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Your essential guide to planning a visit to Normandy’s D-Day landmarks

Planning a D-Day tour from Paris is the perfect way to explore Normandy’s historic World War II landmarks in a single day. From the solemn Omaha Beach to the breathtaking Pointe du Hoc, you'll experience the significant sites where history was made.

Read on to know the best travel options, must-see landmarks, and essential tips to make the most of your D-Day tour, whether you're a history lover or looking to reflect on the past.

Visitor information at a glance

  • What is the best way to travel from Paris to the D-Day sites?
    The best ways to travel are by train (about 2.5 to 3 hours), bus (around 3.5 to 4 hours), or car (approximately 2.5 hours via the A13 motorway), depending on your preference for convenience or budget.
  • What D-Day landmarks will I visit on a day tour?
    On a typical D-Day tour, you'll visit Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, the Normandy American Cemetery, Pointe du Hoc, and possibly Mont-Saint-Michel if the tour includes additional stops.
  • How long is a typical D-Day day tour from Paris?
    A typical D-Day day trip lasts around 12 to 14 hours, including the travel time from Paris and visits to the key D-Day beaches and memorials in Normandy.

Best time to visit Normandy for D-Day tours

Weekend vs weekday

  • Weekdays (Monday to Thursday): D-Day sites are less crowded, offering a quieter, more reflective experience. You’ll have more space to explore landmarks like Omaha Beach and the Normandy American Cemetery.
  • Weekends (Friday to Sunday): Expect larger crowds, especially at popular sites like Pointe du Hoc and Utah Beach. It’s best to book in advance for weekend D-Day tours to secure your spot.

Peak season vs off-season

  • Peak season (June to August): Warmer weather and longer days attract more tourists, resulting in longer wait times at major D-Day sites and museums.
  • Off-season (spring and fall): April to May and September to October offer fewer crowds and milder weather, making it an ideal time for a more peaceful D-Day tour experience.

Best time to visit

The ideal months for a D-Day tour are late spring (May) and early fall (September), when the weather is pleasant and crowds are manageable. If you plan to visit around the D-Day anniversary (early June), expect larger crowds, particularly around June 6th, during special commemorations.

​Plan your trip with detailed timings >

Where are the D-Day landing sites located?

The D-Day landing sites are located along the northern coast of Normandy, France, and are easily accessible from Paris. The main D-Day sites include Omaha Beach (near Vierville-sur-Mer) and Utah Beach (near Carentan), where American forces landed. Pointe du Hoc, a cliffside site where U.S. Rangers scaled the heights to neutralize German artillery, is also one of the key landmarks. The Normandy American Cemetery, located at Omaha Beach, is a poignant site, with nearly 9,400 graves of soldiers who lost their lives during the invasion.

From Paris, the journey to these sites is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours by car or train. Trains run frequently from Gare Saint-Lazare in Paris to Bayeux and Caen, where you can catch local transport or take a guided tour to the beaches.

Closest major landmarks

In addition to the D-Day beaches, nearby landmarks include:

  • Bayeux: Home to the famous Bayeux Tapestry, a must-see historic artifact that tells the story of William the Conqueror.
  • Mont-Saint-Michel: A UNESCO World Heritage site, located about 3.5 hours from Paris by car, known for its stunning abbey on a rocky island.
  • Arromanches: The site of the artificial harbor used during the D-Day landings.
  • Pegasus Bridge: The site of an important airborne assault that helped secure the area during the early hours of D-Day.

All of these attractions are within a short drive of each other, making them perfect for a day trip from Paris.

​Cover all attractions on a day trip: know how >

How to get to Normandy for D-Day tours from Paris?

By public transport (train, bus, etc.)

  • Train: The fastest way to reach Normandy is by train from Paris Gare Saint-Lazare to Bayeux or Caen, taking about 2.5 to 3 hours. Trains run frequently, making it a convenient option for D-Day tours.
  • Bus: There are several direct buses from Paris to key Normandy towns like Rouen and Caen, with travel times ranging from 3.5 to 4 hours. This is a budget-friendly option but takes longer than the train.

By car

  • Driving from Paris: If you want more flexibility, driving is a great option. The A13 motorway is the quickest route, taking approximately 2.5 hours to reach the D-Day beaches, such as Omaha Beach and Utah Beach.
  • Parking: Most D-Day landmarks, like the Normandy American Cemetery, offer parking facilities. However, places like Mont-Saint-Michel require parking offsite, where you’ll need to take a shuttle to the site.

​Get detailed directions >

Know before you go on a D-Day tour

  • La Rapière (Bayeux): A highly rated French restaurant near the Bayeux War Cemetery and Bayeux Tapestry Museum. Perfect for a post-tour meal.
  • Le Roosevelt (Sainte-Mère-Église): Located in the heart of a key D-Day village, this restaurant offers traditional French and bistro fare, close to the Airborne Museum.
  • L’Embusqué (Arromanches-les-Bains): Casual French dining steps from Arromanches’ Mulberry Harbour and the D-Day Museum.
  • Le Relais Saint-Michel (Mont-Saint-Michel): Enjoy French cuisine with panoramic views, located just outside Mont-Saint-Michel’s entrance.
  • Creperie du Couesnon (Pontorson, near Mont-Saint-Michel): Serving Breton crepes and local specialties, located just 10 minutes from Mont-Saint-Michel.

Budget Stays (within €100)

  • Hotel Carline Caen Nord
  • Ibis Budget Bayeux
  • Hotel de la Marine (Arromanches-les-Bains)

Comfort Stays (€100–€200)

  • Hotel Churchill (Bayeux)
  • Mercure Omaha Beach Hotel (Port-en-Bessin)
  • La Cremaillère (Courseulles-sur-Mer)

Luxury Stays (above €200)

  • Château La Chenevière (Port-en-Bessin)
  • Le Grand Hôtel Cabourg
  • Hotel Villa Lara (Bayeux)
  • No smoking in museums, cemeteries, and memorial areas.
  • Pets are generally not allowed, except for service animals.
  • Dress respectfully; modest attire is recommended, especially at cemeteries and memorials.
  • No loud behavior or disruptive photography in solemn areas.
  • Always follow posted rules and guidance from site staff.
  • Mont-Saint-Michel: A stunning UNESCO-listed island abbey about 1.5 hours from the D-Day beaches.
  • Rouen: Known for its Gothic cathedral and Joan of Arc sites, located about 1.5 hours from Normandy’s beaches.
  • Étretat Cliffs: Dramatic white chalk cliffs and natural arches on the Alabaster Coast.
  • Honfleur: A picturesque harbor town famous for its art history and timber-framed houses.
  • D-Day Museum gift shops: Available at major museums like Arromanches, Utah Beach, and the Juno Beach Centre, offering books, memorial items, and local crafts.
  • Local markets in Bayeux and Sainte-Mère-Église: Find Normandy cider, Calvados, and regional food products.
  • Boutique shops in Arromanches and Omaha Beach: Perfect for D-Day-themed gifts and artisan goods to remember your visit.
  • Wheelchair access: Most major D-Day sites, such as the Juno Beach Centre, Mémorial de Caen, and Mémorial de Falaise, are fully accessible with level entrances, wheelchairs available, and adapted restrooms.
  • Outdoor sites: The D-Day beaches and cemeteries are partially accessible; some pathways may be uneven, but adapted routes are often available. It’s best to notify in advance if you need special assistance.

Frequently asked questions about planning your D-Day tours

How far in advance should I book a D-Day tour from Paris?

It’s recommended to book your D-Day tour at least 2–3 weeks in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons (June to August) to secure your spot and ensure availability.

Are there any tours that include Mont-Saint-Michel along with the D-Day beaches?

Some extended tours offer additional stops at Mont-Saint-Michel. However, visiting both the D-Day beaches and Mont-Saint-Michel in one day can be tight due to travel time.

What’s the best way to reach the D-Day beaches if I’m traveling on a budget?

If you’re traveling on a budget, the most economical option is to take the train from Paris to Bayeux or Caen, followed by a local tour of the D-Day sites. This option is cost-effective compared to renting a car or booking a private tour.

Are there any restrictions on what I can bring on a D-Day tour?

No smoking is allowed in museums, cemeteries, or memorial areas. It’s also advised to dress respectfully, especially when visiting memorial sites, and to avoid loud behavior or disruptive photography in solemn areas.

Can I buy souvenirs from the D-Day sites?

Yes, there are gift shops at major museums like the Juno Beach Centre, Utah Beach Museum, and Arromanches 360, where you can find books, D-Day memorabilia, and local crafts. You can also purchase regional products like cider and Calvados at markets in Bayeux and Sainte-Mère-Église.

What is the best way to experience the D-Day beaches if I’m not familiar with World War II history?

For those unfamiliar with the history, guided tours are the best option. Guides provide valuable context and insights into the significance of each site, helping you understand the events of D-Day and the importance of the landings.

Is there a recommended itinerary if I have limited time to visit the D-Day beaches?

If you have limited time, a half-day tour or smaller tour group that focuses on Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery would be ideal. This allows you to visit two of the most significant sites in a shorter amount of time, while still offering a meaningful experience.

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