Normandy D-Day Beaches | From Paris

In a few words

Set off on a tour from Paris, visiting the iconic sites of the Normandy D-Day Landings in the company of a guide.

In detail

On 6 June 1944, also known as D-Day, the Allies opened up a new front against the troops of Germany's Third Reich. It was the largest military operation in history, which marked the start of the Battle of Normandy and would eventually lead to the end of the Second World War. More than 150,000 soldiers from America, Britain, Canada, and many other different nations landed by air and sea on a number of beaches along the Normandy coastline (Utah, Omaha etc.) as well as at the Pointe du Hoc.

Pick up at your Paris accommodation at 7:00 a.m. for a minibus journey of around three hours to the Normandy Beaches.

Your first stop will be at the Pointe du Hoc, between Omaha and Utah beaches, overlooking the hundred-foot-high cliffs. Stormed by the American Rangers on D-Day, it was one of the most important German fortified sites along the Normandy coastline and was equipped, at that time, with several heavy artillery posts. A 45-minute guided tour is scheduled.

Your next stop will be Omaha Beach (nicknamed "The Beach of Blood"). Of all the Allied beaches, it saw the greatest number of casualties. It is located beneath the 170-acre Colleville cemetery, the next destination on your tour. The famous American military cemetery at Saint Laurent is home to 9,387 white marble headstones, a memorial, chapel, and the Garden of the Missing. It pays tribute to the American soldiers that died during the Battle of Normandy and is one of 25 permanent United States burial sites overseas.

Lunch is not included.

After lunch, you will continue on to Arromanches, a historic town known for its artificial port, which was built as part of the Normandy landings. On D-Day, the harbour saw the unloading of almost 10,000 tons of equipment. You can still see the floating reinforced concrete "Phoenix" constructions in the water.

Return to your Paris accommodation is scheduled for approximately 8 pm.

Leave our meeting point in Pullman Paris Eiffel Tower Hotel at 7 a.m. for a unique day in Normandy. Relax on the luxury air-conditioned coach journey and admire the beautiful landscapes of the Normandy countryside as you reach the Caen Memorial Museum at around 10:15 am.

The Caen Memorial Museum, also known as the Peace Museum, tells the story of the various stages of the Second World War, in particular the Battle of Normandy and the advance of the Allied forces across France. You will have the chance to see everyday objects from life under occupation, maps, and models of military vehicles, as well as film screenings that recreate the emotions of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy.

Lunch is not included

In the afternoon, your tour will continue to several of the iconic landmarks that played a part in the landings.

Your first stop will be at the Pointe du Hoc, overlooking the hundred-foot-high cliffs between Utah and Omaha beaches. Stormed by the American Rangers on June 6, it was one of the key German fortified sites along the Normandy coast and was equipped, at that time, with extensive heavy artillery.

You will then visit the famous American Cemetery at Saint Laurent, located just above Omaha Beach, near the town of Colleville-sur-Mer. This 170-acre site is home to 9,387 white marble headstones, lined up perfectly across the grass, a memorial, a chapel, and the Garden of the Missing. It pays tribute to the American soldiers that died during the Battle of Normandy and is one of 25 permanent burial sites in the United States and abroad. A small trail leads down the hill to Omaha Beach, giving you the opportunity to walk across the sand. You will have one hour to explore the site.

Following this visit, you will stop at Arromanches, a historic town known for its artificial port, which was built to assist the Normandy landings. On D-Day, the harbour saw the unloading of almost 10,000 tons of equipment. You can still make out the floating reinforced concrete "Phoenix" constructions in the water.

Otherwise, you will make a short photo-stop near the sandy Juno Beach and its cemetery, one of the key D-Day landing beaches for Canadian troops on June 6, 1944.

Return to Paris scheduled for approximately 8 pm.