If you’re visiting the capital and want to get a glimpse of the D-Day sites and Normandy beaches that have become places of remembrance and remembrance? Take a 1-day trip from Paris to the D-Day landing beaches to discover these unmissable sites of the 2nd World War!
In this article, plan your ideal 1-day getaway in the footsteps of D-Day. Discover our selection of the 8 best excursions to visit the D-Day Beaches from Paris and make your choice!
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Our 3 favorite excursions to the D-Day Beaches from Paris
Before discovering our detailed opinions on each of the selected excursions, here are our 3 favorites:
- Soak up the soul of the D-Day landing beaches – France see details and book
- Private tour of Normandy’s beaches – see program and book
- Commonwealth Cemetery, Pont Pégasus, Longues-sur-Mer, Omaha Beach – see program and book
1. Excursion to the D-Day landing beaches from Paris
Why do we recommend this tour?
On this immersive day tour, you’ll take to the road for a 1st stop at the German Batteries of Longues-sur-Mer, an emblematic site nestled on the cliffs of the coast. This impressive fortress was part of the German defensive system of the Atlantic Wall. Its remains bear witness to the conflict that took place on June 6, 1944 and shaped the destiny of millions of people.
Continue your day at Omaha Beach, the bloodiest beach of the D-Day landings, where most of the American troops landed in June 1944. You’ll feel the soul of this place of remembrance, which played a major role in the end of WW2.
In Colleville-sur-Mer, opposite Omaha Beach, you can visit the Overlord Museum. It offers a unique collection of over 10,000 objects, with immersive, realistic reconstructions to immerse you in the atmosphere of the D-Day landings.
This museum is much more than just a collection of objects, it’s a place of memory and transmission. Other locations are planned for this busy day, including Pointe du Hoc. Between Utah Beach and Omaha Beach, it borders the English Channel. From the top of its imposing cliffs, we travelled through history and admired a landscape where azure blends with the dark green of the cape.
The tour ends with a moment of meditation and emotion at the 70-hectare Normandy American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer!
What you will see
This tour is well worth the detour for several reasons: you’ll get a glimpse of the unique places where the history of D-Day was played out:
- the German batteries at Longues-sur-Mer and their cannons
- part of the German defensive system of the Atlantic Wall
- the legendaryOmaha Beach, where the Americans landed on D-Day
- the Overlord Museum, immersive and realistic
- the unique landscapes of Pointe du Hoc between the cliffs
- Normandy American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer
- all with an English-speaking guide!
How much time should I allow?
Allow a full day for this excursion from Paris.
Is the tour family-friendly?
If you’re a family, please note that children under 7 are not allowed on this tour. On the other hand, for older visitors, it will also be a means of acculturating them by immersing them in the major sites that made up the history of the 2nd World War.
Reserve your place now for this excursion!
2. Excursion to American landing sites
Why do we recommend this tour?
You’ll relive D-Day from D-Day to the (re)conquest of freedom by Allied troops. Embark with us to explore the major historic sites where American troops played an essential role on D-Day 1944! Utah Beach and Omaha Beach are the American landing areas. Several museums, bunkers and sculptures tell the story of D-Day and perpetuate the memory, such as the sculpture Les Braves, an important and poignant memorial at Omaha Beach.
Like millions of people today, come to these beaches to pay tribute to the soldiers who came from across the Atlantic. Relive this crucial step towards the liberation of Europe!
For an American perspective on D-Day, add to your list the Colleville-sur-Mer American Cemetery, the Overlord Museum and the Sainte-Mère-Église Airborne Museum. This unique museum is dedicated to the American paratroopers who arrived at dawn on June 6, 1944. The museum faces the church, which many will recognize because parachutist John Steele became famous for hanging from its steeple.
What you will see
Depending on the option you choose, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy for a day at these various sites of history and remembrance dedicated to American troops:
- Omaha Beach, its memorials and numerous museums
- Utah Beach, its museums, sculptures and batteries
- Colleville-sur-Mer American Cemetery, with nearly 10,000 soldiers’ graves
- the Airborne Museum in Sainte-Mère-Église, dedicated to American paratroopers
How much time should I allow?
Allow a full day from Paris to complete all these visits and enjoy these places of immersion in history. For museums, you’ll need between 1h and 3h depending on your time. Finally, allow around 2 hours for the cemetery.
Is the tour family-friendly?
These places are ideal for children, especially if you want to teach them about history in an immersive, educational setting. For example, the interactive and immersive dimension of the Airborne Museum is well thought out for children. Thanks to the Histopad tablet, your toddlers can set off in search of war relics hidden in the museum: a real treasure hunt!
We liked this museum because it was genuinely designed with children in mind. A special tour route is dedicated to them. For an even more entertaining visit, 3 game books for ages 6 to 15, as well as coloring pages, can be downloaded free of charge from the official website here.
Full day:
- Utah Beach, Pointe du Hoc, American Cemetery and Calvados tasting – France see prices and availability
- Omaha Beach, Sainte-Mère-Église, American cemetery – more
- American landing sites combined at Juno Beach – reserve your place
- In the footsteps of the American paratroopers in Normandy – find out more
- Day trip to Omaha Beach by limousine (and major sights) – see program
On site:
- 2-hour ride in an original WW2 jeep from Utah Beach to the village of Sainte-Mère-Église. see prices and availability
3. Excursion to British landing sites
Why do we recommend this tour?
Did you know that British troops were assigned Gold Beach and Sword Beach (the latter with French troops) during Operation Overlord?
With its remains of bunkers and the artificial Mulberry Harbour created by the Allies, a visit to Gold Beach is an unforgettable experience. Located between the Calvados towns of Asnelles and Ver-sur-Mer, it is surrounded by other major D-Day sites.
Continuing along the Normandy coast in Calvados, discover Sword Beach and its commemorative monuments. This beach was part of Operation Overlord launched on June 6, 1944. We took the opportunity to discover several interesting memorials and museums nearby during our visit.
Another must-see place of remembrance in the footsteps of British soldiers is the Bayeux British Military Cemetery. It is a place of solemnity and emotion, where over 4,000 soldiers are buried. A not-to-be-missed stopover on your D-Day-themed day with a British perspective.
What you will see
This program promises a day full of beautiful images, memories and emotions:
- the beaches of Gold Beach and Sword Beach
- their must-see museums and memorials
- the remains of the Mulberry artificial harbour
- the Great Bunker Museum (Atlantic Wall)
- Bayeux British Military Cemetery and Memorial
How much time should I allow?
For a full-day visit, allow 1h30 to 2h for museums. Take a leisurely stroll along the beaches of Gold Beach and Sword Beach, and admire the untouched remains of these historic moments. The cemetery can be visited in 1 hour if you cross it completely and go to the memorial on the other side of the boulevard.
Is the tour family-friendly?
From the age of 7-8, children are able to understand this period of history. You can plan a family outing that’s both educational and fun, as the D-Day Beaches are great places to wander around. If you’re traveling with small children, it’s best to take a baby carrier with you, as it’s easier to get around.
1 day from Paris:
- Pointe du Hoc, Gold Beach and Port Mulberry – see prices and availability
If you first go to Caen from Paris:
- Landing in Normandy in the British sector – more
On site:
- Bicycle tour from Omaha Beach to Gold Beach see program
4. Excursion to Canadian landing sites Day D
Why do we recommend this tour?
Are you fascinated by the liberation of Europe by Canadian troops during the Second World War? Embark on a full-day tour of major sites such as Juno Beach, the village of Courseulles-sur-Mer and the Canadian military cemetery at Beny-sur-Mer.
To round off this emotionally-charged day dedicated to the heroic exploits of the Canadian army during the D-Day landings, you can stop off at the Canadian Memorial to the Abbaye d’Ardenne Massacre in Caen, where many Canadian soldiers were executed a few days after the landings. Finally, end your tour at Caen Carpiquet airport, liberated by Canadian troops in 1944.
What you will see
In one day, if you’re looking to visit the major sites of the Canadian sector at D-Day:
- Juno Beach and the scars of war
- Beny-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery
- the Maison des Canadiens in Bernières-sur-Mer
- the Canadian Memorial to the Abbaye d’Ardenne Massacre in Caen
How much time should I allow?
Take a full-day trip in the footsteps of Canadian soldiers in World War II! To reach Juno Beach, where you can spend a few hours of your visit, you’ll have to climb a small dune of white sand. You’ll see that the beach stretches as far as the eye can see, especially at low tide. To visit the cemetery, allow around 1h30.
Embark on a D-Day themed day in the Canadian sector from Paris!
5. D-Day Beaches and cider tasting
Why do we recommend this tour?
Sand, dunes, cliffs… but also bunkers, sculptures and museums. The 5 D-Day landing beaches are a must for any trip to Normandy. Like us, you’ll find their story both moving and inspiring. Utah Beach, Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, military cemeteries… Each of these places now has memorials and museums to help us remember. We really enjoyed visiting them.
How can you pass through Normandy without tasting cider or calvados? As you may know, Normandy cider is sold all over the world. Made from apples only or from locally-grown apples and pears, it’s the perfect accompaniment to a selection of local Normandy produce. You may also have the opportunity to taste Poiré, made exclusively from Normandy pears. A delight!
What you will see
On this guided tour, you’ll stop off at
- Utah Beach and Omaha Beach
- the majestic cliffs of Pointe du Hoc
- Utah Beach Museum
- Colleville-sur-Mer American Cemetery
- lunch with cider and calvados tasting
- Normandy cheeses during your meal
- and an expert English-speaking guide
How much time should I allow?
Allow a full day for this educational, historical and gourmet excursion!
Reserve your place for this day on the D-Day Beaches with cider tasting!
6. Getaway to the Caen Memorial and Omaha Beach
Why do we recommend this tour?
A must-see when visiting Normandy, we plunged into the heart of 20th-century history when we visited the Caen Memorial. We’ll never forget our visit to the museum, because we were captivated!
Inaugurated in 1988 by François Mittérand, the memorial aims to promote peace and pay tribute to the victims of the Second World War. Thanks to interactive exhibits, historical documents and personal accounts, you can deepen your knowledge of this period in history.
Then make a stop along the Normandy coast, on Bloody Omaha Beach, the most famous D-Day beach because it was so deadly. We took the opportunity to visit the American Cemetery overlooking the beach, and other commemorative sites nearby.
What you will see
During our visit to the memorial, we had a few favorite moments. We are aware that everyone’s sensibilities are different. Nevertheless, we’d like to share our 3 highlights with you:
- visit to the bunker: former underground command post of German General Wilhelm Richter, a place that played a crucial role in the first decisive weeks of the Battle of Normandy.
- authentic aircraft: as soon as we entered the museum, we were greeted by a Howker Typhoon. Later, we gazed at a rather impressive Soviet MIG 21 fighter plane.
- historical newspapers: we loved discovering the front pages of period newspapers during our visit. They bear witness to the climate of terror during this period, but also to the explosion of joy at the moment of liberation!
How much time should I allow?
This depends on whether you opt for a guided day trip from Paris or go it alone. We recommend you allow at least 2 to 3 hours to visit the Caen Memorial. It’s a very vast and dense museum. History buffs, we could easily have stayed for a full half-day!
Is the tour family-friendly?
The Caen Memorial is ideal for families with children. Interactive and dynamic, it’s an important place for young people to discover, as it’s part of our shared history. What’s more, in summer the memorial offers a guided educational tour with a mediator, enabling families to retrace the major themes of the Second World War.
Book your admission to the Caen Memorial today here .
Choose a combined tour of the Caen Memorial and D-Day Beaches here .
Schedule your private tour of the D-Day landing beaches with admission to the Caen Memorial here.
7. Museum of the Atlantic Wall (Grand Bunker) and Sword Beach
Why do we recommend this tour?
The Grand Bunker (or Musée du Mur de l’Atlantique) is a former Axis command and fire post at Ouistreham dating from the 2nd World War. Completely renovated, we marveled at this bunker which houses the museum and recounts the lives of German soldiers at the time.
Did you know that the Musée du Mur de l’Atlantique is one of the few authentic “blockhaus” preserved in France? Passionate about the history of D-Day, the founders and owners of the museum, Fabrice and Brigitte Corbin, have done a remarkable work of memory to retrace the history of the Atlantic Wall and the daily life of German soldiers until D-Day on June 6, 1944. This museum remains a must if you are visiting Ouistreham, the starting point for discovering the D-Day beaches.
Close to the museum, along the coast, Sword Beach is the D-Day beach that was part of Operation Overlord, launched on June 6, 1944. We took the opportunity to discover several interesting memorials and museums in the vicinity.
What you will see
During this day organized by you, you will be able to observe..:
- the former German HQ in the Grand Bunker
- the realistic staging, with its attention to detail, imagines the daily life of the soldiers in this bunker
- the famous PA 30-31 barge among the 2,800 objects on display under the spotlight in the film “Saving Private Ryan”.
- Sword Beach, its museums and memorials
- the Pegasus Bridge near Sword Beach in the footsteps of British paratroopers
How much time should I allow?
This depends on whether you opt for a guided day trip from Paris or go it alone. Allow 1 to 2 hours to visit the Grand Bunker, depending on your interest in the information presented and the different levels of the museum. The place is full of staircases, and some rooms are a little cramped. If you don’t like enclosed spaces or if you suffer from claustrophobia, choose periods of very low traffic.
Is the tour family-friendly?
The museum’s staging, character costumes and machines will delight young and old alike. The explanations around the exhibited objects and mannequins are very educational to understand the Second World War differently. We loved the labyrinthine aspect of the Grand Bunker, which is great fun for children. Don’t forget that there are lots of stairs inside. If you’re going with small children, opt for a baby carrier instead of a stroller if your little ones are feeling tired!
Read our article on the Great Bunker Museum of the Atlantic Wall here
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Normandy
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is comfortable enough (distances can be long) but compact (some parking lots and villages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
8. Bayeux Military Cemetery and Battle of Normandy Museum
Why do we recommend this tour?
Discover France’s largest British military cemetery at Bayeux in Calvados. Join us as we retrace the steps of the Allied soldiers who liberated France. A place of commemoration, we enjoyed our visit to the cemetery, a must-see in Normandy, which houses the Commonwealth Soldiers’ Memorial.
You’ll love walking through this cemetery, dedicated to the memory of resistance fighters, and discovering the town of Bayeux, spared during the 2nd World War.
Then stop off at the Musée Mémorial de la Bataille de Normandie in Bayeux. The only one of its kind, it retraces every stage of the D-Day landings and the legendary battle that helped bring the Second World War to an end. Nearly 2300 m2 are dedicated to the exhibition of the military operations that marked the Battle of Normandy during the landing of the Allied troops in the summer of 1944. Did you know that this is the only museum that tells the story of military operations in the summer of 1944 in detail? It’s also within easy driving distance of the D-Day landing beaches.
Thanks to its chronological tour, you will be able to “go back in time” at the Battle of Normandy Memorial Museum with:
- illustrated stages and maps explaining the 1944 landings,
- showcases featuring Allied and German soldiers and their equipment,
- showing of the archive film “Normandie 44, Victoire décisive à l’Ouest”.
What you will see
In our opinion, this day trip is worth the detour, because you’ll get the most out of it:
- Battle of Normandy Memorial Museum
- immersive spaces, tanks and vehicles
- Bayeux British Military Cemetery, where more than 4,000 soldiers are buried
- the Commowealth Soldiers’ Memorial, a place of remembrance where we felt a great deal of emotion
- if you’re continuing on to the D-Day landing beaches, we recommend Omaha Beach, the nearest one.
How much time should I allow?
Allow 1h to 1h30 maximum if you want to take the time to visit each stage of the Bayeux Battle of Normandy Memorial Museum. At the Military Cemetery, you can plan a 1-hour visit. You’ll even have time to drive to one of Bayeux’s closest D-Day Beaches, such as Omaha Beach, just a 25-minute drive away.
Is the tour family-friendly?
With your children, in a stroller, baby carrier or on foot, the museum’s itinerary is adapted to your needs. Depending on their age, they will also appreciate the reenactments, the displays featuring soldiers and the tanks exhibited in this museum. As for the cemetery, it’s a soothing, leafy spot with PRM access.
If you’re travelling from Paris to Caen for 1 day, opt for a excursion to the British sector including the British Military Cemetery and other memorial sites.
You can also organize your own day out by renting a car, or by reading our articles on the cemetery and museum in Bayeux.
MORE ABOUT THE D-Day sites
- The best landing sites to visit
- Visit the 5 D-Day landing beaches
- Where to stay – best hotels near the beach
- The best D-Day museums in Normandy
- German batteries to visit
- Car rental tips: Caen – Roissy-CDG – Orly – Beauvais
- Visit Omaha Beach
- Visit Utah Beach
- Visit Gold Beach
- Visit Sword Beach
- Visit Juno Beach (coming soon)
Other excursions to the D-Day Beaches from Paris
If you’ve got more than a day’s drive from Paris to the D-Day Beaches, take a look at our selection of tours lasting longer than 1 day:
- 2 days: Normandy’s most beautiful towns, Mont-Saint-Michel and the D-Day landing beaches. see program and book
- 2 days: discover the D-Day Beaches, Rouen, Caen, Honfleur, Saint-Malo and Mont-Saint-Michel – see program and book
- 7 days: the most beautiful places in Normandy, Chateaux of the Loire Valley and Burgundy – more
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Paris to the D-Day landing beaches?
To get from Paris to the D-Day landing beaches, you have a choice:
- By car: this is the most practical option with guided tours, as you’ll have more freedom of movement and can go wherever you please. Read our tips for renting a car at Paris Orly and Roissy CDG airports.
- Organized tour: this is the 2nd option we prefer, as you can relax on the way and not drive. Scroll up to discover our selection of the best excursions to the D-Day Beaches from Paris!
- By train: you won’t have many train options. The nearest towns to the D-Day landing beaches are Bayeux and Caen. They are linked to Paris by train in just over 2 hours. You’ll then need to take a bus to reach the beaches. A number of museums and D-Day memorial sites are also located within these cities. Book your train tickets now!
How do I organize my visit to the D-Day landing beaches?
If you’re just passing through Paris, we strongly advise you to opt for a guided tour lasting 1 day or more, if you have the time. You don’t have to drive, and your itinerary is designed according to the theme of the guided tour. Find all the options here.
On the other hand, if you’ve already rented a car, you can choose one of the tours suggested above to do on your own in 1 day from the capital.
And if you have more time, take a look at our Normandy itineraries:
- excursions from Paris to Normandy
- Normandy in 1 week
- Normandy in 5 days
How to visit the D-Day Beaches from Paris without a car?
To visit the D-Day Beaches from Paris without a car, you can take the train and then a bus from Bayeux or Caen to the Normandy coast. You can also opt for a guided tour from Paris (see our selection above) or from Bayeux.
Which is the best D-Day museum to visit?
D-Day and the Battle of Normandy left an indelible mark on the region and the world. If you’re planning a trip to the D-Day Beaches and surrounding area, there are plenty of places of remembrance to visit! It can be difficult to plan a trip with the amount of beaches, museums, batteries and other places to visit. Find our selection of the best D-Day sites in Normandy and tips to help you plan.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Normandy
Inspiration destinations
- Deciding where to go in Normandy – the best destinations
- Our weekend ideas: best-of, romantic, unusual, seaside, luxury, family
- 16 seaside hotels in Normandy
- The most beautiful charming hotels in Normandy
Best of
Practice
- Where to stay in Normandy – best places and hotels
- See our tips for renting a car at CDG airport, Orly airport, Beauvais airport, Caen, Rouen, Bayeux…
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
