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Overlord Museum Normandy | A must-visit stop on your D-Day tour

Located near Omaha Beach in Colleville-sur-Mer, the Overlord Museum documents the D-Day landings and subsequent Battle of Normandy through its collection of military vehicles, uniforms, and personal artifacts. The museum offers a comprehensive look at the events of June 6, 1944, through authentic wartime items and detailed exhibits.

The story behind Overlord Museum

Named after Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of Nazi-occupied Europe that began on D-Day — this museum started as one man's quest to preserve history. In the aftermath of World War II, the Normandy countryside was littered with abandoned military equipment and war relics. Michel Leloup, born in 1929, witnessed the Battle of Normandy as a teenager and began collecting these remnants in the late 1940s. What started with the discovery of a German semi-tracked tank in a sawmill grew into a lifelong passion for preservation.

Over three decades, Michel and his son Nicolas meticulously restored vehicles and gathered artifacts from the hedgerows and fields of Normandy. Their collection first found a home in Falaise, in an old cheese factory, but the vision was always bigger. In 2013, the collection moved to its current location near the Normandy American Cemetery, transforming into the Overlord Museum you'll visit today.

Inside the collection: What you’ll see

With over 10,000 artifacts and 40 fully restored vehicles, this museum contains one of the most comprehensive collections documenting the Normandy invasion.

The FAMO: A mechanical giant

Among the museum’s highlights is the FAMO (Schwerer Zugkraftwagen 18), the largest artillery tractor used by the German army during WWII.

  • Only 12 of these machines survive today, and the one at Overlord took 7 years and 10,000 hours to restore.
  • Originally used to move German tanks like the Panzer IV and Tiger I, this half-track represents both scale and engineering marvel.
  • Found abandoned and nearly lost to scrap, its meticulous resurrection reflects the museum’s deep commitment to preservation.

The Grapple from Pointe du Hoc

This rusted steel claw tells the story of 225 U.S. Army Rangers who scaled the cliffs of Pointe du Hoc under enemy fire.

  • Used in the assault that neutralized a key German gun battery on D-Day, this original grapple hook was recovered days after the invasion by a French civilian.
  • Unlike other specimens pulled from the sea in fragments, this one remains nearly intact, making it a rare and powerful artifact.

The Panther Tank

Built in March 1944, this Panther tank fought in Normandy before being captured and repurposed by the French Resistance.

  • One of the most feared tanks of WWII, the Panther was prized for its armor and firepower.
  • The museum’s Panther was discovered in Rânes, repaired, and used to fight back against German forces.
  • With fewer than 6,000 units ever made, it’s an essential piece of battlefield history.

Restored vehicles

From massive tanks to amphibious carriers and even a V1 flying bomb, the museum’s vehicle lineup is extensive and globally sourced.

  • Highlights include armored personnel carriers, reconnaissance planes, and vehicles used by both Axis and Allied forces.
  • Many of these machines are fully restored and displayed in authentic battlefield scenes.

Life-size dioramas

One of the museum’s most impressive features is its collection of full-scale dioramas.

  • These carefully crafted scenes use original equipment, period props, and mannequins to re-create everything from battlefield medics at work to supply convoys rolling inland.
  • With sound effects, lighting, and authentic detail, it brings the D-Day story to life.

Rare documents and propaganda posters

To round out the collection, you can explore wartime communications and social context.

  • The museum displays Allied and German maps, field orders, ration cards, and recruitment posters.
  • These materials give context to how the war was experienced, explained, and survived on both sides.

Overlord Museum tickets

Planning your visit to the Overlord Museum? You’ve got a few easy ways to get in.

  • Buy at the entrance: Walk-ins are welcome, and you can purchase tickets directly at the museum. This is a great option if you’re already in Normandy and visiting the beaches nearby.
  • Book online: To skip the lines and secure your spot during peak season (especially around D-Day anniversaries in June), booking your tickets online is a smart move.
  • Go with a guided tour: Want to see the museum as part of a deeper D-Day journey? Consider a guided day trip from Paris, like the WWII US D-Day Beaches Guided Tour . This full-day experience includes a stop at the Overlord Museum, plus visits to Omaha Beach, the American Cemetery, Pointe du Hoc, and more — all with expert narration and round-trip transfers.

Plan your visit to the Overlord Museum

  • Feb–Mar, Oct–Dec: Daily, 10am – 5:30pm
  • Apr–May, Sept: Daily, 10am – 6:30pm
  • Jun–Aug: Daily, 9:30am – 7pm
  • Closed: Jan 1 to Feb 7, Dec 24 & 25
  • Ticket counter closes: 1 hour before museum closing
  • Recommended visit duration: 1 to 1.5 hours

By train

  • Take a train from Paris Saint-Lazare to Bayeux or Caen (approx. 2–2.5 hours).
  • From Bayeux, use a local taxi, bus, or tour shuttle to reach the museum near Colleville-sur-Mer.

By bus

  • Buses from Bayeux or Caen run toward the D-Day beaches in peak season, but schedules may be limited — check ahead.
  • The stop nearest the museum is typically around Colleville-sur-Mer.

By car

  • Drive from Paris via A13 (approx. 3 hours).
  • Free parking available near the museum entrance.

By guided tour

  • The easiest and most informative option: book a guided day tour from Paris that includes Overlord Museum, Omaha Beach, and more.
  • Omaha Beach is right outside — leave some time to walk along the historic shoreline.
  • Visit early or late in the day to avoid mid-day tour groups.
  • Photography is allowed, but flash may be restricted inside exhibit areas.
  • Don’t miss the Panther and FAMO vehicles — they’re rare, restored, and massive.
  • Use the restroom before your visit — facilities are available but can get crowded.
  • Layer up — even in summer, the coastal breeze near the museum can be chilly.

Frequently asked questions on visiting the Overlord Museum

Where is the Overlord Museum located?

It’s in Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy. It’s a few minutes from Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery.

How long does it take to visit?

40 minutes to an hour is enough to explore the museum and exhibits.

Are guided tours available at the museum?

The museum is often included in full-day guided tours from Paris, particularly those focusing on U.S. landing sites.

What languages are the exhibits in?

French and English are both available, with multilingual brochures at the front desk.

Is the Overlord Museum suitable for children?

Yes, older children and teens often find the exhibits engaging, especially the vehicles and immersive displays.

Do I need to book tickets in advance?

Walk-ins are welcome, but pre-booking is smart during summer months or around June 6 (D-Day anniversary).

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