Semi-Private Normandy D-Day Beaches Day Trip from Paris

Along with visiting these historic sites, you’ll enjoy a refreshing cider tasting to savor the authentic flavors of Normandy. Explore the Operation Overlord Museum and Pointe du Hoc, gaining a deeper understanding of the key moments of WWII. With plenty of time to reflect at each location, this immersive tour concludes with a comfortable return to Paris.

Semi-Private Normandy D-Day Beaches Day Trip from Paris

Your 11-hours tour include:

• Round-trip transportation in a luxury minibus

• Small group size for a personalized experience

• Omaha Beach and key D-Day landing sites

• Exploration of preserved German bunkers

• Tasting of Normandy’s famed cider

• Time for reflection and exploration at each site

Scenic drive to Normandy

Your adventure begins with a relaxing departure from Avenue de Wagram in Paris, near the iconic Arc de Triomphe, where your expert guide will introduce you to the day's itinerary. Aboard a luxury minibus, you'll enjoy a comfortable two-hour journey to Normandy through the scenic French countryside. Along the way, your guide will provide fascinating insights into the historical significance of the region and the D-Day landings, setting the stage for the incredible stories you'll encounter throughout the day.

German bunkers and Omaha Beach

Your journey through Normandy begins at the German bunkers at Longues-sur-Mer, part of the "Atlantic Wall" built by Nazi Germany to defend against the Allied invasion. These well-preserved coastal bunkers, with massive artillery still pointing toward the English Channel, provide a striking reminder of the formidable defenses the Allies faced. Standing on the cliffs, you’ll see the scale of these fortifications, which were designed to halt the invasion. Your guide will share the history behind the site, explaining the strategic importance of Longues-sur-Mer and the obstacles it posed for the Allies during the D-Day landings.

From Longues-sur-Mer, you’ll move on to Omaha Beach, one of the most significant and harrowing sites of the D-Day landings. Known as "Bloody Omaha," this beach witnessed the tragic loss of nearly 2,500 American soldiers on June 6, 1944, in just a few hours. As you walk along the sands, your guide will recount the intense battle that took place here. On D-Day, American forces were tasked with securing Omaha Beach as part of Operation Overlord, but they encountered fierce German resistance from troops positioned on high ground. The soldiers faced heavy machine-gun fire, artillery, and obstacles in the sand, all while storming the beach under intense fire. The bravery and sacrifice displayed here were pivotal in securing a foothold in Normandy, and the site remains a deeply moving place to reflect on the courage of those who fought and fell.

Operation Overlord Museum, Pointe du Hoc, and lunch

Next, you’ll visit the Operation Overlord Museum, located near Omaha Beach. This museum offers a vast collection of artifacts, from military vehicles to personal items, that tell the story of the meticulous planning and intense battles of the Normandy invasion. You’ll have an hour to explore at your own pace, diving into the history of D-Day through immersive exhibits.

Afterward, it’s time for lunch. The guide will lead you to a nearby restaurant offering a variety of local specialties, including French barbecued meats, assorted salads, and both savory and sweet crepes. You'll have one hour to relax and savor your lunch. Following this relaxing break, you’ll head to Pointe du Hoc, one of the most dramatic and pivotal sites of the D-Day landings.

Here, American Army Rangers scaled 100-foot cliffs under enemy fire to neutralize German artillery that threatened the success of the invasion. Walking across the cratered, battle-scarred terrain, you’ll see preserved bunkers and remnants of artillery. Your guide will recount the incredible bravery and determination of the Rangers, bringing to life the events that took place on this rugged coastline.

Normandy American Cemetery, cider tasting, and return to Paris

After Pointe du Hoc, you’ll visit a family-owned cider house for a brief and delightful cider tasting. Here, you’ll sample Normandy’s famous cider, Calvados, or non-alcoholic apple juice while learning about the region’s cider-making traditions.

The final and most poignant stop of the day is the Normandy American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer. Overlooking Omaha Beach, this serene and solemn site is the resting place of more than 9,000 American soldiers who gave their lives during the D-Day landings and the Battle of Normandy. Rows of white crosses and Stars of David stretch across the landscape, serving as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made for freedom. Your guide will share stories of individual soldiers, highlighting their incredible acts of heroism, and you’ll have time to reflect and pay your respects.

As the day concludes, you’ll embark on the 2.5-hour journey back to Paris. The scenic drive offers time to process the powerful experiences of the day. After a brief stop to stretch your legs, you’ll arrive back at 6 Avenue de Wagram around 8 PM, carrying with you a profound understanding of the bravery and sacrifices that shaped the course of history.