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The best tours of Normandy | Visit like a local not a tourist

• Normandy , Tours in France

Normandy is a land of lush meadows, gorgeous beaches, bucolic countryside, picturesque villages, grand monuments and historic sites. It’s famous for its apples and cheese, delicious gastronomy and friendly people. It is the perfect place to get to know real, authentic France and there’s no better way to do that than with a local guide who will share the best tours of Normandy with you and help you feel like a temporary local rather than a tourist.

The best tours of Normandy

TripUSAFrance is a father and daughter team. Stephane was born in Normandy and lives in France. Julia lives in the US part year and France part year. When it comes to getting to know the best of Normandy, the most beautiful sites to visit the history and fabulous handpicked restaurants, Stephane’s contacts and local know-how ensure you make memories to cherish forever.

You’ll also be invited to have dinner in Stephane’s home where you will have a homemade French meal cooked by his mother. On this trip you’ll make friends. You won’t be rushed on and off a bus, ticking the list as you go. Group numbers are kept low so that there’s time to do everything you want in comfort and really enjoy it. You’ll discover the iconic sites of Normandy but also its hidden gems. You’ll explore the places that most visitors miss because they’re maybe a little off the beaten track – or are the locals’ secrets.

Travel as a Local

When it comes to the culture heritage and lip-smacking gastronomy of Normandy – there’s a lot of choice. It’s easy to miss something even when you plan meticulously. Stephane’s know-how of the area is unbeatable and with this tour you’ll get to experience the region in a way that’s relaxed, fun and informative.

A tour the way you want it to be

There’s nothing average about this tour. You’ll feel like you’re visiting French friends who want to share with you the best of Normandy.

Hotels, meals, snacks, admission fees and all activities are covered from wine tastings to a cell phone you can use in France. Everything is taken care of for you.

If you’re interested to learn or practice your French, that’s something TripUSAFrance can certainly help with. Whatever level of French you’re at, Stephane and Julia can help you start your learning or improve your French. Of course, if that’s not for you, it’s not a problem and your tour will be conducted in English.

France is famous for its food. In fact, French gastronomy has UNESCO status, but not everyone likes the same thing. All the restaurants chosen for this tour can accommodate guests with food allergies. And vegetarians and vegans will be offered delicious alternatives. Whatever your preference, you don’t miss out on the best of famous Norman produce.

A true vacation

Every day on this tour is full of amazing sites and unforgettable visits. But, there’s also time for breaks to relax and feel the ambiance whether that’s being wowed by the old-fashioned cobblestone streets of Mont St Michel or sipping something chilled at the edge of Honfleur’s gorgeous harbour built to accommodate the ships of Louis XIV or walking by the picturesque pond and water lilies that Monet loved so much.

After this tour, you’ll go home feeling that you really got to know Normandy, not just its history and beauty but also its traditions and culture specific to the region. It’s more than just a visit, you experience the very best this enchanting northern region of France has to offer.

Find out more about TripUSAFrance Normandy tours

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Browse the sample tours below for inspiration or contact us straight away for a tailor-made itinerary by a local travel designer.

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Get to know the Normandy

From the Norman conquest of England to the monumental allied victories on the D-Day beaches, this region has hosted some of Europe’s most significant events. The frigid waters produce wonderful seafood while the fertile green pastures of the interior Pays d’Auge yield delicious creamy cheeses, crisp ciders, and fiery Calvados apple brandy. The natural beauty of the dramatic cliffs and wild seaside, specifically the striking Etretat, inspired impressionists like Monet. Picture-perfect villages, like romantic Honfleur, and imposing castles, like the Château de Caen, dot the landscape. Claude Monet’s Gardens in Giverny are a favorite. 

Normandy has a compelling history from Viking invasion, to Joan of Arc, and WWII. William the Conqueror, the Duke of Normandy, invaded England from here in 1066 to become the King of England. He forever changed England’s history and language. The legendary Battle of Hastings is immortalized on the intricate, well-preserved and 68-foot long (20-meter) Bayeux Tapestry. Throughout the Hundred Years War, the region shifted between English and French control leaving behind numerous medieval castles. On D-Day, July 6th, 1944, over 45,000 allied troops landed on the Norman beaches, a key victory in the liberation of Nazi-controlled Europe. The Memorial Museum in Caen offers an immersive and comprehensive dive into the Battle of Normandy and wider WWII history. 

Cream and apples are a huge part of Norman cooking, along with memorable local seafood. Try the moules à la crème Normande to have all three in one dish. S eafood fans should be sure to try the local specialties including Coquille Saint-Jacques , giant scallops served from the shell alongside shrimp and mussels with a gratin and the Marmite Dieppoise , a seafood stew with butter, cider, and crème fraîche .

When to go: April, September, and October offer comfortable temperatures without the summer crowds. 

The maritime climate can mean that the weather is hard to predict. A rainy, windy day may be followed by a lovely one. It rains throughout the year. Summers are generally cool. Winters are mild. Important sites can be crowded in the summer. 

By Train: There are daily trains from Paris’ Gare Saint-Lazare to multiple locations in Normandy. Trains to Rouen take around an hour and around two to Caen or Le Havre.

By Car: The western coast of Normandy is around a two and a half-hour drive from Paris.

What to eat and drink:

Cheese: Creamy Camembert is one of the world’s great cheeses. It is often imitated elsewhere, but make it a point to try the real one, Camembert de Normandie , while you’re here. Make an effort to try the raw milk versions of these cheeses. They are a delight and unavailable in many countries. Creamy Pont l’Eveque and Neufchâtel ,  a heart-shaped soft cheese, are other fantastic choices.

Cider and Calvados: Normandy’s weather makes it a premier apple-growing region. Try the artisanal cider.

If you’re looking for something stronger, Normandy’s apple brandy, calvados, is a treat.

Experience Normandy

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is one of France’s emblematic sites. The 10th-century Benedictine abbey seemingly rises out of the sea itself. Connected to the mainland by a tidal causeway, dramatic rising tides turn the rock into an island. The abbey has been an important pilgrimage site for centuries. Explore the quaint streets that wind uphill lined with charming shops. 

D-Day Beaches and Pointe du Hoc

North of Bayeux rest the iconic D-Day beaches where thousands of brave allied troops gave their lives to liberate France, and eventually Europe, from German-occupation during WWII. Whether you’re most interested in the American, Canadian, or British sites, French Side Travel, can arrange your private guided tour. Explore the moving sites that hosted the pivotal battles and pay your respects to the brave soldiers who lost their lives fighting. The moving and solemn American cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer is a powerful place of remembrance. On Pointe du Hoc, between the Omaha and Utah beaches, the US rangers heroically captured German artillery. The rugged cliffs are largely untouched, with bomb craters, bunkers and casements still visible. 

Located only two hours from Paris, Rouen is a handsome French city with an attractive medieval quarter and a deep historical legacy. Explore the winding streets and delightful half-timbered houses. The towering Gothic cathedral, located in the city center, was a frequent subject of Monet’s paintings, some of which can be observed in the nearby Musée des Beaux-Arts. The central square was the location of French heroine Saint Joan of Arc’s untimely death. The Historical Jeanne d’Arc is a comprehensive museum detailing her legacy. 

Honfleur and the Côte Fleurie

You have already seen Honfleur on canvas. This picturesque Norman port was a favorite of impressionist painters including Monet. The ever-changing light and architecture around the port, Le Vieux Bassin, make it one of France’s most beautiful. Today it is a very lively place for a café stop or a summer promenade. Although it is the tall houses around the harbor that have made Honfleur famous, the streets here in its old town are also full of charming half-timber medieval buildings. The Church of Sainte-Catherine is not to be missed. It is France’s largest wooden church. The material and large windows gives it a warmer feeling that sets  it apart from France’s typical Gothic churches.

Favorite Hotels

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Normandy Private Tours & Local Tour Guides

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Michel fg J.

Bilingual, after 45 years teaching languages, literature and history, during my retirement, i love to share my local area (mont saint michel, the channel islands : jersey, guernsey, sark, alderny, herm and chausey) and my home town : granville with visitors to france who wish to learn a little more but just enough in a friendly casual atmosphere. i am always open to help visitors discover the area. one thing is sure, i try to be professionnal without looking to serious. humour is paramount. oh, i nearly forgot. all my visits end sharing a drink : mine is a nice cool beer. what is yours                                                                                                                                  .

Christian G.

After a law degree in italy and austria, i worked as a journalist for nearly 20 years, first in italy and from 1995 to 2014 in paris. i started guiding in 2014 and followed a new education for my national french guiding license. with my wife kristina, an architect and historian of art, we created a guiding agency in paris in which by now work a dozen highly qualified and licensed guides. all of us are driven by love for art, passion for history and eagerness of showing the french beauty to our guests. we provide private and group city tours as well as visits in the main parisian museums as for instance louvre and musée d'orsay. we manage also excursions to the palace of versailles, to the mansion of monet, to normandy and so on. during the academic year, i still give lessons for journalism in the parisian university heip.                                                                                                                                  , popular normandy private tours.

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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.

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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.

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Home » Travel Guides » France » 15 Best Normandy Tours

15 Best Normandy Tours

One of the gems of Northern France, Normandy is the perfect destination to get a slice of history, culture, and gastronomy that this region is most famous for. The coastline here is a poignant area, where you can get in touch with your inner historian and learn about the beaches where many battles were fought in World War 2.

There’s also Mont-Saint-Michel – one of the most famous monasteries in the world – located just off the coast on its own island.

UNESCO World Heritage sites are dotted throughout the region: in historical cities, ornate villages, and along the coastline, many of which inspired some of France’s most famous impressionist painters. Don’t miss discovering the secrets of the unbeatable gastronomy either.

Here are 15 of the best Normandy tours that we’ve carefully selected to help you get the best out of your trip.

1. Day Trip to Mont-Saint-Michel from Paris

One of Europe’s most recognizable pilgrimage sites, the abbey at Mont-Saint-Michel is a UNESCO World Heritage site which is near the top of most visitors’ itineraries during their visit to Normandy. This tour not only includes your entrance ticket to the fortified city but transportation in a luxury air-conditioned coach from the French capital – Paris.

You’ll have the opportunity to stop in a traditional Norman village, where you can stroll through the narrow, cobbled alleys, before heading to the mouth of the Couesnon river, to get your first view of Mont-Saint-Michel.

Once on the island, you’ll be able to climb the ramparts before heading to the abbey overlooking the rest of the town and the bay. When you’re tired out from all the climbing and descending, you’re comfortably whisked back to the Paris starting point on the same luxury coach that you arrived in.

2. Normandy D-Day Beaches: Day Trip from Paris with Lunch

This poignant and unforgettable day trip is a must for anyone with an interest in the Second World War. This 14-hour tour is an informative and sobering experience that teaches you about the D-Day landings and the advance of the allied forces in France.

It’s an early start; board the luxury air-conditioned coach in Paris and settle back for the journey to Caen, where your first stop is. The Caen memorial museum tells the story of the Battle of Normandy. After you’ve enjoyed the films and exhibits, you can stop here for a tasty lunch.

The next stop is Pointe-du-Hoc, located between Utah and Omaha beaches. This is close to the American cemetery, which you’ll also visit, before heading to Arromanches and Juno Beach. After such a packed day, you’re sure to be exhausted, so settle back into the coach before a 9 pm arrival in Paris.

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3. From Paris: WWI Somme Battlefields Full-Day Tour

Not only was a large part of World War 2 fought on French soil, the 1st World War was too. Pay your respects to those who lost their lives in the 1st World War on this full-day trip to the Somme Battlefields.

Get picked up from your hotel by a knowledgeable and considerate guide, who will drive you from Paris by minivan and explain what’s coming up as you travel through the beautiful French countryside. You’ll learn about all the major memorials, cemeteries, and battles of the Somme on this trip while picking up many interesting facts about World War 1 at Péronne’s historical museum.

At the end of the day, your driver will take you back to your hotel in Paris.

4. From Paris: Small Group Day Trip to Rouen and Giverny

This day trip encompasses two of Normandy’s most charming and beautiful towns. On this tour, you’ll travel in comfort in an air-conditioned minivan, as your local guide regales you with tales and information about both historical towns.

You aren’t just left to fend for yourself in the cities; a guided walking tour of Rouen takes you to the Notre Dame Cathedral, while in Giverny, you’ll get tickets allowing you to skip the line and visit the home of the iconic painter, Claude Monet. Admire his water garden: the inspiration behind one of the most recognizable impressionist paintings – the famous Water Lilies.

After a relaxing yet full day, you’ll be dropped back on the doorstep of your accommodation in Paris.

5. Welcome to Rouen: Private Walking Tour with a Local

Here’s one for those who really want to get to know Rouen. This walking tour of the historical city is one with a difference. A local guide with a wealth of knowledge will pick you up from your accommodation and show you secrets from the city that you’d never be able to find on your own.

Experiencing the city through the eyes of a local means that you’ll be able to find the best markets to buy fresh produce or the best restaurants where they cook said produce if you’re too lazy to do it yourself. But the best thing? Because it’s just you and your guide, they’re able to tailor the tour to your interests. Don’t worry if English isn’t your first language, tours are also available in Spanish, French, German, and Russian.

6. Day Trip to Normandy: Sightseeing & Calvados Liquor Tasting

This fantastic day trip doesn’t just allow you to see the sights of Normandy, it will also see you spending time at the Christian Drouin factory, where you’ll try three types of the apple-based drinks Calvados and Cider.

The day starts with pick up from your hotel in Paris, before a two-and-a-half-hour journey through the rolling French countryside, where you’ll stop and taste the local beverages. Then, it’s on to the jaw-dropping fishing port of Honfleur, its harbor, and 18th-century townhouses which inspired many of the great French impressionists.

The port is also where you’ll enjoy some delicious French cuisine for lunch. After filling up, you’ll continue to the white cliffs and natural arches of Etretat, before ending the tour at the beautiful Fécamp Palace.

After a day which will be sure to have you going home tired but happy, you’ll be dropped off on your doorstep back in Paris.

7. Normandy and Brittany 2-Day Tour from Paris

The perfect tour for those who have a little more time on their trip, this overnight tour of Normandy and Brittany shows you the best that both regions have to offer. Day one will see you picked up at your hotel in Paris in a luxury air-conditioned coach to embark on a walking tour through the charming city of Rouen, before jumping back on the coach to travel to Honfleur for a delicious lunch.

After lunch, you’ll learn more about the region’s war history, stopping off at the D-Day landing beaches and the American cemetery. In the evening, you’ll be whisked to a luxury 3-star hotel in the town of Caen.

Day 2 starts with a buffet breakfast (stock up on croissants) before you head to the town of St. Malo for a tasty lunch, then a trip to the mesmerizing Mont-Saint-Michel. Here, you’ll have free time to explore the abbey before heading back to Paris.

The best part of this trip? Everything mentioned above is included in the price.

8. From Paris: Full-Day Gourmet Tour to Normandy

This incredible tour is a must for foodies. Not only will you visit a cheese factory and sample the delicious food that France is world-famous for, but you’ll also try calvados and cider from a local farm too.

To make sure you’re not just scoffing food but also learning something, there’ll be a wine and spirits expert on hand to tell you all about the alcohol you’re enjoying with your gourmet lunch at the farm.

Before heading back to Paris and being dropped at your hotel at the end of the day, there’s a chance to walk off all those calories in the village of Honfleur and the charming seafront of Deauville.

9. Normandy: Omaha Beach U.S. Cemetery Guided Walking Tour

This poignant one-and-a-half-hour tour will enable you to learn more about and see the final resting place of many American soldiers who sadly lost their lives in the D-Day battles on Normandy’s beaches. There are over 9,000 marble headstones, making it one of the largest cemeteries dedicated to allied soldiers in Normandy.

Your knowledgeable local guide will supply you with the information that you need to know about this huge site of remembrance and peace. This tour is especially recommended to those who are interested in war history.

10. From Paris: Full-Day Small Group Tour to Honfleur

Do you want to see the places that inspired the great French Impressionists? Of course you do. That’s why this private tour of Honfleur, Deauville, and Trouville will be right up your alley. You’ll be whisked in comfort from your accommodation in Paris to the beautiful Normandy coast. Start the day by exploring the cobbled streets of the quaint seaside town of Honfleur, regarded as one of the most picturesque towns in this area, where you’ll enjoy a guided visit of the harbor town.

Next, you’ll head to the Côte Fleurie (the flowery coast) and the fishing towns of Deaville and Trouville, were you’ll also get an informative and interesting guided tour. After a day taking in the sea views and sandy beaches, you’ll be driven back and dropped off on the doorstep of your accommodation in Paris.

11. Paris: Full-Day Étretat & Le Havre with Cooking Class

Head to Étretat in an air-conditioned minibus equipped with Wi-Fi and educational tablets to prepare you for your trip. The highlight of the day is undoubtedly the impressionist-inspired cooking class which takes place in a manor house. The chef in charge has carefully crafted a menu from Monet’s notebooks, which you’ll be able to create and sample; it’s certain to tantalize your taste buds.

After you’ve filled up on delicious food, you’ll head to Le Havre to get to know the UNESCO World Heritage port of the town. Round off your trip with a visit to the Museum of Modern Art before heading back to your hotel in Paris.

12. Normandy Tour of D-Day Landing Beaches & Museum Tickets

A must see for any war or history enthusiast, don’t miss your opportunity to see the famous beaches where the allied forces landed in World War 2. This five and a half tour will show you the key D-Day sites and tell you everything you need to know to understand the complexities of the war, and also to pay your respects to the thousands who lost their lives here.

You’ll be driven to the Mémorial de Caen, Arromanches, and the military cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer by air-conditioned minivan, meaning you’ll be able to reflect on your day in comfort.

13. Normandy D-Day All Day Tour by Minibus from Paris

If you’re a nature lover, you won’t want to miss this private guided tour showing the best that the beautiful Northern French coast has to offer, as well as the historic cities. Get picked up at your accommodation in Paris in a luxurious air-conditioned minivan before embarking on Normandy’s route.

14. Paris: Small Group Tour to Mont St-Michel & Honfleur

Not only does this trip take you to see Mont-Saint-Michael, where the Archangel Michael supposedly made an appearance in the 8th century, it also takes you to the lovely town of Honfleur, one of Normandy’s prettiest towns. This 13-hour tour will see you picked up at your hotel in Paris before a four-hour drive to the iconic monastery, where you’ll skip the line and be able to choose between an audio-guide or a human guide.

Although lunch isn’t included in the trip, you’ll stop off at a traditional French patisserie before shooting off to Honfleur. In this town, you’ll see what inspired the great impressionists and wander around the cobbled streets, before heading back to your hotel in Paris.

15. Private Mont Saint-Michel Family Walking Tour

Perfect if you’re traveling with children, this guided family walking tour will engage you and your kids in a way that really makes the town’s 1,300-year-old history come alive. Your guide will regale you with stories as you walk from the base of Mont-Saint-Michel up to the top of the 83-meter-tall rock, where you’ll be able to explore the monastery.

As well as your guide, your entrance ticket is included. You’ll also have a chance to descend into the dungeons. The kids will love it!

15 Best Normandy Tours:

• Day Trip to Mont-Saint-Michel from Paris
• Normandy D-Day Beaches: Day Trip from Paris with Lunch
• From Paris: WWI Somme Battlefields Full-Day Tour
• From Paris: Small Group Day Trip to Rouen and Giverny
• Welcome to Rouen: Private Walking Tour with a Local
• Day Trip to Normandy: Sightseeing & Calvados Liquor Tasting
• Normandy and Brittany 2-Day Tour from Paris
• From Paris: Full-Day Gourmet Tour to Normandy
• Normandy: Omaha Beach U.S. Cemetery Guided Walking Tour
• From Paris: Full-Day Small Group Tour to Honfleur
• Paris: Full-Day Étretat & Le Havre with Cooking Class
• Normandy Tour of D-Day Landing Beaches & Museum Tickets
• Normandy D-Day All Day Tour by Minibus from Paris
• Paris: Small Group Tour to Mont St-Michel & Honfleur
• Private Mont Saint-Michel Family Walking Tour

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DESTINATION: WWII

A World War II Travel Blog

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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Explore the list of top ranked local tour guides in Normandy. Get tour activities offered by tour companies and independent travel guides in Normandy.

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Normandy Tour Guides

Tour Guide for now 6 wonderful years, I am a very positive and ongoing person. It is really hard to ...

Pierre Pichoff

“My Normandy Tour” is a travel agency located in the neighborhood of Paris, in Normandy.We ...

Dominique Fiquet

Born and raised in Normandy, I aim at making your visit unforgettable. My knowledge of the history ...

Sabrina PITOIS

Jonathan Dale

Born and raised in Bayeux, a medieval town in Normandy, Jonathan holds a double Master's degree in ...

Sarah Valentin

My name is Sarah and I will be glad to welcome you soon for sharing all the aspects of my region ...

Jonathan Crowe

I have been guiding for 7 years now in Normandy, France.  Focused on the D-Day Landings and ...

JEAN LOUIS BRISSON

I'm 52. I've lived and worked in Paris since 1987I was born, raised and educated in French ...

Ruth Haisenyuk

Hello! I'm Ruth, a born and raised Parisian, immersed in the vibrant blend of history, art, and ...

Zoya Vanhulle

Hi,Welcome to Paris ! I am an official licensed multilingual guide and professional driver with my ...

Saeed Daneshmandi

ersatile tourism professional with dual master's degrees and over 8 years of experience in B2C ...

Amelia Rotar

I look forward to hosting you in Normandy. I do tours starting from Rouen, Duclair,  ...

Christophe Rault

Good day, I live near Caen and provide DDay and Battle  of Normandy tours all around Normandy. ...

Melanie Berlin

Sorayya Mokrane

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

Bayeux Sightseeing Tours: Normandy D-Day tours from Bayeux for the best D-Day experience.

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Get the real d-day experience: normandy landing beaches.  tours from bayeux..

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.

Start your Normandy tours from Paris, Sainte Mere Eglise, Bayeux or other locations. We offer: half day, one-day and two-day Normandy invasion beaches tours.

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.

Only the best is good enough for your Normandy landing beaches and D-Day experience.

All our D-Day Normandy tours have English speaking Normandy tour guides who are licensed, experienced and very passionate about WWII. Their interest in war history and their passion for D-Day, make our tours so interesting and enjoyable. Our 9- seater vans are comfortable and all have excellent audio systems, making sure that all commentary by our guides can be heard clearly by everyone. We will answer all your questions and tell you about this beatiful region of Normandy while traveling from one site to the other. For those who need to stay connected, our vehicles even include free onboard Wi-Fi! Bayeux Sightseeing Tours are 5-star rated by Tripadvisor and offer the best Normandy D-Day tours in the area. We offer a wide variety of Normandy D-Day tours , so you can always get the D-Day experience you want. Book your Normandy landing beaches tour with us to be shure to get the most out of your visit!

Our Normandy D-Day tours

Special winter offer - private tour 495 euro, private d-day tour from bayeux, paris or sainte mère église, shared group d-day tour from bayeux, paris or sainte mère église, two - day guided private d-day tour, three - day normandy landing beaches tour. us, british and canadian sector, june 6th 2024 exclusive normandy d-day tour: 80th d-day anniversary., half day private d-day tour, famous movie sites normandy d-day tour: the longest day, saving private ryan & band of brothers., private d-day tour starting from your cruise ship terminal.

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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

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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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