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D-Day to the Rhine

This is the bucket list trip that I have been waiting for and it was beyond my expectations. From walking on the Normandy beaches, and attending the D-Day ceremony and sitting in the audience was a special treat. There were so many outstanding sites that we visited.

– Sharon Peterson

Our D-Day to the Rhine Tour commemorates the Allied invasion of Normandy that led to victory in Europe in WWII. You will begin in London, where Sir Winston Churchill led Great Britain through its “darkest hour,” and then follow Eisenhower’s Army from England to Normandy to the Rhine. You will visit the invasion beaches of Omaha and Utah and pay your respects at the American Cemetery, where 9387 American soldiers’ graves stretch along the the bluff overlooking the beach, before traveling to Bastogne to begin your study of Operation Market Garden and the Battle of the Bulge

Stephen E. Ambrose first designed our D-Day to the Rhine Tour itinerary in 1978 when he began his intense study of the D-Day invasion, the Normandy Campaign and western front in WWII. As part of his research, Ambrose travelled with countless veterans to find the sites where they trained in the United Kingdom and the battlefields where they made history in Europe. His extensive study of the European Theater of Operations led to his bestselling books on the subject, D-Day: June 6, 1944 , Citizen Soldiers, Band of Brothers, and Pegasus Bridge , among others . Ambrose also wrote several volumes about General Eisenhower during WWII, including his two-volume set of biographies and The Supreme Commander: The War years of Dwight D. Eisenhower .

Ambrose’s research produced the unrivaled experience that we offer on our D-Day to the Rhine Tour. His expertise was directly handed down to the next generation of historians who have continued to document the battlefield memories of hundreds of WWII veteran soldiers and officers at the very places where they fought. Their vast canon of knowledge is what makes our D-Day tour so authentic. Your historian will share these personal stories and their WWII expertise with you at every stop.

Optional Nuremberg and Berchtesgaden Post-Tour Extension

The optional post-tour extension will depart Frankfurt to the historic city of Nuremberg, where Hitler staged his infamous Nazi rallies and the International Tribunal conducted the Nuremberg Trials. After lunch in the picturesque market center dominated by the Frauenkirche, you will have a guided tour of the Nazi Party Rally Grounds and visit the Nuremberg Trials Courtroom 600. On the second day, you will visit Dachau Concentration Camp and have a city tour of Munich. The last full day will include a day trip to Berchtesgaden, where you will have a city tour and visit the Obersalzberg bunker and Eagle’s Nest.

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• Churchill War Rooms:  The Churchill War Rooms, the underground nerve center for Britain’s war effort, is always a highlight.
• Southwick House:  We visit Southwick House where Eisenhower, Montgomery, Ramsay and staff planned the invasion.
• Normandy Beaches:  Visiting the invasion beaches of Normandy: Omaha and Utah and the American Cemetery are one of the most moving things you will ever do.
• Ste-Mere-Eglise:  You will not find this stop on other Band of Brothers Tours: the iconic church and steeple at Ste-Mere-Eglise and the guns at Longues-sur-Mer.
• Pointe-du-Hoc:  Stand where the Rangers scaled the cliffs at Pointe-du-Hoc.
• Bastogne:  We wrap up the tour learning about Bastogne, the Ardennes and the Battle of the Bulge.

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1 overnight flight to london.

Book your overnight flight the day before you'd like to arrive in London.

DAY 2 London

Arrive in London on the morning of Day 2 and check into the hotel where the entire group will gather for an evening welcome reception. Your historian will treat you to your first lecture, with introductions all around.

DAY 3 London

The morning will feature key sites in London that figured prominently in the War before proceeding to the Churchill War Rooms, the underground nerve center for Britain's war effort. You will also visit the Imperial War Museum, which houses authentic examples of World War II weaponry, tanks, and aircraft and an exhibit of WWI trench warfare. You will have free time to enjoy London in the evening.

DAY 4 Portsmouth

Depart London for Bletchley Park where you will visit the nerve center for intelligence used in the Allied War effort, code name Ultra. Here you will see the place where the Enigma machine is housed and where the cyphers and codes of several Axis countries were decrypted during the war.

This afternoon you will tour Southwick House, the advance command post of the Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force. In the months leading up to D-Day in 1944, the house became the headquarters of the main Allied commanders, including Naval Commander-In-Chief Admiral Ramsay, Allied Supreme Commander General Eisenhower, and the Army Commander-In-Chief General Montgomery.

DAY 5 - 8 Normandy

Following breakfast at the hotel, you will cross the English Channel by ferry, embarking for Normandy as the troops did in 1944.

During the several days you spend in Normandy, your visit will include the following sites, and maybe others:

Pegasus Bridge : Where the first shots were fired on D-Day

Brécourt Manor : The medieval family home where Lieutenant Dick Winters led the men of Easy Company to silence the German artillery firing at Utah Beach on D-Day

Utah Beach : Where the American 4th Division landed, and where the Invasion Museum stands today amid the stunning dunes.

Omaha Beach : Where the Americans experienced the greatest losses on D-Day

Pointe-du-Hoc : Where the Rangers scaled the cliffs and neutralized the heavy German guns

Normandy American Cemetery: Pay your respects at the deeply moving cemetery where nearly 10,000 graves memorialize the dead from the Normandy Campaign

Ste-Mere-Eglise : Where the first American Airborne troops landed on D-Day

La Fiere Bridge: Where the 82nd Airborne successfully delayed a German Panzer counterattack against the Allied landing forces on D-Day

Ste-Marie-du-Mont : The church where the Germans used the unique Renaissance-style steeple as an observation post

Carentan: Proceed from this town captured by the 101 st in the exact steps taken by American Paratroopers during the Battle of Normandy

Longues-sur-Mer Battery: A fine example of Hitler’s Atlantic Wall of defense

DAY 9 On the Road

After a half day of final site visits in Normandy, we will work our way to the Netherlands with an overnight in eastern France.

DAY 10 Arnhem

After breakfast, you will begin your study of Operation Market Garden, the early attempt by the Allied forces to strike directly for Berlin. Control of the bridges at Eindhoven, Nijmegen, and Arnhem was essential for the push into Germany. We drive Hell's Highway where the 101st and 82nd Airborne broke through to connect with the British in Arnhem. You will visit Nijmegen to see the daring crossing of the Waal River by the 82nd Airborne.

From there we travel to Arnhem where again we cross the "Bridge Too Far." Your historian will recount the desperate three days that the British 1st Airborne under General John Frost held it. You will end the day at the Airborne Museum at Oosterbeek.

DAY 11 The Ardennes

This is where Hitler put everything he had into his final counter-attack in the Ardennes that became the Battle of the Bulge. On December 16, 1944, Lt. Lyle Bouck was one of the first people to see the German columns coming. Your first stop will be in the Ardennes at Lanzereth, the town where Bouck and a platoon of 19 men held off a full-strength German SS Battalion under the infamous Joachim Peiper for an entire day. You will visit the American positions and hear their story, a breathtaking tale of heroism.

On December 17, 1944, the second day of the offensive, the Germans had several breakthroughs and many Americans surrendered near the town of Malmedy. Outside the town, Peiper's SS lined up about 150 GIs and fired at them point-blank. Less than half escaped alive. You will view the site of the massacre and the American Memorial at Malmedy. From there, you will enjoy a scenic drive through the Ardennes Mountains en route to the evening's lodging.

DAY 12 Luxembourg

Today, you will continue your study of the Battle of the Bulge. After breakfast, we drive to Bastogne where the Americans rallied and stopped the German attack. Here, you will view the route of the initial American retreat and the place where the 101st Airborne and elements of the 10th Armored Division held off fifteen German divisions for six days. You will visit key sites in and around this historic crossroads town. You will also go to General McAuliffe's HQ where he replied to German surrender demands with one word: "NUTS." After your visit, it is a short ride to Luxembourg. This afternoon affords some relaxing free time in the center of this bustling but charming old-world city.

DAY 13 Frankfurt

This morning you will visit nearby Hamm and the Luxembourg American Cemetery, the site of General George S. Patton's grave. America's foremost WWII field general rests here among his men.

You will then travel to the Siegfried Line to see remnants of the German communication trenches, pillboxes, and dragon's teeth that American GIs fought so hard to take in late 1944. This evening you will enjoy a farewell dinner and discussion after an enriching campaign into history.

DAY 14 Flight Home

Early morning departure to the Frankfurt International Airport.

Post-Tour - DAY 1 Nuremberg

You will continue your journey toward the Bavarian Alps, stopping first in the historic city of Nuremberg, where Hitler staged his infamous Nazi rallies and the International Tribunal conducted the Nuremberg Trials. After lunch in the picturesque market center dominated by the Frauenkirche, you will tour the Nazi Party Rally Grounds and visit the Nuremberg Trials Courtroom 600.

Post-Tour - DAY 2 Munich

We continue south through Bavaria toward Munich, first stopping in Dachau, where you will visit the site of some of the most nefarious acts against humankind during the war. In total, over 200,000 prisoners from more than 30 countries were confined in Dachau: notably Jews, resistance fighters, clergymen, politicians, communists, writers, artists, and royalty. The second camp liberated by Anglo-American forces, Dachau was one of the first places where the West was exposed to Nazi brutality. After lunch in a traditional Munich restaurant, you will enjoy a city tour of Munich before checking into a hotel in the heart of Munich, your base for our final two days.

Post-Tour - DAY 3 Munich

The day includes a city tour of Berchtesgaden and Obersalzberg where you will visit the Eagle’s Nest and the remains of the vast Nazi Party complex liberated by the Allies in May 1945. Eagle’s Nest was built as a 50th birthday present to Hitler from the Nazi Party. Perched at 6017 feet, the complex and road network leading to it were considered feats of engineering genius as they were completed in only 13 months in 1937-1938. For your final night, you will reflect on your journey and enjoy the camaraderie of a farewell dinner.

Post-Tour - DAY 4 Flights Home

Morning transfer to Munich Airport (MUC).

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• July 18 - 21, 2024 Post Tour Extension
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• July 25 - 28, 2024 Post Tour Extension
• September 6 - 19, 2024 Sold Out!
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• September 26 - 29, 2024 Post Tour Extension
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• October 3 - 6, 2024 Post Tour Extension
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• June 13 - 16, 2025 Post Tour Extension
• July 11 - 24, 2025
• July 24 - 27 Post Tour Extension
• September 5 - 18, 2025
• September 18 - 21, 2025 Post Tour Extension

Recommended Reading

• Citizen Soldiers by Stephen E. Ambrose
• D-Day: June 6, 1944 by Stephen E. Ambrose
• Voices of D-Day by Ronald Drez & Stephen E. Ambrose

Tour Includes

• Itinerary designed by Dr. Stephen E. Ambrose
• Full time historian and tour manager
• Educational road book full of maps and historical information
• 3 or 4 star hotels accommodations
• Rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage (where available) and service charges
• Touring by private first class air-conditioned motor coach
• All Breakfasts, some lunches, most dinners and a Welcome Reception
• Channel crossing to Normandy via ferry
• High-speed train from Paris to Brussels
• Rhine River Lunch Cruise
• All entrance fees to museums and attractions
• Flights are not included in tour costs.
• We are happy to help you book your flights.
• If you purchase your own airline ticket, please know that Day 1 is the day that you fly, Day 2 is the day you arrive in London.
• Before you purchase your airline tickets, please call us to confirm the recommended time of arrival.

Activity Level

As with all of our tours, we prefer to spend our time on the battlefields. There will be some museum stops, but please be prepared to walk on sandy beaches and cobblestone streets. There is a fair amount of walking, especially in Normandy.

Photo Gallery

• Charles Brower, Ph.D.

TRIP COST $6,590

Prices are per person based on double occupancy. For a single room add $1,650.

POST TOUR EXTENSION $1,790 per person based on double occupancy; for post-tour single room add $725.

Our Guests’ Reviews

There are 15 reviews for ' D-Day to the Rhine '. Add your review

I was on the second tour August 1999. I hope to go again. Ron and Judy Drez hosted the tour and they really made it simple and enjoyable. It’s really worth doing

Bucket List CHECK OFF

Having fulfilled my #1 Bucket List item, I can truthfully say that this was the best trip I’ve ever taken, Jonathan Carroll, our historian and chief entertainer, along with David, our tour manager and Johan, our magic-man driver, made these days a memory that I will never forget. Thank you.

Bucket List CHECK

Normandy to the rhine.

This was a trip of a lifetime for me. Learned so much, saw so much. Stood on Utah and Omaha Beach which was important to me. I LOVED it!!

Wonderful journey

The DDay to the Rhine trip(June 2022) was our second trip with SAHT and hopefully not the last. Our historian was Chris Anderson and he is truly a walking encyclopedia! His passion for WW2 history is evident in every visit. He kindly made an unscheduled stop for me at Sugar Red sector of Utah Beach because he knew that was where my father had landed! Looking forward to another trip with SAHT! Cheryl and George Holt

Trip of a Lifetime

My wife and I enjoyed every minute of every day. Our historian, Chris Anderson, provided personal anecdotes from residents and veterans that helped make each site all the more interesting and moving. We had the honor of being at the American Cemetery at Omaha Beach for the 78th anniversary ceremony. It was amazing being there with some of the surviving veterans sharing the moment honoring them. Chris was masterful knowing his topic inside and out yet making it interesting for all regardless of how much knowledge one had going in. Sabine was the camp Mom, making sure everyone was happy and safe as well as keeping us all on schedule so we could see and do as much as possible. She even helped put my wife and I in contact with a friend who is a master clock builder as a side project in the midst of all her other responsibilities. Klaus, our driver, was friendly and added to the experience dining with him and learning from him as well. The lodgings and meals were very nice as well. We have already booked a follow up trip waitlist with the Pacific theater tour and are looking at several of their other offerings in the meantime. I cannot imagine a better tour experience, and we can’t wait to go again..

This is the bucket list trip that I have been waiting for and it was beyond my expectations. From walking on the Normandy beaches, and attending the D-Day ceremony and sitting in the audience was a special treat. There were so many outstanding sites that we visited. Our London tour guide Tim was great. Bletchley Park was so neat and how the code breakers overcame astronomical odds to break the German codes. Standing inside one of the bunkers overlooking the Pointe du Hoc waterfront brought home what terror the Germans there must have experienced seeing the armada of ships descending on them. Both the American and Germany cemeteries brought home the human element of the war. The Berchtesgarden extension was very worthwhile and touring Dachau brought the trip to an emotional climax. I highly recommend this trip. I will remember this trip for years to come and made many new friends along the way.

I really enjoyed it. I was on the second trip in August of 1999. I’d like to go again but this disease thing keeps me out this year. I am retired now and can see some changes that will make it better. Berchestgarden wasn’t available then. Can’t say when but I’m going again.

My son and I took this tour some yars ago and are still talking about it. The tour and it’s guide were fist class. I have been to Normandy since and it was more impressive having been with Ambrose before.

Stephen Ambrose Historical Tours is the place for D-Day Tours

Stephen Ambrose Historical Tours is by far the leaders in keeping younger generations informed with regard to historical events and history of World War II on Facebook.

Content with regard to tours, past and future are encouraging and reminding people of the importance of the outcome of the war for present and future generations is informative.

The acknowledgement they give to the men who sacrificed themselves, especially on D-Day, not forgetting but honoring those who have been blessed to live a long and fulfilled life, must be the only place where these men to whom we all owe the life we enjoy today are really honored.

Their D-Day Tours are well known and if one ever decide to attend a D-Day tour Stephen Ambrose Historical Tours is the place to do it, first on Facebook and then joining the actual tour.

Thank you for keeping us informed and all the best I hope you will be with us for a long time. Your valuable input in the most important time in world history is to be commended.

Dream trip for any WWII history buff

This D-Day tour is a dream trip for any WWII history buff who wants to stand on the beaches at Normandy, experience the powerful emotions brought forth by the military cemeteries in France and Luxembourg, stand in a foxhole in the Ardennes, and tour General McAuliffe’s office in Bastogne.

Best experience!

Overall, the tour was the best experience Ive had. I will remember it for the rest of my life. I took over 600 photos. I got to see where my dad was at and wondered what made him what he was.

We saw so much

We saw so much – places I’ve read about but never thought I’d see.

Outstanding Trip!

I am a history and WWII buff and I felt this was an outstanding trip. My wife, who does not have a great interest in military matters, also feels this was one of her best trips.

Excellent tour

Excellent tour. I would highly recommend it to anyone with WWII interest. Best company and historians.

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No better place to die.

Captain Dale Adam Dye Jr., USMC (Ret.) (born October 8, 1944) is an American actor, technical advisor, radio personality and writer. A decorated Marine veteran of the Vietnam War, Dye has also offered his expertise to television, such as the HBO mini-series Band of Brothers and The Pacific , and video games, including the Medal of Honor

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Normandy D-Day Tours Explore D-Day and Operation Overlord sites with us!

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D-DAY TOURS

Guided tours of the normandy beaches, book a private tour at a cost  similar to that of a group tour, professional english-speaking guide, over ten years experience in the tour industry, fully accredited transport licence.

Book A Battlefield Tour And Journey Back In Time To 1944 

NEPTUNE A 

FULL-DAY TOUR  American D-Day Sectors

HALF-DAY TOUR American D-Day Sector (Omaha) 

BAND OF BROTHERS TOUR

FULL-DAY TOUR In the footsteps of 'Easy' Company 

FULL-DAY TOUR British D-Day Sectors

HALF-DAY TOUR British D-Day Sector (Gold)

FULL-DAY TOUR Canadian D-Day Sector

HALF-DAY TOUR Canadian D-Day Sector

FULL-DAY TOUR  Mont St. Michel + U.S. Cemetery

We know that for many a traveller, a visit to Normandy is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity hence our commitment to make it as interesting and meaningful an experience as possible!

ENJOY THE MAGIC OF NORMANDY

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PRIVATE TOURS

Are You Looking For A Guided Tour And You Don't Have Your Own Transport?

Book a private tour at a cost similar to that of a group tour. Most people travel to Normandy by train in the company of their friends or family. For a truly personalised experience, a private tour is always the best choice. You may opt for a standard itinerary, conceived as a full-day or half-day formula, or a customised one. Both include transport as well as guide service. On these tour we accommodate small parties counting up to 8 PAX. The vehicle (9-seater van) responds to all comfort and safety requirements stipulated by the French/E.U. law. 

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You Have Your Own Transport And You Are Interested In Finding A Guide?

Hire our guide and use your rental car (aka step-on guide for bus tours). The number of visitors who decide to rent a car and drive across France has increased considerably in recent years, especially in the context of the pandemic. If you are one of them or, generally speaking, if you have your own transport (e.g. mini-bus, coach), we are happy to assist you by providing guide service. A professional guide is a must when visiting historical monuments like Mont Saint Michel where, according to French regulations, only the former have the right to guide.  

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JOURNEY BACK IN TIME

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D-Day Tours of Normandy Three Day Tours

Comprehensive and detailed three-day tours of operation overlord, us emphasis three-day tour.

See the action from the perspective of the American troops.

An experience you’ll never forget.

British / Canadian Three-Day Tour

Follow the landings, routes, battles, losses and victories

of the British and Canadian soldiers in 1944.

Suggested Itineraries

Please note that  the itineraries outlined here for a three day tour are suggestions only. We are always happy to create a custom itinerary for you or your group. Please let Malcolm know if there is anything you would like to see that isn’t included on the suggested itinerary.

Our three-day tour is an ideal tour for small parties of up to four people who want to really find out more detail about what happened in the early hours and days of Operation Overlord and what happened as the battle for Normandy progressed.

Although nearly 80 years have passed since D Day, and the Normandy countryside has changed with the times, walking the ground is still the best way to understand the battlefields and the strategies employed. You can see the terrain for yourself and judge the sight-lines,  the vantage points and the targets over which such fierce battles were fought. We will help to recreate the difficulties faced by the Allies in mounting the largest sea-borne invasion in history. Conversely we shall explain how for ten weeks, the German Army forced the Allies’ advance to a snail’s pace before they were finally driven back and defeated.

Over the three days you will visit the significant sites of the D-Day battles. The major sites, like the Pegasus Bridge, St Mere Eglise, Omaha and Utah Beaches have excellent museums. Some sites still have the original concrete relics of Hitler’s Atlantic Wall which in some cases are well preserved. Others are now simply fields with a marker or memorial. At all of the sites your will visit will be supported by an explanatory talk to provide you with the background information to understand the action which took place.

More than just a tour 

Whilst we pride ourselves on the bespoke nature of our tours, each one being tailor made to suit our guests, we would like to present a sample of the type of itinerary that’s possible on a three day tour. Please note that this itinerary is just a sample. We are always happy to modify tours or to build a particular tour from scratch if you want to concentrate on a specific aspect of the D Day landings or the battles that ensued.

We offer a choice of three day tours with either a British/Canadian or U.S. Emphasis

Please click this link for our  d day tour prices  page. .

British / Canadian Emphasis Three Day Tour

Pegasus bridge.

The famous bridge across the Orne Canal at Benouville was captured by a daring glider assault in the early hours of D-Day. We follow a visit to the bridge by taking coffee at The Café Gondree before visiting the Memorial Pegasus Museum.

The Merville Battery

The silencing of the German battery at Merville in an improvised attack by an ad-hoc force of paratroopers from 9 th Battalion, The Parachute Regiment is a story of outstanding courage and leadership.

Ranville Cemetery

The village of Ranville was one of the first to be captured during the early hours of 6th June 1944. The cemetery which holds 2,563 burials is known as The Airborne Cemetery

Sword Beach

The landing of British 3rd Infantry Division at La Breche in the face of stubborn resistance from the German Strongpoint ‘Cod’

Hillman Fortress

The British advance on Caen on D-Day was significantly delayed by this well defended and strongly defended underground complex.

The Canadian landing at Bernieres sur Mer. The original sea wall, concrete bunkers, machine gun and mortar emplacements which inflicted heavy casualties on The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada

Landing on King Sector of GOLD Beach, Sgt Major Stanley Hollis, D Company The Green Howards, was the only British & Commonwealth soldier to win the Victoria Cross on D-Day.

The Mulberry Harbour at Arromanches

The story of the Mulberry harbour must rank amongst the most remarkable to emerge from the Second World War. In terms of engineering achievement it is surely one of the greatest of all time.

The Longues sur Mer Battery

When compared with other D-Day coastal batteries. The site at Longues sur Mer with the original guns still in place is quite unique.

Omaha Beach

It was at OMAHA Beach that the Allies found the strongest resistance on D-Day. Where the Americans took the heaviest casualties and where the Allies came closest to defeat.

St Mere Eglise. The fighting in the village

Dominated by the church of Notre Dame de la Paix in the town square. The strategically important town of St. Mere Eglise is the centerpiece of the airborne battle.

Brecourt Manor and the 506 PIR

Following the success of the T.V. Drama ‘Band of Brothers’ Brecourt Manor is a popular site to visit. This assault is still referenced in West Point as a textbook example of small unit tactics against superior numbers in a fixed position.

The original D-Day plan called for the first landings on UTAH Beach to be made amongst the Dunes of Varreville a mile to the North of the actual successful landings by 4th Infantry Division, which spearheaded the drive across the Cotentin Peninsula.

The Pointe Du Hoc

The daring and incredibly difficult cliff assault by the American 2nd Ranger Battalion under the command of Lt. Col James Rudder to neutralise the German gun battery.

The US Cemetery and Memorial

The sight of the brilliant white headstones at Colleville, laid in immaculate lines and set against the dark greens of the surrounding trees is beautiful, moving and tragic.

U.S. Emphasis Three Day Tour

St. mere eglise paratrooper drop zones.

Darkness, fog and anti-aircraft fire led to the scattering of American paratroopers amongst the cramped fields, dense hedgerows and swamps west of St Mere Eglise.

La Fière, Cauquigny Causeway and Chef du Pont

The fierce and protracted fight for this crossing over the River Merderet is is testimony to the fighting spirit of the Airborne soldier.

Amfreville, ‘Timmes Orchard’ and Hill 30

By holding their positions around Amfreville and Hill 30, the Paratroopers of the 507th & 508th Parachute Infantry prevented the Germans from mounting an effective attack towards Chef du Pont and la Friere bridges

Azeville and St. Marcouf Batteries

The heavy naval battery at St. Marcouf was the most powerful in the UTAH Beach area, the nearby battery at Azeville was also a potent threat to the landings.

Angovi l le au Plein

The church at Angoville stands out as a beacon of humanity surrounded by the chaos of war.

The Capture of Carentan

The story of ‘Dead Man’s Corner, Purple Heart Lane and the eventual capture of Carentan which was the final link between UTAH and OMAHA Beaches.

La Cambe, the German Cemetery

The German Cemetery at La Cambe is such an understated and melancholy place. It reflects the human losses of war.

“Bloody” Omaha Beach

The famous bridge across the Orne Canal at Benouville, captured by British Airborne soldiers in a daring glider assault in the early hours of D-Day.

Normandy guided D-Day tours, visit the D-Day landing beaches with us!

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Want to know exactly what happened on D-Day? Learn everything about D-Day by visiting the famous invasion beaches, historic sites and war monuments. Book your private Normandy tours from Bayeux  or join a shared small group tour and let our passionate licensed Normandy tour guides take you back in time, to June 6th, 1944. See where everything took place, learn the facts and details and hear amazing stories told by our English speaking Normandy tour guides. Get up close and personal and relive this revolutionary day in history. Bayeux Sightseeing Tours offers the best Normandy D-Day tours from Bayeux  in the region for a great price! Check our itinerary  page to find out which sites you will visit on your D-Day tour.

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Are you visiting from Paris , by cruise ship or are you traveling by car or train? At Bayeux Sightseeing Tours, we offer a variety of possible locations from where you can start your tours to normandy. Visit our information page if you want to know our pick-up locations or if you need advice on where to park or which hotel to book if you book tours to normandy from paris or elsewhere. Have you missed your train and will you be delayed? No need to worry, just call us and we will arrange a taxi or simply postpone your pick-up time. We will do whatever we can to make sure you enjoy your D-Day tour. Our   Normandy day tour from Paris or elsewhere can also be a half day or two day tour, depending on your needs and wishes. Our Normandy tours are available in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December. We also offer private Normandy tours / excursions during the holidays. Normandy tour packages including accommodation can be arranged as well. With our Normandy guided tours you will visit the D-Day landing beaches ( Omaha beach , Utah beach , Gold beach ) and the Normandy D-Day drop zones in our comfortable 9- seater minivan / minibus. We have conducted Normandy tours from Bayeux , Paris and  Sainte Mere Eglise for every one: American, Canadian, British, Australian and all other enthusiasts.

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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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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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• Into the Reich
• Weekender Trip

Tours of Normandy

D-day with our in-depth tour.

Discover the most iconic sites involved in D-Day with our in-depth tour. We take you across the channel and onto the iconic beaches of Normandy, exploring the local areas and the pivotal roles they played in WW2.

You will stand on the iconic beaches  Omaha, Utah, Gold, Juno and Sword. Visit and see where the British and US  airborn  operations took place.

The Tour in Detail

• We start our trip with a drive to Folkstone to take the Eurotunnel train 
• Under the channel to Calais (the train takes 35 minutes)
• We then drive through northern France across the great bridges over the river seine at le harve and down into Normandy
• We stop for comfort breaks, most of the route 3 hours is on the motorway
• Our first stop is Merville battery and the night assault story by the British 9th airborne on the night of the 6th of June. The museum and bunker complex are a story of British airborne spirit to capture an important strategic objective against terrible odds. Entry is approx 8 euros each
• Onto the Orne river bridge and the assault and capture and then the holding of this vital bridge until relieved
• Visit the museum here is 8 euros each, then a break at the café Grandide the first place liberated on D-Day
• We then visit the airborne cemetery at Ranville
• Hotel in Normandy - Dinner + Breakfast
• We go to and see the grand bunker just back from Sword beach and the landing on D-Day story
• Onto the D-Day beach coast road, past the Canadian Juno beach sector 
• Then down to the great gun battery at Longues Sur Mer and go into these great gun bunkers
• We then go on down into Arromanches, gold beach to see the Mulberry harbour and visit the 360 degrees day cinema with its unique d day British Memorial
• Lunch in Arromanches
• We move on then into the US zone, the great cemetery at Coleville onto Omaha beach and its memorials and bunkers
• We finish our day at the scene of one of the great assaults by the US rangers at Pointe du Hoc
• We then pass the bunker complex at grand camps Maisy and its incredible story
• Hotel in St. Mere-realise, where we have dinner and then at night we experience Church Square and the US airborne story of tragedy and victory. The paratrooper on the steeple is still there! 
• We start with the incredible story at the bridge over the Merderet River at la frere, where the legend of iron mike was born
• Onto the story of the medics and the church at Angloville, which is truly amazing. In the midst of a battle between the US paratroopers of the 101st and the german paratroopers, 2 amazing young medics make history
• The go through saint Marie du mont and pass the scene of easy company's battle at Brecourt Manor
• We move onto Utah beach and the great museum
• Grainger is a story to be told at this little church on a strategic hill where a group of the 82nd paratroopers held off a division of SS for 2 days. the price those civilians left behind paid
• (if time permits, we can stop at the D-Day experience museum at dead man's corner where the d day Dakota simulator gives a unique experience) 
• We arrive at the beautiful medieval city of Bayeux
• Hotel - Those that wish can venture into Bayeux to visit and see the Bayeux tapestry
• Dinner + Breakfast in Bayeux 
• Then a short drive to the commonwealth war cemetery at Bayeux 
• Then into the Bayeux D-Day museum
• Depart 11.30 
• Drive to Calais  
• Eurotunnel - UK - Home

Customer Briefing

Welcome to the briefing note on the four-day trip to Normandy and Battle of the Bulge with D Day story and experiences.

The objective is to give a bespoke experience. We meet and depart on day 1; we travel to the Eurotunnel at Folkstone.

Please be advised that, prior to the crossing, I will require your passport details for the compulsory checks made.

A Personal Note

I have been doing my tours now ever since 2005, everybody has found it a relaxing and interesting experience, above all be comfortable and enjoy our company as I take you to the Normandy experience.

In 4 days will we see it all, no, there is too much to show you. But I do promise you that you will see some places that the usual tourist groups never experience.

Advanced Passenger Information

• The dress code throughout is entirely casual
• Please feel free to bring any drinks, water or snacks you want
• We will stop on our journey for comfort breaks as requested
• Once we have crossed the channel, we go via the main motorway for approx
• 3 hours to get to the Normandy area. We will cross the great bridges at le harve - a great spectacle in itself
• There is no heavy walking at all, the whole trip is on the flat
• It is the custom for the group to dine at the local French restaurants in the evenings, a great way to unwind and enjoy glorious French food
• If you would like to dine another way then please feel free, this is a casual no-pressure experience
• Normandy, in my opinion, is very like Devon and is very affluent
• If you wish to sample the main local drink, its Calvados, an apple brandy. 
• The 3 nominated hotels are very comfortable, and you can breakfast at each if you wish, breakfast is approx 8 euros. 
• Entry to the museums is approx 8 euros each we stop at 4 in all
• All museums and restaurants accept debit/credit cards
• Bring euros if you wish (when we reach Bayeux, you may wish to visit and see the Bayeux tapestry, this may cost approx 10 euros)
• It is a courtesy to meet at the appointed times, not to be late as it upsets the schedule
• Take as many pictures as you like and enjoy my tour
• Using your mobile in France is the same as the UK

The 7 Best Normandy Tours From Paris [2024 Reviews]

D-Day was the culmination of operations by the Allied Forces to free Europe from the German invasion. To this day, the D-Day landings in Normandy are the largest amphibian operation in history.

Be a part of that history by viewing and visiting some of the most historically important sites while learning more of the stories and legends that make D-Day come alive even today.

Visiting Normandy, especially the American Cemetery and its Visitors Center, is often a pilgrimage for Americans who have ties to the military. We have the top Normandy tours from Paris, let’s take a look at them including a few private tours for those who want the more intimate experience.

Don’t leave Paris until you see all the things there are to do in this beautiful City!

Best tours of normandy from paris.

Plan the Ultimate Paris Vacation : See our 5 Day Itinerary of the Best Things to do in Paris!

Quick Answer: The 7 Best Normandy D-Day Beach Tours From Paris For 2024

• Best Small Group Tour: Normandy D-Day Small-Group Day Trip w/ Omaha Beach, Cemetery & Cider Tasting
• Best Private Tour: Private Day Tour to D-Day Beaches from Paris
• Best Full Day Tour: Normandy D-Day Landing Beaches Tour w/ Cider-Tasting & Lunch
• Best Tour w/ Lunch : Normandy D-Day Trip w/ American Cemetery and Lunch
• Best Value Tour: From Paris: Normandy D-Day Landing Beaches Full-Day Tour
• Best Early Bird Tour: Private Day Tour to Normandy D-Day Beaches from Paris
• Best Family Tour: Normandy Battlefields Tour – American Sites

We’ve chosen these top Normandy tours because they offer a wide range of experiences and will fit into everyone’s budget. Be sure to see all of our reviews of things to do in Paris .

Normandy Tour Reviews

1. best value tour: normandy d-day small-group day trip with omaha beach, cemetery & cider tasting.

• Departure Point : 6 Av. de Wagram, 75008 Paris
• Departure Time : 7:00 AM
• Duration : 12 to 13 hours
• Includes : Small Group Tour of 8 people max, transport by air-conditioned minivan, expert guide, cider tastings, skip-the-line at the Overlord Museum

If you would like to get a tour of Normandy in a more intimate setting of 8 people or less this is the perfect tour for you. You will start your journey a comfortable van for the roughly two and half hour drive.

Along the way you can admire the scenery of the French countryside and the small villages. Along the way be sure to ask any questions of your driver / guide. Your first destination is the Omaha Beach where over 2,400 young men lost their life.

You will learn about their acts of heroism that saved the landing from disaster! You will spend about 30 minutes here before going to Overlord Museum to learn about the enormous planning that went into the landings.

Here you will see dispalys of the equipment and machines that were used in the landings such as the Higgins bosts and Sherman tanks. You will have about an hour here at the museum. Then it’s off the Longues-sur-Mer battery where the German command was located along with its 150mm guns that were trained on the beaches.

Next up is local French restaurant for lunch where you can ponder what you have just seen and what the soldiers went through that day.

After lunch you will head to Pointe du Hoc where the Germans had enormous cannons trained on the beaches and learn how the Army Rangers climbed the cliffs to capture the position before they could be used.

Next is the most breathtaking part of the tour: the cemetary. Here there are almost 10,000 crosses and Stars of David that are perfectly maintained and lined up. Your guide will give you a tour and tell you about some of the Medal of Honor winners.

Lastly is a cider tasting at a local farm and head back to Paris after a full day of exploration of Normandy.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, search for other top rated paris experiences:, 2. best private tour: private day tour to d-day beaches from paris.

• Departure Point : Hotel Pickup
• Duration : 13 Hours (approx.)
• Includes : Comfortable van transportation, private guide

Make history a bit more interesting for the younger generation with this family-friendly private day trip to the D-Day beaches in Normandy.

Your private guide will drive you and a small group of guests to Omaha Beach, the American Cemetery, Pointe du Hoc lookout and the Visitor’s Center.

While all the beaches that became landing zones for Allied forces on D-Day are important, it seems Omaha Beach is the location of legends.

Your private guide will take you on a tour of the beach, telling you many of the harrowing tales of young men fighting for their country. The American Cemetery is the resting place of more than 10,000 Allied troops who lost the battle that day.

The pristine, manicured lawns are a tribute to those brave men. As a family-friendly day tour from Paris to Normandy, this is a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made.

A visitor’s center nearby is the perfect place to speak with center curators to learn more about D-Day as well as other events and locations in France that were important during WW2.

Two locations you will see first hand on this day tour are the German coastal battery as well as Pegasus Bridge.

This tour of the beaches of Normandy helps to bring families together to learn more about the sacrifices made on both sides of the beach, by Allied forces as well as German troops.

There’s nothing quite like seeing history up close and personal.

Other Paris Experiences You May Enjoy:

3. best combination tour: normandy d-day landing beaches tour w/ cider-tasting & lunch.

• Departure Point : Pl. du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre
• Duration : 14 Hours (approx.)
• Includes : Expert and friendly guide, transportation by air-conditioned coach, all entry fees, cider tasting, lunch with a glass of cider, a small group of 25 guests or fewer

The Musee du Debarquement Utah Beach is located inside a German bunker on Utah Beach.

Look out over the beach and imagine what German troops must have been thinking as Allied forces rushed toward them. Also, imagine what those Allied troops were facing on that day.

On this day trip from Paris, you will also visit Pointe du Hoc. From this vantage point, you can see Utah Beach on one side and Omaha Beach on the other. This is a great way to get a sense of just how big of an Allied operation this really was.

Visit the Normandy American Cemetery & Memorial, where 10,000 American troops have been laid to rest after the “Normandy invasion.” Pristine lawns sit in stark contrast to the white marble headstones as a stark and solemn reminder of the cost of freedom during WW2.

Before heading back to Paris, you’ll stop by a cidery in the Calvados region. Here, you will taste several ciders and enjoy a full, refreshing glass with your provided two-course lunch.

Related: See the World Famous Louvre Museum – Skip the Lines – Find the Best Tour for Your Money With Our Reviews.

4. best budget tour: normandy d-day beaches day trip from paris.

• Departure Point : Frame Brasserie at Hotel Pullman
• Duration : 14 hours (approx.)
• Includes : Expert guide, transportation, all entry fees, lunch with drinks

After the 3-4 hour coach ride to Normandy from Paris, you’ll stop for lunch and drinks at a small, local eatery. On your way here, the views of the French countryside are perfect for photos while your expert guide gives you insight into how this region played a part in WW2.

A stop at the visitor’s center is not to be missed as both your guide and the curators at the center explain the Allied operations that took place on the beaches of Normandy.

Take some literature, take pictures, or even buy a souvenir or more in-depth reading material.

The first D-Day landing beach you see will be the most famous of them, Omaha Beach. You’ll also take Memorial Drive to see both Juno Beach and Gold Beach.

The Caen Memorial Museum has many exhibits showing just how treacherous the D-Day landings were. This is one of the best Normandy tours from Paris as you will also stop by the American Cemetery to pay respects to the many

Allied troops who lost their life here. You can also choose to take this tour as a large group or with a much smaller group with a maximum of 8 guests.

5. Best Full Day Tour: Normandy D-Day Landing Beaches Full-Day Tour From Paris

• Departure Point : Pyramides, Central Paris
• Departure Time : 6:30 AM
• Duration : 2 Days (approx.)
• Includes : Expert guide, luxury coach transportation, overnight stay at 4-star hotel, meals, a souvenir, and all entry fees

The ride to Normandy is about 2.5 hours but in the comfortable minivan the time will fly by as you enjoy the French countryside. Your driver/guide will tell you about the historical towns you go through on the way to Normandy.

Your first stop is Omaha Beach, where there were 2,400 casualties on D-Day making the most deadly of the landing zones. As you look over the beach you can just imagine the horror of that day. Only the bravery and courage of the soldiers allowed the landing to be a success.

Next stop is the Overlord Museum where you will learn about the invasion details and the elaborate planning that was necessary for this operation. Still the largest largest amphibious invasion in military history. Learn about the elaborate ruse the allies put on the fool the Germans into thinking the invasion would take place at Calis.

Take a lunch break and enjoy some of the food that France is famous for. Then head to Pointe du Hoc where you will gaze in astonishment at where the Army Rangers scaled the 100 foot cliff to take out the German artillery.

Lastly you will see the Normandy Cemetery and the 10,000 crosses that are perfectly aligned and meticulously maintained. Its a breathtaking sight to see. All the while your guide will be giving you the detail and history and answer any questions you may have.

Related: Don’t Miss the Eiffel Tower! – Skip the Lines – Find the Best Tour for Your Money With Our Reviews.

6. best small group tour: private day tour to normandy d-day beaches from paris.

• Duration : 13 hours (approx.)
• Includes : Private guide, private transportation, all entry fees

Are you, or a family member, now a part of any of the military divisions that fought so valiantly? Be sure to let the guide know when you book the tour and they will research extra information for you!

As if learning information that is specifically tailored to you and your family’s history wasn’t enough, you will also enjoy guided tours of some of the most famous D-Day landmarks. And you will do this with the members of your private group and no one else.

Stand in the drop zone of the 101st Airborne and visit the site of the most famous Allied Forces assault on Utah Beach. Walk through the church that was converted to a field hospital by two paratrooper medics, the Church of Angoville-Au-Plain.

In addition to those locations, typically not visited during Normandy tours from Paris, you’ll have access to the Musee du Debarquement Utah Beach and Point du Hoc.

When visiting Omaha Beach, stand in the section most recently famous for starring in the motion picture, Saving Private Ryan. End your tour of Normandy with a walk through the American Cemetery and a stop at the visitor’s center.

For those who Normandy is more than just a historical location, and something closer to home, visiting the American Cemetery is a pilgrimage.

Related: Skip the Lines and See the Catacombs – Find the Best Tour for Your Money With Our Reviews.

7. best family tour: normandy battle fields tour – american sites.

• Departure Point : Bayeux, Normandy
• Departure Time : Varies
• Duration : 9 hours (approx.)
• Includes : Professional guide, transportation to each site, small group tour of max 8 guests

Get up close and personal with the memorial cemeteries, museums and more. This tour departs from Bayeux, Normandy and not from Paris.

If you are staying in Paris, there are easy travel methods to get to Normandy for this tour. One of the best is probably the train as you enjoy the changing scenery of the French countryside.

With your small group of 8 people, at most, you’ll first head to Sainte-Mere Church, which played an important role in WW2, as well as the Airborne Museum.

Learn the dangers that the paratroopers faced when landing here and what their purpose was during the D-Days Allied Forces operations.

Visit Utah Beach, held by the 4th Infantry Division, and Omaha Beach, the largest landing zone for American troops. Walk through the headstones of the American cemetery where nearly 10,000 troops lay resting.

Walk through the German Memorial Cemetery where more than double that have been laid to rest in the largest cemetery in France dedicated to the German soldiers.

With so many historically significant locations to visit and many more stories and legends to learn about in the museums and visitors centers, it’s hard not to realize just how massive the D-Day operations were. In fact, D-Day is still the largest amphibian landing in history.

Planning Guide For Your Normandy D-Day Beach Tour

Why you should visit the normandy d-day beaches.

• Relive the history : Normandy D-Day beaches are where the largest seaborne invasion in history took place, marking a turning point in World War II. Walking on the same sands where thousands of soldiers landed, fought, and died is a humbling and surreal experience that allows you to relive history.
• Pay homage to the fallen : As you visit the various cemeteries and memorials that dot the Normandy coast is a reminder of the sacrifice the soldiers made who fought for our freedom. You can’t help but be moved by the memorials you will see.
• Explore the beaches : The beaches are worth the drive, there are miles of pristine sand beaches. Simply strolling along the beach is an amazing experience by itself.
• Discover the local culture : The Normandy region is known for its delicious cuisine, charming villages and rich history. While you are there, sample some of the local specialties like cider, cheese and seafood. If you area able, explore the quaint towns and villages in Normandy.
• Take in the beauty : With the rugged cliffs, rolling hills, and picturesque countryside, Normandy is one of the more beautiful areas of France.

Can You Visit Normandy as a Day Trip from Paris?

It is possible to visit Normandy as a day trip from Paris. It’s located about 150 miles northwest of Paris and there are quite a few tour operators that have day trips to the D-Day beaches and other nearby attractions.

You should take a few days to explore the Normandy area. There is so much to see and do from visiting the historic sites and museums to sampling the local cuisine.

One of the best parts of traveling is meeting the locals and taking the time to explore some off the beaten path places. While you can do a day trip and snap a few photos but you will miss out on what makes Normandy and amazing area.

That being said, if you’re truly limited on time and can only swing a day trip then go for it! Just be prepared for a long day of travel and a whirlwind tour of the highlights.

So while a day trip to Normandy from Paris can be done, I would recommend taking at least a few days to really experience everything the region has to offer. From the rich history and culture to the natural beauty and delicious cuisine, Normandy is a destination that’s worth taking the time to explore.

What Else is There in Normandy to See Other Than the D-Day Beaches?

Here are five places to check out besides the Normandy beach area:

• Mont Saint Michel : This stunning island monastery is one of the most iconic landmarks in France. Mont Saint Michele is and island just off the coast and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you are in the area you should definitely see it.
• Bayeux Tapestry : This work of art shows the events leading up to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. It’s housed in the charming town of Bayeux which is worth a visit.
• Rouen Cathedral : This magnificent Gothic cathedral in the city of Rouen is a masterpiece of medieval architecture. It’s also where Joan of Arc was famously tried and condemned to death.
• Calvados Distilleries : Normandy is famous for its delicious apple brandy known as Calvados. There are several distilleries where you can sample the local specialties.
• Giverny : This charming village was the home of Impressionist painter Claude Monet, and his former house and gardens are open to the public.

How Long is the Train Ride from Paris to Normandy?

The train from Paris to Normandy takes about 1.5 to 3 hours. It just depends on the amount of stops. The main train stations in Normandy are Caen, Bayeux, and Cherbourg and each of these has a direct train connection from Paris.

The train is comfortable and with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and food and drink service. The scenery along the way is simply stunning as you pass through the picturesque French countryside and charming villages.

The schedule for the high speed train varies depending on the time of year. You so you need to check the schedule before booking your tour.

Tour Guides

The Normandy D-Day Trip w/ American Cemetery tour is our Editor's Choice for the best Normandy tour with its combination of sites seen, tour guides and value.

Krysha Thayer

Related articles, the 5 best stonehenge tours from london [2024 reviews], the 5 best wine tours from florence [2024 reviews], the 7 best vatican tours ⛪ [2024 reviews], the 5 best seine river dinner cruises [2024 reviews].

Welcome to Allied Victory Tours

Private guided tours of the D-Day landing beaches and battlefields of Normandy by historian Mike van den Dobbelsteen.

Nearly 2 million Allied forces were involved in the largest military operation the world has ever seen. 156,000 American, British, Canadian and French troops land along nearly 100 miles of Norman coastline, and breach Fortress Europe within hours. It is 6 June 1944… the Allies have launched Operation Overlord… it’s D-Day.

Allied Victory Tours offers tours to American, British, Canadian and French landing sites. Utah Beach, Sainte Mère Église, Carentan, Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach, Longues-sur-Mer, Gold Beach, Arromanches, Juno Beach, Sword Beach, Ouistreham, Pegasus Bridge, Merville Battery and many more…

All tours are fully English or Dutch spoken and can be personalised, and even tailor-made.

Join me to discover the many historical locations, experience walking in the footsteps of the Greatest Generation, learn about this incredible moment in world history, and take time to reflect and pay your respects at one of the many war cemeteries.

I am looking forward to welcoming you to historic Normandy!

– Mike van den Dobbelsteen

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The 8 Best Normandy Tours from Paris in 2024: D-Day in a Day

Last Updated: January 29, 2024 //  by  Ashley Smith 8 Comments

There’s so much WWII history to see in Normandy, but when you’re short on time these Normandy tours from Paris can help you make the most of your visit to Normandy’s D-Day sites.

Table of Contents

Why take Normandy tours from Paris?

While it would be great if we could all spend weeks in Normandy exploring the fascinating museums and historic landing beaches , that’s mostly just a dream. Instead, these tours are great options for when you really want to visit Normandy’s D-Day sites but don’t have a lot of time, money, or know-how.  

With these tours, you can still visit some of the top D-Day sites , get expert commentary on the D-Day invasion and other events that took place there, and have someone else take care of all the logistics and planning for you. You won’t have to book a hotel, rent a car, worry about schedules, or keep wondering what the heck it is you’re looking at.  

This post is only for Normandy tours originating from Paris that have you arriving back in Paris at the end. If you’ll already be in Normandy and thus looking for tours that start in Bayeux, Caen, or Le Havre, check out my post on the best local Normandy D-Day tours here.

Choosing the best Normandy tours from Paris

But which tours are the best? Which ones go to the right places and cover the most ground? Luckily, you have a World War II and travel expert at your disposal (hey there!) who’s also quite adept at traveling on a time budget. Let’s just say, day trips are my bread and butter. (I’m also a professional tour guide btw!)

I haven’t taken all the tours on this list, but I do have a keen sense of what the average Normandy visitor wants from a D-Day day tour. To create this list, I’ve compared all the available tours (there are a lot) against my stringent set of criteria. I’ve taken into account things like:

• Customer rating and popularity
• Length of tour and start/end times
• Overall benefit
• Topic/focus of the tour
• Ease of logistics

…and more. All so you can be sure which of the Normandy tours from Paris is the most worth your time and money. I’ve only chosen English-language tours and all prices in this post are in U.S. dollars.

So how do I choose the best D-Day tours in Normandy? Well, I’m very particular when it comes to booking travel—be it hotel rooms , flights, or guided tours. I’ll never recommend anything that’s rated lower than 4 out of 5 stars, anything with no reviews, or run by a company that doesn’t even look reputable. As always, I only recommend the things I would personally book for myself.

And for your time in Paris, don’t miss all the fascinating WWII sites in Paris ; there are many museums, memorials, and more to check out here.

My favorite tour companies for day trips

My go-to tour companies are Viator and Get Your Guide . I’ve booked many tours through these companies and have always been satisfied. They’re both well-known in the travel community (Viator is owned by TripAdvisor actually); booking through them is quick and easy; most tours offer free cancelation and/or “reserve now, pay later;” and their rates are more than reasonable. A day trip to Normandy from Paris the no-nonsense way, basically.

I’ve also taken into account the more boutique tour offerings from top-rated independent and local tour operators. My highly critical requirements still apply here. So, let’s get to it! All things considered, these are the best Normandy tours from Paris in 2024 to learn about the events of 1944.

If you want to know more about each of the sites and museums in this post, check out my articles on what to see at each of the five Allied landing beaches: Utah Beach , Omaha Beach , Gold Beach , Juno Beach , Sword Beach .

Best Normandy tours from Paris: at a glance

In this post I’ll dig into all the best Normandy tours from Paris. I’ll tell you why I picked them, what makes them one of the ‘best,’ what they include (and what they don’t), and more. But first, here’s a brief look at the top D-Day tours in Normandy:

• Best overall : Normandy D-Day Small-Group Day Trip from Paris w/ Cider Tasting
• Most popular : Normandy D-Day Beaches and American Cemetery Day Trip from Paris
• Best private tour : Normandy D-Day Full-Day Tour w/ Tours by Locals

Best private tour on a budget : D-Day Beaches Private Tour from Paris w/ Igor Rosen

• Best luxury tour : Normandy Battlefields D-Day Private Trip with VIP Services
• Best value tour : Normandy D-Day Landing Beaches Tour by Gray Line
• Best overnight tour : Normandy 2-Day Discovery Trip from Paris
• NEW! Most popular among my readers: Normandy D-Day Small-Group Day Trip w/ Cider Tasting

That’s the simple list; now let’s dig deeper into which of these Normandy tours from Paris is going to be the best for you .

1. Best overall Normandy Day Tour from Paris

My pick for best overall : Normandy D-Day Small-Group Day Trip from Paris (w/ Cider Tasting)

Okay, while it may seem weird that my top pick includes a cider tasting of all things, here me out. I picked this one as the best overall Normandy tour from Paris because it has the 3 things I look for most in tours: small group tour (maximum 8 people), a 5-star rating and tons of reviews, and the best combination of stops out of all the tour options.

What you’ll see on this tour

This tour includes stops at:

• Omaha Beach
• The Overlord Museum
• The German battery at Longues-sur-Mer
• The cliffs and German bunkers at Pointe du Hoc
• The Normandy American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer

Of all the Normandy tours from Paris, this one includes 3 stops I feel everyone visiting Normandy for the first time must visit . (Please visit the American Cemetery, walk in the sands of Omaha Beach, and see the cliffs at Pointe du Hoc if you can.) Sadly, not all tours cover these sites.

This tour and these stops are perfect for first-time visitors who want to get a sampling of the best sites related to Operation Overlord and an overall impression of what the Normandy region is like today. This tour is great for those visitors who want to visit historic Normandy but don’t need a week-long battlefield engagement to get the picture.

To get more information on these and other sites you can visit on these tours, check out my post on the best D-Day sites .

I love small-group tours because of the individual attention each visitor receives and it’s just a more enjoyable experience for everyone. This tour also has a 5-star rating after almost 1,700+ reviews which says a lot! Reviewers’ favorite aspects of the tour are the excellent tour guides and the stress-free-ness of the whole experience. (How travel should be!)

What this tour includes

This 13-hour full-day trip includes:

• Roundtrip transportation from Paris
• An expert guide and driver
• Entrance fees to the Overlord Museum and skip-the-line guarantee
• The option to reserve now and pay later
• Free cancelation up to 24 hours before the tour
• And yes, a cider tasting at a local orchard for what it’s worth!

It  does not include  gratuities for the guide and driver, lunch (there will be a stop for lunch but your meal is at your own cost), or hotel pick-up and drop-off. Instead, you’ll meet the guide at a meeting point in central Paris, as is common with these kinds of group tours. (In this case, it’s near the Arc de Triomphe.)

How much this tour costs

As of January 2024, this tour is offered 7 days a week and costs $275.60 per person . All things considered, I feel this is a great value for everything this tour includes, especially based on all the positive reviews. I would absolutely book this tour for myself.

Honorable mention

There is a similar tour to the one above that also includes a cider and calvados tasting + a 2-course lunch. However, I felt the one I chose above stops at better sites. If you’d like to compare the two yourself or are particularly interested in trying Normandy’s famous apple brandy, check out this tour .

2. Most popular Normandy day trip from Paris

The most popular D-Day tour from Paris : Normandy D-Day Beaches and American Cemetery Day Trip from Paris

I have to admit I almost chose this one as best overall, but it was missing something I felt was super important: a stop at Pointe du Hoc. Otherwise, this is an excellent tour I would readily book for myself.

This tour has a 4.5-star rating and over 2,300 reviews ! It’s the most popular of all the Normandy tours from Paris by a long shot. Most of the reviews praise the tour’s knowledgeable and enthusiastic tour guide as well as the great driver.  

What you’ll see on this tour

This  full-day trip from Paris  stops at many of the key points in Normandy including:

• The Normandy American Cemetery
• Arromanches les Bains
• The Arromanches 360° Museum

A stop at Arromanches les Bains to see the remains of the Mulberry Harbors is the one thing that’s missing from the No. 1 tour on this list. Arromanches is a worthwhile and unforgettable location I highly recommend you check out.

This most popular tour includes:

• A professional driver and licensed guide/expert on the events of June 6, 1944
• Admission to the Arromanches 360° museum
• And free cancelation up to 24 hours before the tour

It does not include gratuities, lunch (though you will have free time in Arromanches to get lunch on your own), or hotel pick-up and drop-off. (This tour’s meeting spot is near the Eiffel Tower.)

As of January 2024, this tour costs between $179.78 and  $212 per person (depending on your chosen date). That means this Paris tour to Normandy is one of the most budget-friendly options as well. (It’s not  super  cheap of course, but it definitely costs less than most other tours and still hits many of the must-see locations.) All-in-all,  a great value in my opinion .

What to know about this tour

There is one thing you should know about this tour before you book it. This isn’t necessarily a deal breaker, but there’s a reason this tour is cheaper than the others and why I didn’t pick it as Best Overall.

This is not a small-group tour. They will take a maximum of 45 people on this tour. Again, this isn’t a deal breaker, but it just means you’ll likely receive less individualized attention and have to walk through these locations as a herd. Not ideal, but not bad for the price either.

3. Best private Normandy tour from Paris

My pick for best private tour : Normandy D-Day Full-Day Tour w/ Tours by Locals

If you’d prefer a private tour over spending your Normandy tours from Paris with a busload of people, there are options for that too! And the best one I found is this one with Steeve from Tours by Locals.

This tour has nothing but rave 5-star reviews and accommodates a maximum of 7 people . It lasts the standard 12 hours and can even be customized to your preferences . Want to trade in one of the locations for somewhere else? No problem. Because this tour is all your own, you have a lot more options.

This full-day tour visits many of the best D-Day sites in Normandy as-is, but remember you can customize it too. Out of the box, this tour stops at :

• Pointe du Hoc
• Normandy American Cemetery

These stops are actually all on my shortlist of must-see D-Day sites in Normandy, so that’s a huge plus. You’ll definitely leave this tour feeling like you saw everything you came to see!

This awesome private D-Day invasion tour includes:

• Roundtrip transportation from Paris in your own deluxe private vehicle with pickup and dropoff at your hotel or other location of your choosing
• A lunch stop at what sounds like a fantastic restaurant specializing in Norman cuisine
• An expert, local, independent guide
• Documents, photos, and maps to help you understand the destination’s history
• Photo stops at your request
• A full refund if you cancel 15 days or more before your tour.

It does not include the cost of lunch or gratuities.  

As of January 2024, this tour costs $2,061 for a group of up to 7 people . (So, for 7 people that would be $294 pp; for 6 people $343 pp; for 5 people $412 pp; for 4 people $515 pp; for 3 people $687 pp; for 2 people $1030 pp; and if you’re coming by yourself, I think you can do the math there.)

While this is considerably more than the first two Normandy tours from Paris, it’s important to remember this tour is 100% private and customizable . Your small group has its own car and expert guide; you’ll be able to get so much more out of each destination by being able to ask questions, going where you want, and not having to wait for the entire group to gather; and you can even customize it to your own preferences.

People are always asking me for the best private and customizable Normandy tours and I’m totally going to recommend this one from now on. (This tour is offered every day of the week.)

4. Best private Normandy tour from Paris on a budget

UPDATE : In 2023, this tour was a fantastic budget private tour option. But for 2024 he has nearly tripled the price of this tour so I’m no longer recommending it as a budget option, obviously.

That being said, he has changed the tour a little bit to add stops at Omaha Beach and (maybe) the battery at Longues-sur-Mer. So, I’m going to leave it here as an option for you to check out, and I’ll continue to monitor it to see if the price goes back down to a more reasonable number (because WOW).

• The Pegasus Bridge
• and possibly the German battery at Longues-sur-Mer (It’s listed in the summary but not in the more detailed description.)

A stop at the Pegasus Bridge is new on this list and I appreciate that this tour deviates from the norm while still hitting some must-see spots. This would also be a great tour option for Canadian visitors.

This full-day Normandy tour from Paris includes:

• Roundtrip transportation from Paris in your own private vehicle
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Digital resources to use during the trip
• All entrance fees (even though everything on this list is free, but I guess in case anything pops up)
• Water and snacks during your drive to the coast of Normandy
• An English audio guide as well

Like the rest, this tour does not include lunch, though a lunch stop will be made.

As of January 2024, this tour costs $2,433.57 for a group of up to 6 people . And because this tour is offered through Get Your Guide, it also includes the option to reserve now and pay later, as well as free cancelation up to 24 hours before the tour.

Important note : This tour has limited availability and books up fast . Last year many of the dates were already limited by April.

5. Best luxury tour to Normandy from Paris

My pick for best luxury tour : Normandy Battlefields D-Day Private Trip with VIP Services

If too much travel has got you down, why not indulge a little with this private luxury tour of the Normandy D-Day sites from Paris? Another tour with a 5-star rating , reviewers can’t stop raving about the passionate and knowledgeable guides and all the little ways they went above and beyond.

This tour is offered every day of the week and has a maximum of 8 people. The transportation is even wheelchair accessible. (A rarity among Normandy tours from Paris!)

With a focus on American troops , you’ll visit four of the most unforgettable D-Day sites:

This is the standard itinerary for this 13-hour tour but because this is a private tour it can be customized as you wish. (Maybe ask if you can swing by the German battery at Longues-sur-Mer while you’re in the area!)

This private luxury Normandy tour from Paris includes:

• Private transportation for your group
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Paris
• All fees and taxes
• Wi-Fi for the drive to Normandy and back
• Expert guide

Like the others, it does not include the cost of lunch or any gratuities.

As of January 2024, this tour costs between $1687 and $1890 per group, depending on the size of your group . If you go it alone, you’ll pay the full $1687. For 2 people, you’ll pay $843 each. Three people will pay $572 each; etc. (Adjust the number of people in the availability box to see the price change.)

Because this is a Viator tour, you have the option to reserve now and pay later, as well as the benefit of free cancelation up to 24 hours before the tour.

6. Best value tour of Normandy from Paris

My pick for best value tour : Normandy D-Day Landing Beaches Tour by Gray Line

If you want to get the most for your money on a Normandy tour from Paris, check out this option from Gray Line. It has excellent reviews —the guides and drivers receive the highest marks—and stops at only the most famous Normandy spots . It also includes things none of the other tours do!

On your Gray Line Normandy tour from Paris you’ll stop at the following places :

• Caen Memorial Museum

One thing I want to point out is the fact that this is the only tour I’ve found that visits the Caen Memorial Museum . The Caen Memorial is said to be one of the best World War II museums in Europe and I don’t disagree. Visiting this museum was a huge highlight of my own time in Normandy so I’m glad to see at least one tour stop here.

This best deal of a tour includes the following:

• Roundtrip transportation from Paris on a comfortable and air-conditioned bus
• Entrance tickets to the Caen Memorial
• And a 3-course lunch with drinks

It includes lunch! This is a first as far as Normandy day tours from Paris go. It does not include gratuities or hotel pick-up and drop-off though.

As of January 2024, this tour costs $205 per person (that’s actually less than last year!) and includes free cancelation up to 24 hours before the tour.

Gray Line tours

I’ve taken a number of Gray Line tours (mostly in Iceland ) and have found them all perfectly enjoyable. Basic, but always worthwhile.

This tour does not clarify how many people will be on the tour, but Gray Line tours typically serve large groups on large coaches, so it’s not exactly intimate. But for the deal you’re getting here, it’s all about compromise.

7. Best overnight Normandy tour from Paris

My pick for best overnight tour : Normandy 2-Day Discovery Trip from Paris

If you do have the time to spare and want to get a little more out of your Normandy tour from Paris, check out this option which includes a visit to everyone’s favorite Normandy and Brittany attractions. It has all 4 and 5-star reviews and is a pretty good deal for two days’ worth of touring.

On the first day of this 2-day tour of Normandy you’ll visit:

• The towns of Rouen and Honfleur and their most notable spots
• The newly renovated Musée du Debarquement in Arromanches

On the second day you’ll visit:

• The beautiful town of Saint-Malo
• And you’ll spend most of your 2nd day exploring the iconic village and historic abbey of Mont Saint-Michel.

You’ll love Saint-Malo if you’re a fan of the Pulitzer Prize winning novel All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doer. (And/or the new Netflix series based on the book .) This is one of my favorite books of all time and this beautiful World War II novel is set right here in Saint Malo. Visiting Saint Malo was a huge treat for me! Plus, it’s a very cool historic town regardless.

Likewise, so is Mont Saint-Michel, one of the most famous and iconic “attractions” in all of France . Visiting this place was unforgettable and I know it will be for you too.

This 2-day tour of Normandy from Paris includes:

• Professional guide and driver
• Entrance tickets to the attractions visited
• An overnight stay in a 4-star hotel in Caen
• Dinner the first night and breakfast the next morning

It does not include lunch on either day, hotel pick-up and drop-off, or gratuities.

As of January 2024, this 2-day tour of Normandy from Paris costs $638 per person which, considering everything you get on this tour, is probably the best deal out there.

Because of the nature of this tour (needing to reserve hotel rooms and whatnot), it includes free cancelation only up to 7 days before the tour. This tour is also offered in Spanish and only available for booking on Thursdays and Saturdays.  

8. Most popular among my readers (New category!)

My readers’ pick for best Normandy tour from Paris: Normandy D-Day Small-Group Day Trip w/ Cider Tasting

This is a new category I’ve added for 2024. Since this post is about a year old, I’ve had the pleasure of learning about which of the many Normandy tours from Paris my readers have booked and enjoyed the most. This is the one that was most-booked by Destination: WWII readers in 2023.

The same tour that I recommend as the Best Overall is also the one that my readers loved the most. (By a mile actually!) So head back up to #1 on this list for the full tour description or just book it now: Normandy D-Day Small-Group Day Trip w/ Cider Tasting .

The runners up

If you’re curious, there are two other Normandy tours from Paris that stand out among the rest as favorites of my readers. The two others that people booked the most last year are:

2 nd Place: Normandy D-Day Beaches and American Cemetery Day Trip from Paris

As one of the most budget-friendly Normandy tours from Paris, I’m not at all surprised that this one is also quite popular. (In fact, it’s also #2 on this list for ‘most popular.’)

3 rd Place: Normandy D-Day Landing Beaches Day Trip with Cider Tasting & Lunch from Paris

This is the one I listed as an ‘Honorable Mention’ under #1 on this list—it’s definitely a great alternative to the one I dubbed Best Overall.

6 things to remember when looking at Normandy tours from Paris

When shopping around for Normandy tours from Paris, here are a few key things you’ll want to keep in mind.

1. Tour accessibility

Keep in mind that not all transportation offered is going to accessible for persons with disabilities. Some are; most aren’t. If it doesn’t say so in the listing though, reach out to them for more information. They may be able to accommodate you after all or at least give you more of an idea of what to expect so you can decide if the tour is right for you.

2. Drive time

Know that the trip between Paris and the D-Day sites in Normandy is going to be around 3-4 hours each way through the French countryside. This is a long time to be en route, so prepare for it.

Most tours will provide commentary on the sights you’re going to see, the area’s history, etc. Some may even play movies if they have the ability to do so. Regardless, plan to bring a book to read or download some movies ahead of time.

3. Where to buy souvenirs

Almost all museums in the Normandy area have at least small gift shops. Some, like the Caen Memorial, have massive ones. Otherwise, the town center in Arromanches les Bains has lots of gift shops where you can buy souvenirs.

4. Always arrive early

Unless you’re taking one of the private tours, always be sure to arrive to the meeting point at least 15 minutes early. And even allow extra time for getting there since the meeting points in Paris city center tend to be near popular monuments. Don’t underestimate how long it takes just to get across town.

5. Make sure it leaves from Paris

If you seek out other Normandy tours from Paris that aren’t mentioned here, be careful to note if it does in fact leave from Paris .

Many Normandy tours say “from Paris” in the description, but aren’t actually Paris tours at all. For instance, many of the tours that originate in Bayeux (which is already in Normandy) will say “from Paris” because they expect you to take the train from Paris to Bayeux where you’ll start your tour at 8:00am. Then after your tour in the late afternoon you’ll have to get yourself back to Paris.

I find this entirely manipulative and I can’t stand it, but I digress. Before you book a tour, be 100% sure it includes roundtrip transportation from and back to Paris.

6. Take lots of photos but…

As always, you can (and should) take lots of photos on your trip from Paris to Normandy. However, please refrain from selfies or inappropriate pictures at Normandy’s D-Day sites.

Yes, I’ve seen a father and son take ridiculous jumping photos at Normandy American Cemetery. (They also played a game of tag while running in and out of the headstones.) Yes, I’ve also seen women posing for sexy photos at war memorials. Get. A. Clue. Pay your respects, above all else.

Maybe now would be a good time to tell you to read this post on visiting WWII sites with kids .

What to pack for your Paris to Normandy day tour

When packing for your trip to France, be sure to keep these items in your travel checklist:

Comfortable shoes – There’s going to be a lot of walking on your Normandy tour; be sure to pack some comfortable walking shoes.

Unique WWII travel gear from the DWWII shop – There are lots of great D-Day items in the shop like t-shirts ( this is the best-seller! ), passport wallets, and more. (I donate a portion of all sales to a designated WWII charity each year.)

Refillable water bottle – It’s also going to be a very long day so make sure you stay hydrated.

European plug adapter – Whether or not you’ll be staying overnight, there’s a good chance you’ll need to charge your phone at some point. And you won’t be able to do it without a plug adapter.

Sunglasses and sunscreen – Especially if your tour from Paris to Normandy will be during the summer.

Anti-theft purse – Petty theft is common in Europe and especially in Paris. Keep yourself and your valuables safe with an anti-theft purse. These are the only kinds of purses I use when I travel. I have bags from both Travelon and PacSafe .

France customs and culture guide – I get one of these pocket-sized Culture Smart books for every new country I visit.

Movies and/or books for the road – Might I suggest:

• Saving Private Ryan
• The Longest Day
• Band of Brothers

Or these books:

• All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
• Band of Brothers by Stephen Ambrose
• Six Armies in Normandy by John Keegan

Other Normandy tours from Paris

If you have questions about other Normandy tours from Paris that I didn’t cover in this post, let me know! I’ve examined all of them . So if you find one you’re curious about, leave a comment below and I’ll tell you why it didn’t make the list .

More info for your Normandy D-Day trip

• 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 .
• Rental cars:  Check out the  best deals in Paris here.
• For more tours in Paris,  check out the great options from  Viator  and  Get Your Guide .
• Don’t forget a   Paris guidebook  and this must-have  France customs and culture guide !

Have a great time on your tour of Normandy! I hope I’ve made planning it a little easier for you.

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About Ashley Smith

Ashley is a World War II historian and travel expert who has visited 33 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

June 5, 2023 at 1:35 pm

A friend had suggested we visit Normandy during our European vacation. We moved our days around to have 2 nights in Paris so we could do an all day tour of Normandy. I enjoyed your blog and found it very helpful. However, I wanted to provide you information on one of the tours because it was not as they advertised – the Gray Line. And I know you said you had not been on the tour so I wanted to tell you from experience and so you can update your information.

The items and details of the Gray Line that were advertised were not correct and false advertising. We did not visit the memorial of Caen, nor did we stop at Point du Hoc, lunch was not included, and we did not visit Juno Beach.

I was surprised to find out upon arrival, this was not a Gray Line tour but was the same tour sold on the various travel websites at a price less than my paid price and with the others providing a correct description of the tour. I was misled with the highlights and itinerary that Gray Line post on their booking website. The tour guide was in a uncomfortable situation when he realized that I was sold items that were not planned for this tour and I was question him. The tour that GrayLine is selling is the same one listed cheaper as on Viator and Get Your Guide. The tour guide said those are the best place to book because their description is up to date. The tour Gray Line is selling is no longer offered but they keep selling it and then sending the customers on the other tours. People on the bus with me had booked on Viator and Getyourguide at a cheaper rate and with correct expectations.

June 5, 2023 at 3:30 pm

Hi Amy! Thank you so, so much for your feedback! I will definitely look into that and make the necessary changes in this post. Can I ask… where did you go then, if not those sites? I hope you were able to at least get some enjoyment out of the experience.

June 5, 2023 at 4:17 pm

We had 15 minutes at Ohama, 40 minutes at the American cementary, 1 hour and 15 minutes to eat lunch at Gold Beach and look around, 40 minutes at Arromanches les Bain where they had us watch a 20 minute movie (recommend skipping it to walk around – other documentaries provide much more insight) and then our tour guide added on Longues sur Mer for 15 minutes. Several of us had shown him what we were sold (others bought from different company with lots of stops listed that were not going to be visited as well). It was nice to quickly see some places but now we feel as though we need to come back to really experience it and stay for several days.

June 6, 2023 at 8:14 am

That’s unfortunate you missed Caen and Pointe du Hoc but at least you got to go to some of the best sites! But yes – that was definitely just a sample and now you know Normandy may be worth more of your time someday!

November 22, 2023 at 12:48 pm

Ashley, We are looking at the private trip from Paris to Normandy. It is thru Tripadvisor. the name of the trip is NormandyD-Day Private tour with Omah Beach from Paris. the cost of the trip is $1127.75 per person. It sounds like a good trip shows all the stops and how long you are there.

Thank you – Tammy

November 29, 2023 at 10:38 am

Hi Tammy, thanks for letting me know! I’ll give that one a look. 🙂

January 15, 2024 at 12:20 pm

Thanks so much for all of this information, it is so helpful. We are planning a trip in April and I’m deciding between one of your top two and the one linked below. It picks up and drops off at the train station in Bayeaux. It looks like it hits a lot of different spots and would love your thoughts before booking.

https://www.overlordtour.com/product/tour-2fs-omaha-utah-full-day-tour-week-days-only/

January 17, 2024 at 10:08 am

Hi Michael! About the Overlord tour: Before I’ve even read the details I’m already turned off. They call it a “full day round trip from Paris” tour which we both know it is not, and as a consumer I really don’t appreciate the manipulative description.

Then, they use the first couple paragraphs to only vaguely tell you how to get there, and to absolve themselves of any snafus. (When a tour description starts with the company absolving themselves of any responsibility instead of actually describing the tour, my alarm bells go off!) And it seems like there’s a high chance of snafus as well. You only have one train option—the earliest train—and there’s a quick train change in Caen. If you’ve traveled a lot by train in Europe, you may be totally comfortable doing this. But still, if there’s any sort of delay and you miss either the first train or the connection, you’re out of a tour and out your money. It just seems like there’s too much room for error here. This is why, for those looking to take a tour from Paris and back, I prefer the tours that take you to Normandy all the way from Paris on their own transportation. This eliminates (almost) all undue stress and the possibility of missing the tour but still having to pay for it. BUT… if the benefit of what the tour offers greatly outweighs the stress of getting yourself there from Paris, it may be worth the extra trouble. So let’s see…

It does visit some of the major spots like Omaha and Utah Beaches, the American cemetery, Pointe du Hoc, and Saint-Mère-Église, so that’s good. The rest of the tour visits a lot of more obscure sites and sites where there really isn’t much to “see.” Whether or not these will be of interest to you will have a lot to do with how interested you are in the topics and how good of a listener you are. 🙂 I imagine at these spots, it’ll be a lot of story-telling and having to use your imagination. Something else worth noting is that some of them (like the La Colombière Hospital and General Taylor’s Headquarters in Hiesville) are privately owned and therefore you’ll likely only pass by them to view from the road. (Which is probably how they manage to squeeze in so many sights into just one day.)

If you want to visit some of the more obscure battle sites and hear these particular stories, and you’re well-versed at train travel in Europe, then this would probably be an enjoyable tour for you! If you don’t feel super comfortable using the train system, have doubts about actually being able to make it there on time, or would rather see some of the more well-known and recognizable historical sites, you’d probably be happier with one of the other two that you were looking at.

For me personally, I would pass on the Overlord Tour, but this is just what I would personally do. I’m extremely experienced in European train travel and feel totally comfortable doing this, but if I’m going to pay for a round-trip tour from Paris, I want to be taken there from Paris and not have to deal with the stress of train travel. Eliminating the stress and unpredictability of transportation is a large part of the reason I, and most other people, opt for joining a tour in the first place. If this company has the means to drive your group all around Normandy to these different locations, they also then have the means to pick you up in Paris, they just choose not to (but charge you the same amount).

However, that being said, this company is well-known and has loads of rave reviews, so it appears they have (almost) nothing but satisfied customers. (Don’t forget to read the negative reviews too to see what particular issues they had problems with.) Another thing they have going for them over the other tours is that they probably have better/more knowledgeable tour guides that specialize in WWII topics. Some of the other tour companies are just “tour companies” who hire guides. This company is specifically centered around World War II and D-Day tours and (I hope) hires guides especially proficient in these topics.

So again, it really depends on how in depth of a D-Day tour you want. Do you want all the detailed historical information? (And are you already well-versed on the events?) Or do you simply want an overview of the events and to visit some of the locations you’ve heard about your whole life? Also note that the Overlord tour only takes place during the week, so if you’re planning to visit on a weekend, your choice may have just been made for you. 🙂

I hope that helps! Whichever tour you choose, I hope you have an incredible time in Normandy, Michael! And thank you for the kind words, it means a lot to me!

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Paris WWII Sites Map

11 Top-Rated Normandy Tours from Paris for 2024: D-Day Beaches & Mont Saint-Michel

If you’re considering a day trip to France’s western coast, it would be a missed opportunity not to include one of the many available Normandy tours from Paris !

Whether you’re traveling in a group, as a family, with your partner, or solo, these tours are easy to add to any long layover in Paris or multi-day vacation in France.

For travelers already in the Normandy region, we also have supplied several tours that depart directly from Bayeux!

Whether you have 5 hours or 3 days for your travels around this popular historic region, these tours have been designed to be informational, exciting, and offer unique experiences for every type of traveler.

Ranging in pricing from budget to luxury, these are some of the top-rated tours to Normandy for travelers of every age and style.

Happy Travels!

Best Normandy Tours from Paris

Below are some of the top-rated full day Normandy tours from Paris. Most of them have received the Badge of Excellence Award from Viator and all consistently receive 5-star reviews from people all over the world.

If you’re looking for private tours or extended 2-3 day tours from Paris, jump to the next sections!

1. Normandy D-Day Landing Beaches Day Trip with Cider Tasting & Lunch from Paris

What’s Included? ⤵️

• Private Roundtrip Transportation in an Air-Conditioned Coach with a Professional Guide
• Full-day tour to Normandy including a visit to the less popular Utah Beach, a D-Day museum housed in a former German Bunker, a shelter for soldiers, Pointe du Hoc, the American Cemetery, and Omaha Beach
• Departure Time: 7:00am
• Total Travel Time: ~ 14 hours
• Included: Lunch, Cider & Calvados Tastings
• Not Included: Gratuity & Not Wheelchair Accessible

✔️ If you’re looking for an all-inclusive day trip to Normandy from Paris, this is the tour to take ! You’ll have a professional guide filling you in on every detail of the D-Day events, showing you secret bunkers, and allowing you free time to explore the beaches, museums, and cemeteries. You will also enjoy a private lunch accompanied by cider and calvados tastings (brandy) before being whisked away to the Pointe du Hoc which isn’t often included in most of these Normandy tours from Paris!

2. Normandy D-Day Beaches & American Cemetery Trip from Paris

• Private Transportation in an Air-Conditioned Coach with a Licensed Expert of the D-Day Event
• Full-day tour to Normandy including a visit to the 360 Museum in Arromanches, the American Cemetary, and Omaha Beach. Time for lunch in Arromanches
• Total Travel Time: ~ 13 hours
• Included: Museum Entrance Fee
• Not Included: Gratuity & Not Wheelchair Accessible, Lunch

✔️ This full-day trip to Normandy from Paris is the only one on this list where the tour includes a licensed guide and expert on Normandy’s D-Day event ! If you’re a true history buff looking to get all of your burning questions answered about WWII and the events surrounding the related events in history, then this tour is certainly for you. Between the luxury coach and the expert guide, this is easily one of the best tours you can take to Normandy from France’s capital.

3. Mont Saint-Michel Guided Day Trip from Paris

• Private Transportation with a Professional Guide
• Full-day tour to Normandy’s spectacular Mont Saint-Michel with a local history expert
• Departure Time: 7:15am
• Included: Entrance Fee for the Abbey

✔️ Tourists seeking a way of getting to the renowned Mont Saint-Michel without the hassle of planning each and every detail of their day need to book this tour ! Not only do you get more than 3+ hours at the fortifications of the island monument, but also plenty of time for exploring the famous Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel where you can shop to your heart’s content. Plus, the guided section of your tour will be led by an expert on Mont Saint-Michel and its history. Travelers who are captivated by French history or those seeking the ultimate Instagram picture should surely consider this tour on their next visit to Paris!

Normandy Tours from Paris by Train

If you want to save a little bit of money on the roundtrip transportation from Paris, or you happen to be in Normandy anyway, here are some great tours to consider!

4. Normandy American D-Day Beaches Full Day Tour from Bayeux

• Private Transportation in an Air-Conditioned Coach with a Professional Guide
• Small-group tour (maximum of 8 people) that brings you to the American Cemetery, the town of Sainte Mere Eglise, Utah Beach and Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc, and the Utah Beach Landing Museum
• Departure Time: 8:30am
• Total Travel Time: ~ 9 hours
• Included: Pickup and drop-off in Bayeux

✔️ Departing directly from the center of Bayeux, France, visitors can take a direct train from Paris to Bayeux before joining this small-group tour ! Easy to navigate, you’ll get to see many of the iconic Normandy landmarks plus get to stop into the best U.S. beach museum in the area: the Utah Beach Landing Museum! No other tour on this list includes a stop here, so if you are really interested in the history of WWII and don’t mind getting yourself from Paris to Bayeux, then this tour is for you.

5. Mont St Michel Full Day Tour with a National Guide from Bayeux

• Private Transportation in an Air-Conditioned Vehicle with a Professional Guide
• This small-group tour (maximum of 8 people) is the perfect half-day getaway to Mont Saint-Michel!
• Total Travel Time: ~ 7-8 hours
• Included: Pickup and drop-off in Bayeux, Entry to Mont Saint-Michel

✔️ When it comes to tours from Paris to Normandy and Mont St Michel, this highly-rated tour should be on your list ! Regardless if you’re traveling with kids, your loved one, or on your own, this is a wonderful, affordable, and stress-free way of visiting the Mont Saint-Michel for those who are short on time. Remove the worry of planning how to get to Mont Saint-Michel after you get off the train in Bayeux. This small-group tour gives you 4 full hours to explore the fortifications and the Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel for an unforgettable, and unrushed experience! Easily one of the best Normandy tours from Bayeux, it’s no surprise this local tour books up fast!

Private Normandy Tours from Paris

Have a large group that you want to be accompanied for a full-day tour through Normandy? We’ve got you covered! Check out the amazing private Normandy tours from Paris below.

6. Private Day Tour including Normandy Landing Beaches & Battlefields from Bayeux

• Private Transportation in an Air-Conditioned Vehicle with a Professional Guide and Private Driver
• Get private insight from an expert guide on 3 different D Day landing beaches including Omaha, Sword, and Utah
• Explore the Hillman Bunker Complex and the Merville Battery Museum, as well as a few other museums
• Departure Time: 9:00am
• Total Travel Time: ~ 8 hours
• Included: Hotel Pickup and drop-off in Bayeux

✔️ If you don’t mind taking the train from Paris to Bayeux (about a 2.5-hour ride), then this is a great budget tour for any group looking to traverse across Normandy! You and your private guide will explore numerous museums including the Airborne Museum, and get the chance to see not 2, but 3, D-Day beaches! You’ll also get to walk around the popular cemeteries, and include any personal stops that you want (approval needed).

7. D-Day Private Normandy Battlefields Day Trip From Paris with VIP Services

• Private Transportation in an Air-Conditioned Vehicle with a Professional Guide and On-board WiFi
• This fully private tour is customizable to your liking! Choose which bunkers, museums, D Day beaches, and battlefields you want to see during your full-day trip
• Included: Hotel Pickup and drop-off in Paris

✔️ If you aren’t too sure what you want to see in Normandy or your group has a lot of different interests and ideas, consider booking this special private tour ! You’ll all get picked up directly from your hotel or residences in Paris before starting your fully customizable itinerary. The guide will create a basic itinerary and provide good recommendations, but you can decide to spend more or less time in each place before returning to Paris. The free WiFi onboard allows you to share your amazing pictures with friends and family while on the return trip to Paris!

2-Day Normandy Tours from Paris

If you can swing spending at least 2 days in Normandy, don’t hesitate! Many of the previously listed tours are great if you’re short on time, but we promise, you’re going to be tired after.

No one enjoys feeling rushed or wishing like they had more time, so do yourself a favor and set aside at least 2 days for traveling around Normandy!

8. Normandy 2-Days Discovery Trip with D-Day Beaches & Mont St Michel from Paris

• 2 day guided tour to Rouen, Honfleur, Arromanches, Caen, Omaha Beach, and the American Cemetary among many other beautiful stops
• Total Travel Time: ~ 2 days
• Included: 1 night of Accommodation in a 4-star hotel, Roundtrip Transportation from Paris, Most Meals

✔️ Take a couple of days to explore Normandy’s iconic Mont Saint-Michel, D-Day Landing Beaches, and popular coastal towns. Over this 2-day period, you’ll be rewarded with elegant accommodation, local cuisine, and a full-time professional guide to help answer all of your questions regarding the history of France and Normandy’s special landmarks. You can take some time to pay your respects to the fallen soldiers at the various cemeteries, including the American Cemetery, and have endless opportunities to capture some amazing photos! This is easily one of the best private Normandy tours from Paris , so don’t wait to book as the spots fill up fast!

3-Day Normandy Tours from Paris

There is only one 3-day Normandy tour from Paris that we would recommend, but there may be more if you do some research on tours leaving from Bayeux or Caen.

There are limited companies that will devote such long periods of time to their tours, so consider taking the train from Paris to Caen or Bayeux before beginning your multi-day tour.

9. 3-Days Guided Normandy, St Malo, Mont Saint Michel & Loire Valley Chateaux from Paris

• 3-day tour to the coast of Normandy with visits to the towns of Rouen, Honfleur, and St. Malo
• Visits to the Loire Valley castles of Langeais, Chambord, and Chenonceau
• Total Travel Time: ~ 3 days
• Included: 2 nights of Accommodation in a 4-star hotel, Roundtrip Transportation from Paris, Most Meals

✔️ When we talk about visiting Normandy, we usually say 3 days is the minimum we would recommend. Since you have the opportunity to be whisked away to the French countryside with little to no planning on your part, this is the ultimate Normandy tour to take! If you have the time to spare (and the budget for this fully-guided getaway), then we highly suggest taking advantage of this special tour ! It includes everything mentioned in the previously listed tours, plus more! 4-star accommodations, local cuisine, and a full-time guide that will answer all of your questions at each landmark you visit.

Small Group Tours Normandy France

If you’re looking for tours with under 10 people, check out the ones I have listed below!

They have received the Badge of Excellence by Viator and are very highly recommended by travelers from around the globe.

10. Normandy American & British D-Day Beaches Half Day Tour from Bayeux

• Small-Group Tour (8 people max) Transportation in an Air-Conditioned Vehicle, and Expert Guide
• Half-day tour to Normandy with visits to Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, the American Cemetery, the Longues-sur-Mer battery, and the Remains Mulberry Harbour
• Departure Time: 1:00pm
• Total Travel Time: ~ 5 hours
• Included: All Tastings, Museum Entrance Fee

✔️ if you’re looking for the best half day Normandy tours from Bayeux , then this trip is perfect for travelers who are short on time, but want to pack a lot of history and information into their quick visit to Normandy! It’s also one of the most affordable options for travelers looking to stay on a budget or for those who are bringing along kids and want to keep costs on the lower end. Whether you’re short on time or are traveling with kids or other adults who may not enjoy long tours, this 5-hour tour is the perfect balance between exciting, informational, and to the point.

11. Normandy D-Day Small-Group Day Trip with Omaha Beach, Cemetery & Cider Tasting

• Small-Group Tour (8 people max) Transportation in an Air-Conditioned Vehicle, Live Commentary, and Expert Guide
• Full-day tour to Normandy including visits to the D-Day Beaches, German Bunkers, and the Operation Overlord Museum
• Visits to the Pointe du Hoc and the American Cemetery and a Cidery for soft and hard-cider tastings
• Total Travel Time: ~ 12-13 hours

✔️ If you’re looking for the ultimate day trip inclusive of a history guide, a museum visit, walks along the famous Omaha Beach, and even a trip to some German Bunkers dating back to WWII, this is the ultimate tour from Paris to Normandy. Start your day bright and early at 7:00am and jump in your private vehicle to head from Paris straight to Omaha Beach . From there, spend a full day exploring the French coastline before making your way inland to a special cidery where you’ll have the chance to sample local apple juice and hard ciders!

FAQ: Normandy Tours from Paris

In this next section, I’m going to be answering some important questions for your trip to Normandy so you have everything you need before jumping on your tour!

What is the Best Way to Tour Normandy France?

The best way to tour Normandy, France is with an expert, local guide. By booking one of the tours mentioned in the list above, your group will automatically be assigned someone with substantial knowledge of the history of WWII, the landings of D-Day, and so on.

In our opinion, there’s really not much of a point to visiting all of the historic sites in Normandy without a guide, since you’ll be spending a lot of your time reading plaques and information boards trying to piece together what actually happened.

Do yourself a favor and budget for hiring an expert local guide to take you to the best sites in Normandy. It not only removes all of the logistical efforts of getting around, etc., but also provides you with some of the most interesting and insightful information you won’t get elsewhere.

From walking the beaches of Omaha and Utah to visiting the quaint towns of Bayeux and Honfleur, a knowledgeable guide will make sure your trip is memorable.

Pro Tip : before booking your tour, read about the Best Time to Visit Normandy: The Complete 2024 Guide !

Is there a Tour from Paris to Normandy?

Yes, but they are limited. Unlike tours from Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher or tours from Paris to the Loire Valley which both offer hundreds of different options, tours going to Normandy from Paris are far more limited.

The ones that are offered are wonderful, however, which is why we’ve sifted through the best of the best to help you find a great option for you!

But, if you’re looking for a wider range of options, consider researching tours that leave directly from Caen or Bayeux.

I have listed a few of them in the sections below and they often make for more affordable and shorter options than if you are coming all the way from Paris.

If you don’t mind taking the train on your own from Paris to Normandy, then your tour options will significantly increase!

Can Normandy be a Day Trip from Paris?

While Normandy can technically be a day trip from Paris, we don’t recommend it. It’s about a 3-hour drive or a 2-hour train ride each way, so that would make for a very long day of traveling.

Especially since many of the tours we mention below that come from Paris depart around 7:00am and arrive back in Paris around 9:00pm, you won’t have much time for anything before or after the tour.

The single-day tours that we mentioned below are primarily for travelers looking to make use of a long layover or a quick stop in if they don’t have time to stay longer.

Normandy is an incredible region with numerous historic beaches from the D-Day Invasion, Mont Saint-Michel, and the charming towns of Le Havre, Honfleur, and Étretat (among others), so it’s highly recommended to spend a minimum of 2, but preferably 3, days in Normandy, France.

Is Normandy a Good Day Trip from Paris?

Absolutely! Normandy makes for a fantastic day trip from Paris if you don’t mind the running around that comes with it. A scenic train ride whisks you away from the hustle and bustle of the city to the serene countryside of France.

The region is rich in history, from the iconic D-Day landing beaches and the stunning Mont Saint-Michel Abbey to delicious culinary experiences like local apple cider and Camembert cheese.

Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply love breathtaking landscapes, Normandy offers something for everyone. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera to capture the unforgettable scenery!

What is the Best Way to Visit Normandy from Paris?

The best way to visit Normandy from Paris is via a guided tour. The train situation can be a bit confusing for newbies, especially since you’ll need to find a local bus or taxi when you arrive in Caen or Bayeux to reach your hotel.

Plus, you’ll likely need a rental car to get between all of the beaches, American cemetery, and Mont Saint-Michel so you can efficiently get between sights (in terms of both time and cost).

Luckily, a guided tour takes care of all these details for you and more, ensuring that you don’t miss a thing. Plus, a knowledgeable guide can provide in-depth information about the history and culture of Normandy as you explore the region’s best hidden gems.

Is there a Paris to Normandy Train?

There is no direct train from the city of Paris to the town of Normandy, but there are direct trains that run from Paris to Caen and Paris to Bayeux, which both lie in the heart of Normandy .

However, since many of the most popular tourist attractions (i.e. the D-Day Beaches, Mont Saint-Michel, Étretat, etc.) are spanned across 150 miles (240 kilometers) on the western coast of France, we recommended either booking a full day guided tour that includes private transportation like the ones below, or renting your own car.

Buses and trams are convenient in the area, however, if you want to be on your own schedule, then a car rental is best .

How Long is the Train Ride from Paris to Normandy?

The train rides from Paris to Normandy take between 2-3 hours each way and are quite comfortable . If you’re wondering “ how to get to Normandy from Paris”, the train is by far the best way if you decide to visit on your own without a guide.

The 2-hour train is a direct route from Paris Saint-Lazare to Gare de Caen. We recommend this train since it removes the need to change lines and will get you to your destination faster.

It is typically more expensive, however, but do your best to compare prices before booking.

The 3-hour train ride also departs from Paris Saint-Lazare, but it stops at the Gare de Rouen before making its way to Gare de Caen.

If you are visiting Normandy for at least a few days and don’t mind the extra stop and are looking to save some money, this is a perfect option!

If you do decide to book one of the local tours from Bayeux, be sure to book a train to Bayeux and not Caen if that is where you plan on spending your time before the tour.

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Whether you’re traveling with your family, a group of friends, a loved one, or all on your own, visiting Normandy is a very special part of going to France. Sure, Paris is home to the gorgeous Eiffel Tower, but it’s also perfect for day trips to this historic region.

Between the Mont Saint-Michel, the American Cemetery, and the D-Day Landing Beaches, there are days worth of iconic landmarks to explore.

Even if you only have half a day, we highly recommend taking the time to learn about the WWII events that occurred in the region and taking some more time to wander the beautiful streets of all of the coastal towns nearby.

Any one of these Normandy tours from Paris is sure to impress, so we hope you were able to find one that suits your budget and travel preferences!

Hey there! I'm Emily Concannon, a seasoned globetrotter who has backpacked her way across over a dozen European countries, immersing myself in the diverse cultures, languages, and cuisines of the region.

My passion for travel transcends personal experiences; I've spent years learning how to transform my globetrotting knowledge into personalized itineraries for fellow travelers worldwide.

With a tally of 26 countries (and counting!) under my belt, my day job involves extensive research on different countries which often leads me to booking a new adventure every chance I get!

More From Forbes

D-day 80th anniversary: your guide to commemorative events in normandy.

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80 years ago—a Landing Craft approaching Omaha Beach, Normandy, France, 6th June 1944.

There are many reasons to head to France in 2024—the Olympic Games in Paris, the Euro 2024 football competition or an Impressionist festival—but many will be heading to Normandy to commemorate the 160,000 Allied troops who landed on its beaches in World War II in the biggest military seaborne invasion in history.

The festival for the 80th anniversary of D-Day will take place from Pegasus Bridge to Sainte-Mère-Eglise—it's a stretch of almost 100 km of coastline (about 60 miles) that takes in the towns of Ouistreham and Arromanches-les-Bains (the latter was where Allied forces built Winston Harbor, to bring in supplies).

From 1-16 June 2024, there will be commemoration ceremonies as well as festivities (parades, picnics, reenactments and fireworks) along the same stretch of coastline, including across all five landing areas for the Allied troops in 1944—Utah Beach, Omaha Beach, Gold Beach, Juno Beach and Sword Beach.

The program has something for everyone (book fairs, jives), but there are several must-see events including a 30-minute light and sound show across all five landing beaches simultaneously on 31st May, an International Peace March (Utah Beach to Carentan) on 1 June and the parachuting in of hundreds of international soldiers above Sainte-Mère-Eglise.

The official state commemoration takes place on 6 June 2024 at Omaha Beach, in the town of Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer (Calvados) where 2,500 American soldiers died. It will be attended by President Emmanuel Macron and other global heads of state, as well as veterans, but it isn't a public event. There will be a giant public picnic afterwards though, on Omaha Beach, followed by a concert with fireworks.

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The U.S. will hold its own ceremony at the Normandy American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer that commemorates the 9,386 American soldiers who were killed in total. It will be open to 5,000 people but tickets must be secured in advance here (the site is currently closed due to high demand, but promises to reopen soon). It is expected to begin around midday.

Secretary Charles Djou of the American Battle Monuments Commission said of the American event, "we have a solemn duty to honor the courageous service of those who gave their all on June 6, 1944, and to reflect on the profound impact their sacrifices had on turning the tide of World War II. The anticipated gathering of over 10,000 visitors from around the globe underscores the indelible mark that D-Day has left on our shared history."

6th June 1944: Reinforcements disembarking from a landing barge at Normandy during the Allied ... [+] Invasion of France on D-Day. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

The British Normandy Memorial in France at Ver-sur-Mer commemorates the 22,442 people who died under British command on D-Day and during the Battle of Normandy. It too will hold a memorial service on 6 June 2024 (time to be confirmed) that will be broadcast live on U.K. television. Likewise, Canada will be holding its own commemoration ceremonies, as will other countries at memorials across the region.

Incidentally, two of France's biggest tourist draws of the summer collide on the morning of Thursday 30 May 2024 as the Olympic Flame passes across Omaha Beach.

For anyone planning a trip to the area to visit the D-Day landings, the official French tourist board has a 48-hour program of unmissable spots here and the D-Day commemoration program can be found in both French and English here .

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History, culture, haute couture and haute cuisine aren’t all that France is famous for this year. The country’s iconic capital, Paris, may be warming up for the world’s largest sporting event this summer, but beyond the bustling boulevards, there are plenty of hidden gems for travelers to explore. With the enchanting regions of Champagne, Normandy, the Loire Valley and Burgundy, within easy reach, travelers can escape the crowds, enjoy the countryside and sample a different side of French life.  

POP THE CORKS 

Approximately an hour and 45 minutes by car, travelers can escape the busy city life and gently roll into the Champagne region to immerse themselves in the art of champagne-making. Reims, the capital of the region famous for the world’s favorite fizz, is home to the city’s cathedral Notre-Dame, a UNESCO World Heritage site where French Kings were crowned.  

Zip off on e-bike and take to the lush, rolling hills and explore one of the many Champagne vineyards on offer. From the historic cellars of the renowned champagne houses to the smaller family-owned producers, most offer tours and tastings, washed down with the region’s famous pink cookie that complements the delicious bubbles.  

LIVING HISTORY 

Home to the famous Bayeux Tapestry, 70 meters of intricate stitching that depicts the 1066 Norman conquest of Britain, Normandy holds special significance this year. June 6 marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings that changed the course of the Second World War. Visitors can pay their respects at the hallowed beaches of Omaha and Utah, where Allied forces made their historic landings, or at the moving American Cemetery.   

Virginie Durr, Enterprise Sales Manager at Delta, was born and raised in Normandy and visits every year for the D-Day commemorations. 

“Normandy offers the perfect blend of scenery, history, culture and gastronomy,” said Durr. “What makes Normandy so special is the legacy of William the Conqueror, the historic scars left by WWII, the settings immortalized by the Impressionist artists, its distinctive local cuisine and its world-famous sites such as the Mont-Saint-Michel, Monet’s gardens in Giverny, the D-Day Landing Beaches or the dramatic cliffs of Etretat.” 

For those wanting to visit Mont-Saint-Michel, which is the second most-visited monument in France after the Eiffel Tower, Durr has valuable tips for getting the most out of your experience: “Visit on weekdays rather than weekends, outside of holiday periods and long weekends, in autumn or winter.” 

Travelers looking to further their exploration of Normandy should visit Honfleur, which is known for attracting artists over many centuries and features colorful half-timbered houses that line the picturesque harbor, providing the perfect backdrop for leisurely strolls along the waterfront.  

Sylvie Poidevin, a Delta Red Coat stationed at CDG, says her favorite place in the city is "Les Maisons de Léa,” a charming hotel in the heart of Honfleur with a majestic view of Église Sainte Catherine – one of the oldest and largest wooden churches in France. 

“If visiting, I would also recommend doing a boat tour led by a captain and having a coffee and croissant in front of the Vieux Bassin – one of the most frequently painted harbors in the world,” said Poidevin. 

Deauville is around two hours and 45 minutes from central Paris.  

CHATEAU LIFE 

Around two and a half hours’ drive from Paris lies the Loire Valley. This UNESCO area of great cultural beauty is peppered with hundreds of castles – or chateaux – and produces some of France’s most delicious white wines, including Sancerre, Pouilly Fumé and Crémant – the region’s sparkling wine.  

The area is perfect to explore by bike, especially as it’s mostly flat, and the 900km Loire à Vélo route is enjoyable for cycle pros and novices alike. In the summer months, pop up restaurants known as guignettes offer local specialties, while nights can be comfortably spent in four-poster beds in the many chateaux that offer accommodation along the route.  

Famous Loire Valley towns not to miss include Samur, where an imposing castle towers over the flowing river and hundreds of underground caves, including an underground cathedral, lie under your feet. Tours, which was once a bustling Roman town, still boasts the ruins of an amphitheater.  

MEDIEVAL MASTERPIECE 

With its half-timbered buildings, gothic cathedrals and cobbled streets, the medieval city of Dijon casts visitors back in time. This laid-back university city offers a mix of history and delicious cuisine and is too often overlooked by American visitors.  

Small in size, Dijon is packed with sites of interest that visitors can easily discover on a self-guided walking tour following the Parcours de la Chouette, or Owl Trail. Marked by little owls, the tour includes every historical monument with explanations at every stop.  

Foodies will be in food heaven in Dijon. Aside from the eponymous mustard (Dijon had exclusive mustard-making rights in France during the 17th century), the region is known for Burgundy wines and Boeuf Bourguignon, a rich beef casserole. It is also home to several Michelin-starred restaurants, for travelers wanting to splash out.  

Dijon is located between Paris and Lyon (another city famous for cuisine), around four hours from the French capital.  

GETTING THERE WITH DELTA 

Delta is the No. 1 U.S. airline serving France, leading with more than 20% of capacity between the two countries during peak-summer.  

This provides customers with ample choices to travel to CDG through Delta’s extensive network, offering 16 daily flights from various U.S. cities including Atlanta (ATL), Boston (BOS), Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky (CVG), Detroit (DTW), New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), Minneapolis St. Paul (MSP), Seattle (SEA), and Salt Lake City (SLC). 

Customers looking to venture beyond Paris can also enjoy flights to Nice from Atlanta and New York-JFK.    

Additionally, Delta’s partners Air France and KLM offer nearly 650 peak-day departures to over 150 cities across Europe, Middle East, Africa and India. 

As part of Delta’s $12 billion airport terminal investments, Delta will be opening its first-ever Delta One Lounge at New York’s JFK airport in late June. The expansive 38,000-square-foot Lounge will feature both a full-service brasserie and a casual, chef-assisted market with open kitchens, dedicated wellness areas and more. Connecting customers will also benefit from the upgrades at Delta’s JFK Terminal 4, enabling easier transfer to over 60 onward connections. 

Customers will have a choice of four product experiences including Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin. Delta One customers can stretch out in a lie-flat seat and enjoy premium amenities like plush bedding made from recycled plastic bottles, more beverage options and a regularly refreshed and seasonally inspired onboard menu. Customers flying in Delta Premium Select will have more space to relax and stretch out, with a wider seat, deeper recline, an adjustable footrest and leg rest.  

And before you touch down in the romantic landscapes of France, you can immerse yourself in the language and artistry of French culture. With more than 161,000 seatback screens across more than 850 aircraft—the most seatback screens of any U.S.-based carrier—Delta’s in-house curation team takes pride in hand-picking the best content to bring onboard each month, including a curated selection of French titles and audio collections. So bid bon voyage with Delta, where your journey is just as important as your destination. 

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D-Day veteran who flew into Normandy on a military glider dies aged 100

A “one in a million” D-Day veteran who flew into Normandy on a military glider and survived being shot by a tank has died at home aged 100.

Bill Gladden, of Haverhill, Suffolk, was just 20 years old when he arrived on a Hamilcar glider carrying a tank and six motorbikes on June 6, 1944.

He moved to an orchard just outside the French village of Ranville, near the strategically important Pegasus Bridge that the 6th Airborne Reconnaissance Regiment was tasked with protecting.

While holed up on June 17 he carried two of his fellow soldiers, who were wounded, into a barn that was being used as a medical post.

They died of their injuries and are buried in the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery at Ranville.

Mr Gladden was himself injured by machine gun fire from a Panzer tank two days later, while brewing tea, and was carried into the same barn.

He was flown back to the UK with a severe leg injury and spent the following three years in hospital.

His family threw him a surprise party for his 100th birthday in January of this year and Mr Gladden was open-mouthed as a crowd sang Happy Birthday to him.

As people set off party poppers the veteran, who was brought into the party venue in a wheelchair, raised his cupped palms to his sides and mouthed “thank you”.

When asked later by a guest if he had any idea about the surprise, he replied: “No idea whatsoever.”

Mr Gladden died at home on Wednesday.

He was a regular on trips to Normandy and the Netherlands, as well as to events in the UK, with the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans.

Dick Goodwin, honorary secretary of the Taxi Charity, said: “Bill was one in a million who was adored by everyone he met.

“He had a wonderful gentle voice and loved nothing more than singing some of his favourite wartime songs.

“Earlier this year we had the joy of celebrating his 100 birthday in Haverhill and testament to the man he was, the hall was packed with all those who knew and loved him.

“Stand easy Sir, your duty is done.”

London cab driver and Taxi Charity for Military Veterans volunteer Paul Cook said it was “one of the biggest privileges in my life to have known Bill”.

“I will miss him dearly,” he said.

“He was one of our greatest heroes and also my friend. Travel well Bill.”

Mr Gladden, who grew up in Woolwich, south-east London, had volunteered for airborne duties and flew into Normandy from the former RAF Tarrant Rushton in Dorset.

He is survived by his daughter Linda Durrant and her husband Kenny, and his niece Kaye Thorpe and her husband Alan who cared for him in his later years.

Speaking earlier this year at Mr Gladden’s birthday party, Mrs Thorpe described the veteran as a “legend”.

She said: “He always says he didn’t do much because he got injured, he got wounded.

“He was only over there for about 12 days then he was three years in hospital.

“He had his ankle virtually blown off, shot off.

“It was hanging on by the Achilles heel. He was in a bad way.”

Mr Gladden was in the building trade before the war and subsequently worked in various jobs in factories and in payroll, Mrs Thorpe said.

She said he loved singing and painting, and had created watercolour artworks from his memories of the Second World War.