caen normandy tours

THE 10 BEST Caen Tours & Excursions

• Historical & Heritage Tours
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Normandy Loire Valley 3-Days Trip with Mont Saint Michel and Castles from Paris

2. Mémorial de Caen Museum Admission and Guided Tour of D-Day Sites

3. From Paris Normandy D-Day Beaches Guided Day Trip

4. Normandy 2Days Trip, D-Day Beaches & Mont Saint Michel from Paris

5. Normandy D-Day Small-group 2 to 7 people to Top Sights from Paris

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

7. D-Day private tour Omaha Beach from Caen with audio guide.

8. 2-day Mont Saint-Michel, Full D-Day, Normandy Private from Paris

9. D-Day Omaha Beach sector - Small group from Caen aboard a Van

10. Private Normandy D-Day Live guided Top 6 Sites trip from Paris

11. Private Tour: Rouen, Bayeux, and Falaise Day Trip from Rouen

12. Private Day Tour of Mont Saint-Michel from Caen

13. Arromanches 360 Circular Cinema Entrance Ticket

14. 2-day Mont Saint-Michel Normandy Brittany Private Trip from Paris

15. Small Group Guided D-Day Tour and Mémorial de Caen Museum

16. 3-day Private Omaha Utah Full D-Day Mont Saint-Michel by Mercedes

17. Private Tour to Saint Malo and Cancale with Oyster Tasting

18. Canadian DDAY Sites Full Day Tour from Bayeux

19. Private Tour: D-Day Beaches from Caen

20. 2Days Trip D-Day Beaches, Saint Malo & Mont Saint Michel(Pick Up)

21. Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide in Caen

22. Private Transfer to the Landing beaches

23. Private Full-Day Tour of Mont-Saint-Michel from Caen

24. Private Tour: Rouen, Bayeux, and Falaise Day Trip from Caen

25. Private trip from Paris to visit the Caen Memorial Museum aboard a Van (4/7 pax)

26. 4-Day Private Tour Normandy - Mont Saint Michel, WW2 beaches...

27. 7-day Private ALL Normandy D-Day Castles Burgundy wine trip

28. 7-day Small Group ALL Normandy D-Day Castles & Burgundy Wine Trip

29. 3-day Private Normandy, D-Day, Mont Saint-Michel, 3 Loire Castles

30. Private Tour: Normandy Specialties Food Tour from Caen

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• From Paris Normandy D-Day Beaches Guided Day Trip
• Normandy 2-Days Discovery Trip with D-Day Beaches & Mont Saint Michel from Paris
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DESTINATION: WWII

A World War II Travel Blog

The 10 Best Local D-Day Tours in Normandy for 2024: Beaches, Battlefields, & Beyond

Last Updated: January 29, 2024 //  by  Ashley Smith 4 Comments

While many travelers can only squeeze in a day trip to Normandy from Paris , just as many others dedicate a couple of days here to take advantage of the many available Normandy D-Day tours. Booking a local day tour of the many worthwhile D-Day sites is the best way to get the most out of your visit.

Table of Contents

Why book one of the Normandy D-Day tours?

Day tours in Normandy are great for many reasons, for instance:

• Transportation – There’s not a lot of reliable public transportation here, so booking a tour will ensure you can get to all the sites you want to see without having to rent a car.
• Expertise – The Normandy tour guides are experts in their field and can provide loads of historical background on the sites you’ll visit.
• Planning – Or really, the lack thereof. Book yourself on a tour and you won’t have to deal with any of the logistical planning.
• Like-minded travelers – On tours like these you get to meet like-minded travelers excited to discuss the topics at hand and share these experiences. This is especially great if you’re traveling solo.

This post only covers D-Day tours originating in Normandy . You have to already be here to join them, or be able to easily get here before the start time. With the exception of two, all the rest start and end in the town of Bayeux . If you’re looking for Normandy day tours starting and ending in Paris, check out my post on Normandy day tours from Paris .

Choosing the best Normandy D-Day tours

But which of the many available tours out there are the best ones? Which ones go to the best places and cover the most ground? Luckily, you have a World War II travel expert at your disposal to scrutinize them all and help you choose!

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 tour of the D-Day sites . To create this list, I’ve compared the many available tours against my stringent set of criteria. I’ve taken into account things like:

• Customer rating and reviews
• Length of the tour and start/end times
• Overall benefit (Is it worth your valuable time?)
• Topic/focus of the tour
• Ease of logistics

…and much more. All so you can be sure which of these Normandy D-Day tours are the most deserving of your precious time and money. All the tours in this post are English-language tours and all prices are listed in U.S. dollars.

So how do I go about choosing which tours are the “best?” Well, I’m extremely particular when it comes to booking travel. I’ll never recommend anything that’s rated lower than 4 out of 5 stars, anything with no reviews, or anything that’s offered by a company that looks less than reputable. As always, I only recommend the things I would personally book for myself. (And I’m a hard sell.)

And if you do find yourself in Paris, be sure to check out the many interesting WWII sites in Paris . There are some great museums and memorials here not to miss.

My favorite day tour companies

The two companies I always go to for day tours (anywhere I go) are Viator and Get Your Guide . I’ve booked many tours through them and have always been satisfied. They’re both well-known in the travel industry; Viator is owned by TripAdvisor. They’re both super easy to book with; most tours offer free cancelation; and they always have competitive prices.

I also like Tours By Locals for great private options. You can find some amazing guides here who are fully licensed, with history degrees, years of experience, and unique local perspectives.

So, let’s get to it! All things considered, these are my choices for the best D-Day tours in Normandy for 2024.

For more information on each of the sites and museums mentioned in this post, check out my articles on what to see at each of the five Allied landing beach sectors: Utah , Omaha , Gold , Juno , & Sword Beaches.

Best D-Day tours in Normandy: at a glance

In this post, I’ll dig into what makes these the best D-Day tours to take in Normandy. I’ll tell you why I picked them, what makes them stand out among the others, what they include (and what they don’t), and more. But first, here’s the quick list of my picks for the 10 best Normandy D-Day tours:

• Best overall : Normandy American D-Day Beaches Full Day Tour from Bayeux
• Best half-day tour : American D-Day Sites in Normandy Half-Day Tour
• Best private tour : American D-Day Private Tour with a Licensed Guide
• Best shore excursion : D-Day Landing Beaches Shore Excursion from Le Havre
• Best Band of Brothers tour : Omaha and Band of Brothers Full Day Tour from Bayeux
• Best tour for Canadian visitors : Full-Day Canadian Battlefields and Sites of Normandy Tour
• Most unique Normandy D-Day tour : Half-Day Sidecar Excursion to the Landing Beaches
• Best tour from Caen : Guided D-Day Sites Tour & Caen Memorial Museum
• Best D-Day tour for British visitors : British D-Day World War II Normandy Private Tour
• Best bonus D-Day sites tou r: Utah & Omaha Beaches D-Day Group Tour from Bayeux

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

Also check out: 10 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Normandy’s D-Day Sites

1. Best overall Normandy D-Day tour from Bayeux

My pick for best overall: Normandy American D-Day Beaches Full Day Tour from Bayeux

Without a doubt, my pick for the absolute best D-Day tour in Normandy is this one, for 3 main reasons: it’s a small group tour (maximum 8 people); it has a 5-star rating after almost 1,000 reviews; and it stops at all the right places.

What you’ll see on this tour

This tour includes stops at:

• Omaha Beach
• St-Mère-Église
• Pointe du Hoc
• Utah Beach and the Utah Beach Museum
• Normandy American Cemetery
• La Cambe German Cemetery*

*This stop isn’t listed in the tour description, but many recent reviews say they also stopped here. If you read my post on the best D-Day sites to visit , you’ll know why I recommend a stop at the German cemetery as well.

Why it’s the best

This tour includes all sites I absolutely recommend visiting and no unnecessary fluff. This tour is also ideal for American visitors since it focuses on the American landing zones of Utah and Omaha Beaches. If you have to choose just one day tour for Normandy, this is your best option!

I also love small-group tours because of the individual attention each visitor receives and it’s just a more enjoyable experience overall . (No being herded or not being able to ask questions, etc.) Plus, this tour has a 5-star rating and almost a thousand rave reviews ! Reviewers’ favorite aspects of this tour have been the knowledgeable tour guides and the choice of stops.

What to expect on this tour:

This is a full-day (9-hour) tour that starts and ends in Bayeux . It includes:

• Pick-up and drop-off in Bayeux
• Your own knowledgeable guide
• Air conditioned private transportation
• Free cancelation up to 24 hours before your tour’s start time

It does not include lunch, optional gratuities, or other personal expenses.

How much this tour costs

As of January 2024, this tour is offered 7 days a week and costs just $139 per person . All things considered, I feel this is a fantastic value for such a highly-rated tour that visits many of the best sites. I would absolutely book this tour myself.

A similar option

There’s another tour that’s similar to this one but that trades in the Utah Beach Museum and La Cambe Germany Cemetery for a visit to the small village of Angoville-au-Plain . If you’d like to visit a small local village where a lot of fighting took place (by the 101 st Airborne), check out: Utah & Omaha Beach D-Day Tour from Bayeux Station .

This tour also has a 5-star rating and tons of rave reviews and is also a small-group tour with a maximum of 8 people.

2. Best half-day Normandy D-Day tour

My pick for best half-day Normandy D-Day tour: American D-Day Sites in Normandy Half-Day Tour from Bayeux

If you find yourself on a time budget here in Normandy but still want to see some of the top D-Day sites, this is the tour for you. This 4-hour tour visits the key American locations, has a maximum of 8 passengers, and has a 5-star review rating.

This half-day Normandy tour includes stops at:

If you have limited time for a D-Day tour , these are three sites you shouldn’t miss . It caps the tour at 8 people for a more personalized experience, and it has a 5-star rating after hundreds of rave reviews . All the best reviews go to the tour guide Matt!

Another thing I love about this tour is that you can choose between morning or afternoon start times . Because it’s just a half-day tour, you can opt for either a 9:00 am start or a 2:00 pm start.

What to expect on this tour

This is a half-day tour (4 hours) that starts and ends in Bayeux . It includes:

• Pick-up and drop-off in Bayeux city center
• Private, air conditioned transportation
• Your own knowledgeable tour guide
• Free cancelation up to 24 hours before your tour

It does not include lunch, optional gratuities, or your own personal expenses.

As of January 2024, this tour is offered 7 days a week, two times per day, and costs $95 per person . For a small group tour that visits the three main American D-Day sites with a passionate and knowledgeable guide, this is a great deal.

3. Best private D-Day Normandy tour

My pick for best private D-Day tour in Normandy: American D-Day Private Tour with a Licensed Guide (Pierre)

There was some stiff competition here for best private tour, but ultimately I chose this one offered by Pierre, a local who lives in Bayeux.

The greatest thing about hiring a private tour guide for Normandy is you get to choose which sites you visit . Most guides have a list of sites they think are the best, but all are open to amending your tour to your preferences. For instance, for this tour, Pierre plans to take you to:

• Utah & Omaha Beach (the two American landing beaches)
• Pointe du Hoc (American battleground)
• Sainte-Mère-Église

But again, he’s happy to work with you to choose which sites to visit in order to create the D-Day tour you’ve always wanted.

I chose this particular tour for the best private option for a few reasons. First, the guide Pierre has been a licensed D-Day tour guide for over 8 years. Not only that, his background is in political science with a master’s degree in American history . And because he was born in France and lives in Bayeux, you’ll be able to get a unique perspective on D-Day. You can read his bio here .

Additionally, this tour is available for groups up to 7 people (whereas many of the others can only accommodate 4) and as such is a much better value than many others

This is a full-day (8.5-hour) private tour that starts and ends in Bayeux. It includes:

• Fully customizable itinerary of sites that you choose (or go with the pre-planned ones)
• Your own private expert local guide with political and historical background

It does not include lunch and other personal expenses, optional gratuities, or museum admission if you choose to visit an extra museum.

As of January 2024, this tour costs $1034 for a group up to 7 people , for everything mentioned above. This is a great option for larger groups or families, but just as awesome for couples looking for a personalized experience.

Honorable mentions

In case this one doesn’t work for you or Pierre isn’t available on your required date, the other private options I considered are:

• American D-Day Beaches Full Day Tour from Bayeux for up to 4 people, with Karine , licensed Normandy tour guide for over 30 years
• American D-Day Beaches Tour for 8-16 people with Sabrina , national tour guide and lecturer
• Landing Beaches, Normandy, D-Day Full Day Private tour from either Caen or Bayeux with Jonathan , licensed tour guide with a master’s degree in French history. This tour costs much less than the other ones, and the caveat is that you pick him up and visit these sites in your own car. You’re booking the guide only here, no driver.

4. Best shore excursion Normandy D-Day tour

My pick for best shore excursion to Normandy’s D-Day sites: D-Day Landing Beaches Shore Excursion from Le Havre

If you’re planning to arrive to the area via cruise ship and are looking to spend a day exploring Normandy’s historic sites, this is the best D-Day tour for you, tailor-made for cruise ship passengers.

This full-day Normandy D-Day tour includes visits to:

If you’re visiting Normandy via cruise ship, you’ll most likely dock at the port in Le Havre. But seeing as how most Normandy D-Day tours leave from Bayeux, your options are limited. This particular tour is tailor-made for cruise ship passengers like you.

You’ll get picked up and dropped off right there at the port near your ship by a guide who understands your particular needs as a cruise ship passenger on a shore excursion . The three sites it includes are my top 3 recommendations for anyone visiting Normandy for any amount of time. And most importantly, it has a 5-star rating and rave reviews .

This full-day (10-hour) shore excursion starts and ends at the cruise port in Le Havre. It includes:

• Expert guide to tell you all about the sites you’ll visit plus the relevant history of Le Havre as well
• Round trip transportation to and from your cruise port
• Free cancelation up to 24 hours before your scheduled tour

As of January 2024, this tour ranges in cost depending on which month of the year you book, but starting rates are $209 per person (in the summer). When rates are higher (like in the spring), the price goes down the more people you have in your group. Take a look at their availability calendar to see the different prices.

5. Best Band of Brothers tour

My pick for the best Band of Brothers -inspired tour: Omaha and Band of Brothers Full Day Tour from Bayeux

There’s a good chance that if you’re here looking at Normandy D-Day tours then you’ve either read the book by Stephen Ambrose or watched the Steven Spielberg/Tom Hanks miniseries Band of Brothers . (And if you haven’t, go do that… NOW.) If you’re as big a fan of the story as I am, you’ll love this tour.

This full-day tour of Normandy’s D-Day sites includes visits to:

• Airborne Museum
• Plane crash site at Beuzeville-au-Plain
• Marmion’s Farm
• Brecourt Manor
• Angoville-au-Plain
• Drop Zone D

This tour is specifically tailored to intrigue fans of the show Band of Brothers so you’ll visit many lesser-known sites and learn more about the history.

You can watch Band of Brothers here on Amazon and it’s also currently available on Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max.

This tour is operated by Overlord Tour, a leading tour company in the area specifically dedicated to D-Day history. Its itinerary and guides have rave reviews and it’s a favorite among Band of Brothers fans and WWII buffs in general.

I like that it visits the top sites, but also many more obscure sites that the majority of visitors don’t get to see or learn about . You’re sure to make some good friends on this group tour. I also really like the price point—good value here for sure.

This full-day (9-hour) tour starts and ends in Bayeux. It includes:

• Round trip transportation
• Small-group limited to 16 people
• Free cancelation up to 24 hours before your start time

It does not include the cost of lunch, any optional gratuities, or other personal expenses.

As of January 2024, this tour is offered 7 days a week and costs $158 per person . Something I’d like to note about the cost: When you book this tour directly with Overlord Tours instead of through Viator, the cost is slightly lower (€130 which, as of Jan 2024, is about $141 US ).

While this may be tempting, consider this: when you book through Viator , you get the benefit of a full refund if you need to cancel anytime up to 24 hours before the start of your scheduled tour.

When you book directly with Overlord, if you should need to cancel or you simply change your mind, you’ll be subject to a 6% cancelation fee no matter what. If you need to cancel within 14 days of your tour, you now owe a 50% cancelation fee . And if you should want to cancel within a week of your tour, you lose 100% of your booking cost .

That’s just something to think about. Don’t always be so quick to choose the lowest price without digging a little deeper. (Personally, I’d be happy to pay the $17 more for the peace of mind because I know how unpredictable travel planning can be.) By booking with Viator, you still get the highly-rated Overlord tour, but you also get a little bit more freedom and forgiveness.

6. Best D-Day tour for Canadian visitors

My pick for the best D-Day tour for Canadian visitors: Full-Day Canadian Battlefields and Sites of Normandy Tour

You’ve probably noticed that most of these tours center around the American D-Day achievements, but Canada and Great Britain also participated in this monumental invasion. Canadian visitors, this tour focuses on the struggles and achievements of your fellow countrymen.

This full-day tour of Normandy D-Day sites includes stops at:

• Juno Beach and the Juno Beach Center
• Beny-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery
• The communes of Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer, Bernieres-sur-Mer, Authie, Abbey d’Ardenne, and Carpiquet to follow the Canadian advance

As far as Normandy D-Day tours go, there are very few that specifically focus on the battles and achievements of Canadian troops . This tour does not only that, but it also maxes out at 8 passengers , has a 5-star rating , and tons of rave reviews about the tour guides. Plus, the price tag makes this a fantastic value.

This full-day (8-hour) tour starts and ends in Bayeux. It includes:

• Your own expert tour guide
• Small-group tour of 8 passengers or less
• Pick-up and drop-off in Bayeux as well as transportation between the sites
• Juno Beach Center admission costs

It does not include lunch, gratuities, or other personal expenses. For a full refund, you must cancel within one week of your chosen tour’s start time.

As of January 2024, this tour is offered 7 days a week and costs $148 per person . This is a great deal, especially considering this is one of the only tours of its kind dedicated to Canadian-only D-Day sites.

7. Most unique Normandy D-Day tour

My pick for the most unique Normandy D-Day tour: Half-Day Sidecar Excursion to the Landing Beaches

For something quite different than all the other Normandy D-Day tours out there, check out this tour of the D-Day sites via fully restored vintage sidecars!

This half-day D-Day sites tour includes visits to:

• Arromanches-les-Bains (one of my favorite spots)
• Longues-sur-Mer
• The commune of Port-en-Bessin-Huppain

And all of your travel between the sites will take place aboard some awesome vintage sidecars. What a unique way to explore Normandy!

I love this tour because it’s something totally different from the rest. Rather than drive between the sites in a sedan or multi-passenger van (or worse, a giant tour bus), you get to see Normandy from a totally unique (and fun!) perspective .

Beyond that, this is one of the few Normandy day tours that visits Arromanches-les-Bains and the German battery at Longues-sur-Mer . The commune of Arromanches is located in the Gold Beach sector and is famous for being the location of the artificial harbors that helped the Allies win the war (which you can still see out in the ocean today).

The Longues-sur-Mer battery is another great site I recommend visiting. Here, you’ll find the most intact German battery that still exists and it really helps to put German defense of the “Atlantic Wall” into perspective.

This tour also has a 5-star rating and nothing but rave reviews . I also love how hard they work to make visiting these somber locations fun and interesting.

This half-day (4-hour) tour starts and ends in Bayeux. It includes:

• Private, round-trip transportation
• Use of vintage helmets, gloves, glasses, and jackets for some fun photo ops
• Fully licensed and insured professional tour guides
• Maximum of 8 people on this tour
• Full refund if canceled up to 24 hours before your tour’s starting time

It does not include the cost of lunch, gratuities, or other personal expenses.

As of January 2024, this tour is offered 7 days a week and costs $244 per person (through April) and then increases to $271 per person from May 1st onwards. For such a unique and fun tour, and one of your only chances to visit Arromanches and Longues-sur-Mer, this price point makes sense, even if it is just a half-day tour. This will definitely be an experience you’ll never forget.

8. Best Normandy D-Day tour from Caen

My pick for the best Normandy tour from Caen: Guided D-Day Sites Tour & Caen Memorial Museum

It’s true that most of the best Normandy D-Day tours start and end in Bayeux, but what if you’re staying in Caen? Rather than having to make your way to Bayeux to start your tour, check out this one that starts and ends in Caen.

This full-day tour includes visits to:

• Caen Memorial Museum

This is one of the only available Normandy D-Day tours that includes a self-guided visit to the Caen Memorial Museum, widely believed to be the best World War II museum in France . I personally consider this museum a must-visit, so I love that this tour includes it. I also like that the museum portion of the tour is self-guided since everyone visits museums in their own way.

This is another small-group tour (capped at 7 people) and it has tons of rave reviews, especially of the guides (5/5).

This full-day (7-hour) tour starts and ends in Caen. It includes:

• Admission to the Caen Memorial Museum
• Maximum of 7 people total
• Full refund if canceled within 2 days of your tour

As of January 2024, this tour is offered 7 days a week and costs $129 per person all year long. Since this includes museum admission (about $22 US), that makes this tour one great value to visit these top locations.

9. Best tour for British visitors

My pick for best D-Day tour for British visitors: British D-Day World War II Normandy Private Tour

Despite the fact that Great Britain was a massive participant in the D-Day landings, landing at two of the five beaches, there are shockingly few tours that focus on the British sectors. However, if you’re willing and able to opt for a private tour, this one is a great option.

• Pegasus Bridge and Memorial
• Main British airborne sites in Ranville
• Ranville War Cemetery
• Sword Beach landing sites and German headquarters
• Juno and Gold Beaches (pass by)

But since this is a private option, you have the ability to customize it to your preferences. Care to also visit Arromanches-les-Bains? Talk to your guide about it!

So few Normandy D-Day tours visit the British sectors and this one is great because you can customize it with the sites you most want to visit. You also have Eric as your guide, a fabulous Scottish tour guide who has lived and tour-guided in Normandy for the past 20 years.

Also, because you can fit up to 8 people on this tour, that makes this one of the best-priced private tours out there!

This full-day (8.5-hour) tour starts and ends in beautiful Bayeux. It includes:

• Pick-up, drop-off, and round-trip transportation between all sites
• Private transportation
• The ability to customize the tour the way you want

It does not include lunch or other personal expenses.

As of January 2024, this tour is offered 7 days a week and costs $899 per group up to 8 people . This is the best per-person rate of all the private Normandy tours I’ve seen.

10. Best bonus D-Day sites tour

My pick for best bonus D-Day sites tour: Utah & Omaha Beaches D-Day Group Tour from Bayeux

This tour visits many of the same sites as the others, but I’m calling this a “bonus” tour because it passes by a number of additional sites you might not otherwise see. Even though these are just “pass-by” stops, they still might interest you.

• Commune of Angoville-au-Plain, drop zone of the 101 st Airborne
• Site of the hedgerows battle (pass by)
• Major Richard Winters Memorial (pass by)
• Sainte-Marie-du-Mont (pass by)

On this tour, even in between stops you’ll get to see interesting things like the famous hedgerows (“bocage”) and the monument to Maj. Dick Winters whom you may know from Band of Brothers .

This tour also has a 5-star rating and is one of the most popular Normandy D-Day tours on Viator (with over 1,100 rave reviews).

This full-day (8.5-hour) tour starts and ends in Bayeux. It includes:

• Admission to the Airborne Museum
• Round-trip transportation
• Air conditioned minivan
• Professional tour guide

This isn’t necessarily a small-group tour since it has a maximum of 20 passengers (if it fills up). It does not include lunch, gratuities, or other personal expenses.

As of January 2024, this tour is offered 7 days a week and costs $159 per person . This price point is par for the course and you get to see so much.

Other Normandy D-Day tours

If you have questions about other Normandy D-Day tours that I didn’t cover in this post, let me know! I’ve examined nearly 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 local rental car deals here.
• For more Normandy D-Day tours,  check out all the options from  Viator  and  Get Your Guide .
• Don’t forget a   France 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 your trip a little easier.

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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

April 28, 2024 at 1:30 pm

what itinerary would you recommend if you have a day and half to visit the area. I’ll be staying in Bayeux.

April 29, 2024 at 4:55 am

Hi Ray! I would definitely check out the sites in this post , and then add in another museum or two according to your interests. Check out this post to see which area you might want to focus on.

April 29, 2024 at 12:48 pm

Thanks Ashley. Can you recommend a private tour for my second day?

April 30, 2024 at 2:33 am

Yes – take a look at the many options here on Tours By Locals . They always have great reviews and are usually customizable.

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Ideally located in the middle of Normandy, just 15 minutes from the cross-Channel ferry port of Ouistreham and two hours from Paris, the city of Caen – once home to William the Conqueror – is a lively and fascinating destination.

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Mémorial de Caen : No trip to the D-Day Landing Beaches is complete without a visit to the Mémorial de Caen; just be sure to designate a full afternoon to it. This vast museum focuses both on the history and repercussions of war in the 20th century, as well as post-war peace keeping. Inaugurated in 1988, the museum stands on the very soil where some of the fighting for Caen took place in 1944, and perhaps understandably its D-Day exhibit is particularly fascinating, using a large split screen to depict the D-Day Landings simultaneously from Allied and German viewpoints. 

Vaugueux neighbourhood : With its Caen-stone houses dating back to the Middle Ages, this neighbourhood is probably one of the most popular, best-known parts of Caen. It is also a trendy nightspot whose many restaurants and bars come to life in the evenings along the main street (rue du Vaugueux) and old town square. Edith Piaf herself used to come here to see her grandparents, who ran a café in the neighbourhood! 

Hôtel d’Escoville : One of Caen’s finest buildings, which now houses the local tourist office

The marina : Just around the corner from one of the liveliest, best-restored corners of the old city centre, this scenic marina full of yachts and surrounded by smart modern apartment blocks may come as a pleasant surprise to anyone unfamiliar with Caen, and is a great place for a stroll.

Jardin des Plantes : Caen prides itself on being a green city and this botanical garden is one of the many reasons why. Thanks to Gallard de la Ducquerie, a professor at Caen’s Faculty of Medicine, who acquired the land in 1689 and filled it with rare plants, the garden is now home to over 2,000 different species.

Women’s Abbey : This abbey was built for Queen Matilda on a similarly grand scale to the Men’s Abbey between 1060 and 1080. The 11th-century Church of the Holy Trinity is a fine example of Norman architecture and houses the tomb of Queen Matilda, wife of William the Conqueror. The superb crypt, with its barrel vaults supported by 16 close-ranked columns, is remarkable, as are the 18th-century convent and French-style garden.

Men’s Abbey : William the Conqueror, to regain the favour of the Pope, who disapproved of his marriage to his distant cousin, Matilda Princess of Flanders, ordered the construction of the Men’s Abbey in 1066. Construction began in the Norman style but the abbey was completed in gothic style in the 13th century, and houses William’s tomb. The abbey is an architectural masterpiece, its elegant lines mixing the simplicity of Norman architecture with gothic intricacy. The large monastic buildings later attached to the abbey now house Caen Town Hall.

Caen Castle : One of the largest walled fortifications in Europe, this castle was built for William the Conqueror, who made Caen into a great centre of power in Normandy. Damaged during the bombings of 1944, the castle has since been restored and its extensive walls and towers make for an impressive sight. Within the ramparts, explore the castle’s two museums, the  Musée des Beaux-Arts  (Fine Arts Museum) and the  Musée de Normandie  (which explores the region’s history and ethnography). Also worth a visit at Caen Castle are the Salle de l’Échiquier (Treasury Chamber) and Church of Saint-Georges.

Places to visit in Caen

The D-Day Landing Beaches

Useful information

Caen la Mer Tourist Office 12 place Saint-Pierre, 14000 Caen caenlamer-tourisme.fr

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1 D-Day landing beaches D-Day tour

Enjoy a full day tour on the D-Day American Landing beaches in Normandy. Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach and the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer. Offer yourself an unforgettable day on the Landing Beaches

(from Monday to Friday at 1.00 pm, except on public holidays / duration of the tour: 5 hours ).

This tour includes:

Pick-up at the Caen train station at 9.00 am by a guide.

Bilingual guided tour of the World War II exhibits of the Memorial.

Lunch at the restaurant “Les Pommiers”.

• Bilingual guided tour of the D-Day landing beaches in a minivan 7 persons + guide + driver (children over 6 years old) Please note that we are unfortunately unable to accommodate wheelchair users in our minivans.

Drop-off at the Bayeux train station at 6.00 pm.

(available from Monday to Friday at 1.00 pm, except on public holidays)

• Duration of the day: 9 hours

Departure from the Caen Memorial.

On June 6th 1944 at 7:11 am, the 225 men of Lieutenant colonel James Rudder’s 2nd Rangers batallion landed on the shingle shore at the bottom of the cliff.

Also called “Bloody Omaha”, there the allies suffered the highest number of casualties. The 5th army corps of the general Gerow was chosen to land there.

This 70-hectare site was granted for life by France to the United States. It shelters the bodies of the Americans soldiers who died during the D-Day Landings and the Battle of Normandy. 9 387 white marble gravestones are perfectly aligned on the field overlooking Omaha beach.

Hours are purely indicatives and may vary.

• Pointe du Hoc
• Omaha Beach
• American Military Cemetery

2 D-Day landing beaches Day pass

A day to discover the Caen Mémorial museum and the American Landing Beaches in Normandy. From the Pointe du Hoc to the American war cemetery via Omaha Beach, follow your guide and learn the story of D-Day.

• Admission to the Memorial museum. The Memorial visit and the guided tour of the D-Day landing beaches can be done whether on the same day or on two different days.
• Bilingual guided tour of the D-Day landing beaches in a minivan.  7 persons + guide + driver (children over 6 years old) Please note that we are unfortunately unable to accommodate wheelchair users in our minivans.

Program of the day

• Duration of the tour: 5 hours

Back to the museum.

• Open from 09h00 to 18h00

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To fulfill this, we aim to adhere as strictly as possible to the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG 2.1) at the AA level. These guidelines explain how to make web content accessible to people with a wide array of disabilities. Complying with those guidelines helps us ensure that the website is accessible to all people: blind people, people with motor impairments, visual impairment, cognitive disabilities, and more.

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Normandy Guided Tours

Normandy Guided Tours is the specialist you should book with to discover the D-Day landing beaches (Sword, Juno, Gold, Omaha, Pointe du Hoc, and Utah), airborne sectors, D-day battlefields and the D-day museums.  Don’t delay and book a Tour with us to explore Normandy in our luxury air conditioned Vehicle.

If you are looking for a Tailor-Made Private Tour, that is delivered with knowledge, passion and enthusiasm; where you can be collected from your hotel, then we can provide you with  a tour that can be personalised to meet your needs and pace. We offer Private Tour for 1 to 7 people which is ideal for families, giving you comfort and flexibility, so that you can make the most of your trip here to Normandy.

Francis Paz

Francis has spent almost his whole life in Normandy. WW2 has always been his passion and he became a professional battlefield tour guide in 2003. He has worked for some of the most renowed tour companies in Normandy before creating Normandy Guided Tours in 2013.

He can't wait to share with you his extensive knowledge of the events that took place in Normandy and tell you personal stories he learned directly from the Heroes who fought on those battlefields in 1944.

All our tours are led exclusively by Francis Paz.

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A Day Trip to the D-Day Beaches from Caen

A visit to the D-Day beaches in Normandy is a poignant journey through history, and it’s only a ferry trip away . Caen, the largest city in Normandy, serves as an ideal base for exploring the area’s significant WWII sights. Here’s a suggested itinerary for a day trip to the D-Day beaches from Caen.

Brief History

The D-Day landings, also known as the Normandy Invasion, were a pivotal moment in World War II. On June 6, 1944, approximately 160,000 Allied soldiers landed across five beaches in Normandy, France, code named Sword, Juno, Gold, Omaha, and Utah. This massive invasion force, which included U.S., British, and Canadian forces, marked the beginning of the end for Nazi-occupied Europe. The landings were the result of meticulous planning and preparation, and they were a turning point in the war, and it was the largest seaborne invasion in history . The success of the operation was crucial in establishing a beachhead from which the Allies could further push inland into France and ultimately defeat the German forces. The significance of D-Day cannot be overstated, as it altered the course of history and set the stage for the liberation of Europe from Nazi control.

Getting there

Travel from the UK to Caen via an overnight ferry for a convenient and scenic journey. Brittany Ferries operate three daily sailings from Portsmouth to Caen, and their cruise ferries, Mont St Michel and Normandie, provide a comfortable journey of around six hours. Make the most of this crossing to either rest, enjoy the onboard facilities or plan your journey ahead, safe in the knowledge that you are ready to explore the region as soon as you arrive thanks to being able to take your car onboard.

Jebulon – Wikimedia Commons

As the ferry arrives into the harbour at Port De Caen Ouistreham make sure to look west as you are at the easternmost point of the D-Day invasion, with Sword Beach stretching 8 kilometres west to Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer.

1. Le Grand Bunker – Museum of the Atlantic Wall

At Le Grand Bunker, visitors can learn about the Atlantic Wall, a World War II coastal defence system built by the German forces. The museum is located in a well-preserved Nazi bunker near Sword beach , only 900m from the ferry port, meaning you can start learning as soon as  you get off the boat. If your ferry arrives before it opens, make sure to take time to walk along the beach which is only a stone’s throw away. Sword Beach, also known as Sword, was the code name for one of the five main landing areas along the Normandy coast during the initial assault phase of the Allied invasion, and it was the responsibility of the British Army. This museum presents a reproduction of the former Atlantic Wall firing command post, allowing visitors to experience and understand the historical significance of the site. It also showcases WWII equipment, memorabilia, and the construction of the Atlantic Wall, providing an immersive experience in history.

2. Juno Beach Centre, Courseulles-sur-Mer

Approximately 30 minutes by car along the coast from Ouistreham, this museum and cultural centre pays homage to the 45,000 Canadians who lost their lives during the Second World War, with a specific focus on the 14,000 Canadian troops who landed on D-Day at Juno Beach , and the 5,500 who were killed during the Battle of Normandy. The museum provides an interesting and well-laid-out perspective on the D-Day landings, and offers tours of the bunkers and beach given by young Canadians, making it a compelling and educational experience for visitors. As the only Canadian museum focusing on the Normandy Landings, it offers a unique opportunity to learn about Canada’s significant contribution to the events of D-Day.

3. Musée du Débarquement – D-Day Museum in Arromanches

Make sure to stop and pay your respects at the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer on your way to the Musée du Débarquement in Arromanches. This museum, located at the exact point where the Allies established one of the two artificial ports used to supply the troops, offers a comprehensive experience for visitors. Since 2023, the museum features a new museography, with the tour divided into seven parts, including a British Admiralty film, a model gallery, and rooms dedicated to various aspects of the D-Day landings and the Battle of Normandy. The museum provides a 90-minute guided tour, and visitors can also explore the ruins of the artificial Mulberry harbour and the monuments near the site.

4. Lunch in Bayeux

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Just 12km south, you’ll be in the beautiful medieval town of Bayeux, which is known for its rich history and well-preserved architecture. The town is home to the famous Bayeux Tapestry, a UNESCO-listed masterpiece that depicts the Norman conquest of England. Bayeux’s historical significance is further highlighted by its status as the first town to be liberated in June 1944 during World War II, making it an ideal base for exploring the nearby D-Day landing beaches and other related sites. The town’s narrow cobbled streets, historic centre, and a variety of events and attractions, such as the Bayeux Medieval Festival, offer a delightful experience for history enthusiasts and tourists alike. Stop here for a bit of lunch before you head on with your journey.

5. Omaha Beach

A 25-minute drive west and you’ll arrive at Omaha Beach, the site of one of the most significant landings during the Normandy Invasion. It was the most heavily defended of the assault areas, with U.S. forces suffering the worst casualties of any beach on D-Day, totalling 2,400 soldiers. Despite the challenges, by nightfall, 34,000 Allied troops had landed. One interesting fact is that the beach was the setting for the daring seaborne assault by U.S. Army Rangers on Pointe du Hoc, a promontory west of the landing beach. The successful capture of this strategic point was a remarkable feat of bravery and skill. The events at Omaha Beach were depicted in the movie Saving Private Ryan , which brought renewed attention to the significance of this historic site.

6. Normandy Victory Museum – Musée de la bataille des haies

Keep driving west, if you have time stop at the La Cambe German War Cemetery to see how the German soldiers that were killed during the war are remembered, and head to the Normandy Victory Museum in Carentan. It offers a compelling journey through a collection of over 15,000 authentic objects, making it a must-see museum in the region. The museum is accessible to visitors of all ages and provides an opportunity for everyone to learn and enhance their knowledge of the Second World War, particularly the D-Day landings and the Battle of Normandy.

7. D-Day Experience

D-Day Experience is a historical site on the other side of Carentan that offers a unique and immersive experience combining education and entertainment. The site, spanning 10,000 m2, features two museums, a 3D movie theatre, a flight simulator, and a memorial dedicated to the airborne troops. The experience provides a double perspective of the events of the D-Day, allowing visitors to not only learn about history but also live it through modern and immersive museography. The site is designed to appeal to all the senses and offers a comprehensive understanding of the D-Day events through authentic artefacts and interactive displays.

8. Richard Winters Memorial – Band of Brothers

Less than 15 minutes from D-Day Experience, in the direction of Utah beach , you’ll find the Richard Winters Memorial, a tribute to Major Richard D. Winters, who led paratroopers from Company E, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, during the D-Day landings. The memorial, unveiled in 2012, is a 12-foot-tall statue of Winters, located on the D913 between Sainte-Marie-du-Mont and Utah Beach. It is dedicated to the memory of all junior U.S. military officers who served on D-Day and honours the leadership of Winters and his fellow officers during the historic event. Winters’ leadership and bravery during the D-Day landings and the subsequent campaign in Europe inspired the book and television miniseries Band of Brothers , which brought his remarkable story to a wider audience.

9. Utah beach and World War II Museum

Head northwest along the coast and you can reflect on that historical date when the soldiers stormed the beaches to your right, before reaching Quinéville where the World War II Museum regales the tales on an individual scale. It offers a chronological path through the Second World War in Normandy, featuring lively scenes, life-size reconstructions, propaganda posters, photographs, videos, dioramas and a recreated street.

10. Caen Memorial Museum

Then it’s an hour’s drive back to Caen, during which you can listen to a podcast and learn more about D-Day history or sit in silence and reflect on the sites you’ve seen. Conclude your day with a visit to the Caen Memorial Museum, which provides a comprehensive understanding of the events leading up to and following the D-Day landings. The museum’s exhibits and artefacts offer a profound insight into the scale and impact of the war, and it’s considered one of the best World War II museums in France.

A day trip to the D-Day beaches from Caen offers a compelling and educational experience, allowing you to pay homage to the bravery and sacrifice of the Allied forces during the pivotal events of World War II.

Benefit from the three daily sailings from Portsmouth with Brittany Ferries to discover Caen and the Normandy beaches.

Lead photo credit : Wikimedia Commons

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Untold Stories: D-Day Beaches Private Tour from Caen

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Learn more about caen, caen travel guide (normandy, france).

Caen is a perfect location if you want to discover the major highlights that the Normandy region has to offer. Within the city there are a number of monuments to visit such as Abbaye aux Dames and Abbaye aux Hommes, the Vaugueux neighbourhood, the Marina and the WWII Memorial museum with its fascinating D-Day exhibit;

A bit of history

There is not much known about Caen before the early 11th century. It is with William the Conqueror that the city really begins to be mentionned. He will have a fortress built as well as the famous Saint Stephen and Trinity Abbeys. The town became the possession of the King of France Philippe-Auguste in 1204 but the town fell back into English hand during the 100 years War. The town will remain English until 1450.

After a series of plague pandemics, the town was shaked by the war of Religions between Catholics and Protestants. The latter took the town and devastated the Abbeys and Churches. After the Edict of Amboise of 1563 the fighting eventually stopped.

The next most important event in the history of Caen takes place on June 6th 1944. After the Normandy landings, Caen is one of the main objectives of the Allied Forces. According to the original plans, the city was to be liberated on the first day but that did not happen. The town will not be liberated until August of 1944 and in just a month of intense bombing that town has lost nearly 70% of its buildings.

Our Private day trips from Caen

We organise private half day and full day trips departing from Caen. We will come and pick you up directly at the train station, your hotel, accommodation or Airbnb in Caen and have you discover the most important landmarks of the region. From a guided walking tour of Caen with a licensed tour guide, to a full day trip to the Normandy landing beaches including Omaha, Utah, Sword or Juno beach, let our local guides, experts of Normandy show you around.

We also operate tours that include some of the most beautiful towns and villages of the Region. Visit Honfleur a major destination for Impressionist painters in the 19th century. We will also take you to Beuvron village in the Pays d'Auge, one of the most charming villages of the region and located in the heart of the Calvados Brandy producing region. Another highlight of the region is Mont Saint Michel. Let our professional certified guide lead you to the Abbey and enjoy a private guided tour.

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Fizemos um passeio até as praias do desembarque com o Pierre, saindo de Paris. Ótimo passeio para quem deseja conhecer os locais onde ocorreram os fatos históricos da Segunda Guerra. O Pierre nos aconselhou alguns museus que pedimos para incluir e foi muito satisfatório. Um grande abraço,

Agradeço Pierre, nosso guia, pela paciência que ele teve conosco. Ele é muito gentil certamente recomendo a empresa por ter um serviço único. Amei conhecer Lisieux com vocês.

Reservamos o passeio ao Mont Saint Michel partindo da cidade de Caen. Super correto, o passeio saiu como combinado, o Pierre foi o nosso guia e nos contou e mostrou varias historia sobre esse lugar tao magico ! Recomendo a « Descobrindo a Normandia ».

Conhecemos o Pierre através da indicação de amigos e ficamos extremamente satisfeitos da escolha. O Pierre domina o assunto, nos explicou com detalhes as fases de produção de champanhe, além de adaptar o passeio a nossa demanda. Recomendo o Pierre e sua empresa, e já planejamos o próximo destino na França com ele ! Um abraço

Passei um dia inteiro visitando as praias e lugares do desembarque com nosso guia Pierre e foi um dia inesquecível. Estar nos locais onde tudo acontecer é algo indescritível. O guia explicou muita coisa sobre o assunto, e no decorrer do passeio nos mostrava fotos da época no exato local onde foram tiradas. Impressionante. Até logo.

Estive na Normandia com o Pierre em dezembro de 2023. Pierre nos auxiliou na construção do roteiro, nos recebeu impecavelmente e pudemos passar ótimos dias na região. Agradeço voce Pierre, por nos permitir aproveitar da sua região do jeitinho que planejamos. Recomendo. Até a Proxima.

Gostaria de agradecer o passeio proposto pela empresa « Descobrindo a Normandia » quando entrei em contato pedindo opçoes de passeior no interior da França. Confiei na sugestao do Pierre e meu grupo e eu adoramos o passeio. O guia muito educado e gentil, sempre se preocupando com nosso conforto e se estavamos aproveitando. Conhecemos cidades lindas e charmosas.

Super recomendo visitar o Mont Saint Michel quando estiver em Paris, apesar de nao ser tao perto, compensa muito. O monumento é espetacular, a abadia, a cidade medieval… muito impressionante. O Pierre é uma pessoa muito carismatica e suas explicaçoes ( e piadas rsrs) sao o plus. Abraços Pierre

Recomendo a empresa «  Descobrindo a Normandia » e o Pierre. Nos atendendeu perfeitamente e o melhor, na nossa opiniao, foi como nos sentimos a vontade durante todos os passeios que fizemos com sua empresa. A flexibilidade de horario foi bastante respeitada. Agradecemos mais uma vez a cordialidade e carisma do Pierre. Até breve

Ótima comunicação com o Pierre desde o primeiro contato (que nos foi recomendado por amigos que ja haviam feito o mesmo roteiro). 3 dias da região da Champagne que amamos e claro recomendamos ! O Pierre sendo da região enriqueceu ainda mais o roteiro que ja é perfeito. Muito obrigada !

Excelente experiência. Entramos em contato com o Pierre para a realização de um roteiro específico com o tema da Segunda Guerra, o que foi além do planejado, pois adicionamos lugares que não conhecíamos e que acrescentaram e muito à nossa experiência. Visitamos tudo com tranquilidade, horários impecáveis, recomendo a empresa e estendo minhas palavras diretamente ao Pierre. Grande abraço e até breve.

Eu sou fotografo profissional e contratei o serviço de Descobrindo a Normandia para me levar até o Mont Saint Michel. Foi o diretor e guia Pierre que me ajudou nessa excursão.Saímos por volta das 6 horas da manha e voltamos ao fim da tarde. Além de me explicar tudo sobre o Mont Saint Michel, ele andou comigo por lugares de difícil acesso. Foi um dia muito bom.Obrigado de novo Pierre e Jamilly.

Sairemos de manha com nosso guia. Após umas 3 horas de carro, você cai de repente na historia do mundo… Vestígios, fotos dos acontecimentos. Tristeza se junta a beleza da liberdade. Foi um dia muito emocionante. O passeio superou minhas expectativas. Gostei muito

Excelente atendimento do começo ao fim. Nosso roteiro foi muito bem planejado pelo Pierre, atencioso, nos conduziu com excelencia na sua regiao e foi além do esperado. Agradecemos e fica registrado toda nossa gratidao pelo tempo compartilhado.

Tive o prazer de desfrutar de uma visita privada à região de Champagne-Ardenne com a orientação excepcional da Descobrindo a Normandia. A experiência foi verdadeiramente enriquecedora, e muito disso se deve ao conhecimento incrível de Pierre sobre a produção de champagne. Desde o início, ficou claro que estávamos em boas mãos. Pierre não só demonstrou profundo conhecimento técnico sobre o processo de produção do champagne, mas também compartilhou conosco histórias fascinantes sobre a rica tradição e cultura por trás do champagne. Recomendo e forte abraço.

Tive uma experiência incrível com a Descobrindo a Normandia para a visita privada ao Mont Saint-Michel ! Desde o início, o atendimento foi excepcional. O Pierre foi extremamente profissional, atencioso e prestativo durante nosso passeio. Agradeço ao Pierre pela excelente experiência e pela atenção aos detalhes que tornaram esta visita uma lembrança inesquecível. Mal posso esperar para volta !

Fizemos o passeio do dia D com o Pierre, que foi nos buscar em nosso hotel em Paris. A rota para a Normandia é linda. Aprendemos bastante sobre os fatos ocorridos no local, conseguimos visitar alguns grandes museus de guerra da região. Excelente escolha, recomendo a empresa e certamente voltaremos para visitar outros locais da Normandia.

Ótima empresa, realizamos o roteiro dos museus e alguns locais do dia d. Ficamos na cidade de Caen. Excelente escolha, há muito a conhecer e precisaríamos certamente de uma semana para visitar tudo e espero em breve poder retornar para darmos continuidade ao roteiro e visitar outros pontos que eu gostaria. Recomendo o Pierre, ótima companhia, que nos explicou vários detalhes que, mesmo para quem entende muito do assunto, aprendemos muito nesses dias e só tenho a agradecer e deixar o meu muito obrigado e até breve.

Salve Pierre. Agradeço novamente voce e sua equipe em nos proporcionar um passeio que foi a realizaçao de um sonho. Todas as informaçoes que nos passou sobre os locais historicos que conhecemos sao de um valor inestimavél. Recomendo a empresa que entre outras qualidades se destaca a cordialidade e o profissionalismo. Forte abraço.

Ótima visita da cidade de Lisieux para visitar a santa Teresinha do menino Jesus. Lugar maravilhoso que foi nos apresentado pelo Pierre que com toda sua dedicação nos auxiliou e compartilhou conosco sua sabedoria sobre a vida e historia da Santa. Recomendo a empresa e agradeço novamente toda a atenção e carinho. Atenciosamente.

Recomendo o Pierre, que nos acompanhou na Normandia e nos museus do Dia-D. Equipe de atendimento fantástica, ótimo contato desde o início, adoramos nosso dia. Recomendo.

Fizemos o roteiro na regiao da Champagne com o Pierre, que foi maravilhoso em nos auxiliar e programar um almoço especial de aniversario que certamente ficara na memoria. Um grande abraço nosso e parabens pela empresa e otimo atendimento.

Conhecer a Normandia era um sonho antigo e que pude realizar com o auxilio da Descobrindo a Normandia, o Pierre levou em consideraçao todas as minhas ideias e conseguimos encaixar tudo no roteiro pela regiao que durou 7 dias. Recomendo muito ! Obrigado e logo voltarei. Abraços

Recomendo o amigo Pierre. Serviço de atendimento excelente. O Pierre fez o passeio ser muito mais proveitoso, tivemos uma excelente troca e aprendemos bastante também. Muito obrigado Sr. Pierre

Recomendo a empresa «  Descobrindo a Normandia ». O Pierre agora é minha refencia de viagens na França, me ajudou muito com outros detalhes da nossa estadia, pois nem sempre é facil lidar com algumas situaçoes em outro pais. Fizemos duas cidades muito charmosas na Normandia e foi maravilhoso. Obrigada Pierre e volto em breve !

Excelente empresa, fizemos o passeio de um dia saindo de Rouen. Conforto do veículo, direção, conteúdo altamente rico sobre esse período da história e recomendo a empresa.

O local fica pertinho de Paris, ter a opçao de alguem da regiao como o Pierre é muito interessante, pois toda a duvida que resta sobre a historia e processo de preparaçao da bebida ele nos explica da melhor maneira. Além de ter a segurança de poder degustar tudo sem se preocupar com a direçao.

Otimo guia, recomendo. Visitar as cidades de interior com alguém que conhece é muito mais enriquecedora e foi exatamente isso que busquei. Foi um feliz encontro. Pierre nos guiou com excelencia, mostrou os locais que haviamos programados e outros que nos surpreendeu. Recomendo. Abraços

Excelente roteiro da Segunda Guerra Mundial, bastante completo. Empresa com atendimento excelente, flexibilidade admirável e muita informação sobre o tema. Por termos uma primeira experiência na Normandia, optamos por um roteiro completo, o que nos deu bastante tempo para admirar os locais e conhecer bem mais da história. Recomendo a Descobrindo a Normandia.

Otimo atendimento, nosso contato foi muito bom desde o planejamento do roteiro. Fizemos algo personalizado pois queriamos mais tempo em algumas cidades que visitamos ha alguns anos e que agora pudemos contemplar novamente com um pouco mais de calma. Jamais teria a mesma opiniao se nao tivesse sido tao bem acompanhado pelo Pierre. Parabéns pela excelencia. Abraços

What are our clients saying about our tours?

Mont saint michel partindo da cidade de caen.

Reservamos o passeio ao Mont Saint Michel partindo da cidade de Caen.

Super correto, o passeio saiu como combinado, o Pierre foi o nosso guia e nos contou e mostrou varias historia sobre esse lugar tao magico !

Recomendo a « Descobrindo a Normandia ».

Feb 08, 2024

I loved this Alsace Tour

We chose to do this tour in Alsace with Pierre and his team.

The tour was wonderful, it included visit of charming little towns on the routes to the cellars. We stop at some points to admire the beautiful landscape of Alsace.

Wonderfull tour with all points that we had interest and everything explained in English with French guide.

Aug 21, 2018

Very enriching experience

We decided to make the tour with the agency of “My Normandy Tour” for having the option of French guide speaking english.

We had already visited the region before, but we thought that a guide in English would complete what was missing.

Pierre planned and executed our tour corresponding to all our expectations and beyond, because the contact with someone local gives us a very different view of culture, language, politics, etc.

very enriching experience.

Feb 26, 2018

Visit of Mont Saint Michel from the city of Caen

We booked the tour to Mont Saint Michel leaving from the city of Caen. It was really great. Pierre was our guide and told us several stories about this place so magical! I recommend “My Normandy Tour”.

Feb 08, 2018

I would like to congrat the tour proposed by the company «My Normandy Tour»

I would like to congrat the tour proposed by the company “My Normandy Tour”. Few weeks ago, I entered in contact with them for visiting the interior of France. I relied on Pierre’s suggestion and my group and I loved the tour. The guide was very polite and kind, always caring about our comfort and whether we were enjoying it. It was really a great experience …

Jan 05, 2018

I want to return many more times to visit other regions

Thanks to Pierre for providing us a fantastic experience in the Normandy region.

Our itinerary was great, we took great advantage of the landscapes of the little towns we visited, all in a quiet pace, everything explained in English with a beautiful French accent.

I want to go back many other times to visit other regions with him.

Dec 17, 2017

Great tour for those who enjoy the theme of the Second War

Great tour for those who enjoy the theme of World War II. Pierre showed us and explained several landscapes and events that we did not find in the books. A very worthwhile day trip, I plan to do another D-Day tour with Pierre and the company «My Normandy Tour». Regards

Nov 17, 2017

We learned a lot

We made a personalized tour with the team of “My Normandy Tour”, because we had the idea to visit some tourist places. Everything went better than planned. Pierre was very attentive throughout our stay in Normandy. We learned a lot from a very kind Frenchman! We highly recommend the services of Pierre and his staff, we will certainly be back.

Marilyne S.

Sep 13, 2017

Come discover Normandy with us!

Click on the map to explore all the attractions

Falaise Etretat

With their majestic cliffs, they attracted many writers and artists who sought inspiration there.

The writers Victor Hugo, André Gide and the impressionists Boudin, Pissaro and Monet are examples of those who have enchanted the unique landscape of Etretat. Visiting Etretat means discovering a unique place.

We will visit two typical Normandy towns called Deauville and Honfleur

Located in the heart of Normandy, just 2 hours from Paris, a place of elegance and art de vivre, Deauville is the stage for the American Film Festival.

Honfleur is famous for its port, Le Vieux Bassin, and its picturesque slate-roofed houses. The city, made up of small streets and houses with a typically Norman charm, is pleasant to visit at any time of year.

Rouen, the scene of the dramatic martyrdom of Joan of Arc, where, in 1431, the heroine was condemned and burned in the historic Place du Vieux Marché, invites you to delve into an exciting past full of history.

Our tour will take you to discover the best of Rouen: admire the architectural beauty of the Grand Clock of Rouen, explore the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral and stroll through the historic Place du Vieux Marché, setting of the moving Joan of Arc episode.

5 days Normandy Private Tour

The 5-day private tour of Normandy offers a complete experience, including transportation, tickets, guided tours and hotel reservations.

Highlights include Monet's House and Garden at Giverny, the port city of Honfleur, the historic D-Day beaches and the American Cemetery, plus the majestic visit to Mont Saint Michel.

The itinerary also covers the Basilica of Lisieux, a Calvados distillery, the elegant city of Deauville, the stunning cliffs of Etretat and the rich history of Rouen, concluding with a return to Paris.

D-Day - 1 Day visiting the Normandy Beaches

We started our tour at Pointe du Hoc, a strategic point that was neutralized by Rangers on June 7, 1944.

Then we will head towards Omaha Beach, visit the beach and then the American Cemetery, created to perpetuate the memory of those who fought in the Battle of Normandy.

Continuing the itinerary, we will visit the German Longues Sur Mer coastal defense battery.

Our last stop on the tour will be at Arromanches beach (Gold Beach, artificial port of Mulberry), we will stop at the museum – Arromanches store.

Embark on an enchanting journey through the gardens and home of Claude Monet, one of the most renowned impressionist painters. Located in Giverny, France, these meticulously tended gardens have served as inspiration for many of his masterpieces.

Explore the lush flower gardens, Japanese bridges and water lily-filled ponds, immortalized in his iconic paintings. Admire the serene atmosphere that captivated Monet and discover the refuge that shaped his singular talent. A unique experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the artistic magic and natural beauty that enchanted the great master.

Mont Saint Michel

We will leave Paris in the morning and return at the end of the day.

The trip to Mont Saint Michel takes around 3 and a half hours.

Once you arrive at the location, you will have free time to explore the village's alleys and hills.

Accompanied by your guide, you will visit the abbey and learn details about the history, architecture and religious significance of the abbey.

3 days of D-Day Tour

The 3-day Normandy tour offers an immersive experience of historic D-Day sites, including beaches, museums and memorials.

It begins with visits to the Memorial of the Battle of Normandy and the Pegasus Bridge, followed by exploration of Sainte Mère L’Eglise, Utah and Omaha Beach, in addition to the D-Day experience.

The final day covers a visit to Gold Beach, the Artificial Harbor at Arromanches and the Merville Battery, providing an in-depth understanding of the events of the Second World War.

Private Brittany Tour

The best of Brittany tourism in 3 days

Mont Saint Michel, Saint Malo, Dinard, Dinan and the Emerald Coast

Departure from your hotel in Paris

The Castles of Normandy

Our tour will explore two iconic Normandy castles, each featuring distinct architectural styles that illustrate the region's rich history

A journey into the heart of Norman history, where architecture tells the stories of centuries past.

Excursion to visit the city of Lisieux in 1 days. A must-see itinerary with visits of the basilica, house and carmel of Lisieux from Paris, Caen, Rouen

Day trip from Paris towards the city of Reims, in the Champagne region, known worldwide for its unique and prestigious champagne production

Champagne Route Tour – 3 Days

The private 3-day tour of the Champagne region offers a complete experience, including transportation, tickets and tastings, guided tours and hotel reservations.

@descobrindoanormandia

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2025 D-Day: The Invasion of Normandy and Liberation of France

The National WWII Museum’s most popular tour provides an in-depth itinerary exploring America’s most famous WWII battle. Offering a full week of touring in Normandy at an incredible price, this unforgettable journey offers great value and features top guides, superior accommodations in prime locations, comprehensive dining and exclusive access to sites unseen on other programs. With stops at the Musée Airborne, Mémorial de Caen, the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, and more, this tour is for both the advanced and amateur historian in search of the most authentic experience of Normandy as it was.

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City of Alexandria, VA

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This Week in Historic Alexandria - May 6, 2024

Lafayette, La Musique de la Garde Nationale Parisienne

Commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Marquis de Lafayette’s historic tour of the United States on Tuesday, May 7 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Street. Experience the sounds of Lafayette’s era through a captivating lecture and concert featuring music performed on authentic early 19th-century instruments. Researchers and historical-performance specialists Dominic Giardino and Dr. Chris Troiano will bring to life the melodies that underscored Lafayette’s remarkable French Revolutionary career. 

$20 per person. Concert tickets available online .

Specialty Tour: Peeling Back the Layers 

May is Preservation Month! See the multiple layers of Gadsby’s Tavern Museum in this specialty tour! Explore the 18th century buildings, including spaces rarely opened to the public. From graffiti in the attic to clues about the building’s construction date in the basement, learn to “read” a building and its changes through time.

$15 person. Historic Alexandria Members $12. Tickets available online .  

Alexandria Historical Society Annual History Award Winners 

Each year since 1984 the Alexandria Historical Society honors groups or individuals who have made noteworthy contributions to the preservation of the historic, cultural and artistic heritage of Alexandria, Virginia. All of the awards are presented annually in April ceremonies. Congratulations to the winners of the 2024 Alexandria Historical Society’s History Awards! 

• Amy Bertsch and John Sprinkle received the T. Michael Miller Award. 
• Dr. Abby Schreiber received the Special Merit Award. 
• William Lacey, Duke Shackelford, Cate Nickson, and Charlotte Rayder received our High School History Awards. 

Special thanks to Alex Lothstein, Michael Johnson, and Finnley Rocca for an enlightening panel about the value of a history degree. Many thanks as well to King’s Jewelry for making the awards!  

Upcoming Events

View the Historic Alexandria Calendar

Community Cookout Ruby Tucker Center at Tancil Court, 322 Tancil Court Tuesday, May 7 6- 7:30 p.m. Free

Join us for Community Cookouts in 2024! A great time for neighbors and families to come together and connect with community resources. There will be free food, face painting and activities, games for the kids and giveaways. For more information, contact Michael Johnson at 703.898.5115, [email protected] or Officer Bennie Evans at 703.627.0728.

Preservation Tours: Lost Buildings of Alexandria - The Berg & Parker-Gray Tours begin at Lee-Fendall House Museum, 614 Oronoco Street Every Saturday in May, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. $20/50% off for Lee-Fendall museum members. Tickets can be purchased at leefendallhouse.eventbrite.com .

In honor of Historic Preservation Month, Lee-Fendall House and Carlyle Historic Park bring a new "Lost Buildings" walking tour, focused on the Berg and Parker-Gray neighborhoods.

The City of Alexandria has seen older buildings and spaces being restored, preserved, and reused in different ways. However, there were many buildings that were not preserved. Explore the Berg and Parker-Gray neighborhoods of Alexandria and stop at locations where historic buildings once stood.

The program is a joint effort between the Lee-Fendall House and Carlyle Historic Park. The tour includes walking over many city blocks, so please dress appropriately for the terrain and weather. Tours are limited to 10 people. For more information, please call (703) 548-1789 or email [email protected] . [email protected] . 

Traditional Music Series Concert Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Thursday, May 9 7-9 p.m. $25/$12 Ages 12-17 at ticketstripe.com/magillandmurray

This concert features Andrew Finn Magill (fiddle) & Alan Murray (vocals, bouzouki, and guitar). For twenty years violinist/fiddler and composer Andrew Finn Magill has been pursuing parallel careers in traditional Irish music, Brazilian choro, jazz and American fiddle and he has performed with everyone from grammy-nominees Trio Brasileiro to Rising Appalachia.Guitarist, bouzouki player and singer Alan Murray hails from Glasgow, Scotland, where he grew up playing the whistle and later guitar. He has played and toured around the world with many of the finest traditional musicians and acts today, including Niall and Cillian Vallely, Eileen Ivers, Colin Farrell, Paul Brock, Battlefield Band, and FourWinds. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., concert begins at 7 p.m. Free snacks; cash bar for beer, wine, and a specialty cocktail.

Story Time for Little Historians Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street Saturday, May 11 10-10:45 a.m. Free event, no registration required. Call 703-746-4356 for more information . 

This FREE, fun, and educational story time is geared to children ages 5-8 years old and features stories related to Black History. The program uses books written by and about African American people and other communities of color to educate and inspire our youngest visitors. Along with the book reading, Museum Staff provides historical context and local community connections. Story time will be held in the Museum’s Parker-Gray Gallery. 

Civil War Hospital Tour Lee-Fendall House, 614 Oronoco Street Saturday, May 11 2-3:15 p.m. $10 per person. Tickets can be purchased at leefendallhouse.eventbrite.com .

Free for museum members. Members, please call the museum to reserve your ticket. Call 703-548-1789 for more information or email [email protected]  

Learn how the Lee-Fendall House was confiscated during the Civil War and operated as a Union Army hospital. Explore what life was like in Union-occupied Alexandria, how the Lee-Fendall House witnessed medical history, and how political divisions impacted those living here. 

The tour is limited to 12 participants.

Friendship & Firefighting in Alexandria Friendship Firehouse Museum, 100 Block of South Alfred Street Saturday, May 18 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free event, no registration required.  

Join us Saturday, May 18 in front of Friendship Firehouse Museum at 107 South Alfred Street for a muster of over 15 antique, hand-drawn firefighting apparatus. Participating vehicles will include 19th-century suction fire engines and hose reel carriages. Friendship Firehouse Museum will also be open for free during the event. 

Friendship & Firefighting in Alexandria is sponsored by the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association and the Office of Historic Alexandria.

Lecture: Remember the First Ladies Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Tuesday, May 21 7-8:30 p.m. $15/$12 for Members and Volunteers Tickets available online . 

Please join us for a moderated program featuring Diana Carlin, Anita McBride, and Nancy Kegan Smith, co-authors of a new book, “Remember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America’s History-Making Women.” The book illustrates First Ladies’ unique position to influence American society, policy, diplomacy, and life in the White House and illuminates how many of them broke barriers to make a mark on our country and, at times, the world. A book signing will follow the program.

Lewis Cass White: Preserving the Legacy of Fort Stevens Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site, 4301 West Braddock Road  Exhibition Opening May 25

To honor the 160th Anniversary of the Battle of Fort Stevens, learn more about Lewis Cass White and his large collection of almost 200 documents, objects, and photographs related to his Civil War service and post-war mission to preserve the Defenses of Washington. More about the Lewis Cass White Collection: https://www.alexandriava.gov/museums/the-lewis-cass-white-collection

Vietnam War Veterans Plaque Dedication Alexandria Union Station, 110 Callahan Drive Memorial Day, May 27 9 a.m. (gather at 8:45 a.m.) Free event, no registration required. 

VFW Post 609 and American Legion Post 24, in partnership with the Office of Historic Alexandria, are memorializing Alexandrians who lost their lives in the Vietnam War with a plaque dedication ceremony on Memorial Day. The plaque will be installed at the city’s Monument to its War Dead at Union Station. A second duplicate Vietnam War Veteran plaque will be dedicated on the exterior of the American Legion Post 24 building at 400 Cameron Street on June 14th at 6 p.m.

Annual D-Day Commemoration Market Square; 301 King Street Sunday, June 2 1-4 p.m. Free event, no registration required. 

Join the Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Invasion of Normandy. The event will feature a commemorative ceremony, historical displays, reenactors, 40s music, swing dancing, and children’s activities.

Annual D-Day Lecture, “How Patton’s ‘Ghost Army’ Beat Hitler" Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street Thursday, June 6 7-9 p.m. $10 per person. Tickets available online .

The Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee welcomes Dr. Kim Bernard Holien, U.S. Army Historian (retired) to share the true story of a top-secret mission in Normandy, France, that paved the way for a successful Allied invasion on “D-Day.” In 2024, more than 80 years after their mission, soldiers of the “Ghost Army” received the highest civilian honor of the United States, the Congressional Gold Medal, for their clever tactics outwitting the enemy in the most unlikely ways. Their tactics were unconventional, including inflatable convoys, sound effects, fake radio shows, and misinformation. A reception will follow the lecture. How & why were the Nazis fooled? As Sir Walter Scott wrote: "Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive." Come and learn how the Allies weaved the web that held the German 15th Army at Calais, ensuring victory in Normandy. Reception to follow the lecture.

Historic Alexandria receives City operational funding to support its mission; however, these resources do not cover the full scope of the department’s strategic goals and projects. Donations, special revenue, and grant funding help supplement staff, conservation work, and educational programs. Please consider making a gift today .

Historic Alexandria Museum Hours

Plan your Visit

• Alexandria Archaeology Museum Tuesdays through Fridays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sundays, 1-5 p.m.
• Alexandria Black History Museum Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sundays, 1-5 p.m.
• Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sundays, 1-5 p.m.
• Fort Ward Museum Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sundays, 1-5 p.m.
• Freedom House Museum Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sundays and Mondays, 1-5 p.m.
• Friendship Firehouse Museum Saturday, May 18, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Gadsby’s Tavern Museum Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sundays through Tuesdays, 1-5 p.m.
• Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum will be closed for preservation work April 29-May 17. Typically, hours are Wednesdays–Fridays, 11 a.m.– 4 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sundays & Mondays 1 - 5 p.m.

Visit our website and follow us on social media to discover new things about your hometown. For more information, visit  alexandriava.gov/Historic.  Admission to City of Alexandria museums is complimentary for city residents.

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact Nicole Quinn at [email protected] or call 703.746.4554, Virginia Relay 711.

This Week in Alexandria's History

More from This Day in History

On May 9, 1809, President James Madison, just two months after his inaugural ceremonies, attended a social event at Caton’s Hotel (Gadsby’s Tavern) in Alexandria. This first year of Madison’s presidency was a prosperous time for America, and for Alexandria as well.  At the time of his inauguration, the new nation had a financial surplus of $9,500,000, and in Alexandria new highways were constructed to connect northward to Washington, and southward across Hunting Creek towards Richmond, which eventually became part of US Route 1.

Upcoming Commission and Committee Events

Commissions Supporting Historic Alexandria

• May 7 HARC Advocacy Meeting La Madeleine, 500 King Street 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
• May 7 ACRP Steering Committee  Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street 5-6 p.m.
• May 8 Historic Restoration and Preservation Committee Meeting Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street 8:15-9:30 a.m.
• May 13 Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee Sister Cities Conference Room 1101, Alexandria City Hall, 301 King Street 7-9 p.m.
• May 15 Alexandria Archaeological Commission Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street 7-9 p.m.
• May 20 Sister Cities Committee (SCC) Dundee and Helsingborg  Sister Cities Conference Room 1101, Alexandria City Hall, 301 King Street 7-9 p.m.
• May 20 George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee (GWBCC) Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street 7-9 p.m.
• May 20 Public Records Advisory Commission Archives and Records Center, 801 S Payne Street 7:30 p.m.
• May 21 Historic Alexandria Resources Commission Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street 7-9 p.m.
• ThisWeekInHistoricAlexandria

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2025, 06/05: D-Day—The Invasion of Normandy and the Liberation of France

The National WWII Museum’s most popular tour provides an in-depth itinerary exploring America’s most famous WWII battle. Offering a full week of touring in Normandy at an incredible price, this unforgettable journey offers great value and features top guides, superior accommodations in prime locations, comprehensive dining, and exclusive access to sites unseen on other programs. With stops at the Musée Airborne, Mémorial de Caen, the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, and more, this tour is for both the advanced and amateur historian in search of the most authentic experience of Normandy as it was.  

Trip Details:

Dates : June 5—11, 2025 Activity level:

2 Buffaloes: Moderately active. Moderate walking required, often on uneven or steep terrain. May involve traveling in small boats or other vehicles.

Tour operator : WWII Museum To book call : 1-877-813-3329 X 257 Pricing : From $5,499