Normandy Tours
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4.3(117)

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Paris to Normandy Tours
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From happy customers

Loved by 44 million+
Yusuf

Yusuf

Jun 2025
5/5
Loved this tour! The guide (Martin) was so enthusiastic, it rubbed off on all of us. Saw the major sites, got great photos. Cider tasting was a highlight. HIGHLY recommend!
Anton

Anton

Jun 2025
4/5
Very informative. Guide was friendly, group was small. Lunch was a bit late but tasty. Cider tasting was a fun way to finish.
Nina

Nina

Jul 2025
4/5
Nice day trip. Guide was good, group was small. Lunch was tasty, cider was a bit much for me. Wear comfy shoes, lots of walking.
Jan

Jan

Jul 2025
4/5
History buff’s dream. Guide (Sophie) was passionate and happy to answer questions. Lunch and cider tasting were chill. Bring a rain jacket just in case!
Toby

Toby

Jun 2025
4/5
Really solid tour, guide had tons of facts. Van ride is pretty long (almost 3 hrs from Paris) so bring a book or headphones. Weather was HOT but there was AC in the van. Lunch was tasty and the cider place was charming. Would've liked more time at Utah Beach, but overall, def worth it.
Natalie

Natalie

Jul 2025
5/5
Just got back and I already wanna go again. The guide (Arnaud) was hilarious and so knowledgeable. The cider place had the cutest dog. Weather was sunny and perfect. HIGHLY recommend!
Tom

Tom

Jun 2025
4/5
Good tour, lots of info. The van was new and seats were comfy. Lunch was simple but filling. Cider tasting was a fun way to end the day.
Greta

Greta

Jul 2025
4/5
Very good. Guide was friendly, van was clean. Lunch was slow but worth the wait. Cider tasting was fun. Bring sunscreen!

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Why go on a Normandy D-Day tour?

✔️ Expert local guides:

Walk through history with local guides who share personal stories and insights passed down from those who lived through the occupation and liberation. Their expertise makes history come alive in ways textbooks can't.

✔️ Small group sizes:

With groups of just 7-8 people, you’ll have a more intimate experience. Interact directly with your guide, ask questions, and explore at your own pace, allowing for deeper connections to the history.

✔️ Authentic experiences:

Walk on the same beaches where Allied forces landed, visit iconic sites like Pointe du Hoc, and witness the remnants of war still visible today. Exclusive access to memorials like the Normandy American Cemetery adds an emotional depth to the experience.

✔️ Multi-national focus:

Explore the unique roles of U.S., British, or Canadian forces, with tours tailored to highlight key sites and stories. Follow the footsteps of legendary units like the “Band of Brothers,” and experience D-Day’s multi-national significance.

Things to know before booking your tour

  • Trips typically last 11 to 13 hours, including round-trip travel from Paris. The journey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours each way, with 5 to 6 hours spent in transit. Departing around 7am, the tour offers 5 to 7 hours of exploration, depending on traffic. You’ll return to Paris by approximately 8pm.
  • Tours are capped at 25 people for a comfortable experience, but you can opt for a smaller group of 8 for a more personalized, in-depth tour with more guide interaction.
  • As part of the tour, you’ll get a lunch break at a local restaurant, which is a great chance to savor authentic Normandy cuisine. Many tours include a delicious two-course meal with local cider in the ticket price, giving you a true taste of the region. While you’re welcome to bring your own lunch, choosing the included meal lets you fully enjoy the local flavors without the stress of finding a place to eat. If you’re traveling on your own, be sure to plan ahead, as good dining options can be hard to find along the way.
  • Tours fill up fast, especially in peak months like May and June. It’s best to book at least a month in advance.

Find the D-Day tour that fits your interest

Now that you know why and how this is a one-of-a-kind experience, imagine walking the beaches where it all happened. Whether it’s the fierce landings at Utah Beach by U.S. forces, the British assault on Gold Beach, or the Canadian breakthrough at Juno Beach, each tour offers a unique glimpse into the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought. You can choose from 3 types of tours:

U.S. D-Day Tour

Focus:

This tour explores the U.S. forces' landings at Utah and Omaha Beaches, where some of the most intense and costly battles of D-Day occurred, emphasizing the courage and tragedy faced by American troops as they fought to establish a beachhead.

Key sites:

  • Utah Beach Museum: Learn about the strategy and execution of the landings through exhibits that showcase rare artifacts, including a B-26 bomber and German defenses.
  • Omaha Beach: Visit the site of one of the bloodiest beaches, with a stop at the Overlord Museum, housing more than 10,000 artifacts and dioramas.
  • Normandy American Cemetery: A solemn visit to the final resting place of 9,387 U.S. soldiers, with emotional displays of personal stories and items left behind by fallen soldiers.
  • Pointe du Hoc: Explore the cliffs where the U.S. Rangers scaled under enemy fire to destroy German artillery positions.

Perfect for:

  • History buffs, military enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the American perspective of D-Day.
  • Families with a personal connection to the U.S. military, providing an emotional journey through the sites where American forces made history.

​Book now

British D-Day Tour

Focus:

Explore the British forces’ landings at Gold and Sword Beaches, which were crucial to securing the eastern flank of the Normandy invasion. The British played a key role in liberating France and linking up with the American forces.

Key sites:

  • Pegasus Bridge: Witness the site of the first major action of D-Day, where British airborne troops seized the bridge in a daring pre-dawn assault to prevent German counterattacks.
  • Sword Beach: Learn about the British infantry division’s assault on Sword Beach, and the intense fighting that followed, pushing inland toward Caen.
  • Gold Beach: Visit the site where the British infantry landed, with a focus on the role of specialized tanks and the capture of Arromanches.
  • Longues-sur-Mer Battery: Explore the preserved German coastal gun battery and learn about the formidable Atlantic Wall defenses faced by British forces.

Perfect for:

  • Those with an interest in the British military’s role during D-Day and how their contribution impacted the broader success of Operation Overlord.
  • Visitors fascinated by military engineering and logistics, as well as the strategic complexities of the invasion.

Canadian D-Day Tour

Focus:

Learn about the pivotal role of Canadian forces during the landings at Juno Beach, where they faced intense resistance and played a major role in securing the center of the beachhead. This tour highlights the determination and heroism of the Canadian troops.

Key Sites:

  • Juno Beach Centre: Visit this museum dedicated to Canadian soldiers, with exhibits showcasing personal accounts, military equipment, and artifacts from the invasion.
  • Beny-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery: Pay respects to the 2,049 Canadian soldiers who lost their lives during the Normandy campaign, and reflect at this beautifully maintained cemetery.
  • Abbey d’Ardenne: Visit the site where 27 Canadian soldiers were executed by German forces, now marked by a moving memorial.
  • Hell’s Corner: The furthest inland advance by Canadian troops on D-Day, marked by intense fighting and a memorial to the North Nova Scotia Highlanders.

Perfect for:

  • Canadians looking to connect with their heritage and honor their role in WWII.
  • Those interested in the human and tactical aspects of D-Day, especially the challenges faced by smaller forces.

​Book now

Plan your Normandy D-Day tour

Driving

  • Duration: 2-3 hours via the A13 motorway (tolls apply).
  • Flexibility: Perfect for a personalized trip; explore at your own pace and visit multiple locations over several days.
  • Parking: Varies by site; some locations have on-site parking, while others require parking further away with shuttle access.
Get detailed directions

Public transport

  • Trains: Direct routes from Gare Saint-Lazare or Gare Montparnasse to destinations like Rouen (1.5 hrs), Caen (2 hrs), and Bayeux (2 hrs 15 mins).
  • Transfers: Upon arrival, take a taxi, bus, or rent a car.

Day tours

  • Round-trip: Guided tours from Paris provide seamless travel by AC bus or minivan.
  • All-inclusive: Includes expert guides, priority access to sites like Caen Memorial Museum and D-Day beaches, and sometimes lunch. Skip-the-line entry and multi-site access are often included.
Know all about day trips

Peak season (April–October):

  • Expect warmer weather and the opportunity to enjoy local festivals and events that bring the region's history to life. However, these months also attract more tourists, so expect larger crowds, especially around June 6th for the D-Day anniversary.
  • Highlights: June brings special ceremonies, making it a deeply moving time for history lovers.

Off-season (November–March):

  • If you prefer quieter sites and cooler temperatures, visit during autumn or winter. Some sites remain open, though fewer tours run, and coastal weather can be unpredictable.
  • Best time: November is ideal for fewer crowds and crisp, clear air.

While in Normandy, don’t miss these nearby gems:

  • Mont-Saint-Michel: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this stunning abbey perched on a rocky island is a must-see. Visit Mont-Saint-Michel early to avoid crowds, especially during high tide when the island is cut off from the mainland.
  • Bayeux Tapestry: Don’t miss this 11th-century tapestry depicting the Norman Conquest of England. A guided tour enhances your understanding of its historical context.
  • Rouen: Known for its medieval charm, visit the Rouen Cathedral and the Historial Jeanne d’Arc, the site of Joan of Arc’s martyrdom.
  • Pointe du Hoc: Wear grippy shoes for the uneven, bomb-cratered terrain. Arrive early to avoid crowds at this historic Ranger Battalion site.
  • Omaha Beach: Visit at dawn for a quieter, more reflective experience. Don’t miss the WN62 bunker, offering stark views into German defenses.
  • Parking: Arrive before 10am at Arromanches or Pointe du Hoc to secure parking spots.
  • Combined itineraries: Pair Omaha Beach with Mont-Saint-Michel (just 2 hours west) for a scenic and historical full-day trip.
  • Weather prep: Coastal winds at Utah Beach can be chilly, so bring a windbreaker, even in summer.
  • Museums: Plan to spend 2+ hours at the Caen Memorial Museum to explore its immersive WWII exhibits and gain deeper historical context.
Plan your visit

Frequently asked questions about the Normandy D-Day tours

Is there an age restriction for these tours?

No, these tours are suitable for all ages, although the terrain may be challenging for young children or those with mobility issues.

Can I visit the D-Day beaches without a tour?

Yes, you can visit the beaches on your own, but a guided tour offers a much richer and more engaging experience with expert insights and historical context.

Are there any off-the-beaten-path D-Day sites included in the tour?

Yes, some tours offer visits to lesser-known but significant sites beyond the major beaches. These might include Pointe du Hoc, where U.S. Rangers scaled cliffs to take out German artillery, and Pegasus Bridge, where British airborne troops made their historic landings.

Are there any places along the tour where I can buy souvenirs?

Yes, souvenir shops are available at major sites like the Normandy American Cemetery and Utah Beach Museum, selling books, models, and memorabilia.

Are the D-Day beaches accessible for those with limited mobility?

While the beaches themselves may be challenging due to their sandy and uneven terrain, many of the key D-Day sites, such as the American Cemetery and Utah Beach Museum, have been made more accessible for visitors with limited mobility. It’s recommended to check with the tour provider for specific accessibility options, including transport between sites and wheelchair-friendly routes.

Do D-Day tours cover the events leading up to the landings, or just the beaches themselves?

Most guided D-Day tours provide a comprehensive historical context, covering not only the events of the landings but also the planning and strategy leading up to Operation Overlord. You’ll learn about the airborne landings, the preparation and challenges faced by the Allies, and the aftermath of the landings, in addition to the significance of the beaches themselves.