D-Day Landing Beaches (9 H)

Step into the footsteps of history on this private driver-guided tour of Normandy’s D-Day landing beaches, departing from Bayeux. This moving full-day journey honors the courage, sacrifice, and strategic brilliance of the Allied forces during the pivotal events of June 6, 1944.

Your day begins with pick-up from your accommodation in the picturesque town of Bayeux. Your first stop is the village of Sainte-Mère-Église, one of the first towns liberated during the Allied invasion. Here, history comes to life as you visit the iconic church where paratrooper John Steele famously dangled from the steeple, an image immortalized in The Longest Day. Learn about the critical role of the American 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions in securing the area.

Next, journey to Utah Beach, the westernmost of the American landing zones. At the Utah Beach Museum, built directly on the site of the landings, explore immersive exhibits, original vehicles, and personal stories that bring the battle to life. Gain a deeper understanding of the planning, execution, and unexpected challenges that marked this moment in history.

The tour then takes a reflective turn with a visit to the German War Cemetery at La Cambe, the final resting place of over 21,000 German soldiers. The site offers a somber, balanced perspective on the human cost of war, fostering reflection and remembrance.

Continue to the dramatic cliffs of Pointe du Hoc, where U.S. Army Rangers scaled sheer rock faces under enemy fire to neutralize key artillery positions. Walk among preserved bunkers and bomb craters, haunting remnants of a battle that changed the course of the war.

From there, you’ll head to the blood-stained sands of Omaha Beach, the most ferociously defended of the landing sites. As you stand on this now-peaceful shore, imagine the chaos and heroism that unfolded here. Your guide will recount the stories of individual soldiers and units whose bravery turned the tide.

The day culminates at the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, overlooking Omaha Beach. With its immaculate white crosses and Stars of David, this sacred ground honors 9,386 American servicemen and women. Take time to walk among the graves, visit the chapel and memorial, and reflect on the magnitude of the sacrifice made for freedom.

As your day ends, you'll return to Bayeux, enriched with a deeper appreciation for the courage and sacrifice that shaped history.