normandy, take our Full-Day Mont-Saint-Michel Tour and see this gravity-defying medieval monastery with an expert guide.

Learn more about the Normandy Beaches with Context Learning

Are you planning a trip to France? Check out Context’s Upcoming Online Seminars and Courses about France – which feature local experts in WWII History, Archaeology, and Art History.

Or, stream French History and Culture content instantly through Context On-Demand – hosted by the same local experts who lead our tours.

You May Also Like:

• Exploring the Coast of Normandy: Top Sites for History Lovers
• Timeline of the Normandy Invasion
• Reflections on the 75th Anniversary of D-Day
• 10 Best Day Trips from Paris
• Vive la France: Bastille Day
• How to Spend 36 Hours in Paris

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A Guide to Visiting the Normandy D-Day Beaches

Many people have asked and keep asking me: “What town would you recommend we stay in that is close to the Normandy D-DAY beaches we are seeing, yet quaint and has restaurants….”

Here are all my answers.

Over the last few years, I have taken many US and international visitors to the Normandy D-Day Beaches.

When planning to visit these historical sites, logistics is the key, especially if you plan to get there during an Anniversary of the D-Day landings, like the one we will have this year, the 80th Anniversary of D-Day.

You should stay in Bayeux , a small town preserved from the bombardments of this terrible battle thanks to its vicinity to Caen, which was completely destroyed.

Related read: Top Ultimate Trips in France, Excluding Paris

Here is an overview:

Where to Stay in Bayeux?

Here are some of the best hotels in bayeux, how to get to bayeux from paris, where to eat in bayeux, how to get the most of your day visiting the normandy d-day beaches, group tour vs private tour, private tour: d-day beaches from caen, what to expect.

• Omaha Beach

Normandy American Cemetery & Visitor Center (Cimetiere Americain de Colleville-sur-Mer)

Longues-sure-mer german battery (batterie allemande de longues-sure-mer), mulberry harbor remains (vestiges du port de mulberry), pointe du hoc, sainte mère eglise, brécourt manor & danie winters memorial(manoir de brecourt), lunch break, plan the day, useful tips while in bayeux, grocery stores, museum in bayeux.

Igor explaining DDAY at the beaches in the Normandy, France.

I just felt like sharing some of my experience with you now. In Bayeux, there are countless charming hotels where you can find a very good deal.

An important thing to remember about these places is that the tourist season is from March to November.

From November to March, most tour guides and tourism professionals are in a kind of “vacation mode” after a very busy season.

The peak season here is really mid-May to late June. Prices can seriously rise for hotels around the D-Day Anniversaries, and availability can be scarce if you don’t book well in advance.

Related read: The Best Beaches in Normandy, France

Hotel Reine Mathilde

My favorite choice. Also, it is the only one in town open year-round. Conveniently situated in the heart of Bayeux’s historic center, our hotel allows you to easily explore the wonders of Old Bayeux on foot. With its beautifully renovated old house atmosphere, it provides a relaxing and comfortable retreat. Indulge in gourmet and relaxing moments at the renowned Reine Mathilde hotel, featuring a restaurant and sun-soaked terrace, all nested within the medieval city.

Hotel Villa Lara

The local Ritz is as good as the Ritz in Paris but much cheaper. Located conveniently in the heart of Bayeux, this property offers proximity to various attractions and delightful dining choices. With a five-star rating, this property ensures a luxurious and enjoyable stay, providing a wide range of in-house amenities to enhance your experience.

Hotel Tardif Noble Guest House

This is a very nice hotel in a 17th Century building. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Bayeux at the exquisite Hotel Tardif, an 18th-century noble property located in the heart of the city. Just a short 15-minute drive from the iconic D-Day beaches, this hotel has a storied past, having served as the residence of a royal botanist from Versailles and the Army Minister of Napoleon.

La Cheneviere

Simply the best. It’s really chic, with a swimming pool, a Michelin-rated restaurant, a spa, and lots of amenities. One minus, not in the center of town but ten minutes drive.

Manoir de Crépon – Suite Directoire

Chic and great restaurant. Amazing swimming pool and spa treatments in the summer. Enjoy a coastal getaway at Le Manoir de Crépon in Crepon, where you’ll be just a 10-minute drive from Juno Beach and America Gold Beach Museum. This charming bed & breakfast is conveniently located 19.9 km (12.4 mi) from Caen Memorial and 22.9 km (14.2 mi) from Omaha Beach.

Chateau de Bellefontaine

This is two minutes from Bayeux. It is the perfect choice for those who want to sleep in a Chateau but are still almost downtown. Located in the heart of Bayeux City Center, this property offers convenient proximity to various attractions and enticing dining options. With a 4-star rating, this property boasts a wide range of in-house facilities to enhance the quality and enjoyment of your stay.

Chateau de Sully

Grand Hôtel Château de Sully – Piscine & Spa, a 17th-century property situated in Bayeux, provides guests with a restaurant and a convenient location just a 5-minute drive from the city center. With Omaha Beach only 11 km away, guests can also indulge in the complimentary spa facilities, including a sauna and hot tub.

Clos de la Croix

Now, if you prefer a B&B, this is the BEST place by far. Set in Bayeux, in a historic building, 300 metres from Baron Gerard Museum, Hôtel particulier “le clos de la croix” is a sustainable bed and breakfast with a garden and terrace.

In order to get to Bayeux from Paris, you have two options:

If you need a car and are okay to drive in France , you should take the A14 Highway West to ROUEN, then the A13 heading to CAEN, and then you’ll see signs to BAYEUX closer to CAEN.

It should take about 2h30 – 3hrs drive to reach your final destination. You can always refill the tank on the French highways and get some snacks and food. Yet, the fuel price here is quite high, and the fuel on the highway is the most expensive you can find in France. Most of the French people buy from supermarket chains. It’s much cheaper.

If you choose the car option, remember you might have to drive through Paris. That is not something to be done by “Sunday drivers”, as traffic and the way Parisians drive is more hectic than in NYC. Many scooters, bicycles, and pedestrians do respect the lights and stops.

Also, leaving Paris center to Bayeux, you might have to cross the famous Arc de Triomphe roundabout. The kind of “black slope diamond” experience.

Driving outside Paris and in the rest of France is very easy. Just pay attention to your speed. Maximum 130 km/h on the highways. In Bayeux, parking is not a problem.

There are many parking spots, and all the hotels have parking spots for their clients.

Another easier way to get to Bayeux is to get on the train. About 2 hours 20 minutes by train, direct train.

You should head to Gare St Lazare. St Lazare train station. There is more than one train station in Paris, so ensure you get to this one when heading to Bayeux. St Lazare train station connects with northwestern France. It is about a 10 minutes drive (when traffic is okay in Paris) from the Champs Elysées.

You can get your train tickets from this official website from the US.

From other places, visit this website .

Like all the train stations in Paris, St Lazare train station is a rather big one, so take some time ahead of you to avoid missing your train.

Onboard the train, there are restrooms, but very rarely are there snacks or cafes to buy. The train company provides free wifi and plugs to charge your devices.

At the train station, you can buy anything you want regarding food & drinks.

When you arrive at Bayeux train station, in case your guide does not meet you upon your arrival (a common option for many travelers who have just one day to visit the Normandy D-Day Beaches), you’ll find taxis right in front of the train station to get you safely to your hotel. You can pay by credit card on all the taxis.

No Ubers here, sorry.

This airport , though international, does not operate many flights each day, but you can find a connection to other major cities in France, in the UK, Spain, and Northern Africa.

Then, from the airport just take a taxi to your hotel in Bayeux. There are always many taxis when planes land. It takes about 30mns drive and should be under 70EUR one way.

Related read : Top Tips for Booking Flights in Europe During Summer

Bayeux has a great choice of cafés and restaurants.

When in Bayeux, you’ll feel like in a little ideal town of France, where it feels good to walk slowly and wander around by the water mill, the Cathedral, the Convent where the amazing Bayeux Tapestry is kept.

There is a match for everyone from simple pizza and beers to more fancy dining.

Here is my shortlist of best restaurants:

• La Maison Blanche For those who want to combine a really fun evening with delicious food, all in a Cabaret atmosphere, this is the place.
• Le Pommier Excellent, traditional, perfect location and service. Book well in advance.
• L’Alchimie Small restaurant, yet the chef deserves a big Wow. Just delicious fresh local food.
• La Rapière Simply the best, so book as soon as you can. You won’t be disappointed, believe me.

Related read : A Foodie Itinerary for Normandy, France

If I can give one good piece of advice as a tour guide myself, it is to book your tour, whether group or Private, as soon as you can. One year in advance is not a problem at all. The best guides and companies get booked many months ahead.

Also, read the reviews about your guide. TripAdvisor reviews, unfortunately, do not always match what a guide company does, as competitors and even anyone can pit a review on a guide on this platform.

I once had a review for the Mont St Michel , saying that this place was not worth it… I am not the Mont St Michel. Some companies like Tours by Locals allow only their clients to put reviews to guides they had. I recommend this.

Well, there is a real bonus of having a tour guide just for the day, but it comes with a price. It is really worth your money, as a Private Tour will allow you to customize the day as you want, and you’ll have a guide just for you.

Group Tours, especially the ones of the Normandy D-Day Beaches, tend to be quite like “ cattle herding ,” and the quality of tour guides is clearly not the same as for the ones doing mostly Private Tours.

Now, another simple way to get the guide to be the best is to remember that he is doing that almost year-round, so a smile, some questions, and a happy face help a lot to break the ice.

French people are very sensitive to behavior and politeness. Do not forget it.

Experience a personalized and exclusive day trip to the historic Normandy landing beaches of World War II, departing from Caen.

Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned minivan with your private guide, who has personal connections to this period of history through their family’s experiences during the Nazi occupation.

Immerse yourself in the significance of D-Day as you explore renowned sites such as Arromanches, Omaha Beach, and Pointe du Hoc. Gain insight into the landings at the Airborne Museum, pay tribute at the American Cemetery, and indulge in a tasting of local apple brandy known as ‘calvados’.

This tour is tailored to your interests; simply inform your guide if there are specific places or aspects you would like to further explore.

• Embark on a customizable day trip to discover Normandy’s iconic D-Day landing beaches
• Enjoy freedom in designing your itinerary according to your preferences
• Listen firsthand accounts from a knowledgeable guide whose family experienced life during WWII in Normandy
• Visit significant locations including Omaha Beach, Sword Beach,and Pointe du Hoc
• Explore Arromanches beach where an artificial Mulberry Harbour was constructed
• Pay respects at both the American Cemetery and Airborne Museum while also savoring authentic Norman apple brandy
• Benefit from personalized attention and insightful commentary provided by your private guide

This comprehensive tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off services along with snacks for refreshment throughout the journey. You will travel comfortably inside an air-conditioned minivan under guidance by our expert driver-guide.

Book your tour directly with the guide here.

Price: from €650 (up to 6 persons) Duration: 10 hours Start: 9 am Pickup: Caen or any place within a radius of 30 km from Caen Free cancelation up to 24 hours before Mobile ticket Tour in English, Italian, French or Spanish

Learn about the courageous actions undertaken by 34 000 soldiers who landed here on D-Day.

Duration: 2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Pay a visit to this solemn site and gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by American soldiers during the Normandy invasion.

Explore this unique location which still houses authentic WWII German cannons that were operational on June 6th, 1944.

Duration: 1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Discover the remarkable engineering feat behind the construction of Mulberry Harbors, vital for unloading supplies needed for the Battle of Normandy.

Witness Utah Beach and learn about General Roosevelt’s strategic success with the aid of the renowned 4th Infantry Division on D-Day in this sector.

Visit Pointe du Hoc to understand and appreciate how members of the heroic Second Ranger Battalion sacrificed their lives to capture this pivotal gun battery situated atop Omaha Beach cliffs on June 6th,1944.

Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Step into Sainte Mère Eglise where you will discover tales surrounding sacrifices made by both the82ndand101stAirborne Divisions as they paved way for subsequent landings later during D-Day. If time permits, explore exhibits at Airborne Museum nearby.

Duration:2 hours • Admission ticket free

Pay homage to Company Easy from506PIRwho skillfully seized an important gun position just four miles southward from Utah beachat Brécourt Manor.Explorethe Danie Winter Memorial too.

Duration:30 minutes • Admission ticket included

There is one good restaurant for your lunch break while visiting the Normandy D-Day Beaches, La Cremaillère in St Laurent sur Mer, run by Jessica Julienne.

It is just above the way down to Omaha Beach at the D3.

This is simply a Dinners like French café where you’ll get for 17EUR a good lunch. Starter buffet, main, and dessert. In the summer, they have a BBQ. Plenty of room in front for parking.

If you have a tour guide with you, remember that he/she has no breaks from the moment he/she meets you, so the lunch break (with you, his clients) is the only time during the day when he can relax a little as well as get to know you better. Take time for your lunch. French people take a long break. It’s a good occasion to have a chat and try the delicious hard cider.

If you have just one day for your tour of the Normandy D-Day Beaches, you won’t have time to see all the sites in one day. This is just impossible.

Depending on where you have started your day, you’ll focus on:

• Longues Sur Mer German WWII canons
• Arromanches & the Mulberry Harbour
• Brecourt Manor
• Ste Mere Eglise
• Normandy American Cemetery & Visitor Center

Trust the experience of the tour guide for the itinerary. He/she lives here and has done it many times already.

If you need some groceries or a snack, there is a small supermarket, Carrefour City, just by the Churchill Hotel, 22 rue St Jean. Opens from 7 AM till 9 PM, except Sunday, 9 AM- 1 PM.

Rue des Bouchers Open 7/7 7AM-9PM

This pharmacy has staff who speak English quite well, and they know the equivalent of many US drugs in French – which is useful.

15 Rue Saint-Patrice, 14400 Bayeux

A very pleasant cafe is the one of the Reine Mathilde Hotel , Le Garde Manger.

If you still have some time in Bayeux, I highly recommend you visit the Bayeux Tapestry Museum. There, the Bayeux Tapestry depicts the fascinating history of the Conquest of England by William of Normandy, known as William the Conqueror.

His wife Mathilda and her pet ladies handmade it between 1071 and 1085 between France and England. It is the oldest tapestry in the world and is exceptionally well preserved.

After watching the tapestry at the ground level with the audio guides, head to the first floor, where the museum gives you more insight into the context of the Tapestry.

On the 2nd floor, the movie in English gives you even more detail about the Bayeux Tapestry. You should count about 2 hours to have enough time to visit the Bayeux Tapestry.

Et voilà, you’re all set to have a great experience visiting the Normandy D-Day Beaches.

As far back as I can remember, I have always loved history and telling people about it and showing them the best places to eat, have fun and do things. I was born in Normandy, near Lisieux, and both my grandparents lived through the German occupation and both were in the French Resistance. This is where my passion for digging in the past really began. After school in Lisieux, I studied history and journalism at the Sorbonne in Paris. I have been a professional guide for three years now and I really love it! I know and love my region. I have lived here almost all my life and I have so much to show you. I have lived elsewhere, but I can tell you that "paradise" for me is "here" in the green pastures of Normandy.

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Is a Tour of the Normandy D-Day Beaches Worth It?

Debra Thimmesch Last Updated: June 24, 2024

Planning to visit Normandy and want to know if a guided tour of the Normandy D-Day beaches is worth it and right for you? Short answer: yes! It is absolutely worth it. This article, the more informative answer, will tell you what to expect from your unforgettable tour of the D-Day memorials at Normandy.

Pro Tip: Planning what to do on your trip to Paris? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you’re in the city. Check out our guide to Paris for more planning resources, our top Normandy tours for a memorable trip, and how to take a day trip to Normandy from Paris .

What Does it Mean to “See the Normandy D-Day Beaches”?

No doubt you’ve heard about D-Day and the importance of this 50-mile stretch of beaches to the overall war effort. It was when the Allied forces launched their massive invasion of France on June 6, 1944. They called that momentous day D-Day when over 156,000 troops arrived by land, sea, and air on the coast of Normandy.

A tour of important sites on or near the Normandy D-Day beaches will let you follow in the footsteps of the Allied liberators of France. You’ll also see how regular French citizens coped with the German occupation or even helped in the massive French Resistance movement.

Normandy tours of the D-Day sites usually include stops at Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, Pointe du Hoc, the Normandy American Cemetery, the Caen Memorial Museum, and various other memorials and museums along the way. You’ll get viewpoints of the beaches and have time to explore the historical memorabilia found around these areas.

Not ready to book a tour? Find out how to visit the Normandy D-Day sites .

Areas of Interest

A thorough tour of the Normandy D-Day beaches and other sites encompasses about 50 miles of territory. It stretches from the city of Caen in the east to Utah Beach further west. As you travel along the usual route, you can imagine troops and tanks filling the now-quiet countryside with noise and chaos.

Much of your visit to D-Day sites will be along the shore of the English Channel. The French call this stretch of sea between France and England “La Manche” or “the sleeve” in English.

The serene present-day Normandy seaside is not without its scars, as you’ll see at Pointe du Hoc. Perhaps you will even find the sites haunting. However, you will also be reminded of the courage and indomitable spirit of the Allied forces as they battled to restore freedom in France and Europe.

Below are a few of the key areas well worth visiting on a Normandy D-Day tour, but you can read about more things to see here .

Caen Memorial Museum

Caen is the largest city in Normandy. It is located about 10 miles inland from the English Channel and was a crucial tactical site during the war. Moreover, this battle-scarred city has been historically important since the Middle Ages since it was once the capital of William the Conqueror!

The Caen Memorial Museum tells the story of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy. It is one of the most impressive D-Day museums in France. Different areas of the museum tell different stories. For instance, one section deals with D-Day. Another area grapples with the Nazis’ persecution and genocide of French Jews.

In yet another section, you’ll hear stories of regular French citizens coping with life under German occupation. Overall, at the Caen Memorial Museum, you’ll get the full picture of what you’ll be seeing on the rest of your tour.

Omaha and Utah Beaches

Without a doubt, you’ve heard of both Omaha and Utah Beaches, so we’re putting them together as the two beaches that are most worth visiting. British and Canadian soldiers landed at Juno, Gold, and Sword beaches. The Americans arrived at Omaha and Utah beaches. However, the most vulnerable—and bloody—landing zone was Omaha Beach.

Utah Beach is located on the Cotentin or Cherbourg Peninsula. The invasion planners chose it because of its close proximity to the deep water port at Cherbourg. Allied forces landed on Utah Beach first. They suffered numerous casualties, although not as many as those on Omaha Beach.

The Utah Beach Landing Museum is a must-visit stop on your Normandy D-Day Beaches tour. The huge windows of the museum look out over the beach. Also, the museum’s extensive collection of D-Day-related objects, including vehicles, gives you important context.

Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial

The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial is located near Colleville-sur-Mer. The U.S. Army built the cemetery on the site of a temporary one for American soldiers shortly after D-Day.

Spanning 172.5 acres, the cemetery contains the graves of 9,386 dead, according to the official website. Most of them died on D-Day or in the extended Battle of Normandy that lasted until August 30, 1944.

The cemetery looks out over Omaha Beach. As a result, you feel the poignant connection between the now-quiet beach and the lines of white cross grave markers.

La Pointe du Hoc

La Pointe du Hoc is a long, craggy cliff overlooking the English Channel. The Germans had fortified it and built concrete bunkers. The Allies wanted it. That’s because it was an ideal outlook position and thus strategically crucial.

The battle for Pointe du Hoc left obvious scars: huge craters resulting from the Allied attack. Visitors can stand on the edge of the craters. You are also allowed to climb into the bunkers. The experience is undeniably eerie.

Not ready to book a tour? Check out the things you have to see at Normandy .

Short answer: Yes! It is absolutely worth it!

We’re a tour company, so we are obviously going to recommend a guided tour but even more so for this particular area. In our experience, tourists like you have found tours of the Normandy D-Day beaches among the most memorable experiences of their lives—not just their travels.

Why? Because our passionate and knowledgeable tour guides can make even an ordinary experience extraordinary. They have more than just the inside scoop: they have learned what works and what doesn’t.

Best of all: we make transportation easy, so you don’t have to worry about navigating through Normandy from Paris. This is especially essential with a tour that involves more than one stop. As the stops are spread out over a stretch of about 50 miles, a guided tour means you don’t have to worry about driving, parking, or returning to Paris.

What else is so great about these tours? We make any necessary reservations so you can concentrate on the tour itself. We’re positive you will find your Normandy D-Day beach tour unforgettable.

Transportation Included

Relax! We take care of the transportation part of the tour, so you don’t have to worry about finding your way around Normandy. Whether you’re starting your tour from Paris or in Normandy, our well-organized tours are convenient and hassle-free!

Our tours make several stops. Since the sites are spread out over about 50 miles, a guided tour means you don’t have to worry about driving, parking, or maps.

Small Group Tour

It’s easy to get lost in a crowd of 50 or more fellow travelers. That’s why we keep our Normandy tours small so you can enjoy a group of fewer than 15 people. The smaller group means you’ll be able to have a quiet moment to appreciate where you are. Most importantly, you can interact with your guide better.

Stories and History

You’ve planned your trip to France. You’ve made reservations. And you’ve thumbed through guidebooks and felt overwhelmed. Where to begin? Well, thanks to a guided tour with a knowledgeable local guide, you can leave the guidebooks and brochures at home. 

Your guide will share in-depth and sometimes surprising facts and stories . For example, did you know that according to WWII historian Paul Kaplan, Hitler thought the Allied forces would try to land further north in Calais? Yep!

As a result, the now-famous landing beaches like Omaha weren’t as well-fortified as they could have been. That seems unbelievable given the number of deaths of Allied soldiers, even just that first day. However, it could have been so much worse!

Museums included

If the Normandy D-Day Beach tour you choose includes some museum stops, you’ll rest easy knowing that the tickets have already been arranged for you. If there’s an absolute must-see museum where you’re going, rest assured we’ll know about it. More importantly, we’ll make sure you get there and get in with no hassles.

Our Normandy D-Day Landing Beaches Tours

We do our best to tailor our tours for broader appeal. So, there’s usually something for everyone on a given tour. That goes for our Normandy D-Day tours as well. There’s plenty of activity and information that history enthusiasts will find riveting. Choose between our two popular tours of the Normandy D-Day beaches and related sites.

Normandy D-Day Landing Beaches Day Trip with Cider Tasting and Lunch

Staying in Paris but hoping to get out to Normandy to pay respects to the fallen troops of WWII? Then you’ll love this all-inclusive day trip from Paris to Normandy. Join a passionate, local guide to see the important sites and memorials of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy.

We arrange all transportation so you don’t have to worry about the details or where to go. And as an added touch, your tour includes a hearty Normandy-style lunch with a local cider tasting too!

See tour itinerary, price, and description

Private Tour from Paris to Normandy Beaches and WWII Memorials

Hoping for a more intimate and meaningful way to experience some of the most hallowed ground for American troops? Then you’ll want to book this private tour to Normandy. With just your group and local guide, you can tailor your experience to see more of what you’re most interested in.

Your journey from Paris to Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, the American Cemetery, and more can be made all the more memorable on this private experience. It also includes a stop for some wonderful food of Normandy and locally made ciders from a countryside orchard.

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About Debra Thimmesch

Debra Thimmesch is an art historian, researcher, independent scholar, editor, and visual artist. She mentors undergraduate and graduate students in the history of art and is a published author. Her work has appeared in publications such as The Brooklyn Rail, Art Papers, and Blind Field and a variety of exhibition catalogs. Her BA, MA, and PhD in art history have provided only part of the broader, global view of the history of art that she has acquired through the years. As a world traveler, she considers herself a sort of pilgrim of great art and architecture. As a teacher and tour guide, she has led private tours and student groups to numerous sites in the US, the UK, and Europe.

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3 Omaha Beach Itineraries

Much of the online information about Normandy tours – as well as the tours themselves – rightly focus on these details. But with all due respect, not everyone is a battle buff. Some of us don’t need, or want, to hear about the bloodshed and the strife. For many people, watching Saving Private Ryan was enough to last us a lifetime. We just want to see the area, pay our respects at the cemetery, and move on. The thing is, though, that the key World War II sites in Normandy, including the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, are not the most convenient places to get to. Again, with all due respect, this is not a complaint! Obviously, a hoard of future tourists wasn’t on the minds of the great military minds of the era. It’s simply a fact that, unfortunately, makes many travelers who don’t want a full tour skip this important sightseeing opportunity.

In fact, this is almost what happened with some friends of mine recently. They were taking a trip to Paris and wanted to plan a side trip to Normandy. They wanted to see Omaha Beach and visit the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, and maybe a museum. They didn’t want the whole shebang. But they just couldn’t figure out how to make it work. They finally came to me for help – and in digging into the research, I became just as confused as they were! There are more than a dozen museums and visitor centers in the area. There are tons of complaints about the local bus #70, which can take you to the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial; again, rightly so, it is for the benefit of the people who live in the areas, and not meant as a tourist shuttle. Therefore, the times are inconvenient for any meaningful visit to the area, there are none on Sundays, and if you miss one you’re stuck. I decided to get to the bottom of this. After all, surely we are not the only people who have ever wanted to go to Normandy to visit Omaha Beach without the whistles, horns and bells of a full battle tour. With that in mind, I came up with three Omaha beach itineraries for us to choose from. Take a look at them, and see if any of them match your idea of a side trip to Normandy World War II sites.

First, though, here are some things these itineraries presuppose:

• Trains run from Paris St.-Lazare station to Bayeux, and cost between 28-35.
• It seems that taxis are the best choice for this whole side trip. I know budget travelers will wince, but you’re not spending a month out there – you want to do what you came for, not waste time trying to find what by all accounts is an unreliable local bus.
• All itineraries are at least one overnight stay. You could do this in a day, but it’s better to take the time.
• The main site is the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial , which sits on a cliff overlooking Omaha Beach and the English Channel, east of St. Laurent-sur-Mer and northwest of Bayeux in Colleville-sur-Mer, 170 miles west of Paris. It’s run by the U.S. Government’s American Battle Monuments Commission.

Omaha Beach Itinerary #1 – The In-and-Out

• From the Bayeax train station, take a taxi to La Sapinière , a family-run bed and breakfast located on the shoreline just behind the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial.
• The next morning, walk from La Sapinière along the cliff trail to the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, visit, and walk back.
• Grab your bags, call a taxi and head back to Bayeux and the train.
• You won’t have to rely on any timetable or service to visit the cemetery.
• The hotel is simple, cute and has homemade food.
• It’s just one night away from Paris.
• There isn’t much else to do other than what you came for. That’s not a minus in my book; but if you wanted to kill any more than one bird with this stone, this is not the choice for you.
• This choice is entirely contingent on there being room at the hotel.

Omaha Beach Itinerary #2 – The Relaxer

• From the Bayeux train station, take a taxi to the Ibis hotel in Port en Bessin , a cute harbor town on the shoreline.
• The next morning, take a taxi to the cemetery and back.
• Stay another night in Port en Bessin.
• Take the train back to Paris the next day.
• The Ibis is a national chain hotel, with amenities like wifi and a 24-hour staff.
• You have more dining choices.
• It’s a relaxing change from the sightseeing schlep of Paris.
• It’s two nights.
• Because you’re halfway between Bayeux and the cemetery, it’s gonna be taxis-a-go-go.

Omaha Beach Itinerary #3 – The Full Monty

• Get an early start and stay In Bayeux (check out Bayeux hotels and Bayeux hostels ).
• On day 1, check out the sites in Bayeux, such as its world-famous Bayeux tapestry and the Cathedral.
• On day 2, take a taxi to the cemetery and back.
• You’ll only have the taxi ride to the cemetery and back.
• There’s lots to see and do in Bayeux, so it will give you a good idea of someplace else besides Paris.
• Possible trip fatigue, as you’ll be hitting the ground running the whole time.
• If you’re wanting to see somewhere other than Paris, Bayeux would not be my first choice, but that’s just me.

I sincerely hope that this can be a help to those of you who had as hard a time as I did finding no-nonsense information about visiting Normandy World War II sites and the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial. If you still have any questions, feel free to contact me – france at whygo dot com – or hit me up on Twitter @WhyGoFrance . And if you’re looking for more info on Normandy, take a look at some of these links as well.

• Top 10 things to do in Normandy
• Best beaches in France
• Normandy travel guide
• How to get from Paris to Normandy

When is the 2024 presidential debate? How to watch Biden-Trump CNN debate

 President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are set to face off in the first presidential debate of 2024 this week.

Hosted by CNN , the debate will be 90 minutes and introduce some new rules to the format. Both candidates have accepted the network’s invitation and agreed to accept the rules and format of the debate, according to CNN.

Here's when and where to watch the upcoming presidential debate:

When is the presidential debate? What time is the presidential debate?

The first presidential debate will take place Thursday, June 27 at 9 p.m. ET at CNN's Atlanta studios.

What channel is the first debate between Trump and Biden on?

CNN will host the first election debate between the two candidates in its Atlanta studio. It will air live on CNN, CNN International, CNN en Español, and CNN Max.

On Thursday,  Fox News announced  it would present “extensive live coverage” of the CNN presidential debate across all its platforms, including the “FOX News Democracy 2024: CNN Presidential Debate” from 9-11 pm/Eastern Daylight Time. 

ABC News also announced it would be showing “‘Battle for the White House’ and ABC News’ Presentation of the CNN Presidential Debate” on ABC New Live and streamed on Hulu on Thursday from 7 pm-12 am.

How can I watch the presidential debate if I don't have cable?

For those without a cable subscription, the debate will be  streaming on CNN.com .

Who will moderate June's presidential debate with Biden and Trump?

The debate will be moderated by CNN anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, according to a statement from CNN’s press room.

Are there any rules to CNN's presidential debate?

According to the network, the new rules for the 90-minute debate will include no studio audience, no interaction from campaign staff, no use of notes and no interrupting.

Microphones will also be muted except for that candidate's allotted time to speak. The moderators “will use all tools at their disposal to enforce timing and ensure a civilized discussion,” according to the network.

In a first, both campaigns have agreed to the new rules.

Who is eligible to participate in the debates?

To qualify for participation, CNN writes that presidential candidates must meet the following criteria:

• "Fulfill the requirements outlined in Article II, Section 1 of the Constitution
• "File a Statement of Candidacy with the Federal Election Commission
• "A candidate's name must appear on a sufficient number of state ballots to reach the 270 electoral vote threshold to win the presidency prior to the eligibility deadline
• "Agree to accept the rules and format of the debate
• "Receive at least 15% in four separate national polls of registered or likely voters that meet CNN's standards for reporting."

What about Robert F. Kennedy? Did he qualify?

 Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. failed to qualify for the presidential debate. According to USA TODAY, he did not meet the criteria after he received at least 15% in three qualifying polls and was on the ballot in six states, making him eligible for only 89 electoral college votes.

Florida first lady: Has there ever been a first lady from Florida? Cheryl Hines of ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ could be

The  deadline to qualify for the debate  was 12 a.m. EDT Thursday

When is the second presidential debate?

The second debate is scheduled for Sept. 10 and will be hosted by ABC. As of June 2024, the details about the location and moderators for the ABC-hosted debate have yet to be announced.

When is Florida's 2024 Primary Elections?

Florida's Primary Elections are on August 20. There are several key dates to know, and they're coming up fast.

• July 6:  This is the deadline for stateside and overseas military, and out-of-country civilians, to request a vote-by-mail ballot.
• July 11-18:  Deadline for county clerks to mail out domestic ballots.
• July 22 : This is the last day to register to vote, or for voters to change their party before voting in the primary election. You must choose a party to be permitted to vote in that party's primary election.
• Aug. 8:  Final deadline for vote-by-mail requests.
• Aug. 10-17:  Early voting opens statewide. Optional earlier dates may be offered on a county-by-county basis.
• Aug. 20:  Primary Election Day. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in whatever time zone you live in. Any voters still in line at 7 p.m. will be permitted to cast a ballot however long it takes.

When is the General Election in November?

The General Election is on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Contributing: Kinsey Crowley and Gabe Hauari , USA TODAY and C. A. Bridges, USA TODAY Network-Florida

Looking to watch the fireworks this Fourth of July? Here’s where you should go in Indy

Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated the dates for the Star-Spangled Symphony. The concerts will be on July 3-5. 

More than 10 sites around Indianapolis will set off fireworks to celebrate this Fourth of July and many of them are accompanied by festivals. The holiday falls on a Thursday, so some events span several days into the weekend. Here’s what you need to know:

Indianapolis Fourth of July fireworks and festivals

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July 4, Downtown Indy: Indy’s Downtown Fourth Fest will have a 20-minute fireworks show that can best be viewed from the Indiana War Memorial grounds and the American Legion Mall. The street festival will have live performances and food trucks and starts at 6 p.m. Fireworks start at 10 p.m. The festival takes place on North Street between Meridian Street and Pennsylvania Street.

July 3, Broad Ripple: The White River Yacht Club will perform the Meredith Smith Memorial Fireworks Show over the White River. While the club hasn’t announced this year’s launch times, in 2023, the fireworks show started at 9 p.m..

July 3, Beech Grove: Fireworks will launch at approximately 10 p.m. after Beech Grove's All-American Day at the Park. The festival at Sara T. Bolton Park kicks off at 5:30 and will have food vendors, a kids' zone and a DJ.

Fireworks and festivals in Hamilton and Boone Counties

July 3 - 4, Carmel: CarmelFest ends with a 30-minute show culminating in a fireworks display launched from the Carmel Ice Skadium at 9:45 p.m. on July 4. The festival is two days long, starting July 3. On the 3rd, the hours are 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., and on the 4th noon to 10 p.m. The festival will have a beer garden, a talent show, live performances, caricature artists and food trucks.

July 4, Fishers: Fireworks will be launched at 10 p.m. from Cyntheanne Park and the Geist Reservoir. They can be seen from Hamilton Southeastern Intermediate & Jr. High School and on the water.

July 4, Noblesville: Fireworks start at 10 p.m. and can be viewed from Federal Hill Commons or Forest Park. A Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks Festival will kickoff with a parade at 4 p.m. followed by the festival in Forest Park from 6 to 10 p.m. The 2023 festival had inflatable bounce houses, bungee jumping, a rock wall, ax throwing and a beer garden.

July 4, Westfield: Fireworks will start at 10 p.m., following a festival at Grand Park Sports Campus. The festival will have live music and games and goes from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

July 4, Zionsville: A Fourth of July celebration will be held at Lions Park starting at 5 p.m. and fireworks will begin at 10 p.m.. There will be children’s bounce houses, games and festival food for sale. Miss Indiana and Miss Teen Indiana will sing the national anthem at 7 p.m.

Fireworks and festivals in Hendricks County

July 3, Avon: The town of Avon’s Night at the Park starts with food trucks, a petting zoo, a concert and pony rides, and ends with a fireworks display. The free event goes from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Avon Town Hall Park.

July 4, Brownsburg: Brownsburg’s July Fourth 2024 Extravaganza will begin at 7:30 at the Town Hall Green. There will be a performance from the Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra. A parade through town will begin at 10 a.m. Fireworks start at 10 p.m.

June 29 to July 4: Poor Jack’s Carnival will be at Arbuckle Acres Park from 6 to 11 p.m. each night. Carnival wristbands are $25, but the rest of the festival, which includes yard games and food trucks, is free.

Family friendly entertainment

July 3 - 5, Conner Prairie, Fishers: The focus of the Star-Spangled Symphony at Conner Prairie is the music, but the finale will be accompanied by fireworks for these three. Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra concerts. Gates open at 6 p.m. and music starts at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at indianapolissymphony.org.

July 4, Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site Independence Day Social: From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the home of America’s Hoosier President will have free first-floor tours and patriotic activities. There will be live jazz music, balloon artists, crafts and visiting animals from Indianapolis Care Services. Hot dogs, ice cream and popcorn will be available. The event is free but registration at bhpsite.org is required.

July 4, Indianapolis Indians vs. Louisville Bats: Tickets are available for the 6:35 p.m. baseball game at ticketsonsale.com. The Indians will play at Victory Field and fireworks will follow the game.

Out to the bars

July 4, Metazoa Brewing Company 4th of July Party: Metazoa Brewing, 140 S. College Ave., will unveil their new beer at their free block party. The event goes from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and will have live music. The brewery is dog-friendly and the Downtown Indianapolis fireworks will be visible.

July 6, Red, White and Brew Bar Crawl: For $25, crawlers can dress up in red, white and blue and explore multiple Indy bars. The event goes from 4 to 6 p.m. and starts at the Saint Shack, 250 S. Meridian St. Tickets can be purchased at eventbrite.com .

July 5, Red White and Brew Party: Hosted by Howl at the Moon, 20 E. Georgia St. , there will be dancing and deals on drinks all night to celebrate the Fourth. Howl at the Moon is open from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Alex Haddon is a Pulliam Fellow. You can email her at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Looking to watch the fireworks this Fourth of July? Here’s where you should go in Indy