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Contents
Book your day trips here
Key landmarks:
You can experience several notable memorials, museums and monuments here, each offering a unique glimpse into the events of D-Day and the sacrifices made:
Normandy American Cemetery
This vast cemetery overlooks Omaha Beach and is the final resting place for nearly 9,400 American soldiers. The site also features a visitor center with exhibits detailing the Normandy campaign, providing a somber and reflective experience.
Les Braves Memorial
Situated directly on the sand, this powerful sculpture honors the bravery of the Allied soldiers who fought and died on Omaha Beach. The memorial is designed to represent three symbolic elements: the Wings of Hope, the Rise of Freedom, and the Wings of Fraternity.
Pointe du Hoc
Situated west of Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc is the site where the U.S. Army Rangers scaled the cliffs to neutralize German artillery, preventing it from firing on the beach. This dramatic site remains a key point of historical significance.
Memorial Museum of Omaha Beach
This museum provides comprehensive exhibits on the German occupation of France, the D-Day landings, and the personal stories of those involved. The collection includes military vehicles, weapons, and a 25-minute documentary film, offering a vivid portrayal of the events.
Key landmarks:
Juno Beach Centre:
Located in Courseulles-sur-Mer, this museum is dedicated to the Canadian soldiers who fought here. It has exhibits with artifacts and personal stories, giving visitors a deeper understanding of Canada's role on D-Day.
Canada House:
Situated in Bernières-sur-Mer, this historic building is where Canadian soldiers first landed. Memorial services are held here every year to honor those who fought.
Sherman Tank:
This tank, which fought from Juno Beach all the way to Germany, is now preserved in Sherbrooke, Quebec, as a symbol of the armored units that helped secure the beach.
British Normandy Memorial:
While located near Gold Beach, this new memorial, opened in 2021, honors all the Commonwealth forces, including the Canadians who fought on Juno Beach.
Key landmarks:
Victoria Cross Memorial:
This memorial honors Colour Sergeant-Major Stanley Hollis, who received the Victoria Cross for his bravery during the landings.
Gold Beach Memorial (Ver-sur-Mer):
Located at Ver-sur-Mer, this memorial commemorates the British troops who landed at Gold Beach. It features a Churchill tank as a symbol of the armored forces that helped secure the beach
Arromanches-les-Bains:
This town is home to the remains of the Mulberry Harbour, a temporary port built after D-Day to unload supplies. The D-Day Museum in Arromanches offers more information about this important piece of engineering.
Port-en-Bessin:
Captured by British forces shortly after D-Day, Port-en-Bessin is now a fishing port with several memorial plaques honoring those who fought here.
Key landmarks:
Utah Beach Museum:
This museum provides an in-depth look at Utah Beach’s role in D-Day. It features exhibits on the landing, with items like aircraft, landing crafts, and personal stories from the soldiers who fought there.
Airborne Museum (Sainte-Mère-Église):
Located in the town of Sainte-Mère-Église, this museum is dedicated to the paratroopers of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions. It showcases the gliders and equipment used by the airborne units during the landings.
Crisbecq Battery:
This German coastal artillery site near Utah Beach gives visitors a glimpse into the defensive structures the Allies had to overcome.
Roosevelt Monument:
Located near the beach, this monument honors Brig. Gen. Theodore Roosevelt Jr., who led the troops after the mislanding and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery.
Key landmarks:
Pegasus Bridge:
Captured by British glider troops in the early hours of D-Day, this bridge was key to the success of the landings. Today, you can visit the Memorial Pegasus Museum, where you can see the original bridge and explore artifacts from that historic operation.
Kieffer Monument:
This monument honors the Free French Commandos, led by Philippe Kieffer, who stormed a German-occupied casino at Riva Bella.
Royal Navy and Royal Marines Monument:
Located near the harbor, this monument pays tribute to the naval and marine units that played a critical role in the landings at Sword Beach.
Mémorial de Caen:
A museum in Caen that offers a comprehensive look at the battle and the events surrounding D-Day. It also features a preserved German command bunker, giving insight into the German side of the conflict.
D-Day landing beaches’ timings
Omaha Beach
Juno Beach
Gold Beach
Utah Beach
Sword Beach
- Normandy American Cemetery
Hours: Open daily from 9am to 6pm (April 15–September 15), and 9am to 5pm the rest of the year. Closed December 25 and January 1. Last admission is 15 minutes before closing.
Location: Overlooks Omaha Beach in Colleville-sur-Mer. - Memorial Museum of Omaha Beach
Hours: Typically 10am to 6pm (check for seasonal changes).
Location: Near the landing site in Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer, not Vierville-sur-Mer.
- Juno Beach Centre
Hours: Open daily from 9:30am to 6pm during peak season; reduced hours in winter (verify on official site).
Location: Courseulles-sur-Mer. - Airborne Museum (Sainte-Mère-Église)
Hours: 9:30am to 6pm daily.
Location: Sainte-Mère-Église. - British Normandy Memorial
Hours: Open year-round with extended hours in peak season.
Location: Near Gold Beach, Ver-sur-Mer.
- Gold Beach Memorial (Ver-sur-Mer)
Hours: Open year-round; as an outdoor monument, it is generally always accessible.
Location: Ver-sur-Mer. - Arromanches-les-Bains (D-Day Museum)
- Hours: Open daily from 9am to 6pm (check for seasonal changes).
Location: Arromanches, with remains of the Mulberry Harbour.
- Utah Beach Museum
Hours: 9:30am to 7pm in summer; shorter in winter.
Location: Utah Beach. - Airborne Museum (Sainte-Mère-Église)
Hours: 9:30am to 6pm daily.
Location: Sainte-Mère-Église.
- Pegasus Bridge Museum
Hours: 10am to 6pm; extended hours in summer.
Location: Pegasus Bridge. - Mémorial de Caen
Hours: 9:30am to 7pm daily; extended hours in summer.
Location: Caen, about a 15-minute drive from Sword Beach.
Plan your visit to the D-Day beaches
Full day trip or half-day?
- Full day:
If you want to visit all five beaches, prepare for a full day of driving and walking. It’s better to focus on 2-3 beaches for a more relaxed experience.
Suggested combination: Visit Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, and Pointe du Hoc. These sites are relatively close to each other and provide a mix of American and German perspectives. - Half-day:
If time is limited, focus on one or two beaches for a more meaningful visit. For example, Omaha Beach and the Normandy American Cemetery make for a poignant and reflective half-day trip.
Guided tours vs. self-exploration
- Guided tours:
Pros: Expert guides offer in-depth knowledge, historical context, and personal stories. Tours are well-organized, ensuring you visit key landmarks efficiently.
Cons: Less flexibility with time, as you follow a set schedule. May feel rushed at some sites.
Best for: Those seeking a deeper understanding and historical context of the landings. - Self-exploration:
Pros: Flexibility to visit sites at your own pace. More time to reflect and explore specific areas of interest.
Cons: Limited knowledge unless you’ve done extensive research or rely on information boards. You’re responsible for navigation and planning.
Best for: Independent travelers who prefer to take their time at each site.
Frequently asked questions about Normandy D-Day beaches
How far are the D-Day beaches from Paris?
The D-Day beaches are about a 3-4 hour drive from Paris (around 300 kilometers). Alternatively, you can take a train, which takes roughly 2.5-3 hours to reach the region.
Can I visit all the beaches in one day?
It’s possible but will feel rushed. Focus on visiting 2-3 beaches for a more relaxed experience and to appreciate the significance of each site.
What is the best time of year to visit?
The best times are late spring (April-June) and early fall (September-October), when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are thinner.
Are the D-Day sites wheelchair accessible?
Many of the memorials and museums are wheelchair accessible, though some areas with uneven terrain, like bunkers, may be harder to navigate.
What is the best way to travel from Paris to the D-Day beaches?
The best options are renting a car for flexibility, or taking a direct train to key towns near the beaches. Organized tours are also a convenient option.
Are there restaurants or cafes near the beaches?
Yes, there are several local cafes and restaurants in towns near the beaches, such as Arromanches, Courseulles-sur-Mer, and Sainte-Mère-Église.
Are there any entrance fees for the D-Day memorials?
Many memorials and museums have free entry, but some, like the Normandy American Cemetery and Utah Beach Museum, may charge a small fee (usually €5-€10). These fees are typically covered if you opt for guided tours.