Normandy Tours

80th Anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy

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Paris to Normandy Tours
Paris to Normandy Tours
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Top things to do in Normandy

Mont-Saint-Michel abbey on rocky island in Normandy, France, surrounded by water.

Mont Saint-Michel Tickets & Tours

from

€7

Shark swimming in a large aquarium exhibit.

Nausicaá - National Sea Center

from

€30

Step back in time as you explore Normandy, a region steeped in the monumental events of D-Day during World War II. With its rugged coastlines, sweeping countryside, and solemn historical sites, your visit to Normandy isn’t just a history lesson—it’s an immersive exploration of a region rich in culture and natural beauty.

This journey will take you through the very landscapes where the Allies landed in their thousands, a turning point in World War II that began the liberation of Nazi-occupied Europe. Each site tells a story of bravery, strategy, and sacrifice, making Normandy not only a center for history enthusiasts but also a place of reflection for visitors from all over the world. 2024 will mark the 80th anniversary of this historic event, and with it, an occasion to celebrate peace, liberty and reconciliation.

80th Normandy D-Day anniversary events

Fireworks Event

Date and Time: Saturday, 1 June 2024, at nightfall

Location: Over the 5 landing beaches

Normandy will host a major family-friendly firework display, lighting up the sky simultaneously over all five Landing Beaches. This event is free and open to everyone, providing an opportunity for those not attending official ceremonies to join in the commemoration.

Official International Ceremony

Date: Thursday, 6 June 2024

Location: Omaha Beach

This is an invitation-only event with heads of state, veterans, and officials gathering to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

Security Notice for 6th June

For security, many beaches and areas will be restricted and closed to the public. Visitors and vehicles will not have access.

Additional Ceremonies

  • 5 June: An international ceremony will honor civilian victims in Saint-Lô.
  • 6 June: A Franco-American ceremony will be held in Colleville-sur-Mer, followed by the official ceremony.
  • 6 June: A Franco-Canadian ceremony will take place in Courseulles-sur-Mer.
  • 7 June: President Joe Biden will attend a ceremony in Cherbourg.
  • 7 June: President Macron will participate in the Bayeux Liberation Ceremony.

D-Day Festival Normandy

Location: From Pegasus Bridge to Sainte-Mère-Église, including the entire coastline of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy.

The festival features over 100 events, including parades, concerts, historical re-enactments, fireworks, exhibitions, and more. Highlights include synchronized fireworks at major D-Day sites, a giant picnic on Omaha Beach, Liberation Balls, bagpipe parades, and international parachuting events above Sainte-Mère-Église.

Art Installation

Location: British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer

An installation called "Standing with Giants" features 1,475 silhouettes, representing the British fatalities on 6 June 1944. This community project uses recycled materials for large-scale art installations, providing spaces for reflection. It will be available for visits throughout the summer.

Normandy D-Day beaches and sites

Omaha Beach

Perhaps the most renowned of the D-Day beaches, Omaha saw some of the heaviest fighting on June 6, 1944. Today, the beach stretches quietly along the coast, bordered by grassy bluffs. Walking this sandy stretch offers a visceral connection to the past.

Normandy American Cemetery

Located near Omaha Beach, and on the site of the former temporary battlefield cemetery of Saint Laurent, the solemn rows of white crosses at the Normandy American Cemetery commemorating 9,388 soldiers who gave their lives in World War II.

Pointe du Hoc

This promontory between Utah and Omaha beaches was a fortified German stronghold. The scars of battle are still visible in the form of bomb craters and ruined bunkers. Climbing the cliffs gives you a sense of the daunting challenge faced by the Rangers who had to scale them under a barrage of enemy fire.

Utah Beach

The westernmost of the landing sites, Utah Beach was taken by U.S. troops with fewer casualties than Omaha, but still faced tough resistance. The Utah Beach Museum recounts the planning and execution of the landings, and the airborne operations that played a crucial role in securing the beachhead.

Arromanches

At Gold Beach, where British forces landed, Arromanches hosts the remains of the Mulberry Harbour, an engineering marvel of the war. The artificial port allowed the rapid offloading of supplies necessary for the Allied push into France, and its remnants are still visible in the water today.

Pegasus Bridge

Captured by British airborne forces in the early hours of D-Day, this bridge was crucial in preventing German reinforcements from reaching the beaches. The Pegasus Bridge Museum not only tells the story of its capture but also displays the original bridge.

Juno Beach Centre

This site focuses on the Canadian forces, whose bravery and efforts were crucial in capturing Juno Beach against stiff resistance. The centre not only serves as a museum but also as a cultural facility for visitors to understand Canada's role in World War II.

Sainte-Mère-Église

Famous for its portrayal in the film "The Longest Day," this town was one of the first liberated during the D-Day operations. The Airborne Museum here is dedicated to the paratroopers who parachuted into Normandy as part of the invasion and features a replica of the church spire where paratrooper John Steele's parachute was caught.

Top Attractions in Normandy

Mont Saint Michel
Mont Saint Michel
Giverny Monet's Gardens
Giverny Monet's Gardens
D-Day And Normandy Tours
D-Day And Normandy Tours

Plan your visit to the D-Day 80th Anniversary Celebrations in Normandy

Normandy is well-connected to Paris, which makes it accessible for those traveling internationally:

By Car: Driving from Paris to Normandy offers flexibility and the freedom to explore small towns and countryside at your own pace. The journey takes about three hours via the A13 motorway.

By Train: Direct trains from Paris Saint-Lazare station to cities like Caen and Bayeux take around two hours. This is a convenient option if you prefer not to drive.

By Tour: For a hassle-free experience, consider booking a guided tour from Paris. These often include transportation, guided visits, and sometimes meals, allowing you to relax and soak in the information without the stress of planning.

Luxury hotel room with king-sized bed, modern decor, and large windows in Paris, France.

In Normandy, accommodations range from charming bed and breakfasts in the countryside to upscale hotels in larger towns. For a truly memorable stay:

In Bayeux: Opt for a boutique hotel like Hotel Reine Mathilde or a historic inn like the Hotel d'Argouges within walking distance of the city center.

In the countryside: Stay at a restored château or a farmhouse for an authentic Norman experience.

Oysters served at a café in Place Garibaldi, Nice, France.

Normandy is as much a feast for the palate as it is a journey through history. This region's culinary tradition is deeply intertwined with its agricultural richness, producing some of France's most iconic foods and beverages.

  • Apple-based beverages You can't visit Normandy without trying its famous apple ciders. Soft and sweet or crisp and dry, the ciders here are made using age-old methods. For something stronger, sip on Calvados, an apple brandy that is often enjoyed as a digestif. Visit a local distillery to learn about the production process and enjoy a tasting.
  • Cheeses The lush pastures of Normandy are ideal for dairy farming, making it a cheese lover's paradise. Camembert, perhaps the most famous of the region's cheeses, originates here. Pont-l'Évêque and Livarot are other must-try cheeses, each with their own unique flavor and history.
  • Seafood Given its extensive coastline, it's no surprise that Normandy excels in seafood. The oysters from Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue are highly prized, and mussels and scallops are staples on local menus. A traditional seafood platter, often served with a tangy mignonette sauce, is a perfect way to sample the variety on offer.
  • Normandy butter and cream Known for being particularly rich and flavorful, Normandy butter and cream are used lavishly in local cuisine. They form the base of many sauces and are a key ingredient in dishes like Moules à la Crème (mussels cooked in a creamy sauce) and Tarte Tatin (an upside-down apple tart that benefits greatly from the rich local butter).
Bayeux Cathedral in Normandy with intricate Gothic architecture and towering spires.

If you find yourself with extra time in Normandy or you're looking to add more to your experience beyond the historical sites, there’s plenty more to see and do in this richly diverse region.

  • Explore the Medieval City of Bayeux Aside from its connection to D-Day, Bayeux is famous for the Bayeux Tapestry, an 11th-century embroidered cloth that chronicles the Norman conquest of England. The city itself offers charming streets lined with timber-framed houses, quaint shops, and inviting cafés. The Bayeux Cathedral, a stunning example of Norman architecture, is also worth a visit.
  • Visit Mont Saint-Michel - While technically just outside the boundaries of Normandy, this iconic island commune and its awe-inspiring abbey are easily reachable and make for an unforgettable day trip. The dramatic tide changes and medieval architecture provide spectacular photo opportunities.
  • Caen Memorial Museum - For a deeper understanding of World War II and the Battle of Normandy in particular, spend a day at the Caen Memorial Museum. The museum not only covers the D-Day landings but also provides a broader context of the entire war.
  • Norman Countryside and Apple Orchards Take a leisurely drive through the Norman countryside. Many apple orchards offer tours and tastings, which can provide a delightful insight into the production of cider and Calvados.
  • Antique Markets and Local Crafts Normandy is also known for its antique markets and boutiques, where you can find everything from vintage Normandy lace to antique furniture. Exploring these markets can be a delightful way to spend a morning or afternoon.