Visiting the D-Day Beaches of Normandy was something we always wanted to do, but never managed to put it on our travel itinerary. Once we finally visited, we wondered why it took so long. To see the historic beaches is something that everyone needs to do. It is not only a history lesson, but it is also a reminder of how fragile democracy is and how lucky we are today that so many people fought for our freedom. Not only is Normandy the site of the landing beaches on D-Day, it is a region of welcoming people, delicious cuisine and gorgeous landscapes.
The Best Normandy Itinerary – D-Day Beaches
We thought we knew a lot about World War II, but after spending a week visiting the beaches, monuments, and museums, we gained a new appreciation for this critical moment in history and found that the people of Normandy are still grateful to those who liberated their beaches and made it possible for them to rebuild, thrive and enjoy this beautiful part of France today.
June 6, 1944 changed the course of the war with more than 160,000 Allied troops landing on Normandy’s beaches which led to the beginning of the end of World War II. More than 10,000 men (Germans and Allies) died on the beach, but in the months ahead, the remaining troops pushed on and, thanks to their courage and sacrifice, defeated the tyranny of the Nazis.
We have put together a unique D-Day itinerary to help you not only learn about D-day and the months that followed leading to the end of the war but also enjoy the beauty of Normandy’s beaches, taste its delicious cuisine, and have a chance to visit strategic locations and beautiful destinations. Once you see all there is to do in Normandy, you’ll want to put it at the top of your France travel itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival and Bayeux
Our trip to Normandy began in Paris, where we were picked up and driven to Pont-l’Évêque (about a 3-hour drive) for lunch. The best way to get around Normandy is to rent a car, so we suggest booking a car rental from the airport to be able to enjoy your Normandy itinerary at your own pace.
Lunch La Dégusterie
After a long flight and three-hour drive, La Dégusterie on Rue Saint Michel was the perfect atmosphere to enjoy a delicious array of Normandy cheeses and ciders. The owner, David, greeted us with a big smile and a warm welcome, just like everyone we met in Normandy. We loved tasting our way through the region’s specialties as we paired them with different ciders and Calvados.
4 Cs of Normandy +1 of our own
The 4Cs of Normandy are Calvados, Cider, Camembert and Creme and we had a chance to sample it all while working our way through the top historical sites and cities. We’d like to add another C, the cemeteries that are scattered throughout its shores where tens of thousands of soldiers are laid to rest.
Where to Stay
After a quick one-hour drive, we arrived in Bayeux and checked into our hotel, Hotel de Brunville & Spa. This 3-star hotel is located in the very center of historic Bayeux and offers comfortable modern rooms with a swimming pool and hot tub. It was a little slice of serenity and paradise in the middle of a bustling town.
Afternoon: The Bayeux Tapestry Museum
Bayeux is a wonderful place for a stroll along its cobblestone streets, which are filled with plenty of history. The Bayeux Tapestry Museum, located in the old seminary, is by far the top draw. This UNESCO-rated museum tells the story of the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 through detailed embroidery spanning 70 meters long (229 feet). This tapestry is nearly 1000 years old, and it’s a fascinating piece of history.
The museum will undergo a massive transformation in 2025, so make sure to visit soon before the priceless tapestry is put into storage for safekeeping. It will close on September 1, 2025, and is scheduled to reopen to the public in October 2027.
Bayeux Cathedral
After visiting the museum, the Bayeux Cathedral is just a short walk away. Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Bayeux definitely resembles the Notre Dame Cathedral of Paris. This National Monument dates back to 924 when the Viking Rollo became the first Duke of Normandy. If you watched the History Channel’s Vikings, you’ll know what I am talking about.
Dating back to the Gallo-Roman period, the cathedral’s Gothic architecture is worth visiting to see its stunning stained glass windows and the original crypt.
Dinner: L’Alcove
We ended our first night in Bayeux with a delicious dinner at L’Alcôve, a local restaurant serving wonderful Norman cuisine. We feasted on fresh seafood and apple-infused dishes (Normandy is famous for its apples), and it was the perfect introduction to the region’s specialties.
Day 2: Sainte-Mère-Église and Omaha Beach
Our second day in Normandy began with a drive to Sainte-Mère-Église, another town famous in D-Day history. Sainte-Mère-Église was the first town in France to be liberated, and it’s a poignant tribute to the Allied soldiers who fought and died for our freedom.
Morning: Church of Sainte-Mère-Église
If you look up, the first thing you’ll notice is a parachute dangling off the church. US Paratrooper John Steele’s parachute was hung up on the bell tower when the Paratrooopers dropped into Normandy the night before D-Day. He was trapped there and feined being dead to avoid being shot at, but was eventually caught and taken prisoner by German soldiers. This scene is played out in The Longest Day, starring John Wayne, and is front and center when arriving at the square.
Airborne Museum
Directly across the street is the Airborne Museum. This museum houses a collection of five pavilions that tell the story of the U.S. 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions landing on D-Day. Paratroopers dropped into Normandy the night before D-Day to secure the towns and block German approaches towards the landing beaches.
The first building to open was parachute-shaped building in 1964 and today it houses an exhibit depicting the German occupation of Normandy. Since then, the Airborne Museum has grown immensely with four more buildings added. The C-47 Building is a huge exhibit that has paratroopers hanging from the rafters around an original C-47 aircraft.
One of the most powerful exhibits in the Operation Neptune pavilion shows paratroopers preparing to jump on the night of June 5, 1944. You can feel the vibration and sounds of the plane as you walk through the hull of the airplane, where paratroopers prepare to jump.
Another highlight is the full size glider on display. The night before D-Day, besides paratroopers, gliders carrying infantry landed behind enemy lines to secure bridges and towns and support troops during their amphibious landings on the beaches. They were meant to be flown only once and most were destroyed, so it was quite the coup when this glider was discovered and preserved to be displayed.
Lunch Le Biscuit de Sainte-Mère-Église
After visiting the museums, we strolled through town to peruse the historic signs before enjoying a local beer at Brasserie de Sainte Mere Eglise, which is just on the outskirts of town.
We didn’t eat there though, instead, we made our way to a popular lunch spot, Biscuit de Sainte-Mère-Église. It is a cozy restaurant serving classic Norman fare where you can pick up some souvenirs at the gift shop.
Afternoon: Jeep Tour to Omaha Beach
After lunch, we boarded an authentic WWII jeep and drove to Pointe du Hoc, the American Cemetary, and Omaha Beach. Our guides Florent and Dylan of World War II Veterans Memories, were fantastic young men who were well-informed, passionate, and made the day a lot of fun. They were eager to share the history of the war, D-Day and of Normandy. We learned so much from them.
Florent decided to start this company after traveling around the United States for three years interviewing WWII veterans. He and his partner Jenny have made it their mission to preserve the stories of veterans. Dylan joined the team and all three have visited the United States to speak with veterans and have had people come to visit. They are all determined to make sure veterans stories are not forgotten. Read their stories here.
Pointe du Hoc
I didn’t even know about Pointe du Hoc before going there, but this was a sheer 30 meter (100 foot) high cliff that was scaled by U.S. Army Rangers to seize and secure German artillery that would have fired on the American landing troops at Omaha and Utah beaches. The rangers fought for two days facing a significant amount of casulaties. Out of 225 soldiers only 90 remained.
Tours take you to the German batteries, out to the cliffs, and along the waterfront. It has barely changed since WWII, and you can still see the massive caverns left in the land from artillery.
American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer
Our jeep tour took us on to the American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer. The white crosses and stars marking the fallen are a poignant tribute to the fallen. The cemetery overlooks Omaha Beach, where more than 4,000 lives were lost on D-Day. Visitors can walk through the nearly 10,000 graves of the fallen to contemplate the sacrifices made for their freedom.
The Cemetery is free to enter and is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from April 15 to September 15, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. the rest of the year.
Omaha Beach
After a solemn experience paying tribute to the sacrifice of so many young men, it was time for a little levity, so we hopped back into our jeeps to tour the Normandy countryside. We drove through backroads and trails cutting through forests and fields and could almost imagine the presence of the soldiers who pushed on through these lands.
The tour ended with a view of WN60 Nests of Resistance high above Omaha Beach, and when seeing the battlements, one can only wonder how anyone survived. There were 14 battlements set above Omaha Beach with guns pointed directly at soldiers trying to come to shore. But WN60 was the first to be captured by Allied forces after facing incredible odds.
We then drove to the beach itself to walk on the sand. I could only imagine the long journey the soldiers had to face while avoiding fire from above. The steep bluffs are a haunting reminder of the challenges facing U.S. soldiers on D-Day. Our jeep tour ended here, and we had time to walk the beach and take in the views. There was a tribute to the medics who died on D-Day and further along the beach is a larger memorial.
Dinner – Le Petit Jardin
We had a delicious dinner at Le Petit Jardin, a restaurant famous for its fresh, local ingredients. It’s located in a charming garden (Hence the name) at Château la Chenevière just on the outskirts of Bayeux.
Day 3: Biking Through History
Morning: e-Bike Tour
After breakfast at our hotel, we started day 3 with an electric bike tour from Bayeux. We met the guide and owner, Hugo, to pick up our bikes and helmets before setting off through the picturesque Norman countryside to our first stop at the German Battery of Longues-sur-Mer.
Longues-sur-Mer
Longues-sur-Mer is a coastal defense site and one of the best-preserved battlements of the Atlantic Wall. It was built by the Germans in the 1940s when guns were erected along the Atlantic Coast from France to Scandinavia to defend the coast from Allied forces. These battlements housed castmates equipped with guns that could fire up to 20km.
Arromanches-les-Bains
We the cycled to Arromanches-les-Bains to see the remnants of Mulberry Harbor and artificial harbour that was created by the English. It consisted of floating piers, pontoons and even roads to unload supplies and reinforcements after D-Day. Today you can see remains of the steel and concrete harbour. At low tide you can even walk out to them.
D-Day Museum at Arromanches
The D-Day Museum at Arromanches is a must for learning about Mulberry Harbour and how this feat of engineering was accomplished. This is one of the newest museums in Normandy, and it is dedicated to the British landings in Normandy. Located directly on Gold Beach, it has several multimedia exhibits showcasing the planning and execution of D-Day, how Mulberry Harbour was built, and what happened after the battle.
Lunch – Fish & Co by Pappagall
Afterward, we had a relaxing lunch nearby at Fish & Co by Pappagall. Located in the heart of Arromonches, this fish and chips restaurant takes you straight to jolly old England, complete with mushy peas. It’s a casual seafood restaurant with photos of visiting veterans and famous visitors on the walls.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, we visited the new British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer. Opened in 2021, this memorial honors the over 22,000 British soldiers who died during the Normandy campaign. The memorial is minimalist and beautiful, situated on a bluff overlooking Gold Beach where British soldiers fought and died. The names of the fallen are etched in stone, and it’s a poignant tribute to their memory.
Evening – Hotel de la Marine
We checked into our hotel, Hotel de la Marine, a seafront property in Arromanches-les-Bains. It’s a lovely hotel with comfortable rooms and a restaurant on the beach.
Day 4: Canadian D-Day Exhibits and Pegasus Bridge
Day 4 is all about Canada’s role on D-Day, and this was the day we were most looking forward to.
Morning: Juno Beach Centre
We started the day by visiting the Juno Beach Centre in Courseulles-sur-Mer. This unique museum tells the story of Canada’s military and civilian contributions. With interactive displays and literature, the museum takes you on a journey through the Canadian D-Day efforts.
The most moving tribute is the 12-minute film “They Walked With You.” It is an emotional film that uses actual D-Day footage and first-hand accounts from survivors to paint a vivid picture of what it was like to face the D-Day landings. It was truly a moving experience.
When visiting the Juno Centre, young Canadian volunteers lead guided tours of the bunkers. It’s surreal walking on the beach, looking at the sandy bluffs and bunkers, and trying to imagine what it would have been like on that day.
Lunch
We had a delicious lunch nearby at La Pêcherie, a local restaurant famous for its seafood. The restaurant is located in a fisherman’s cottage downtown, and the decor is amazing. It is the perfect break after the Juno Centre before heading on to your afternoon attractions.
Afternoon – Pegasus Memorial
In the afternoon, we visited the Pegasus Memorial, a museum honoring the British 6th Airborne Division. The museum tells the story of the gliders landing at night to capture Pegasus Bridge, a key objective that secured the eastern flank of the invasion. If they weren’t successful in their mission, all could have been lost. The skillful gliders landed within meters of the bridge, and the Allies secured the bridge.
The museum is a blend of interactive displays, a replica glider and the original bridge. It is not to be missed when visiting Normandy.
Evening Caen
We spent the evening strolling through the beautiful city of Caen. Located on the River Orne, Caen was thriving during the reign of William the Conqueror. The Caen Castle (Château de Caen) was the prime residence of the first Norman King. The castle and its walls are very impressive and worth visiting. The Vaugueux district is a medieval village consisting of cobblestone streets and timber-wood houses, and this is where we had dinner.
Dinner El Olivo
El Olivo is a Mediterranean restaurant with a fantastic menu and bustling vibe. It is located in the Vauguex District and is a large restaurant making for a great place to meet and eat.
Overnight – The People Hostel in Caen
A very cool place to stay was the People Hostel located in Downtown Caen. This hostel is walking distance to the Caen Wall and fort, the waterfront marina and many restaurants. Many students and school groups stay at this hostel giving it a very cool vibe and it is very secure since many groups book out entire floors.
Day 5: Caen Memorial and Return to Paris
Our final day in Normandy started with a visit to the Caen Memorial, the largest museum in France dedicated to 20th-century history. The museum is huge and tells the story of the lead-up to WWII, D-Day, and the post-war era, including the Cold War.
This was our favorite museum in Normandy, and I will admit, I thought I was “museumed out,” but the Caen Memorial was the best way to end our time in Normandy. Caen was nearly destroyed in World War II after D-Day. Our passionate guide kept us intrigued throughout our journey through time.
This interactive museum has multimedia displays, interactive displays, emotional imagery, and plenty of artifacts. It tells the story of the people of Normand,y who are often overlooked when studying the D-Day landings. 20,000 Normans died after June 6, 1944, and the city of Caen was heavily bombed and shelled and was under siege for another month before being liberated.
The museum is broken up into different sections including German general Wilhelm Richter’s bunker which is located under the museum. Guests can walk through the 70 meter (240 foot) long tunnel.
Suggested Itineraries
1-Day Itinerary: Highlights Tour
If you only have one day, make sure to get an early start. Visit Omaha Beach and the Normandy American Cemetery. It’s a moving tribute and a great place to start your day. From there, head to Pointe du Hoc, a dramatic piece of coastline with steep bluffs and bunkers. End your day in Arromanches-les-Bains and visit the D-Day Museum, which is connected to Gold Beach.
2-Day Itinerary: D-Day Focus
- Day 1: Head to Sainte-Mère-Église, where paratroopers first landed and visit the Paratroopers Museum, and then Pointe du Hoc followed by a visit to the American Cemetery and Omaha Beach.
- Day Begin your day at the Juno Beach Centre to see the museum and tour the bunkers. Then make your way to Arromanches des Bains and visit the D-Day Museum of Arromanches, followed by the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer.
3-Day Itinerary: Full D-Day Itinerary
- Day 1: Utah Beach, Sainte-Mère-Église, the Paratrooper Museum, and Bayeux, including the Bayeux tapestry and Notre Dame Cathedral. Explore this historic town in the evening.
- Day 2: Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc and the American Cemetery and then Arromanches des Bain, Gold Beach including the D-Day Museum of Arromanches and the British Normandy Memorial at Gold Beach.
- Day 3: Juno Beach, Sword Beach, and Pegasus Bridge.
Practical Tips for Visiting
- Best Time to Visit: We think Normandy is best explored in late spring and early fall. Visiting in early October was perfect weather-wise, and there were fewer crowds.
- What to Pack: Layers are a must, it’s France and the weather is always unpredictable. Normandy can see many seasons in one day. It is windy, it can be rainy and cool. Comfortable shoes are a must, we did a lot of walking.
- Guided Tours or Independent Travel: We opted for a guided tour for its convenience and to ensure we saw everything. If you opt to travel independently, you’ll want to plan your time very carefully and allow enough time for each location.
- If you are not taking a guided tour, the best way to get around Normandy is by car. You can compare car rentals here.
Visiting the D-Day Beaches in Normandy is not just a trip; it’s an experience. Each location has its own unique story, a testament to the bravery of soldiers on both sides. It’s a moving experience and one that we won’t soon forget. Plan your trip thoughtfully, and be prepared to be moved by the beauty and bravery of Normandy.
