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.

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.

This experience is not accessible by wheelchair and pram/strollers.

Inclusions #

Full-day guided tour of Normandy & D-Day beaches
English-speaking tour guide
Round-trip transfers from Paris in an AC vehicle
Entry to all landmarks included in itinerary
Group size of 8 or 25 people (as per option selected)
Entry to Overlord Museum (as per option selected)
2-course lunch with glass of cider (as per option selected)

You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Meet your tour guide-driver and get started on your journey back to June 6, 1944, when the Normandy landings took place, on a small group tour.
Your first stop is La Pointe du Hoc, where US Rangers landed and captured the strongly fortified German promontory. Hear all about the events that unfolded here on D-Day from your expert guide.
Next, continue your visit to Omaha Beach, where the most difficult and impressive attack happened because, in a matter of hours, almost 2,500 men lost their lives on this beach.
Stop at Colleville sur Mer American Cemetery which has over 9,000 perfectly-aligned white crosses, dedicated to the American troops who lost their lives in Europe in the course of World War II.
The day ends with a visit to Juno Beach, where you’ll see the famous “Canada House” said to be the first house liberated by the Allied Troops on D-Day.

Inclusions #

Full-day tour of Normandy D-Day Battlefields & Landing Beaches
Expert English-speaking guide
Small group tour of 15 guests
Guided visit of Pointe du Hoc
Guided visit to Omaha Beach & Juno Beach
Free time at Colleville sur Mer American Cemetery
Round-trip transfers in AC vehicle
Lunch (optional)

Tip: Pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes. You'll be exploring beaches, bunkers, and museums on foot.
This experience is not accessible by wheelchairs.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Explore WWII Canadian battlefields on a semi-private tour with expert guide & exclusive bunker access.

Travel from Paris in a luxury air-conditioned minibus for an immersive small-group (max 8 guests) tour of key WWII sites.
Walk in the footsteps of Canadian troops at Juno Beach, where 14,000 soldiers stormed the shores on D-Day. Explore two restricted German bunkers, remnants of the Atlantic Wall’s last defenses.
Honor Canada’s fallen at Bény-sur-Mer Cemetery and Ardenne Abbey, where prisoners of war were executed.
Explore the Juno Beach Centre, reliving Canada’s D-Day story, and visit Canada House, the first home freed by Canadian troops—all with included entry.

Inclusions #

Full-day tour of Canadian D-Day sites in Normandy
Entry to Juno Beach Center, German bunkers and Canadian Cemetery
Round-trip transport from Paris in an air-conditioned minibus
Expert English-speaking WWII guide
Small-group experience (max 8 guests)

This experience is restricted for guests under the age of 6 years.
Lunch is not included in the tour price. However, the guide will take you to a nearby restaurant offering local specialties at reasonable prices. Guests are also welcome to bring their own lunch if preferred.
Restrooms are available at most stops, and a designated break will be made during the 2-hour drive.
Due to uneven terrain at key sites, this tour is not wheelchair accessible.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Learn about the World War II history with access to the Caen Memorial Museum and a self-guided tour of key D-Day sites.

Visit the Caen Memorial Museum at any time during opening hours on your selected day and explore exhibits covering WWII, the Cold War, and the Holocaust.
Enhance your visit with a multilingual audio guide, offering rich insights into the stories of occupied France, the Vichy regime, and the precursors to the Holocaust.
Step inside a German general's bunker, a pivotal D-Day defense site, to gain a firsthand understanding of the war’s strategy and operations.
Explore 21 D-Day sites at your own pace with a self-guided audio tour and digital map, tracing the Allied invasion from Omaha Beach to the Dieppe Raid.

Inclusions #

Entry to Caen Memorial Museum
Audio guide in French and English
D-Day sites digital map
D-Day sites digital audio guide

Exclusions #

Guided tour
Headset and mobile device
Transportation

The museum is closed on Wednesdays in November and December, as well as on December 25, January 1, and for three weeks in January.
Opening hours may vary due to high visitor numbers or special events—check online before your visit.
Children under 10 must be supervised by an adult.
This experience is fully wheelchair accessible.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Ever wondered how Nazism was put to rest? Hop aboard a comfy ride from Paris to uncover details of D-day on the beaches of Utah and Omaha.
Explore the famous D-Day landing beaches and reflect on the valor of thousands lost in WWII as your guide shares spine-chilling details of the operation.
Step into a Nazi bunker and discover how US Armed Forces took the state back from Nazi reigns at the Utah Landing Museum.
Whisper a silent prayer to the suffering of war veterans during the wreath-laying ceremony of the Normandy American cemetery.
Watch a moving documentary and ongoing display that details the contribution of American troops to World War II at the Normandy Visitor Center.

Inclusions #

Full-day guided tour of Normandy beaches
English-speaking tour guide
Round-trip transfers from Paris
Entry to Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial
Lunch (optional)

Tip: Wear comfy walking sneakers as you may need to walk up to 2 miles during the bus tour.

You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Embark on a full-day guided tour of the iconic Normandy D-Day Beaches, a poignant journey through history, from the comfort of an air-conditioned minibus.
An expert English-speaking guide adds depth to your experience with insightful commentary about historic sites, like Pointe du Hoc and Omaha Beach.
The tour includes entry to the Overlord Museum. Get a firsthand feel of D-Day through an extensive display of period uniforms, weapons, and tanks.
Savor a delicious lunch at the museum, included in your package. This thoughtful inclusion offers a welcome pause to absorb the day's experiences.
The American Cemetery at Colleville sur Mer, with its perfectly aligned white crosses, offers an opportunity for quiet reflection, rounding off a profound and unforgettable journey.

Inclusions #

Full-day tour of Normandy D-Day beaches
Expert English-speaking tour guide
Round-trip transfers from the meeting point in AC vehicle
Entry into the Caen Memorial Museum
Lunch at the museum
Entry into the American Cemetery at Saint Laurent

Tip: At the Caen Memorial Museum, check out film screenings that recreate the emotions of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy
This experience is not accessible by wheelchair.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Meet your tour guide-driver and get started on your journey back to June 6, 1944, when the Normandy landings took place, on a small group tour.
Your first stop is La Pointe du Hoc, where US Rangers landed and captured the strongly fortified German promontory. Hear all about the events that unfolded here on D-Day from your expert guide.
Next, continue your visit to Omaha Beach, where the most difficult and impressive attack happened because, in a matter of hours, almost 2,500 men lost their lives on this beach.
Stop at Colleville sur Mer American Cemetery which has over 9,000 perfectly-aligned white crosses, dedicated to the American troops who lost their lives in Europe in the course of World War II.
The day ends with a visit to Juno Beach, where you’ll see the famous “Canada House” said to be the first house liberated by the Allied Troops on D-Day.

Inclusions #

Full-day tour of Normandy D-Day Battlefields & Landing Beaches
Expert English-speaking guide
Small group tour of 15 guests
Guided visit of Pointe du Hoc
Guided visit to Omaha Beach & Juno Beach
Free time at Colleville sur Mer American Cemetery
Round-trip transfers in AC vehicle
Lunch (optional)

Tip: Pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes. You'll be exploring beaches, bunkers, and museums on foot.
This experience is not accessible by wheelchairs.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Explore WWII Canadian battlefields on a semi-private tour with expert guide & exclusive bunker access.

Travel from Paris in a luxury air-conditioned minibus for an immersive small-group (max 8 guests) tour of key WWII sites.
Walk in the footsteps of Canadian troops at Juno Beach, where 14,000 soldiers stormed the shores on D-Day. Explore two restricted German bunkers, remnants of the Atlantic Wall’s last defenses.
Honor Canada’s fallen at Bény-sur-Mer Cemetery and Ardenne Abbey, where prisoners of war were executed.
Explore the Juno Beach Centre, reliving Canada’s D-Day story, and visit Canada House, the first home freed by Canadian troops—all with included entry.

Inclusions #

Full-day tour of Canadian D-Day sites in Normandy
Entry to Juno Beach Center, German bunkers and Canadian Cemetery
Round-trip transport from Paris in an air-conditioned minibus
Expert English-speaking WWII guide
Small-group experience (max 8 guests)

This experience is restricted for guests under the age of 6 years.
Lunch is not included in the tour price. However, the guide will take you to a nearby restaurant offering local specialties at reasonable prices. Guests are also welcome to bring their own lunch if preferred.
Restrooms are available at most stops, and a designated break will be made during the 2-hour drive.
Due to uneven terrain at key sites, this tour is not wheelchair accessible.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Learn about the World War II history with access to the Caen Memorial Museum and a self-guided tour of key D-Day sites.

Visit the Caen Memorial Museum at any time during opening hours on your selected day and explore exhibits covering WWII, the Cold War, and the Holocaust.
Enhance your visit with a multilingual audio guide, offering rich insights into the stories of occupied France, the Vichy regime, and the precursors to the Holocaust.
Step inside a German general's bunker, a pivotal D-Day defense site, to gain a firsthand understanding of the war’s strategy and operations.
Explore 21 D-Day sites at your own pace with a self-guided audio tour and digital map, tracing the Allied invasion from Omaha Beach to the Dieppe Raid.

Inclusions #

Entry to Caen Memorial Museum
Audio guide in French and English
D-Day sites digital map
D-Day sites digital audio guide

Exclusions #

Guided tour
Headset and mobile device
Transportation

The museum is closed on Wednesdays in November and December, as well as on December 25, January 1, and for three weeks in January.
Opening hours may vary due to high visitor numbers or special events—check online before your visit.
Children under 10 must be supervised by an adult.
This experience is fully wheelchair accessible.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Ever wondered how Nazism was put to rest? Hop aboard a comfy ride from Paris to uncover details of D-day on the beaches of Utah and Omaha.
Explore the famous D-Day landing beaches and reflect on the valor of thousands lost in WWII as your guide shares spine-chilling details of the operation.
Step into a Nazi bunker and discover how US Armed Forces took the state back from Nazi reigns at the Utah Landing Museum.
Whisper a silent prayer to the suffering of war veterans during the wreath-laying ceremony of the Normandy American cemetery.
Watch a moving documentary and ongoing display that details the contribution of American troops to World War II at the Normandy Visitor Center.

Inclusions #

Full-day guided tour of Normandy beaches
English-speaking tour guide
Round-trip transfers from Paris
Entry to Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial
Lunch (optional)

Tip: Wear comfy walking sneakers as you may need to walk up to 2 miles during the bus tour.

You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Embark on a full-day guided tour of the iconic Normandy D-Day Beaches, a poignant journey through history, from the comfort of an air-conditioned minibus.
An expert English-speaking guide adds depth to your experience with insightful commentary about historic sites, like Pointe du Hoc and Omaha Beach.
The tour includes entry to the Overlord Museum. Get a firsthand feel of D-Day through an extensive display of period uniforms, weapons, and tanks.
Savor a delicious lunch at the museum, included in your package. This thoughtful inclusion offers a welcome pause to absorb the day's experiences.
The American Cemetery at Colleville sur Mer, with its perfectly aligned white crosses, offers an opportunity for quiet reflection, rounding off a profound and unforgettable journey.

Inclusions #

Full-day tour of Normandy D-Day beaches
Expert English-speaking tour guide
Round-trip transfers from the meeting point in AC vehicle
Entry into the Caen Memorial Museum
Lunch at the museum
Entry into the American Cemetery at Saint Laurent

Tip: At the Caen Memorial Museum, check out film screenings that recreate the emotions of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy
This experience is not accessible by wheelchair.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Day Trips

From Paris: WWII D-Day Normandy USA Landing Beaches Semi-Private Guided Full-Day Tour with Optional Lunch

Meet your tour guide-driver and get started on your journey back to June 6, 1944, when the Normandy landings took place, on a small group tour.
Your first stop is La Pointe du Hoc, where US Rangers landed and captured the strongly fortified German promontory. Hear all about the events that unfolded here on D-Day from your expert guide.
Next, continue your visit to Omaha Beach, where the most difficult and impressive attack happened because, in a matter of hours, almost 2,500 men lost their lives on this beach.
Stop at Colleville sur Mer American Cemetery which has over 9,000 perfectly-aligned white crosses, dedicated to the American troops who lost their lives in Europe in the course of World War II.
The day ends with a visit to Juno Beach, where you’ll see the famous “Canada House” said to be the first house liberated by the Allied Troops on D-Day.

‌

Check availability

Book now, pay later

11 hr. - 13 hr.

Guided tour

Transfers available

Meals included

Day Trips

From Paris: WWII Canadian D-Day Beaches Semi-Private Guided Tour

Explore WWII Canadian battlefields on a semi-private tour with expert guide & exclusive bunker access.

Travel from Paris in a luxury air-conditioned minibus for an immersive small-group (max 8 guests) tour of key WWII sites.
Walk in the footsteps of Canadian troops at Juno Beach, where 14,000 soldiers stormed the shores on D-Day. Explore two restricted German bunkers, remnants of the Atlantic Wall’s last defenses.
Honor Canada’s fallen at Bény-sur-Mer Cemetery and Ardenne Abbey, where prisoners of war were executed.
Explore the Juno Beach Centre, reliving Canada’s D-Day story, and visit Canada House, the first home freed by Canadian troops—all with included entry.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

11 hr.

Transfers available

Day Trips

Caen: Memorial Museum Ticket & D-Day Landings Audio Guide

Learn about the World War II history with access to the Caen Memorial Museum and a self-guided tour of key D-Day sites.

Visit the Caen Memorial Museum at any time during opening hours on your selected day and explore exhibits covering WWII, the Cold War, and the Holocaust.
Enhance your visit with a multilingual audio guide, offering rich insights into the stories of occupied France, the Vichy regime, and the precursors to the Holocaust.
Step inside a German general's bunker, a pivotal D-Day defense site, to gain a firsthand understanding of the war’s strategy and operations.
Explore 21 D-Day sites at your own pace with a self-guided audio tour and digital map, tracing the Allied invasion from Omaha Beach to the Dieppe Raid.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

Flexible duration

Audio guide

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

Top things to do in Normandy

80th Normandy D-Day anniversary events

Fireworks Event

Official International Ceremony

Additional Ceremonies

D-Day Festival Normandy

Art Installation

Normandy D-Day beaches and sites

Omaha Beach

Normandy American Cemetery

Pointe du Hoc

Utah Beach

Arromanches

Pegasus Bridge

Juno Beach Centre

Sainte-Mère-Église

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

From Paris: WWII US D-Day Beaches Guided Tour with Optional Lunch

From Paris: WWII D-Day Normandy USA Landing Beaches Semi-Private Guided Full-Day Tour with Optional Lunch

From Paris: WWII Canadian D-Day Beaches Semi-Private Guided Tour

Caen: Memorial Museum Ticket & D-Day Landings Audio Guide

From Paris: D-Day Normandy Beaches Full-Day Guided Tour

From Paris: Normandy D-Day Beaches Full-Day Guided Tour with Lunch