best places to visit in normandy ww2

Road Trip Normandy WW2 Sites

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Exploring the Normandy Landing Beaches & Other Key WW2 Sites in France

The coast of  Normandy , in  Northern France , is a pilgrimage site for people interested in World War 2 and history in general. It is incredible to think that much of the chapter that shaped Western Europe as we know it today happened in this region in France. We are talking, of course, about the Landing on the Beaches of Normandy  and the battles that followed, one of the most momentous chapters in modern history that led to Western Europe’s liberation from the Nazis.

People visiting Normandy can still see the Normandy landing beaches and other key WW2 sites in France on a day trip or, even better, on a Normandy road trip. This trip to the D-day landing sites can be emotionally exhausting, but it is essential to keep this chapter of our history alive in our memories so it will never be repeated.

This 3-day Normandy road trip from Caen to Sainte-Mère-Église covers the landing beaches in Normandy and other important WW2 places to visit in France. This road trip to the Normandy WW2 sites, map included, is a good itinerary for those who love history, sightseeing, and natural sites.

This 3-day itinerary around the Normandy landing sites is one of the best road trips in France . Read more about road-tripping in France:

Road Trip Normandy Landing Sites Overview

• Start:  Caen
• Finish:  Sainte-Mère Église
• Duration:  3 days
• Suggested Route:  Caen – Bayeux – Sainte-Mère Église
• Total distance:  165 km, 3 hours drive in total
• Regions covered:  Normandy
• Best for:  history, nature, sightseeing

Road Trip Normandy WW2 Sites Map

Click here to view this WW2 Sites France Map on Google

Landing Beaches in Normandy – Road Trip Itinerary 3 Days

This Normandy road trip starts from Caen. If you want to visit Paris before taking a self-drive vacation to Normandy in a hire car, you can travel from Paris to Caen by train and pick up your rental car in Caen. Check out our best tips for car rental in France .

Click here to rent your car in Caen

Day 0 | Arrival in Caen

The first stop of this road trip to the WW2 sites Normandy is  Caen , where you will spend two nights. For your stay in Caen, we recommend the Hotel Best Western Plus Le Moderne , which is beautiful, comfortable, and very central. This hotel is located a few minutes walk from the Château Ducal and the Caen Abbey.

Click here to book your stay at Hotel Best Western Plus Le Moderne

Day 1 | Caen

Morning in Caen

Day 1 of this Normandy road trip visits Caen. On this day, you only need the car to travel to the Caen Memorial Museum, which is outside of the city center.

Caen  is the third-largest city in the region of Normandy, after Le Havre and Rouen. At only 2 hours from Paris and connected to England by the ferry line Caen – Portsmouth, its strategic position makes Caen a great place to start your Normandy WW2 sites road trip.

Caen is the city of William the Conqueror and the City of a Hundred Bell Towers . However, the city was badly damaged during the Battle of Caen in WW2, and many of these churches were destroyed.

At dawn on 6 June, the bombing of towns in Normandy began. The Allies’ objective was to destroy the towns to obliterate all communications and slow down German reinforcements. On the morning of 7 June, about ten of Lower Normandy’s towns, including Caen, Lisieux, Coutances, Saint-Lo, and Vire, had been wiped from the map.

Today the reconstructed Caen is a lively and vibrant city. There are many fun things to see and do in Caen, especially if you are interested in history and architecture.

Apart from the Caen Memorial Museum (more on this below), the list of must-sees in Caen includes:

• Caen’s Citadel, built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century
• Château Ducal
• Musée des Beaux-Arts
• Church of St. Pierre Caen
• Abbaye-aux-Hommes, in Norman style, was founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. It hosts King William’s tomb
• Abbaye-aux-Dames
• Beautiful traditional architecture, timbered houses built in the 15th century

Afternoon at Caen Memorial Museum

Caen’s Memorial Museum  is one of the musts of any Normandy WW2 Sites trip. If you decide to visit the   D-Day Sites on a day tour from Paris , this is usually the tour’s first stop.

This Memorial and ‘Museum for Peace’ displays a vast collection of objects and documents related to the Second World War, mainly focusing on French and European content. The museum was built above  General Richter’s command bunker , which is today restored and open, so visitors can also see how was the daily life of the German soldiers in the bunker during the occupation.

Among the different exhibition rooms, there’s one dedicated to D-Day and another one devoted to the invasion of Caen. There’s also a short documentary about the D-Day landings replayed every 30 minutes, which is interesting and, at the same time, heartbreaking.

Don’t miss the  three memorial gardens  dedicated to the three leading allied nations involved in liberating France. They are located at the back of the museum, in front of the German bunker entrance.

DAY 2 | D-Day Landing Sites

The Normandy Landing Sites are some of the most important World War 2 sites in France. There are four Normandy Landing Beaches (Juno, Omaha, Gold, and Sword) plus the landing site of Pointe du Hoc.

From Caen, drive along the D79 to  Courcelles-sur-Mer  to explore the tranquil sand dunes of Juno Beach. Juno Beach was the codename for one of the main Landing Beaches in Normandy that was stormed by Canadian troops.

Juno Beach was one of the best-fortified sites after Omaha Beach. The delay of the tanks and the bombardments, which had left most of the German positions intact, led to high Allied losses in the first waves of assault. By midday, the division had disembarked entirely and, early in the evening, controlled Saint-Aubin-Sur-Mer. The following evening, the Canadian forces (21,500 survivors) joined forces with the British troops who had captured Sword Beach.

Every day, from 1 April to 31 October, the on-site  Juno Beach Center  offers 45-minute guided visits by Canadian guides through this historic site. During the tour, visitors can see firsthand the evolution of the Atlantic Wall defenses throughout the early 1940s and, of course, Juno Beach. The guides also show and explain how these defenses were overcome by the Canadian soldiers who landed on 6 June 1944.

This guided tour is also the only way to visit the German Command Post and the Observation Bunker.

Arromanches-les-Bains and Mulberry Harbors

After Juno Beach, head west along the D514 to  Arromanches-les-Bains  to visit Gold Beach –  which the British attacked on D-Day – and the  Musée du Débarquement .

The  Musée du Débarquement  details how the artificial Mulberry Harbors (temporary ports for the offloading of cargo crucial to the invasion) were engineered. Dioramas, models, and two films explain the logistics and importance of the artificial harbor of Port Winston in Gold Beach.

A good alternative to the Musée du Débarquement is Arromanches 360 Circular Cinema , a nine-screen cinema covering a 360º field of vision. Inside, visitors can watch a film about the Battle of Normandy. The cinema is located on the Arromanches clifftops not far from the Liberators Museum – Normandy 1944 – Click here to buy your tickets now

Omaha Beach

Omaha Beach   is one of the Normandy Landing Beaches stormed by the American troops and the one where the soldiers suffered the worst losses on D-Day.

Before the landings, the bombardments proved ineffective in wiping out many German positions dotted along the slopes above the beaches beyond Colleville-sur-Mer, Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer, and Vierville-sur-Mer. Some 1,800 GIs died in the waves or on the sand mown down by German bullets and shells – hence the beach’s nickname  Bloody Omaha .

Almost 2,300 more soldiers had been more or less seriously wounded and were evacuated by an unceasing shuttle of landing craft between the beach and the ships offshore, where they were given initial treatment before being transferred to hospitals in Britain.

Despite heavy losses, small groups of Americans made it up the slopes and took German positions from behind, so some gains were made, if at a high human cost.

Omaha Beach is a long beach with many memorials along the shore. The memorial  Les Braves is is located in Omaha Beach, while the Wounded Soldier Memorial (pictured above) is located at Sector Charlie.

Pointe du Hoc

La Pointe du Hoc  is the highest point between Omaha Beach to the east and Utah Beach to the west. La Pointe du Hoc was one of the key German fortified sites along the Normandy coast and was equipped, at that time, with extensive heavy artillery; that’s why Pointe du Hoc was considered the most dangerous mission of the D-Day Landings.

La Pointe du Hoc was the scene of a daring assault in the early hours of 6 June 1944. On that day, 225 US Army Rangers scaled the perilously steep 30m-high cliffs with the help of cords, ladders, and grappling irons to capture the site. Once they reached the top, the soldiers discovered the guns had been moved inland, so they set off to find and disable them while successfully enduring enemy counterattacks.

By the time the force was relieved on 8 June, only around 90 men had survived.

Today La Pointe du Hoc is a lovely place, even if the landscape remains scarred by the events of 1944. The hills and valleys that you can see in the picture above are holes and craters made by the bombs’ explosion. Amongst this particular landscape, visitors can still see the ruins of some German bunkers.

The First American War Cemetery Memorial in France

On the way back to Colleville-sur-Mer to visit the Normandy American Cemetery, take a short stop at Vierville-sur-Mer to see the Memorial of the  first American War Cemetery in France .

The text on the stone memorial reads:  “This marks the site of first American Cemetery in France World War II since moved to American Cemetery N:1

1st Infantry Division, 29th Infantry Division, 5th Engineer Special Brigade, 6th Engineer Special Brigade”

Normandy American War Cemetery and Memorial

The World War II Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial  is one of the most moving WW2 sites in France. It is situated on a cliff overlooking Omaha Beach and the English Channel in Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy. Here, we are on American soil because the French government granted this land to the United States of America forever.

The cemetery contains the graves of 9,387 American military dead, most of whom gave their lives during the landings and ensuing operations of World War 2, and it is the most visited cemetery managed by the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC).

On the walls of the semicircular garden on the east side of the memorial are inscribed the names of 1,557 Missing Americans who gave their lives in their country’s service but whose remains were not located or identified.

The memorial consists of a semicircular colonnade with a loggia at each end containing maps and narratives of the military operations. At the center is a bronze statue titled  ‘Spirit of American Youth.’ An orientation table overlooks the beach and depicts the landings at Normandy.

Day two of this road trip to the Normandy D-day sites ends at Bayeux, where you will spend one night. For your night in Bayeux, we recommend Clos de Bellefontaine B&B , a beautiful 19th-century private mansion set in a beautiful 2,000m2 park, with private parking on-site. Clos de Bellefontaine is located 200m from the Bayeux Tapestry.

Click here to book your stay at Clos de Bellefontaine B&B

Day 3 | Bayeux – Other Normandy WW2 Sites

Morning in Bayeux

Day 3 of this road trip explores Bayeux and other Normandy WW2 sites. Bayeux  was the first city to be liberated in mainland France. The city was very fortunate to avoid most of the destruction and tragedy that other towns in Normandy suffered following D-Day. For a very brief moment, Bayeux was the capital of Free France, and General Charles de Gaulle came to give a stirring speech here on 14 June 1944. Bayeux’s War Museum and the British Cemetery commemorate the sacrifices made in these parts.

Other interesting attractions in Bayeux include:

• Bayeux Cathedral, consecrated with the presence of William the Conqueror
• The Bayeux Tapestry

The  Bayeux Tapestry , a 70-meter-long and 50cm high embroidery, is an invaluable record of the conquest of England’s throne by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. It is listed in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register. The incredible Bayeux Tapestry depicts the clothes, castles, ships, and living conditions in the 11th century.

Afternoon at German War Cemetery at La Cambe

On the way to Sainte Mère Église from Bayeux (N13), take a short stop at La Cambe to visit the  German War Cemetery . The Kriegsgräberstätte has 21,160 graves. The hill in the middle of the cemetery is a mass grave with 296 casualties.

La Cambe was originally the site of a battlefield cemetery created on 10 June 1944 during the Battle of Normandy. American and German soldiers, sailors, and airmen were buried in two adjacent fields.

Following the end of the war in Europe in May 1945, the American Battle Monuments Commission began exhuming the remains of American service members and transferring them to their final resting place in accordance with the wishes of their families. Two-thirds of the fallen soldiers were transferred from this site back to the United States, while the remainder were re-interred at the new American Cemetery and Memorial at Colleville-sur-Mer, overlooking the Omaha Beach landing site.

The sign in front of the cemetery reads: ‘ The German Cemetery at La Cambe: In the Same Soil of France.

Until 1947, this was an American cemetery. The remains were exhumed and shipped to the United States. It has been German since 1948 and contains over 21,000 graves. With its melancholy rigor, it is a graveyard for soldiers, not all of whom had chosen either the cause or the fight. They too have found rest in our soil of France.’

Afternoon at Sainte-Mère Église

The last stop of this road trip WW2 sites, France, is the town of  Sainte Mère Église , which gained a place in history on D-Day as one of the first towns to be liberated. This was achieved through the efforts of American paratroopers who were dropped into Sainte-Mère-Église on the night of 5 June 1944.

One of the paratroopers, an American named John Steele, got his parachute caught on the church steeple and remained suspended for several hours until he was cut down and taken prisoner by German troops. Days later, he managed to escape from the Germans, and he returned to his regiment and survived the war.

To commemorate this event and the liberation of the town, a paratrooper effigy remains hanging from its white parachute near the windows of the bell tower (see picture above).

In Sainte-Mère Église, don’t miss the Airborne Museum dedicated to the memory of paratroopers of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions of the United States Army who parachuted into Normandy on the night of June 5–6, 1944.

This Normandy WW2 Sites road trip ends here. If you have some extra days in France, you can consider this Brittany road trip , which covers pretty medieval villages, natural sites, and world wonders.

D-Day Landing Sites – Historical Background

The Normandy Landing operation was the largest seaborne invasion in history. The invasion took place on Normandy’s beaches on Tuesday, 6 June 1944, by the Allies. The operation, known as D-Day , was the beginning of the liberation of German-occupied France (and later Europe) from Nazi control and laid the Allied victory foundations on the Western Front.

The planning of the Normandy invasion was begun in 1943 by the US, Canadian and British governments. The French resistance also had an essential role in this operation. The main constraints for this operation’s success were the weather, the tides, and the logistics (shipping of soldiers, machines, and guns from the US and Canada to the UK).

On the other side, the Germans were expecting an invasion from the sea, and of course, they were prepared. Adolf Hitler placed German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel in command of German forces. He was also in charge of developing fortifications along the  Atlantic Wall  in anticipation of an Allied invasion.

The first twenty-four hours of the invasion will be decisive. . . . [T]he fate of Germany depends on the outcome. For the Allies as well as Germany, it will be the longest day — Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, 22 April 1944

Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well-trained, well-equipped, and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely. But this is the year 1944! The tide has turned! The freemen of the world are marching together to victory! I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty, and skill in battle.

We will accept nothing less than full victory! Good luck! And let us all beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking. — Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Allied Commander, 6 June 1944

We have a sufficiency of troops; we have all the necessary tackle; we have an excellent plan. This is a perfectly normal operation which is certain of success. If anyone has any doubts in his mind, let him stay behind. — Gen. Bernard L. Montgomery, commanding Twenty-first Army Group.

The supreme battle is underway. It is, of course, the Battle of France and the Battle for France. For the sons of France, wherever they are, and whoever they are, the simple and sacred duty is to fight the enemy by all means at their disposal. — Gen. Charles de Gaulle, 6 June 1944

After many losses from both sides, the Normandy landing sites were all taken, and the Allied Forces connected on 12 June. Casualties were very high, and towns and cities were heavily destroyed. This was the price to pay in Normandy for our freedom.

Museums, memorials, war cemeteries, and other WW2 sites in France offer visitors a glimpse of this terrible chapter in our history. There’s a huge amount of documentation and collection of memories here, so we don’t forget.

So, what are you waiting for? Book this road trip to the D-Day Landing Sites today!

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Seven Unmissable World War II Sites to See in Normandy

Normandy is a wonderful part of France. It’s dotted with picturesque half-timbered villages and seaside towns and is renowned for its cuisine. The region is perhaps most known for the historically significant D-Day beaches and memorials. We’ve created a list of seven unmissable World War II sites to see in Normandy.

Caen Memorial Museum

The Caen Memorial Museum is a great place to start any visit to the World War II sites in Normandy. This museum is dedicated to the history of the 20th century and a large part of it focuses on World War II, the D-Day landings, and the Battle of Normandy. You’ll get an overview of the events before moving on to see the beaches, monuments, and memorials in person.

Pointe du Hoc

Pointe du Hoc is undoubtedly one of the most impressive World War II sites to see in Normandy. As you walk through, you’ll notice numerous bomb craters and German bunkers. Lieutenant Colonel Rudder lead 200 men from the 2nd Ranger Battalion up the 100-foot cliff to destroy a gun battery located between Utah and Omaha beaches. Upon reaching the top, the rangers discovered that the guns were already removed. They fought back counter-attacks for two days until reinforcements arrived.

La Cambe German Cemetery

La Cambe is the largest German military cemetery in Normandy. When visiting this cemetery, you’ll want to notice the somber color tones, design, and layout. It’s thought-provoking to compare it to the nearby Normandy American Cemetery.

Omaha Beach

Omaha Beach is a main site for American D-Day history. On D-Day, it was the destination for over two-thirds of the seaborne troops. Many of the courageous soldiers drowned or were killed on approach. The Americans suffered over 4,000 casualties on Omaha Beach, making it the bloodiest of the D-Day landing sites.

French Side Travel’s Tours and Unique Experiences in Normandy Want to experience the World War II beaches, monuments, and memorials differently? French Side Travel can organize the perfect tour for you to see the unmissable World War II sites in Normandy. We can arrange tours in a classic Jeep, multiple day excursions to dive deeper into the history with an expert guide, day trips from Paris to see the sites from a helicopter and more. French Side Travel Tip : Weather in this part of Normandy can be unpredictable. We always recommend bringing extra layers and rain gear.

Normandy American Cemetery

One of the most emotional World War II sites to visit is the Normandy American Cemetery. Here you’ll find crosses and Stars of David that mark the nearly 9,400 who died during the Allied Liberation of France. Three Medal of Honor recipients rest here as well as 45 sets of brothers. You’ll also find over 1,500 names carved on the walls of the Garden of the Missing.

The design of the Normandy American Cemetery is particularly powerful as the long, regular rows of headstones almost appear to rise from the water below. In the center, there is a bronze statue, “Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves.”

Longues-sur-Mer Battery

The German artillery battery at Longues-sur-Mer, located directly between the Gold and Omaha landing beaches, offered great positioning to oppose the D-Day landing. The immaculately preserved battery is the only place in France where you can see four original artillery guns.

Arromanches-les-Bains

Arromanches-les-Bains is in the center of the Gold Beach landing zone. Here, the British set up Mulberry Harbor (also known as Port Winston), a man-made harbor assembled in Britain and towed across the English Channel. Made up of sunken ships, concrete caissons, and floating roadway, Mulberry Harbor was essential to the war effort. Over 10 months, over 2.5 million soldiers, 500,000 vehicles, and four million tons of supplies came through the harbor.

You’ll also find the Musée de Debarquement and Arromanches 360°, a circular cinema with archival footage from the D-Day landings.

Chateau d’Audrieu Looking for the perfect base to stay in while exploring the historical World War II sites in Normandy? Try the 18th century Château d’Audrieu, a delightful property set amongst beautiful parks and gardens. From this hotel you’ll be able to easily reach Caen, Bayeux, Mont Saint-Michel and more!

The unmissable World War II sites in Normandy will surely inspire you to spend more time in the region. Our expert travel designers are available to suggest the perfect extension to your Normandy trip whether you want to focus on the Best of Normandy , a Foodie Roadtrip , or the Best of Normandy by Train . To extend your trip even longer, or start dreaming about a future trip to France, check out our sample trips focused on food and wine , history and culture , adventure , and romance and scenery . There’s truly something for everyone in France!

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Top 10 Must See D-Day Sites in Normandy (Updated for 2023)

From Allied and German war cemeteries to fortifications, memorials and museums Normandy has such a wide range of D-Day sites to explore, it can be a challenging task to decide where to visit first. To help give you some ideas and inspiration we've listed ten of our favourite spots below.

Longues-sur-Mer Battery

Longues-sur-Mer Battery is located between Omaha and Gold Beach and consisted of four 152mm naval guns housed in concrete castmates.

The batteries fire was directed by a fire control post which was featured in the film The Longest Day its location on the cliff edge provided a clear view over the English channel although its communication line to the gun casemates was damaged by Allied bombing on the morning of D-Day.

Today the battery is open to the public all year round, including access to the fire control post bunker and concrete casemates which still house their original guns and damage from their artillery dual with allied ships on D-Day.

Normandy American Cemetery Memorial

The Normandy American Cemetery is located in Colleville-Sur-Mer overlooking Omaha Beach and contains more than 9,000 burials, most of whom were killed during the Normandy Landings and the following military operations.

The Walls of the Missing, a semi-circular colonnade is a memorial listing the names of 1,557 who lost their lives during the Normandy campaign and could not be found or identified.

From the cemetery there is a path leading down to the beach passing remnants of the German defences, including concrete casemates one of which has a memorial to the soldiers who fought during the landings on top.

Bayeux War Cemetery

Bayeux Commonwealth War Cemetery is the largest commonwealth cemetery in France for Second World War Commonwealth Soldiers with 4,144 Commonwealth burials and 500 burials of other nationalities.

Opposite the cemetery is the Bayeux Memorial to the Missing, which is engraved with the names of 1,808 men who died in the Battle of Normandy and have no known grave.

A short walk from the cemetery is The Musée Mémorial de la Bataille de Normandie, a museum which covers the preparations for D-Day through to the Battle of Normandy from 7th June till the 29th August 1944.

Arromanches Artificial Harbour

Arromanches Artificial Harbour was created as the Allies knew that after the invasion they would need a port to facilitate the rapid offloading of supplies to support the push inland. As the ports in occupied Europe were heavily fortified it was decided to create prefabricated ports in Britain and tow them across the English Channel following the invasion to be used until a French port could be captured and brought back into service.

Arromanches was chosen to be the site for one of these ports, Port Wilson, named after the British prime minister Winston Churchill. Another port was also assembled off Omaha beach but was destroyed by a storm.

Despite being designed to only last three months, the harbour was in use for ten months landing over 2.5 million men, 500,000 vehicles, and 4 million tonnes of supplies. Arromanches also has several good museums including Musée Débarquement (currently closed for refurbishment until March 2023) and Arromanches 360 .

Today the remains of the harbour can be seen on the beach and coast surrounding Arromanches.

Point du Hoc

Pointe du Hoc is a prominent cliff between Utah and Omaha Beach. The site was a gun battery, fortified with concrete casemates and gun pits, forming part of Hitler’s Atlantic Wall defences.

The site was assaulted on D-Day by the US Rangers who were brought ashore by landing craft below the sheer cliffs before climbing and fighting inland.

Today the site remains cratered from the aerial and naval bombardment prior to the Rangers assault, demonstrating how fierce the bombardment was along the coast. Many of the original fortifications and bunkers remain on the site and are open to the public, including the fire control casemate, on top of which there is a monument to the 2nd Ranger Battalion.

WN60 (Widerstandsneste 60)

WN60 (Widerstandsneste 60) was one of the German coastal defence strong points in Normandy, located on a cliff on the Eastern edge of Omaha Beach giving it a view Westwards along the length of the beach.

Armed with 75mm guns, mortars and machine guns the site inflicted many casualties on the troops landing at Omaha Beach before it was finally silenced.

Today the site contains many of the concrete Tobruks and other fortifications linked by a zigzag trench system which is still visible today.

Pegasus Bridge and Musée Memorial Pegasus

Pegasus Bridge was the site of a dramatic glider-borne coup de main assault when three gliders carrying troops of the British 6th Airborne Division landed in the opening minutes of D-Day on the 6th of June 1944. Capturing the bridge intact after a short battle and holding it until reinforcements from the beach landings arrived.

The original bridge was replaced by a larger similar-looking bridge when the canal was widened but the original is close by at Musée Memorial Pegasus Bridge . The site also has three monuments marking the locations where each of the gliders landed, a bust of Major John Howard and a German gun.

Merville Battery

Merville Gun Battery consisted of four six-foot-thick steel-reinforced concrete casemates, each containing a 100mm gun that could threaten the British troops landing at Sword Beach 8 miles away.

Today the site houses the Merville Battery Museum, which covers the battery’s role in the German Atlantic Wall Defences and the lives of the soldiers who were stationed there, as well as the story of the Allied soldiers who captured it.

Juno Beach Centre and surrounding memorials

Located immediately behind the beach where on D-Day thousands of Canadian soldiers landed, Juno Beach Centre not only covers the D-Day landings but also the contributions made by Canada's military and civilians to the war effort.

Located along the beach in front of the museum, you can see some of the remaining German fortifications as well as memorials to the Canadian Infantry , 1st Polish Armoured Division , North Nova Scotia Highlanders and a Churchill AVRE Tank “Charlie” that landed on D-Day.

Le Cambe War Cemetery

La Cambe War Cemetery was originally the site of an American battlefield cemetery where American and German personnel were buried in two adjacent fields. After the war, most of the American remains were transferred back to the United States and the remainder were reinterred at the Normandy American Cemetery.

The graves at La Cambe War Cemetery are marked by small dark brown stone crosses or plaques on the ground in contrast to the white grave markers at allied cemeteries.

The site is now under the German War Graves Commission (Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge) and more than 21,000 German soldiers are buried in the cemetery.

More DDay sites in Normandy

I hope the list has been able to give you some ideas and inspiration for your next trip, for hundreds more museums, fortifications and memorials to visit in Normandy check out our explore page .

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13 WW2 Sites in France You Must Visit | Popular Attractions for History Buffs

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Masterminded by a Kansas farm boy-turned-West Point-educated general, D-Day is often cited as the turning point of World War II. As dawn began to break on June 6, 1944, soldiers, sailors, and airmen from 12 nations executed General Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Operation Overlord and carried out the largest amphibious attack in history.

While there are hundreds of World War II museums, memorials, and other sites around the world, the invasion of Northern France was a significant victory against the German soldiers and the allied Axis powers and helped change the course of history.

From the sandy beaches of Normandy to the modest red-brick school building in Reims where the Germans surrendered, ending the six-year global conflict, these are the most moving WW2 sites to visit in France .

13 WW2 Sites in France You Must Visit

1. museum of the liberation of paris, paris.

The newly restored Museum of the Liberation of Paris recently opened in conjunction with the 75th anniversary of the city’s release from Nazi power. Located in Paris’s 14th arrondissement, just across the avenue from the Catacombs of Paris, this beautiful 18th-century gatehouse chronicles the actions of Jean Moulin and General Philippe Leclerc, two of the most prominent figures of the French Resistance.

Explore hotels and Airbnbs near Museum Of The Liberation Of Paris, Paris

2. Museum Of National Resistance, Champigny-Sur-Marne

Less than 10 miles to the east in Champigny-sur-Marne, the National Resistance Museum is located in a 19th-century mansion overlooking the Marne River. There is currently no fee to visit this collection, which focuses on the French Resistance between 1929 and 1947.

It should be remembered that on D-Day the Resistance and French troops played a crucial role in the Allied invasion of Normandy. The Free French Forces, under General Charles de Gaulle, contributed significantly to the liberation of their homeland from German occupation. Their bravery and sacrifice on the beaches of Normandy marked a pivotal moment in World War II.

It is important to note that this World War II museum is one of several dedicated to the Resistance throughout France. You’ll find similar experiences in Lyon, Grenoble , and Limoges.

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3. Pegasus Museum And Memorial, Ranville

Leaving the City of Lights and heading northwest toward the English Channel, the Pegasus Museum and Memorial in Ranville pays homage to the men of the 6th Airborne Division of the British Army. Several hours before the D-Day invasion, they surprised the German forces, capturing the Pegasus Bridge that spanned two parallel waterways, the Canal de Caen a la Mer and the Orne River. This pre-invasion act was essential for clearing a route for the troops scheduled to land on Sword Beach at the break of dawn.

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4. Caen Memorial Museum, Caen

Cross the Pegasus Bridge and head to the northern edge of the city of Caen to visit the Caen Memorial Museum . The recommended starting point for your visit leads down a dark spiraling walkway that details the lingering turmoil from World War I that led to World War II. After covering WW2 in great detail, the museum addresses post-WW2 issues like the Cold War.

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5. Beaches Of Normandy

The 50 miles of coast stormed by the allied forces on D-Day were divided into five beaches that stretched from Ouistreham, directly north of Caen, to Vierville-sur-Mer. While American forces led the invasion of the western beaches of Utah and Omaha, British and Canadian troops commanded the surprise attack on Gold, Juno, and Sword Beaches to the east.

If time allows, I recommend visiting each of these beaches, because learning about WW2 from the perspective of the other nations is incredibly enlightening.

My recommendations from east to west:

Sword Beach

The Grand Bunker Museum is a five-story German command center that displays everything from German machinery and equipment to examples of everyday life in the concrete fortress.

To better understand the contributions Canada made to World War II, visit the Juno Beach Centre .

Continuing westward, the Gold Beach Museum details how Britain prepared for and participated in D-Day.

Omaha Beach

The Omaha Beach Memorial Museum honors the 2,400 men who died on Omaha Beach during the invasion of Normandy.

If you only have time to visit one Normandy beach museum, make it the Utah Beach D-Day Museum. Built on the spot where the first American troops landed, this D-Day museum is one of the most comprehensive.

Explore hotels and Airbnbs near Beaches Of Normandy

6. Arromanches-Les-Bains

As you make your way westward along the Normandy coast, watch for the remains of the Mulberry harbors floating off the coast near the town of Arromanches-les-Bains. These floating roadways connected naval ships to the sandy shore, allowing the Allies to quickly unload personnel and equipment during the attack. To learn more about this wartime invention, visit the D-Day museum in Arromanches. France really yields fascinating places to explore for World War II history buffs .

Explore hotels and Airbnbs near Arromanches-Les-Bains

7. Normandy American Cemetery And Memorial, Colleville-Sur-Mer

One of the most emotional experiences an American can have in Normandy is to stand among the nearly 10,000 white limestone crosses and Stars of David on the manicured green lawn above Omaha Beach in Colleville-sur-Mer. The average age of the brave men (and four women) buried at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial is 24, and the weight of their ultimate sacrifice hangs heavy in the air.

If your itinerary allows, try to remain at the cemetery through the flag retirement service and ceremony about 30 minutes before the cemetery closes for the day.

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8. Pointe Du Hoc Ranger Monument

About 8 miles west of the American cemetery is the Pointe du Hoc Ranger Monument . As the Allies stormed the beaches of Normandy, Army Rangers scaled the 100-foot cliffs at Pointe du Hoc and seized the German artillery that could have fired upon the troops arriving from the English Channel.

While it is now a serene spot above the Utah and Omaha landing beaches, the area remains riddled with deep green craters that indicate where bombs fell and lives were lost during the invasion of Normandy.

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9. La Cambe German War Cemetery, La Cambe

It wasn’t until my fifth trip to Normandy that I visited the German cemetery in La Cambe . I’m not sure why I hesitated. Maybe it was because visiting the German graveyard felt like supporting the dark side. But if anyone should understand that not all Germans are Nazis, it’s a German-American like me. And, during my visit, I learned that the majority of the young men buried here — often two in one simply marked grave — were forced to fight for an ideology they didn’t support.

In stark contrast to the white crosses that dot the green hill at the American cemetery, La Cambe features dark basalt lava crosses and flat brown markers, and visiting the site reminded me that there are never any winners in war.

Explore hotels and Airbnbs near La Cambe German War Cemetery, La Cambe

10. Airborne Museum, Sainte-Mere-Eglise

Roughly halfway between Bayeux and Cherbourg is the small village of Sainte-Mere-Eglise. If you’ve seen the movie The Longest Day , you’ll recognize the town’s Catholic church and the statue of the soldier hanging by his parachute on the steeple. Visit the Airborne Museum to learn more about how the Screaming Eagles and other paratroopers helped pave the way for the amphibious landings down the coast on D-Day.

Explore hotels and Airbnbs near Airborne Museum, Sainte-Mere-Eglise

11. Museum Of The Surrender, Reims

Upon your return to Paris, consider traveling northeast to Reims. A room in the red-brick Lycee Roosevelt just steps from the train station preserves the site where the declaration of unconditional surrender was signed by German armed forces on May 7, 1945. Roughly one year after the invasion of Normandy (but several months before two atomic bombs dropped on Japan would fully end WW2), the fighting in Europe was over.

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12. Oradour-sur-Glane Village

This was the most shocking and disturbing Second World War site that I encountered during my tour of France. The charred remains of the village still stand as a memorial to those who were massacred by Nazis on June 10, 1944.

Touring the village is free though the Centre de la mémoire d’Oradour has a small admittance fee. As you walk around the rubble in stunned silence, you’ll be surprised that this memorial is not better known, as this is the site of the worst Nazi massacre of civilians carried out on French soil.

Explore hotels and Airbnbs near Oradour-sur-Glane Village

13. Fort de Schoenenbourg – Maginot Line

Fort de Schoenenbourg was the most important Maginot Line fortification in Alsace, built on the border of Germany and France after WWI. Fort de Schoenenbourg is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and visitors can explore the fort, and all its underground twists and turns. It takes about two hours to see it all.

Despite the time, effort, and money that the French government spent on the Maginot Line, it saw relatively little action during the war. German soldiers bypassed it entirely in May of 1940 and invaded France by way of Belgium.

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A Final Tip

While it’s important that we never forget the more than 70 million who died or the pain and suffering inflicted around the world during this global conflict, each of these WW2 sites is a somber experience. I recommend incorporating lighthearted, present-day experiences into your itinerary as well. If you love the era of the WWII, there are a lot of destinations in Europe you can visit .

What Is the Most Important World War II Site in France?

The Normandy landing sites in North West France are some of the country’s most important World War II sites. They include Omaha Beach, Juno Beach, Utah Beach, and Gold Beach, plus the landing site of Pointe du Hoc.

What Is the Best WW2 Museum in Normandy, France?

The Caen Memorial is a must-see WW2 memorial museum. It is dedicated to the Normandy landings and the Battle at Normandy but also houses a huge exhibition dealing with France’s position during WWII.

Can I Reach the Best WW2 Sites in France by Car?

Yes, it is by far the best way to get around Normandy, Paris, and other popular France World War II locations. Driving is often the most convenient and comfortable way to have the events of this tumultuous period of history brought to life before your eyes.

What Is the Most Popular WW2 Site in Paris, France?

The Museum Of The Liberation Of Paris is arguably one of the most popular World War-related sites in Paris and one of the best spots to learn about the French Resistance and the liberation of Paris.

What Is the Best Time to Visit the Landing Beaches in Normandy, France?

Without a doubt, the best time of year to visit the landing beaches in Normandy is during the D-Day Anniversary in June. Winter is the quietest time to visit, but avoid January if you’re interested in museums, as they take the annual break after Christmas.

Bitten by the travel bug as a preschooler when her family moved abroad for the first time, Sage Scott is addicted to travel. From her nomadic upbringing in a military family to her personal and professional travels as an adult, Sage has visited all 50 states, lived abroad twice, and explored nearly 30 other countries.

Now settled in America’s Heartland, Sage writes with a midlife traveler’s perspective from Kansas City — the Midwestern cowtown affectionately called the Paris of the Plains and the undisputed Barbecue Capital of the World — and is always in search of new experiences whether in her hometown or halfway around the world.

The Good Life France

Everything You Want to Know About France and More...

5 must see WW2 sites in Normandy, France

• Normandy , Tours in France

To understand what WW2 was truly like, you must take a trip to Normandy, France to see where some of the most monumental events took place. The turning point of the war occurred in this region and the battle sites are meticulously preserved with many relics. It makes Normandy a must-visit to learn about and understand these historical events.

Nothing compares to standing at wartime sites like the beaches of Normandy with a guide bringing the historic events to life by retelling the intricate details of what happened in the places they occurred. TripUSAFrance offers incredible multi-day tours of the region. There are so many sites to visit and most people don’t have the time to see all of them in one trip. But some are simply unmissable. These are TripUSAFrance’s top 5 must-see WW2 sites in Normandy:

Omaha Beach

Omaha Beach is one of the beaches where American forces landed during the Allied invasion of France. It’s also where the bloodiest battle was fought. This was the turning point in the war when the Allies broke through Hitler’s “Atlantic Wall” and entered France. While you may have seen the powerful images of Robert Capa and read the words of Ernie Pyle describing the events that occurred on June 6, 1944, nothing matches the impact of walking where the soldiers landed to free France from German Occupation.

As you gaze at the hills, it is easy to imagine the difficulty the men faced in capturing the beach. The main area covers just about 1.5 miles. But, it’s estimated that Germany had enough power in the hills to unload 100,000 shots per minute. As you look across the water today, a peaceful scene unfolds with little hint of the sacrifices made by those brave soldiers.

Longues-sur-Mer

This is one of the most authentic sites that you can visit in Normandy. Wonderfully restored and conserved, the area looks just like it did when the Allied troops arrived along this stretch of the coast. Out of four original German bunkers, three remain in well-preserved condition. They are the only bunkers which remain in France that still house the original 150mm cannons, placed there to ward off incoming ships. At the site there are smaller air and land defense bunkers as well as a command post where firing orders were given.

The sight of the massive cannons surrounded by 5-to-6-foot thick concrete walls is astonishing. It enables you to develop an in-depth understanding of the efforts that went into holding France. Hitler’s army had spent more than two years building up these defenses, and many others like it, along 1,670 miles of the Atlantic coast in Europe. However, Allied troops were able to penetrate the “Atlantic Wall” containing more than 1.2 million pounds of steel and 17 million cubic meters of concrete. It was the largest seaborne invasion in military history.

This site was captured by soldiers of the Devonshire Regiment on June 7. A guided visit reveals intricate details about the history and role played in the battle of D-Day. After the war, most of the defenses and fortifications of the Atlantic Wall were quickly dismantled. Understandably as they served as a painful memory of the past. Here however, conservationists worked tirelessly to preserve this site so that we remember the lessons learned during World War II.

Pointe du Hoc

This site makes our list as it was where the famed US Ranger operation, depicted in the movie “The Longest Day”, took place. A strategic point, the Germans built a large battery complex of artillery cannons. They had a range of 12.5 miles and could fire at incoming ships. They could also reach the beaches of Omaha and Utah.

34-year-old Lieutenant Colonel James E. Rudder was given the daunting task of landing on the beaches below the artillery battery. During low tide with 225 Army Rangers. Using ropes and ladders, they scaled a 100-plus foot granite hill cliff to silence the guns amidst heavy resistance at the top. At the time, an intelligence officer on staff was heard stating “Three old women with brooms could keep the Rangers from climbing that cliff”. Lieutenant General Omar N. Bradley later wrote, “No soldier in my command has ever been wished a more difficult task than that which befell the thirty-four-year-old Commander of this Provisional Ranger Force”.

One of the keys to the allied victory here is that they knew that they must capture the artillery located at the top of the hill. Failure would result in many of their brothers in arms being killed on Omaha Beach. At the end of the assault, only 90 men were left. Many lives were saved thanks to their bravery. As you explore this site while listening to the details of the battle, you can’t help but be amazed at their courage.

Normandy American Cemetery

Many visitors to Normandy describe the Normandy American Cemetery as the most powerful of all World War II sites that they visit. Here is where 9,386 American patriots are buried. An additional 1,557 still missing are also honored. As you stroll the pristine paths of the graveyard located high on a hill overlooking Omaha Beach, it’s impossible not to feel moved by the tragedy of such loss. For a truly emotional experience, make your way to the two flag posts in front of the reflecting pool around 4:45pm (during the summer months) to watch the flag ceremony and listen as the bugle call “Taps” is played.

Arromanches-les-Bains

If you could step back in time to before the D-Day invasion, then you would discover Arromanches-les-Bains as a luxury spa town filled with tourists. All that changed when the attack took place. This site was the key to supporting the British and American armies after they landed in France. Engineers constructed an artificial harbor to supply the troops and bring in machinery. Remnants of the harbor remain visible, and pieces are displayed around the area and in museums.

Known as Mulberry Harbor, it was also called Port Winston after Winston Churchill. If you don’t go with a guide, you should visit the Musée du Débarquement in the town. It has an extraordinary exhibition where you can learn more about the staggering work required to create the harbor. 2.5 million men, 500,000 vehicles and 4 million tons of supplies were moved through this port.

For the full experience of visiting sites with a knowledgeable local tour guide who will bring the history to life, TripUSAFrance’s Normandy discovery tour will take you to all 5 of these WW2 sites as well as immersing you into the history, culture and gastronomy of the area. The tour also includes Mont Saint-Michel , Monet’s house and garden , Honfleur , Rouen, Bayeux Tapestry, markets, fabulous restaurants and much more…

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Normandie Lovers

To awaken your senses in Normandy - Claire et Manu’s Blog

7 best D-Day museums in Normandy (+list of 27)

by Claire ROBINSON , Region Lovers | July 13, 2023 | no intrusive ads, no sponsored content, just some affiliate links - if you use them, we get a small commission (read more)

The Normandy coast is steeped in poignant history, testimony to the events of June 6, 1944. Today, this region offers an abundance of museums dedicated to the D-Day landings, allowing us to plunge into the past and understand the sacrifices and heroism of the soldiers. In this article, we will guide you through:

• our selection of the best landing museums
• a list of museums to be found at each landing beach
• a map for orientation
• practical tips for planning

Whether you’re a history buff, or simply a traveler looking for an enriching experience, these museums are a must for your stay in Normandy.

This guide is completely independent , based on our experiences. We visited the area anonymously, making our own choices, and paying all our bills in full.

Best D-Day museums in Normandy: maps, interests

Map of our selection.

It’s impossible to say which museums are the best, because it all depends on the subjects that interest you. But after visiting 90% of the D-Day museums in Normandy, the 7 that fascinated us most were..:

• Airborne Museum Utah Beach), the most impressive visually
• Caen Memorial , a must-see and very comprehensive
• Overlord Museum Omaha Beach) for tanks and artefacts
• D-Day Museum at Utah Beach, a classic with a comprehensive approach to every facet of the story.
• The Grand Bunker Sword Beach Beach), a unique opportunity to discover this immense high-rise bunker.
• Normandy Victory Museum for all life-size scenes
• Juno Center Museum for all interactive activities

We’ll explain why in the following sections. Here’s a map to help you find your way.

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 the complete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
• There is a lot of demand, book it early .

Option 2: in the countryside

In the countryside around the D-Day beaches, you will find beautiful buildings with a lot of charm: farms, manors…

• Hotel Domaine d’Utah Beach – prices, pictures and availability
• Hotel Ferme de la Rançonnière – prices, pictures and availability

Option 3: next to one of the beaches

If you’re looking for a seaside holiday or are fascinated by one of the beaches, you can choose a more specific hotel:

• Hotel Villas d’Arromanches in Gold Beach Beach – prices, pictures and availability
• Hotel La Sapinière in Omaha Beach Beach – prices, pictures and availability

See all our advice on where to stay to visit the beaches

1. Airborne Museum (Utah)

The Normandy Airborne Museum is dedicated to the American paratroopers who arrived just as D-Day began. The museum faces the church, which many will recognize because parachutist John Steele became famous for hanging from its steeple. The museum has 3 buildings: WACO which focuses on gliders, C-47 which explains the preparations for D-Day and Operation Neptune to give you the experience of a night jump with their “hyperrealistic museography”. See our article on the Airborne Museum .

What we liked best

We particularly appreciated the discovery of the American Waco glider in the first pavilion. We were lucky enough to board the full-size plane and imagine ourselves in the shoes of American paratroopers. This is the only example in France of a Waco glider still in its entirety. Thanks to the Histopad (touchscreen tablet provided), we could even visualize ourselves at the controls of the machine!

In the C-47 building, we also loved the interactive staging. We were able to attend the briefing of the parachutists with a hologram more real than life, and prepare to jump with them.

Finally in the building “ Opération Neptune”, the passage through the 4D aircraft immersed us in the action . Through the mix of sounds, images and movements, we felt as if we were living the events from the inside !

Each pavilion offers a different experience that will appeal to all audiences. Reserve your place .

Practical information

• Location: Sainte-Mère-Église
• Allow half a day
• Open every day
• Every year, the museum closes in December and January.
• Book your ticket to save time
• Driving time from Bayeux: 40min
• Driving time from Caen: 1h
• official website here

2. Caen Memorial Museum

The Caen Memorial Museum is considered the best World War II museum in France. You could spend a whole day on it, it’s so packed with information and features. It covers the landing but also the second world war as a whole. In this enormous museum, you’ll find a German bunker, historical objects, vehicles, sound and video recordings…

• D-Day section with models, maps and objects
• Veterans’ testimonials
• The section on the Cold War, including comparisons of apartments and objects
• Peace gardens

• The museum is huge, and if you read everything, it could take 2 days. Allow at least half a day, but there’s a restaurant inside if you want to stay all day.
• Closed in January
• Driving time from Bayeux: 25min
• Driving time from Caen: 0

3. Overlord Museum (Omaha)

The Overlord Museum is not on the beach, but is located just a few minutes’ drive fromOmaha Beach, in Colleville-sur-Mer. Its name refers to Operation Overlord, the code name for the Allied invasion of the Normandy beaches. The museum covers the D-Day landings through to the liberation of Paris. The collection was founded by a local who witnessed the war as a teenager. This museum is famous for its tanks and armoured vehicles, and its impressive collection of artefacts showing the life of soldiers and not only the firearms aspect (documents, souvenirs, personal effects…).

• The magnificent collection of objects on display
• All the tanks and vehicles, once again in the spotlight
• Outdoor floats
• It’s a highly visual museum that’s easy to visit.

• Location: Not far fromOmaha Beach
• Allow 2 hours to half a day, depending on your level of interest.
• Closed in January.
• Driving time from Caen: 40min

4. Utah Beach Landing Museum

Located on Utah Bach beach, theUtah Beach Beach Landing Museum is built on a German bunker. It is organized chronologically, covering strategy, preparations, the history of D-Day (routes, liaison between divisions, etc.) and the outcome of the landing. You’ll see plenty of objects and vehicles (including a B26 bomber), as well as a well-produced film.

• Its location directly on the beach
• The panoramic round room overlooking the beach and the defense system
• All information on strategy, models and maps
• The air force section with the aircraft

• Location: onUtah Beach Beach
• Allow half a day to a full day, depending on your interest, to read all the panels.
• Driving time from Bayeux: 45min

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5. Museum le Grand Bunker (Sword)

The Atlantic Wall Museum is also known as the Great Bunker. It is located at Sword Beach (Ouistreham), at the easternmost point. This museum is well worth a visit, not only for its connection of artifacts and information on the Atlantic Wall, but also for the uniqueness of its structure. It is installed in a huge blockhouse which served as a center for the German command. From this place, they controlled all the batteries. It was taken by the Allied forces on June 9, 1944 (by British Lieutenant Bob Orrell and his men). The 5 floors show all the rooms and how operations were organized inside the bunker.

• The uniqueness of the museum in this giant bunker
• Staged rooms for a better understanding of life on the inside
• The strategic view from the top of the bunker
• The museum’s small size makes it easy to digest
• The “Saving Private Ryan” boat in the courtyard
• Read our article on visiting this museum

• Location: Sword Beach Beach (town of Ouistreham)
• Lots of steps and little space. Not for people suffering from claustrophobia
• Open daily most of the year
• Open only on weekends in November and December, excluding school vacations.
• Driving time from Bayeux: 35min
• Driving time from Caen: 20min

6. Normandy Victory Museum (between Utah and Omaha)

This museum was an excellent surprise. From the outside, it’s less imposing. But once inside, we were transported. The 27 scenes featuring the collection of over 15,000 objects and vehicles are excellent. You’ll discover what life was like for soldiers and civilians during the 100 days following D-Day, and especially during the Battle of the Hedges. For those who love highly visual museums, this is a must!

• Veteran testimonials
• Civilian scenes, a welcome change from war scenes

• Location: Carentan-les-Marais, between Utah and Omaha Beach
• Closed in January and open only on weekends in November and December outside school vacations
• Buy your ticket to save time
• Driving time from Bayeux: 30min
• Driving time from Caen: 50min

7. Juno Beach Center (Juno)

The large Juno Beach Museum is located on the actual landing beach. It focuses on the contribution of Canadian troops during the D-Day landings and the entire Second World War. You will also learn about life in Canada before, during and after the war. See our article to plan your visit .

• All the interactive activities that young and old alike can enjoy: audio, visual, hands-on…
• Explanations of the wartime situation in Canada
• The discovery of Canada by its famous people at the end

• Location: Juno Beach (town of Courseulles-sur-mer)
• Driving time from Caen: 30min

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)

This museum is a little out of the way, north ofUtah Beach, but we really liked it too. We loved the many scenes of civilian life and the view from the bunker. The collection of objects is extensive and the miniatures are excellent. Talk to the owner about how these miniatures are made, it’s fascinating!

• Location: Quineville, north ofUtah Beach
• Closed from December to March
• Driving time from Bayeux: 55min
• Driving time from Caen: 1h10

D-Day Experience (between Utah and Omaha) + Dead’s Man Corner

The D-Day Experience Museum is famous for its flight simulator. In our opinion, the briefing is the best part of the flight simulator. But there’s much more to the museum than its simulator: there’s a cinema section, a small museum in the Dead Man’s Corner house, and more.

• Location: Carentan-les-Maris (between Utah and Omaha Beaches)
• Closing days: open every day

The 6 museums at Omaha Beach Beach

Overlord museum.

See #1 in the list at the top of this article.

American Cemetery Museum (Omaha)

The American cemetery is one of the most impressive of the Normandy landing sites. It leaves no one indifferent. But before visiting the tombs and monuments, if you don’t have the time to visit other museums, we recommend a visit to the Cemetery Museum. Few objects, but very interesting information about American troops and their equipment.

• Location: in the American cemetery, Omaha Beach
• Driving time from Caen: 45min

Big Red One Assault Museum (Omaha)

It’s a tiny museum, but it’s truly dedicated to the Big Red One (the first American infantry division) and its history. The owner is an enthusiast and his collection is well diversified. We particularly enjoyed the intelligence reports and his explanations of how he found certain objects.

• Location: Colleville-sur-merOmaha Beach)
• Closed on Tuesdays and in winter

Omaha Beach Memorial Museum

Museum retracing the history of the American soldiers who landed on Omaha Beach. The museum is rich in objects and displays. What sets it apart from other museums is the sheer quantity of photography on display.

• Location: Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer
• Closing days: open every day but closed from November to January
• official website here .

D-Day Omaha Museum

The D-Day Omaha Museum (not to be confused with the D-Day Experience Museum) is a small museum with a lot of character. The private collection is beautiful, with small pieces as well as larger ones. However, if you want a lot of explanation, this isn’t the best choice. The pieces are displayed in large, unorganized showcases. But if you’re the kind of person who likes to rummage around for surprising objects, you’ll love it.

• Location: Vierville-sur-Mer
• Open daily in season
• Opening in October and November is not systematic
• Driving time from Bayeux: 20min

Civil Museum before, during and after the war

For a change from the weapons of war, uniforms and tanks, discover this tiny museum with a fine collection of everyday objects (dating from before, during and after the war): kitchen and beauty items, clothes, children’s games…

• Location: Saint-Laurent-sur-mer, in a village farmhouse

The 3 museums in Gold Beach Beach

Arromanches 360 (gold).

It’s not really a museum, but it doesn’t fit into any category, so here it is. Arromanches 360 is a small theater using nine screens and archival images (from the USA, Canada, France and Great Britain). This 360° view gives you the impression of being right at the heart of the action. And we love its cliff-top location with views of Arromanches beach and the remains of the port.

• Location: Arromanches, by the beach
• Driving time from Bayeux: 15min
• Driving time from Caen: 35min

Musée du Débarquement d’Arromanches (Gold)

The Musée du Débarquement in Arromanches offers a very different view of the D-Day landings. It focuses on the creation of artificial harbors that facilitated the unloading of military vehicles (Mulberry Harbors). Thanks to this British creation, they were able to unload 9,000 tons of material per day! We really liked the models, which gave us a better understanding of how they worked. In 2023, it moved to a new building, and we can’t wait to go back.

• Save time, buy your tickets

America & Gold Beach Beach Museum

Small museum linked to the wartime experiences in Ver-sur-Mer: the first airmail link between the USA and Europe (Fokker America aircraft) and the British landings in the town. Unfortunately, it’s one of the few we haven’t visited yet, as it was closed during our last visits.

• Location: Ver-sur-mer
• Closing days: almost every day from May to September

USE OUR GUIDE TO PLAN A DREAM TRIP TO Normandy

All the information you need for your trip:

• 8 maps that make planning easier
• 160+ pre-selected locations
• Practical advice
• 300+ photos to help you choose

Juno Beach Beach Museum

See #7 on the list at the top of this article: the Beach Museum Center, one of our favorite museums. Otherwise, there are no other museums on the Juno side, but you will find: the beach with its bunkers and the Lorraine cross, the British memorial and the Canadian cemetery at Beny sur mer.

The 5 museums in Sword Beach

Museum le grand bunker (sword).

See #5 on the list at the top of this article.

Radar 44 Museum

Another different subject linked to the Second World War and the D-Day landings. You can visit Sation Radar 44, the Franco-German Radar Museum. The site played a major role during the war. You’ll learn about radar equipment and performance (and radar warfare), as well as the lives of German soldiers in the bunkers.

• Location: Douvres-la-Délivrande
• Closing days: open daily in July and August; open every day except Monday from April to October (approx.) and closed from December to March.
• Driving time from Caen: 25min

Pegasus Memorial Museum (Sword)

We hesitated to put this museum in our favorites, as it’s still very different. It recounts the arrival of the first soldiers of the British 6th Airborne Division on the eve of D-Day to take charge of the Pegasus Bridge. You’ll find plenty to explain how the night unfolded, as well as a life-size replica.

• Location: Ranville
• Closing days: open daily, closed from December 16 to January 31

Merville Battery Museum (Sword)

We love visiting military batteries. And in Merville, you’ll find a combination of batteries and museum. The bunkers withstood numerous bombardment assaults and were captured with difficulty by the 9th British Parachute Battalion. You’ll find bunker scenes, a Douglas C-47 aircraft and other equipment.

• Location: Merville-Franceville-Plage
• Closing days: open daily, closed from November 15th to March 15th

N°4 Commando Museum (Sword)

Small museum dedicated to the 4th Commando: film, miniatures and objects. Photos prohibited inside.

• Location: Arromanches
• Closing days: open from mid-April to mid-November

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 things to do in Normandy
• Best cities in Normandy
• Most beautiful beaches of Normandy
• Most beautiful villages of Normandy
• Best castles of Normandy
• Best abbeys of Normandy
• Read our complete guide to visit the Mont-Saint-Michel
• Discover the D-Day sites

• 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 …

6 other museums in Normandy

Caen memorial museum.

See #2 on the list at the top of this article. This is a must-see museum in Normandy.

Battle of Normandy Memorial Museum (Bayeux)

Many museums focus solely on the D-Day landings, but at Bayeux you can learn more about the entire Battle of Normandy. For those interested in strategic details, this is a good choice: the museum describes in detail military operations from June 7 to August 29, 1944, day by day, and sometimes hour by hour.

• Location: Bayeux
• Closing days: open every day except January
• Driving time from Bayeux: 0

See our article on visiting this museum .

Museum of Civilians in War (town of Falaise)

We talk a lot about soldiers, their engineering and their bravery. This museum focuses more on civilians and how they lived through this period of confrontation.

• Location: Town of Falaise (inland Normandy)
• Closed: open daily in July and August, Wednesday to Sunday in September, October, May and June. Closed in winter. Many variations in timetables, see website.
• Driving time from Bayeux: 50min

Liberation Museum (Cherbourg)

A museum focusing on the decisive role played by the port of Cherbourg in the liberation: photos, interactive screens, documentation. Immerse yourself in the world of civilians and soldiers around the first liberated port.

• Location: Cherbourg
• Closed on Mondays and from mid-November to mid-February.
• Driving time from Bayeux: 1h10
• Driving time from Caen: 1h30

Memorial of Montormel

A small museographic area on the site of the fighting at the end of the Battle of Normandy in August 44. The monument overlooks the valley where the soldiers fought.

• Location: Mont-Ormel, between Argentan and Vimoutiers
• Driving time from Bayeux: 1h20

La Cambe Cemetery Museum

Next to the surprising La Cambe cemetery (German cemetery), you’ll find a peace garden and a small museum building with photos and biographies of soldiers.

• Location: La Cambe

Museum 44 La Percée du Bocage (Saint-Martin-des-Besaces)

Museum dedicated to the British soldiers who fought to liberate the Bocage during Operation Bluecoat at the end of July 1944, with reconstructions of real-life scenes.

• Location: Saint-Martin-des-Besaces
• Closing days: times to be seen on the site

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9 Essential World War II Sites In Normandy

There is no doubt that Normandy is a place of history. For many tourists, history is even the sole purpose of their visit. Most of them want to understand or remember the events of D-Day, the day the Allied forces invaded Europe during the Second World War. In almost every street or around every corner you see a reference to D-Day, such as a monument or flags of the countries that participated in the invasion. There are hundreds – if not thousands – of World War II sites in Normandy you can visit, so I list the most essential ones for you.

Table of Contents

Operation Overlord, the codename for the Battle of Normandy, started at the 6 th of June in 1944 with the largest seaborne invasion in history. The allied forces invaded German-occupied Western Europe at the shores of Normandy during World War II. More than 150.000 Allied soldiers stormed the beaches and risked their lives to liberate Europe. The cost of freedom was high. Estimates range from 5000 to 12000 Allied casualties and 4000 to 9000 German soldiers killed, wounded or missing. And that’s on D-Day alone.

Standing on the shores where so many men lost their lives to ensure your freedom is unreal and emotional. I felt sad, because of the thousands of people who died here. I felt grateful, because I owe it to many of them that I am able to live my life the way I do. And I felt complete incomprehension, because how can you understand war if you see the cost of it? I think every person in Europe should visit Normandy at least once in their lives to learn about the events that happened here. We owe it to the extremely brave men who fought for us. Here are the 9 World War II sites you don’t want to miss.   

Arromanches

Nowadays Arromanches is a quiet seaside town. However, during the Second World War it was an artificial harbour created by the Allied Forces. You can still see the remnants of the harbour in the sea and on the beach. Also, make sure to visit Arromanches 360. A circular cinema with exceptional archive footage from the war. The footage is real, making it incredibly impressive to watch.

Overlord Museum

The Overlord Museum tells the story of the Allied landing and the liberation of Paris that followed. It’s located nearby Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery. The museum houses an exceptional collection of military equipment, including personal items from soldiers, vehicles, tanks and guns.

Landing Beaches

The landing beaches are just beaches, but it’s still special to visit these historic sites. Utah beach is a wide stretch of golden sand and at Omaha you find some memorials. The other beaches are Sword beach, Juno beach and Gold beach.

Pointe-du-Hoc

Pointe-du-Hoc was a tactical and important site for the Germans during the Allied invasion. It’s located on the top of a cliff overlooking both Utah and Omaha beach. There are multiple bunkers that you can visit. You’ll also notice the dozens of holes in the ground, due to the heavy bombing this place endured before D-Day.

A team of Rangers fought their way up the cliffs during the invasion to conquer the site, but they suffered heavy losses. To let the Allied invasion succeed, however, it was critical to take Pointe-du-Hoc. This places tells a unique story of making the impossible happen.

Longues-sur-Mer battery

Longues-sur-Mer is one of the best preserved batteries in France with original cannons still in place. It was strategically located on a cliff to counter the Allied invasion on D-Day. It’s very interesting to see, especially since it’s still in such good shape.

American and German Cemeteries

Both the German and American cemetery show the impact of war on human lives as no other place can. The latter has thousands of allied graves on the grassy fields near Omaha beach. Although the American cemetery is a well-established stop on the tourist trail, not too many visitors go to the German cemetery. Obviously it tells an entirely different story, but most of these soldiers were not even eighteen years old as you can read on their gravestones. It’s horrific, but essential to fully understand the impact of D-Day.

Sainte-Mère-Eglise

The small village of Sainte-Mère-Eglise was the first village to be liberated by the Allied forces. But that’s not why it’s a famous place. Something extraordinary happened here during D-Day.

On the night before D-Day thirty paratroopers landed in the middle of the village. Unfortunately for them, there was a fire on the town square. Everyone in the village, including the German soldiers, was awake and the town was well lit. The paratroopers were easy targets for the Germans. A fierce battle followed. There are still bullet holes in the church near the entrance.

Private John Steele, one of the paratroopers, became famous. He was hit by a shrapnel shortly after he began his descent into the village and landed with his parachute on the church tower, leaving him hanging. John Steele decided to play dead for a couple of hours to avoid being killed. Eventually one of his fellow soldiers cut him loose and he was taken prisoner by the Germans. He escaped just three days later to rejoin the Allied forces.

At Sainte-Mère-Eglise there is now a monument of a paratrooper dangling on the church tower. Forever remembering the story of John Steele, who became an honorary citizen of the village. If you want to know more, pay a visit to the Airborne Museum located in the village. Also have a look at the stained glass windows in the church, as one of them depicts Virgin Mary and three paratroopers. One of whom is private John Steele.

Caen Memorial

The Caen Memorial provides a detailed overview of the impact of the Second World War on the entire region. It’s one of the most comprehensive museums about the war. The museum was built on top of the former underground bunker and headquarters of the German General Richter, which you can also visit. It also houses a movie theater and three gardens dedicated to the soldiers who died in Normandy.

What do you think is the most impressive place on this list of World War II sites in Normandy, and why? Let me know in the comments! Or want to know more about what Normandy has to offer? Read all about it here in my top 5 highlights of Normandy.

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12 Top Normandy D-Day Beaches and Memorials

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Mar 30, 2022

The allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944 is not only one of the great epics of military – and human – history. D-Day was also the turning point that brought Europe out of the iron grip of the Nazis and all the bigotry, genocide, oppression, and inhumanity they stood for.

Establishing a western land front was crucial to the allies, and in a few short hours, and in the face of overwhelming odds, it was accomplished by the massive and heroic efforts of Canadian, American, and British forces joined by smaller contingents of Polish, Danish, and Free French troops.

The fact that the months of strategic and material planning and preparation for the code-named " Operation Overlord " was all carried out in secret, all the while feinting at an invasion elsewhere to divert German troops, is nothing short of a miracle.

The landing sites lie between Pegasus Bridge in the east and Sainte-Mère-Église in the west and are described below in that order, east to west. Today, this stretch of Normandy's English Channel coast has returned to sandy beaches filled with laughing children and sun-seekers, but everywhere you go are reminders of those terrible days and the horrific toll of lives they took. Hitler's " Atlantic Wall " is still evident in tank traps and massive bunkers, some askew where they slowly settled into the dunes in more peaceful decades since, others made into some of the many museums that tell the D-Day story.

At each of the landing sites and all along the shore are monuments and memorials to those who fought and died, and each museum illuminates a different piece of the story. These are more than tourist attractions. They are moving scenes that lead visitors to deeper thoughts on mankind, its past and its future. They deserve the attention of every generation, and the museums reflect this.

Several have exhibits well-designed for young people, realistically replicating scenes and showing in videos or activated models how equipment worked. There are things to do as well as things to see: visitors can climb aboard historic landing craft, sit in a tank, step inside a replica glider, explore dark cavernous bunkers, and look for tank traps in the dunes. Or they can stand in silence at the Normandy D-Day beaches and memorials as they try to picture these scenes from history.

Although it's possible to visit some of the main landing beaches on a day trip from Paris , if you want to explore the coast and its World War II history more thoroughly, you'll need more time here. Plan your trip to the historic sites with the help of our list of the top Normandy D-Day beaches and memorials.

1. Caen Memorial Center

2. pegasus bridge, 3. sword beach and the atlantic wall museum, 4. juno beach, 5. arromanches, 6. omaha beach: american cemetery and overlord museum, 7. pointe du hoc, 8. utah beach and the museum of the landings, 9. sainte-mère-église and airborne museum, 10. gold beach and british normandy memorial, 11. falaise and the memorial to civilians in wartime, 12. memorial museum of the battle of normandy, map of normandy d-day beaches and memorials, tips and tactics: how to make the most of your visit to normandy d-day beaches and memorials.

A good starting point for visiting the Normandy beaches is the excellent Caen Memorial Center, where you'll not only get an overview of the battle of Normandy, but a sense of the personal lives of the people who took part in it and were affected by it.

The museum begins its exhibits with the 1920s and the beginning of World War II in the aftermath of the First World War, examining the origins of war and the rocky path to peace, and carries the story though the uneasy Cold War years, putting World War II into its historical context.

War exhibits look at military personnel from both the allied and German armies, with intimate glimpses of their lives through letters and personal accounts. Special emphasis is on the Battle of Normandy. An excellent 19-minute film documents this battle with original historic footage.

Address: Le Mémorial de Caen, Esplanade Général Eisenhower, Caen

Official site: http://normandy.memorial-caen.com

At 10 minutes past midnight on June 6, the first parachutist landed just east of Ouistreham and at 12:20am, six gliders crash-landed beside the Caen Canal with 45 men. Subsequent landings dropped a total of 6,000 men of the British 6th Airborne Division with supplies and weapons.

Their mission was to seize and hold the bridge over the canal to prevent German land reinforcements from reaching the assault target area, and at the same time keeping the bridge open and intact for allied forces to move eastward.

The current bridge looks very much like the original, which you can see - and cross - at the Pegasus Bridge Museum , on the Bénouville side of the canal, where there is also a full-size replica of a Horsa Glider and a large section of one of the originals used in the landing. Café Gondrée, the first house in France to be liberated, on the Ouistreham side of the canal, is now a tearoom and shop.

A short drive east of Pegasus Bridge in Merville-Franceville and guarding the coast at the eastern flank of the D-Day invasion, the Merville Battery consisted of multiple bunkers that had withstood repeated allied air attacks. The position was finally taken by British paratroopers, but the structures remained intact. You can tour the bunkers and become immersed in the attack in a sound-and-light show that includes realistic details such as smoke.

Address: Avenue du Major Howard, Ranville

Official site: www.memorial-pegasus.org

The easternmost D-Day landing beach is at Riva-Bella, part of Ouistreham and a short walk from the terminal where today ferries arrive from Portsmouth, England. Ouistreham has a small fishing harbor but is also home to the entrance of the Caen Canal, the outlet of the River Orne and the Port of Caen. The Atlantic Wall was especially strong here, with armed bunkers every 100 yards and beaches strewn with mines and tank traps.

The British and a contingent of Free French landed at 7:30am on June 6, and by 9:30, the Casino, seat of the German command force, had been cleared by Free French commandos. Still in operation was the German fire control post, a 52-foot-high concrete bunker that was not taken until June 9.

This bunker is now one of the most authentic museums of the entire coast, recreating in exact detail the appearance and work of each room in its six floors, including the observation post with its powerful range-finder and a 360-degree view over Sword Beach. Using actual equipment and furnishings, the bunker details the daily life of the soldiers stationed here, as they directed the fire from batteries covering the entrance of the Orne and the canal. Additional exhibits detail the building, extent, and camouflage of the Atlantic Wall.

On the beach, which is today a lively recreational beach with pony rides, go-carts, and rows of bright umbrellas, are monuments recalling D-Day, and near the rebuilt Casino, the No 4 Commando Museum tells the story of the only French forces that took part in the ground operations in D-Day landings.

Address: Avenue du 6 Juin, Ouistreham

The coast of Courseulles-sur-Mer and its adjacent towns was unsuited to a solid frontal landing, so Canadian marine commandos landed first to attack and disable German positions. More Canadian forces landed with equipment and advanced inland to take an important German airfield. Sherman tanks came ashore at Courseulles-sur-Mer and by 5pm, the town was liberated.

Of particular interest to Canadian visitors, the Centre Juno Beach is a family-friendly series of exhibits, hands-on presentations, and films looking at the Canadian preparations and contributions to the allied effort through personal stories and interactive experiences. This center offers a unique Canadian perspective and includes an exhibit on Canada today.

From April through October, guides lead tours of remains of the Atlantic Wall, exploring its bunkers and the tunnels leading to the underground command post. You can see damaged bunkers on the beach independently.

At the western end of beach, look for the double-armed Cross of Lorraine, marking the site where Charles de Gaulle made a brief return to France on June 14, 1944, after his self-imposed exile in England upon the fall of France in 1940. At the other end of town, a Sherman Bold tank recovered in 1970 from more than a mile out at sea stands as a monument to the Canadian Hussars.

Address: Voie des Francais Libres, Courseulles-sur-Mer

Official site: www.junobeach.org

The lack of large harbors along this stretch of the Normandy coast was both a plus and a minus to the allied forces. While it allowed them the element of surprise because the Germans thought they wouldn't try a massive landing here, it also created the problem of how to get men and heavy equipment ashore on soft sand beaches and marshes that were both open and heavily defended.

The allied answer was to construct a massive artificial port. Huge concrete caissons were towed across the channel and sunk offshore to create a breakwater and a harbor inside its protection, where long floating roads were assembled to offload tanks and equipment. Remains of this Mulberry Harbor can be seen today at Arromanches, where British forces landed under brutal fire.

Despite heavy casualties, by 4pm on June 6, British tanks began rolling ashore here. Although one of the two Mulberry Harbors was destroyed in a storm, by the time it was replaced by the liberation of the Port of Cherbourg, more than 500,000 tons of equipment and supplies had entered this artificial port.

The D-Day Museum not only pays homage to the British forces and the other allies in the Battle of Normandy, but it illustrates the operation of the Mulberry Harbor through working scale models, complete with animated details such as rising and falling tides. Just west of Arromanches, at Longues-sur-Mer, you can visit sections of the Atlantic Wall, including a battery with a German range-finding post and four casemates, each of which housed a 150-mm artillery piece.

Address: Place du 6 Juin, Arromanches

Official site: http://www.musee-arromanches.fr

The landing at Omaha Beach went badly from the start and by the end of June 6, the Americans had lost 3,000 men, with as many more wounded or missing. But they had secured a narrow corridor to get supplies and equipment ashore.

It is fitting that this scene of so many casualties should be the location of the American Cemetery, where 9,386 graves are marked with perfectly aligned white marble headstones. You can also visit the Memorial, the Garden of the Missing, and a viewing platform that overlooks Omaha Beach.

In the Overlord Museum, 10,000 artifacts including vehicles, tanks, and cannons are used to create realistic life-sized replicas of scenes from the D-Day landings and the subsequent operations culminating in the liberation of Paris.

Giving it a human dimension are accounts, stories, impressions, and objects from those events. Sound and light effects add to the authentic equipment and artifacts, making the reconstructed scenes even more realistic. The museum is well-suited for younger visitors, with exhibits and programs that make history understandable.

Address: Rond-point d'accès du Cimetière Américain, Lotissement Omaha Center, Colleville-sur-Mer

Official site: www.overlordmuseum.com

Although the magnitude of the invasion, the difficulty of the highly defended terrain, and its tremendous cost in human lives will strike you again and again as you tour these beaches, one of the most gripping relics of D-Day is atop the soaring cliffs of Pointe du Hoc. The entire clifftop is pocked with bomb craters, and huge batteries lie askew where they were exploded off their foundations.

Stand at the top of the rough 100-foot cliffs and imagine the US Rangers who scaled them after landing on the narrow beach below at 6:40am on June 6. The scene has been left as it was and is an official war grave for the men who still lie beneath the ruins.

This point was important because it was the highest land between Omaha and Utah beaches and could thus fire upon both of them. In fact, its long-range guns had been moved elsewhere, but the allies had no way of knowing this.

All things are relative, and measured by the tremendous casualties elsewhere, Utah Beach was almost easy. By the time the 4th Infantry hit the beach at 6:30am, the tide was low, and bombers and artillery from ships offshore had already battered the German coastal defenses and disabled much of their firepower.

This reduction in enemy fire secured their landing during low tide, creating conditions that made it possible to safely land all but two tanks by revealing the placements of "Czech Hedgehogs," "Rommel's Asparagus," and other landing obstacles, some of which you can still see in the dunes. By 1pm, the American 4th Infantry had joined up with the airborne units inland to secure the area.

A former bunker of the Atlantic Wall has been incorporated into the Museum of the Landings, where you can see one of only six remaining original B26 Marauder bombers and an LVT-2 Water Buffalo, the landing craft used to offload supplies from the cargo ships off the coast.

The exhibits are especially well designed to illustrate not just the operations at Utah Beach, but the entire Operation Overlord, and some pieces of equipment are accompanied by videos demonstrating how they worked. Among the several monuments here is Milestone 00, marking the beginning of Liberty Road , and commemorating the route of Allied forces from the Normandy beaches to Bastogne, Belgium.

The nearby Crisbecq Battery Museum is a semi-open-air museum set in 21 German bunkers that were part of the Atlantic Wall guarding Utah Beach. They were (and are) linked by a network of trenches, and some of the bunkers contain dioramas showing life in the battery.

Address: Plage de la Madeleine, Sainte Marie du Mont

Official site: http://www.utah-beach.com

Inland from Utah Beach, and crucial to the success of the entire operation, paratroopers of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Division began the invasion well before dawn in and around the town of Sainte-Mère-Église. Like their British counterparts at the eastern edge of the invasion target, their job was to establish a western line to protect the liberated territory from being retaken by German ground forces.

The dramatic story of their dangerous mission is well told in the Airborne Museum, which re-creates some of the experiences of both the landing assault and the townspeople, as Sainte-Mère-Église became the first town in Normandy to be liberated. It was 4:30am when the American flag was raised over Sainte-Mère-Église, 15 minutes before the capture of the Merville Battery securing both ends of the landing zone.

The town's church still re-creates the scene villagers awoke to, with paratrooper John Steele suspended from his parachute on the church roof. Steele's medals, memorabilia from several generals and others who took part in the operation, and a C-47 Dakota used in the drops add to the collection of original artifacts used to immerse visitors in the reality of this historic assault that set Operation Overlord in motion.

Address: 14 rue Eisenhower, Sainte-Mère-Église

Official site: www.airborne-museum.org

East of Arromanches, a series of beaches code-named Gold Beach stretches for five miles toward Courseulles-sur-Mer and Juno Beach. It was one of the hardest-won beaches, captured late in the afternoon of June 6 by units of the British 50th Infantry Division. Joining with the Canadian landing forces to the east, the combined forces were able to liberate Bayeux the following day.

Overlooking Gold Beach, just outside the village of Ver-sur-Mer, the British Normandy Memorial was dedicated on June 6, 2021. It records the names of all those men and women under British command who lost their lives in Normandy between June 6 and August 31, 1944. Dioramas and other exhibits at the Musée America Gold Beach in Ver-sur-Mer detail the landing and fight to control the beaches.

Address: 2 place de l'Amiral Byrd, Ver-sur-Mer, Normandy

South of Caen and some distance from the landing beaches, Falaise had the misfortune of finding itself in the middle of a key Allied maneuver to trap retreating German troops in the weeks following D-Day. And it is the site of the newest museum of World War II, opened in 2016 to explore the experience of civilians during the German occupation, under the Vichy government, during the allied attacks, and after liberation.

The modern museum uses video interviews with people who lived through these events, along with photographs and often touching artifacts showing such things as propaganda for school children and chronicling the fates of resistance fighters and Jewish families. All audio and signage is also in English. A sound theater recreates scenes from the bombing of Falaise, its glass floor hovering over wartime ruins uncovered during the renovation of the building.

The museum also details the significance of the " Falaise Pocket, " where the last remaining German forces stood between the allied troops and Paris. Despite his armies being almost surrounded near Falaise and badly depleted, Hitler would not allow his commanders to withdraw through the slim corridor they still controlled.

Instead, he ordered them to attempt a counter-offensive. It failed, and their escape route was closed. Two days later, allied troops liberated Paris. The Battle of the Falaise Pocket was the final and decisive conclusion of the Battle of Normandy.

The museum is adjacent to the magnificent Falaise Castle , birthplace of William the Conqueror, well worth seeing while you're in Falaise.

Address: 12 Place Guillaume le Conquérant, Falaise

Official site: http://www.memorial-falaise.com

Recounting the Normandy Campaign from the Allied troop preparations to D-Day on June 6th, 1944 and the liberation of Paris on August 25 th , the 2,300-square-meter exhibition includes military equipment used on the landing beaches, as well as an excellent film "Normandy 44, a Decisive Victory in the West." This film, combined with the exhibits, puts Normandy's place in deciding the outcome of the war in the perspective of operations elsewhere, but deals mainly with Normandy's pivotal role.

While in Bayeux, be sure to see its best-known tourist attraction, the UNESCO inscribed Bayeux Tapestry , an 11th-century masterpiece of medieval embroidery depicting the story of the conquest of England in 1066 by William the Conqueror.

Address: Boulevard Fabian Ware, Bayeux

• Planning Your Trip : The main sites are between Pegasus Bridge, in Bénouville to the east, and Sainte-Mère-Église on the western end, and it makes sense to visit them in geographical order. The coastal road connects a whole series of beach towns, or if you are just visiting the main sights, you can reach them from a base in either Caen or Bayeux.
• Timing Your Visit : How long you should stay depends on how much time you plan to spend in various museums. While some of the material in the museums repeats, each one focuses on a particular landing site, event, invasion force, or part of the strategy. Be aware that some of the smaller museums close in the winter, usually from November through April. Most of these sights are today lively beach towns, with plenty of other things to do, especially in the summer.
• Visiting with Children and Teens : While young eyes may quickly glaze over at the details of the landings, a few of the more visual sights will bring the history to life. Begin at the Caen Memorial Center, where the film sets the stage for what they'll see later. Other sites with good visual appeal are Pégasus Bridge, where there's a full-size replica of a glider and the Atlantic Wall Museum, housed in a real 52-foot-high concrete bunker, showing the daily life and work of German soldiers as they directed the German fire. The Centre Juno Beach has hands-on exhibits and films, and kids can climb through ruined bunkers on the beach.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

More Places to Visit in Normandy: While visiting the D-Day landing beaches, you are sure to be struck by the lovely countryside and coastline, which you can explore easily with our page on the top-rated attractions and places to visit in Normandy . You will also find our page on the top tourist attractions in Rouen and easy day trips handy in planning your trip, as well as our insider's guide to visiting Mont Saint Michel , on the western coast of Normandy.

Places to Visit in France: To see more of the nearby tourist attractions of France , you can use our page on places to visit in Brittany . Like Normandy, Brittany is where you'll find some of the most beautiful beaches in France.

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The D Day Landing in Normandy Pixabay

Normandy’s WWII Sites

Interested in European history? Normandy is rich with fascinating memorials and museums commemorating some of Europe's darkest days

The beaches in Normandy are of great historical importance . It was here that, on the fateful day of the 6th June 1944, also known as D-Day , the Allies invaded Normandy and began the liberation of Nazi-controlled north-western Europe.

On the first day, around 160,000 troops landed on the beach and by the end of June, one million soldiers had crossed the English Channel and marched on to the beaches of Normandy. It was the largest seaborne invasion of all time and has been described by historians as the beginning of the end for Hitler and the Nazis. However, despite the success of the operation, the death toll was heavy and over 4,000 lives were lost on the first day alone.

Today, there is no shortage of memorial sites along the coast of Normandy commemorating the brave individuals who risked or gave their lives to fight in the Second World War. During the preparations for the landing, the Allies had divided up the 60 mile stretch of coastline into five sections and gave each section a code name: Utah, Omaha, Juno, Gold and Sword . Each beach has its own memorials and museums, and there are other important sites dotted around the area.

Here are some of the most important:

Caen Memorial

It is a good idea to start your visit to Normandy’s D-Day sites with a trip to the Caen Memorial. This museum offers a comprehensive overview of WWII, detailing major events that happened from the end of the First World War, all the way through to the Second World War and right up to the fall of the Berlin wall . The museum is huge and could easily take all day to see, so give yourself plenty of time to be able to take everything in.

Flags blowing in the wind outside the Caen Memorial - © Caen Memorial Museum

Utah Beach Museum

Utah Beach is where the first Allied soldier set foot on French soil. Now, on this spot, there stands a museum, which chronicles the events leading up to Operation Overlord , including details about the state of the failed German Atlantic Wall defence . The museum comprises a good mixture of objects and films, which put together to puzzle pieces and allow visitors to visualise what took place on D-Day.

The Utah Beach Museum - © Dreamstime

The D-Day Museum

Located in Arromanches-sur-Mer, the D-Day Museum gets into the nitty-gritty details of the construction of the phenomenal temporary Mulberry Harbour. The Allies knew that to conquer the Northern coast of France they would need a port to keep soldiers reinforced with supplies. However, the Allies were not planning on taking any ports. To solve this dilemma, they constructed two temporary harbours – the planning and execution of which are recounted in the museum. To this day, remnants of the original port can still be seen.

The D-Day Museum in Arromanches-sur-Mer - © Pinterest

American Military Cemetery

Nothing quite renders you conscious of how many lives were lost in the Second World War like this beautiful but eerie memorial site . Here, thousands of white crosses sit in perfect lines, stretched out across fields that overlook the sandy beach that was the site of so much devastation. There is a visitor centre and exhibition onsite, which give details about the lives of the soldiers, exhibiting letters they had written to their wives and girlfriends back home.

The white crosses marking the graves of fallen soldiers at the American Military Cemetery - © History Channel

The Canadian Juno Beach Centre

This museum is slightly different to the others that recount the events of D-Day. As well as explaining what happened during Operation Overlord, the museum takes a general look at Canada’s involvement in the war . Visitors to this museum will learn how Canada got involved with the war as well as background information about how the country was affected by the goings-on in Europe. After visiting the exhibitions, visitors are escorted to the beach and to a bunker that sits in front of the museum.

One of the features of the Canadian Centre at Juno Beach

If you are interested in visiting the beaches of Normandy , get in touch and we will create a bespoke itinerary for your French vacation that includes any number of historical sites across France.

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We are experienced travelers world-wide, generally organizing our own itinerary or having a travel group help us with a tour-for-two, and a personal guide, in several select locations. This was our first visit to France. So to be on our own with the guidance and extremely comprehensive written support of France Just For You was just remarkable and very reassuring. We felt completely confident during our 26 day tour from Nice to Paris, and we were astounded by the range of experiences offered to us. The accommodation choices were lovely, and all of our hosts were extremely gracious. Do keep in mind that we are a long married couple, and a self-driving tour of this magnitude and length could be trying at times. But we are here to tell the tale. Highly recommended, and many accolades to France Just For You. With thanks,

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This was our second trip arranged by France Just for You. That says a lot. What says more is we would do another trip with them without any concern. They are pros from the time the trip is planned to the very last minute of the journey. Every detail is provided through the travel book, app and communication, if needed, during the trip. We would highly recommend France Just For You!! Many thanks.

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There are not enough superlatives for our experience with Emilie. Prompt correspondence and thorough questions led to the perfect vacation for my family. Her choice of hotels in Paris and Provence were exactly what I would have chosen on my own. Her tour guide recommendations were spot on. The fact that she arranged all of our transfers, train tickets, and rental cars was priceless. I was happy to begin with, but when we received our tour book, I was amazed. It is a bound, personalized several hundred page book of everything from French customs and phrases to personalized walking tour suggestions, to GPS coordinates for points of interest. Pictures of our hotels and hosts, small maps in the book, large maps for each day we ventured out. Even Paris metro tickets to get us started. We were a group of 8, ages 12 to 75 and it could not have been more seamless. For all of this personalized service, her fees were very reasonable. Next time we travel to France, we will surely use France Just For You again. Merci beaucoup!

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France-Just for You is the best agency/coordinator we have EVER used. We have traveled around the world to more than 50 countries and this was by far the best job of coordination we ever experienced. The owner, Emilie, lives in France and is 100% accessible by email or phone. We emailed her the first time we learned about her business and from then on her attention to detail and efficiency were outstanding. She outlined a custom trip for us based on our criteria and then created a detailed plan for us to follow with options for various activities. She took care of every detail, bike rental, car rental, cooking class , museum passes, directions etc etc. Then, about a month before we went , she mailed us a 300+ page book custom created for our trip which gave background information on all the places we were to visit, gps directions, options for different routes, recommendations for restaurants, background on bed and breakfast hosts (whom she personally meets with), comments on French customs, and hundreds of tips and suggestions. Her guide was so complete, we did not need any other books. She created an experience for us we will never forget. When we return to France we will ask her to plan the trip for us.

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Top Normandy D-Day Landing Beaches and World War II Sites

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Normandy is a pilgrimage site  for travelers who want to tour the landscape of D-Day, one of the most momentous events in modern history. 2019 marks a major landmark: the 75th anniversary of the invasion that led to the liberation of Western Europe from the clutches of the Axis Powers.

Upon arriving in northwest France along the English Channel , visitors will find 10 important destinations to take in, from the comprehensive Mémorial de Caen and the aviation-oriented Airborne Museum in Sainte-Mère-Église to the solemn American Military Cemetery at Colleville-​sur-Mer. And, of course, visiting the famed sands of Utah Beach and other Allied landing spots is an essential part of exploring this important landscape.

Along the way, visitors will even learn about soldiers like Private John Steele and Lieutenant Norman Poole, individuals who made the invasion a success, as well as world leaders like Prime Minister Winston Churchill.​

Caen Memorial

Visiting the Mémorial de Caen first upon arriving in Normandy will give you a broad overview of World War II and the essential role of the region's beaches played in on fateful Tuesday, June 6, 1944. Housed in a modern, purpose-built structure on the outskirts of the charming city of Caen, the huge exhibition takes you from the build-up of World War II through the end of the Cold War.

The memorial is full of objects and films made during the war and after that dramatically convey the global history of the war, including as personal stories of the soldiers. The memorial includes dioramas of the attack on Pearl Harbor and the Battle of Normandy and details the harrowing atomic destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

A visit here should be the focus of the day. This comprehensive view of World War II is a lot to absorb and can leave visitors drained. Nevertheless, it's a fulfilling experience that shines a spotlight on the value of peace and the sacrifices made on Normandy's beaches.

The Mémorial de Caen is located at Esplanade Général Eisenhower, 14050 Caen.

The Airborne Museum in Sainte-Mère-Église

The first sight as you drive into the picturesque Sainte-Mère-Église is a lifelike model of a paratrooper hanging from his flapping parachute caught on the village's centuries-old Catholic church. Private John Steele was part of the attack by the American 82nd and 101st Divisions, and the effort was ultimately a success: On the night of June 6, 1944, it became the first town liberated. The town was vital to the Allies in protecting nearby landings at Utah Beach.

Discover the many details of Sainte-Mère-Église in its Musée Airborne, or Airborne Museum, located next to the church. It's unmissable, as its domed buildings are designed to look like air-filled parachutes. In front of one hall is a restored a Waco glider. A second hall houses a Douglas C-47 Dakota plane that dropped paratroopers into the Norman countryside and towed gliders. A third building houses Operation Neptune, an interactive display that transports visitors to the frenetic and momentous scenes of D-Day.

There are plenty of stories to learn in Sainte-Mère-Église and the Airborne Museum, including about Private Steele. He played dead for two hours dangling in his parachute harness but was finally captured by the Germans. But he and fellow soldiers escaped; Steele found his division and rejoined the battle. Classic film buffs might recognize Sainte-Mère-Église as a backdrop in the epic ​ The Longest Day .

The Musée Airborne is located at 14 rue Eisenhower.

Sites Around Ste-Mère-Eglise and Utah Beach

One of the best ways to explore this region of Normandy is with a comprehensive map and audio guide from the Tourist Office in Ste-Mère-Eglise. Loaded on an iPad, the virtual assistant can help you find both smaller memorial sites and also major D-Day battle sites. It’s very well done, including GPS coordinates to keep you going in the right direction along winding country roads.

After a general introduction, there are 11 stops on the tour. At each waypoint, the iPad shares images of the actual battles along with commentary that tells you exactly what happened.

The tour is easy to follow, and you can follow it take it at your own pace. In general, it takes between two and three hours.

There's a fee to check out the iPad, and identification and a credit card deposit are required. 

Pick up your iPad guide at the Tourist Office, 6 rue Eisenhower. 

Utah Beach Museum

It's a name known with reverence across the world: Utah Beach.

The Utah Beach Museum, or Musée du Debarquément Utah Beach, stands on the sandy dunes of a beautiful stretch of Normandy coastline. Today, it’s a popular place for windsurfing in the breeze, swimming in clear waters, and strolling along the shore. But on June 6, 1944, it was a very different scene. At 10 minutes past midnight, Lieutenant Norman Poole of the British Army's Special Air Service landed on Utah Beach, the first allied soldier to set foot on French soil. It was the start of Operation Overlord.

There’s a very good mix of films and objects in the museum's collections and dioramas, including a complete briefing room illustrating the Allied invasion strategy. Perhaps the most visually impressive display is a windowed hangar-style concourse that houses a huge Martin B-26-G bomber. The museum is surrounded by monuments to soldiers, like the striking obelisk at its entrance. For a reflective view, its upper floor affords a gorgeous view of Normandy's now tranquil coastline .

Find the Musée du Debarquément Utah Beach at 50480 Sainte-Marie-du-Mont.

American World War II Cemetery in Normandy

Hallowed ground, the American Military Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer holds 9,387 American graves. Most of the soldiers buried here were involved in the Normandy D-Day landings and the battles that followed. The cemetery is on the site of the temporary St. Laurent graveyard, which was established by the U.S. First Army on June 8, 1944.

Start at the Visitor Center for an exhibition that explains Operation Overlord and the shares the life stories of some of the soldiers who fought and died in Normandy. Don’t miss the poignant film Letters , which highlights the lives of some of the young men who fought here through the words and memories of their mothers, fathers, girlfriends, and friends.

The immaculately manicured cemetery itself is huge, covering 172.5 acres. To get there, walk down a path to a plaque which shows you the battle and offers a panoramic view of the sweeping sandy beach below. In the cemetery itself, perfectly aligned white headstones adorn a gentle slope that stretches into the distance, seemingly into infinity. At one end stands the Memorial with its lovely circular chapel. For all its solemn expanse, these cemetery grounds aren't the largest in this part of the world; that particular honor goes to the Meuse-Argonne Cemetery . However, with its relatively recent setting in time, it could be said to be the most moving. 

The American Military Cemetery is located at 14710 Colleville-sur-Mer.

The D-Day Museum, Arromanches-sur-Mer

The Musée du Debarquément (D-Day Museum) at Arromanches explains the construction of the extraordinary Mulberry Harbors with heir temporary breakwaters, piers, and docks that allowed the Allies to take control of Normandy's heavily fortified coastline. In 1942, Churchill had sent a memo to Lord Mountbatten, Britain's Chief of Combined Operations, that the construction "must float up and down with the tide. The anchor problem must be mastered. Let me have the best solution." This museum displays how the problem was solved.

A formidable task, but the best solution was an ingenious series of artificial ports built for ships filled with Allied soldiers and supplies to follow up on the first wave of amphibious and parachute attacks.

The harbor was begun after the liberation of Arromanches on June 6; ships were scuttled on June 7; concrete blocks were sunk on June 8; and by June 14, cargo ships began to be unloaded. Aside from the sheer architectural difficulty of creating the artificial harbors, the Allied corps constantly contended with terrible English Channel weather that continually destroyed their hard work.

The museum is quite old and small, but it's nonetheless a worthwhile stop with its excellent film on the building of the Mulberry harbors. Looking out over the long beaches, the remains of the artificial port is still visible more than seven decades after it was built.

Reach the Musée du Debarquément in Arromanches at Place du 6 Juin.

Arromanches 360 Circular Cinema

For an unforgettable spectacle, climb a series of steps that ascend from the middle of Arromanches to the circular cinema that rises above this small Norman town. You can also drive.

Standing in the center of this engaging cinema that's build on the remains of a Mulberry harbor, a historic film illuminates nine screens that loop around you."Normandy's 100 Days" tells the stories, complete with historical footage, of the thousands that fought—and often died—to liberate Europe. But note: It's an immersive experience, so be prepared.

Visit the Arromanches 360 Circular Cinema at 4117 Arromanches.

Mémorial Pegasus

The Mémorial Pegasus commemorates the daring exploits of the British 6th Airborne Division, which was made up of more than 12,000 troops including a battalion of 600 volunteer Canadian troops, 177 French Commandos, a Belgian unit, and a Dutch brigade. They parachuted from gliders that took them silently to Normandy from England. Once there, they protected the D-Day landings from assaults by German troops.

At the waterside museum on the outskirts of Caen, begin your visit with a short film of the expedition. Beyond showing the expedition, it sets a few myths straight. For instance, in The Longest Day , Lord Lovat and his bagpiper musically walk across the bridge; in fact, they ran over the bridge with bagpipes silent.

The Pegasus Bridge that once spanned the Caen Canal is key display at the memorial. It was a major objective of the Allies in the invasion. There’s also am easy-to-assemble Bailey bridge, huts with different exhibitions inside, and a reconstructed Horsa glider.

Mémorial Pegasus is located at Avenue du Major Howard, 14860 Ranville.

The Merville Gun Battery

Squatting along Norman coast just a few years from the churning waves of the English Channel, the Merville Gun Battery digs into the ground. Once part of the huge Atlantic Wall built by the Germans to defend Europe against Allied invasion, it was heavily fortified.

Today it’s a rather eerie site, one that's both peaceful with its small town, seaside setting and also sinister with its massive wartime bunkers. When exploring the site, start outside where a Douglas C-47 Dakota is parked. Then explore bunkers to learn the history of the 9th Battalion’s assault on the battery. It came at a terrible cost: of the 750 soldiers sent on the capture mission, a mere 150 landed and only 75 survived.

Be prepared for surprises, particularly the extremely loud sound and light show that happens every 20 minutes. It gives a very real—and terrifying—impression of what life was like inside a bunker under attack.

Find the Merville Gun Battery at Place du 9 Battalion in Merville-Franceville.

The Juno Beach Center

Juno Beach sits between Gold and Sword Beaches. During the D-Day invasion, all three were under the command of the 2nd British Army. Juno was liberated mainly by Canadian forces. Their fight is documented at the excellent Juno Beach Center.

The museum is slightly different from the others in the region with its eye on Canada. It focuses on the Commonwealth country's background and how it entered the war. It gives you as much insight into Canada from the 1930s up to the present day as it does on the war itself. The sections on the war itself are equally well done, with interactive displays, films, and audio guides.

The attack was as bloody as on the other beaches: 1,074 men landed on Juno beach and 359 were killed.

After a visit, a guide takes you to the beach and the bunker in front of the museum, explaining the Atlantic Wall and the battles of the June landings. It's a reflective opportunity to remember the 18,000 Canadian casualties of the invasion of Normandy, of whom 5,500 died.

Visit the Juno Beach Center at Voie des Francais Libres, 14470 Courseulles-sur-Mer.

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D-day Museum : World War II memorials in Normandy

There are dozens of museums that cover the Allied forces landings in Normandy. Whether old or new, they cover the history of Operation Overlord from difference points of view. If you can visit only one D-Day Museum during your tour in Normandy, it will be one of theses memorials.

The Arromanches Museum

Ten years after the Allied forces landed, an exhibition was set up in Arromanches, and inaugurated by President of the French Republic, René Coty. It’s the first D-Day museum that recounts June 6, 1944, with the objective of commemorating the Battle at Normandy.

Address : Place du Six Juin 1944, 14117 Arromanches-les-Bains

The Overlord Museum

The Overlord Museum bears the name of Operation Overlode, or the code name for the Battle of Normandy, whose mission was to land on the coast of Normandy, at various points, and progressively head inland to liberate France. This D-Day museum is particularly impressive with its full-scale reenactments of the armies who fought on the battlefield.

Address : Lotissement Omaha Center, 14710 Colleville-sur-Mer

The Omaha Beach Memorial Museum

Omaha Beach is one of the beaches on which American, Canadian, English and French troops landed on June 6, 1944. It’s on this beach in particular that there were the largest number of casualties. Visit the Omaha Beach Memorial Museum to discover how disembarkment played out on Omaha Beach.

Address : Avenue de la Libération 14710, Saint-Laurent-sur-mer

The Omaha D-day Museum

This D-Day museum houses an important collection of WWII and Battle at Normandy objects and memorabilia. Just like the Memorial Museum, this one is located not far from the American cemetery and Hoc Point. Its permanent exhibition is very interesting as it deals with the consequences of these conflicts on the civil population.

Address : Route de Grancamp 14710, Vierville-sur-Mer

The Museum of Underwater Wreckage

What made the Allied landings special was its amphibious nature. Land troops arrived via specialized boats. Unfortunately, because some of these boats didn’t make it to the coast on time, artillery and engines (such as tanks) became wreckage without ever having served on the battlefield. The D-Day museum of Underwater Wreckage displays such artifacts.

Address : Route de Bayeux 14520, Commes – Port-en-Bessin

The Caen Memorial : a must-see D-Day Museum

The D-Day museum at the Caen Memorial is dedicated to the Normandy landings and to the Battle at Normandy, but also houses a sizable exhibition that deals with France’s position during WWII. Educational activities organized for school groups as well as temporary exhibitions and occasional events are also planned.

Address : Esplanade Général Eisenhower 14050, Caen

The Number 4 Commando Museum

Located in the Ouistreham commune where Allied forces landed at Sword Beach, this D-Day museum deals with landings in the regions of Calvados and Cotentin and, above all, the destiny of the 177 French Navy gunfighters who, integrated into British troops, were the only representatives of the French population to take part in Operation Overlord.

Address : Place Alfred Thomas, 14150 Ouistreham

The Juno Beach Center

Inaugurated on June 6, 2003, the Juno Beach Center renders homage to the Canadian troops who participated in the WWII battles alongside the Allied forces.

Address : Voie des Français Libres, BP 104, 14470 Courseulles-sur-Mer

The America - Gold Beach Museum

Here exhibitions recount the landings of British forces on the Normandy beach of Ver-sur-Mer. It also tells the story of the American plane that in 1927 made a landing outside of the city to create the first airmail service between France and the USA.

Address : 2 Place Amiral Byrd, 14114 Ver-Sur-Mar

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Normandy is a beautiful part of northern France to visit, but many visitors come for the sights that relate to the Battle of Normandy. The battle raged from D-Day on the 6th June 1944 until the end of August. A surprising amount of sites survive to this day, from huge batteries that formed part of the Atlantic Wall to parts of the Mulberry Harbour still resting on Gold Beach .

This suggested (and tested!) itinerary will help you get the most of this historic part of France. We explored the whole of the area from Utah Beach in the west to Sword Beach in the east and beyond. If you have more time to visit you can add in some more of the many museums that cover many different aspects of D-Day and the  Battle of Normandy or take in some great places which are unrelated to World War II.

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To get the most out of Normandy you’ll need a car. You won’t be able to get to many of the sites which can be quite remote by public transport in a sensible amount of time or possibly at all. By having a car you can wander through the countryside, visit small villages, explore old bunkers and just stop wherever you want when you spot something interesting.

So let’s hop in the car and take a 3-day road trip around Normandy!

NORMANDY ROAD TRIP OVERVIEW

• Travel to Normandy
• DAY 1 : Crisbecq and Azeville Batteries  |  Utah Beach and Landing Museum  |  La Cambe Cemetery  |  Maisy Battery  |  Pointe du Hoc  |  Omaha Beach and Normandy American Cemetery
• DAY 2 : Bayeux British Cemetery  |  Bayeux Cathedral  |  Bayeux Tapestry  |  Longues-Sur-Mer Battery  |  Musée du Débarquement  |  Gold Beach and Mulberry Harbour  |  Juno Beach and Juno Beach Centre  |  Sword Beach  |  Beny-sur-Mer Cemetery
• DAY 3 : Site Hillman  |  Memorial Pegasus  |  Ranville Cemetery and Church  |  Mont Canisy Battery  |  Villerville Pillboxes  |  Honfleur
• Travel Home from Normandy

Click the link on the “DAY” to quickly jump to that section of this itinerary.

NORMANDY ROAD TRIP MAP

Please feel free to download this map for your personal use when planning your trip.

To download this Google Map, click on the grey star at the top of the map and this map will be added to your Google Maps account. You can then view it on your phone or computer in Google Maps by clicking on the menu button, going to “Your Places” and selecting this map. 

We use these maps in the planning stage of creating all our itineraries as you can set out your plan in advance and then quickly reference these maps through the planning process.

WHERE TO STAY IN NORMANDY

Normandy is compact enough that you can set up camp in one spot rather than move from night to night. We picked somewhere fairly central, but you could pretty much do this itinerary whilst staying anywhere within striking distance of the coast.

RECOMMENDED : Ferme de la Rançonnière  3-star hotel in Crepon

This wonderful hotel is centrally located to all the D-Day sites in Normandy, beautifully rustic and charming, excellent dining, and the staff were very helpful prior to arrival answering our question about the accommodations and booking us a specific room.

This hotel also regularly offers deals which include room, breakfast and dinner in their restaurant. We enjoyed two meals at the restaurant, one each from their Terroir and Gastronomic menus, and enjoyed fantastic food both times during our three-night stay.

NORMANDY ROAD TRIP: DAY 1

Crisbecq and Azeville Batteries  |  Utah Beach and Landing Museum  |  La Cambe Cemetery  |  Maisy Battery  |  Pointe du Hoc  |  Omaha Beach and Normandy American Cemetery

Our trip starts out West in the American landing zones of Utah and Omaha Beach . The first stops are two of the enormous batteries that formed part of the Atlantic Wall. Crisbecq and Azeville batteries held large, long-range, artillery that threatened the landing forces and the ships that supported them. At Crisbecq you can understand what it took to destroy these guns, which basically required a direct hit on the concrete classmate.

From the batteries, it’s time to visit the first of the five beaches. Utah beach is the furthest west of the landing beaches and 23,000 men landed here on D-Day. It was here that a German soldier was quoted as saying “The sea is black with ships”, such was the size of the attacking force. Today, the sandy beach is as tranquil as any other beach in the world and it’s hard to imagine what it would have been like back on the 6th June 1944.

For a first insight into the events of D-Day, a visit to the Utah Beach Landing Museum right next to the beach is next on our itinerary. The museum houses several military vehicles as well as a B26 bomber, thousands of which attacked the enemy before, during and after D-Day. This bomber is painted in the colours of Major Dewhurst who led the final bombing run over Utah beach. Outside the museum are several monuments related to D-Day.

Our next stop might be a bit jarring to some people, but we stopped at La Cambe German War Cemetery . The vast majority of the German soldiers stationed on the Atlantic Wall, defending France, didn’t want to be there. They were men whose lives were cut short due to the actions of others just the same as the Allied soldiers who died. The cemetery holds 21,139 bodies and the focal point it the large central mound, which is a common grave, topped by a large cross.

Another battery is up next and the interesting theories and history of Maisy Battery make it a worthwhile stop. The site was lost to history until 2004 and its rediscovery has led to some interesting theories of how and why it was lost and whether some of the events and tactics of D-Day should be reassessed.

The rocky bluff of Pointe du Hoc is the perhaps the place in Normandy where you can best see the result of the Battle of Normandy still. The rugged ground is pockmarked with crater holes to this day and damaged bunkers and casemates litter the landscape. The US Army Rangers Assault Group who scaled these cliffs while under enemy fire to take the battery found that the guns had been moved and replaced with telephone poles.

The second American landing beach Omaha Beach is next on our itinerary. Here, a striking monument to the soldiers who liberated France called Les Braves can be found, surrounded, like so many of the important locations in the area, by the flags of the nations who formed the Allied forces. 34,000 troops landed on this beach under heavy enemy fire and hampered by the loss of all but two of the 29 tanks that were to offer fire support.

The first day finishes with a visit to the Normandy American Cemetery . 9,387 soldiers are buried here together with a memorial to 1,557 soldiers who have no known grave. If you can arrive in time, you can witness the ceremony of the lowering of the flag which happens each evening.  

NORMANDY ROAD TRIP: DAY 2

Bayeux British Cemetery  |  Bayeux Cathedral  |  Bayeux Tapestry  |  Longues-Sur-Mer Battery  |  Musée du Débarquement  |  Gold Beach and Mulberry Harbour  |  Juno Beach and Juno Beach Centre  |  Sword Beach  |  Beny-sur-Mer Cemetery

The second day of your trip starts with a visit to Bayeux War Cemetery . This is the largest Commonwealth WWII cemetery in France and holds the graves of 4,144 soldiers. There are also 500 graves of other nationalities, many of whom are German.

The town of Bayeux is the location for the only non-WWII stops on the itinerary. The stunning Cathedral of Notre-Dame dates back to the 11th-century, the days of Willam the Conqueror and the Battle of Hastings. It was a peaceful place to reflect on some of the other sights we had visited.

The cathedral was home for many centuries to the Bayeux Tapestry, but this is now held in the nearby Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux. The tapestry, which is actually an embroidery, tells the story of the Norman conquest of England, culminating in the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The work that went into it and the fact it has survived nine centuries are impressive, but the thing that wowed us the most was how long it is.

From Bayeux, it’s time to head back to the coast and Longues-Sur-Mer battery . The amazing thing about this battery of four guns is that the batteries still contain their guns. This and the fire control post that can be visited on the cliff edge allow visitors to get a better impression of how these batteries operated.

Moving along the coast we enter the first of the British landing beaches, Gold Beach . It’s here that you’ll find the relatively small Musée du Débarquement which contains beautiful scale models of the Mulberry Harbour that was built off the coast of Gold Beach to enable the Allies to have a deepwater harbour for resupply.

Directly outside the museum is Gold Beach itself, the third of the five beaches on the itinerary. If you can arrive here at low tide, you can walk out onto the beach and explore the Mulberry Harbour pieces that still rest on the beach after all these decades. These enormous concrete structures were towed across the English Channel and connected together to form a structure able to be used to offload millions of tonnes of supplies after D-Day.

Heading further east takes you to the Canadian landing zone of Juno Beach . It was from the bridgehead established on this beach that the Canadian Forces moved the furthest inland and came closes to any of the landing zones of achieving the objectives for D-Day.

Next to the beach is the Juno Beach Centre where you can learn about the Canadian contribution to D-Day and the wider war effort. Starting with a film projected from within a simulated landing craft to set the scene, the museum holds many personal documents and photographs that help bring home the personal impact of the conflict.

The most easterly landing zone, Sword Beach is the final beach on our itinerary. It was here that the British 2nd Army landed with the goal of securing the eastern flank of the assault. 29,000 men landed here on D-Day, but one of the main objectives for the day, the capture of Caen, was still several kilometres out of reach.

Day 2 ends with a visit to the Canadian cemetery at Beny-Sur-Mer . 2048 soldiers are buried here from those who fell on D-Day to those killed in the Battle of Caen and the men who were illegally executed at Ardenne Abbey. Like all Commonwealth war cemeteries, it is kept in immaculate condition and is a peaceful and sobering place to visit.

NORMANDY ROAD TRIP: DAY 3

Site Hillman  |  Memorial Pegasus  |  Ranville Cemetery and Church  |  Mont Canisy Battery  |  Villerville Pillboxes  |  Honfleur

The last day of this short, but intense, itinerary starts with a visit to Site Hillman. Site Hillman was a bunker complex and command post on D-Day and as such a prime target for the attacking forces. The job of securing the bunker was given to the 1st Battalion Suffolk Regiment of the British Army. The bunkers were well defended and difficult to capture, but they surrendered on the morning of the 7th June. The site is now a memorial after the land was given to the Suffolk Regiment by the former owner of the land.

Continuing east the itinerary takes you to one of the most daring stories of D-Day and an essential capture of bridges to secure the flank of the attacking forces and protect them from counter-attacks. Memorial Pegasus tells the story of how the 6th Airborne Division landed right next to the bridge in the dead of night early on D-Day and captured the bridge over the Caen canal. Across the new bridge, you can see a building that proudly proclaims that it was the first building to be liberated in France.

The nearby village of Ranville is the location of the Ranville War Cemetery where those who died in this attack, including the first allied casualty on D-Day Lieutenant H.D. Brotheridge, and others. 2,235 commonwealth soldiers are buried here, as well as 330 Germans and a few others. And a further 48 graves can be found within the churchyard.

The church is worth a visit to see the beautiful stain-glassed window that commemorates the capture of Pegasus Bridge with the words  “In Memoriam 1944 6th Airborne Division”.

Heading outside the immediate area of D-Day our itinerary takes in Mont Canisy Battery . Though it saw very little action in the Battle of Normandy this means it is well preserved and an interesting place to visit. Built on top of a hill, it also offers great views of the surrounding area in places.

The final stop on the itinerary takes you to some pillboxes that are rarely visited. From the car park (marked on the map below) you have to walk about 750m (2,500 ft) along the beach to the east to get to the pillboxes. They are not in their original positions having slipped down the beach over the decades. Like the Mulberry Harbour pieces in Arromanche, the pillboxes are interesting to visit and explore.

READ MORE:  If you have time to extend your trip, there are many other towns and places to explore in Normandy such as the nearby Honfleur with its cute harbour and wooden church, Église Ste-Catherine.

BEST TIME TO TAKE AN NORMANDY ROAD TRIP

In our opinion, the best time to visit Normandy is either the spring (March to May) or the autumn (mid-September to October). The weather is good (although it can vary so pack layers!) especially as it gets closer to May, or it can still be warm in September. The summer crowds aren’t in full swing and accommodation rates aren’t as high as the peak season.

BUT, some of the sites may only open during the high season, so be sure to check that any sites you specifically want to visit will be open during the time you plan to be there.

We visited in March and found almost everything we wanted to visit was open and nowhere we visited was very crowded. In some cases, we had “private” tours as we happened to be the only people visiting a particular attraction at the time, which was fantastic!

But you may not be able to visit during those times of the year so what should you expect in the summer or winter?

In the summer (June to mid-September) the days are long (like 10:00 pm sunsets), the weather is warm, and every sightseeing attraction, B&B, and hotel is open. However, with this, you’ll also find the biggest crowds, especially in the most popular sites. This is also the time of year where airfare, car rental, and hotel prices will be the highest. You should also be aware that there are usually events around many sites around the 6th June each year, so accommodation prices could be higher and some sites may be more crowded.

In the winter (November – February) there are fewer daylight hours and in many cases, you’ll find quite a few of the sites are closed. The weather is cold, wet, and can be foggy which can really put a damper on a day of sightseeing – especially when so much of the sights of Normandy are outside or exposed to the elements. But, you are likely to find great prices on airfares, hotels, and B&Bs (though some B&Bs may not be open at all).

RESOURCES | PLAN YOUR NORMANDY ROAD TRIP

To book flights, rental cars, accommodations, and activities for your trip, please check out our recommended travel providers, favourite apps and websites. 

• Rick Steves’  ‘ Normandy TV show ‘ episode

These are a few tours we would recommend for your Normandy road trip.

Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission but this does not affect the price to you. Please read our   full disclosure policy here . 

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World war ii museums in normandy, 8 great places to visit in normandy, france, world war ii cemeteries in normandy, world war ii d-day beaches in normandy, world war ii batteries in normandy.

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Visiting the D-Day Landing Beaches

Normandy Tourism, France

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Updated on 18 July 2023

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D-Day and the Battle of Normandy were predominantly fought in the départements of Calvados, Manche and Orne, and it is here that you will find the many memorials, cemeteries and museums that commemorate what happened. The D-Day Landing Beaches extend over 70km from Sainte-Marie-du-Mont to Ouistreham, via Colleville-sur-Mer and Arromanches-les-Bains. Here’s our fully comprehensive D-Day map to help you plan where to visit.

REMEMBRANCE sites

Nearly 3,000 Allied servicemen, mostly soldiers, lost their lives on D-Day. Every year, millions come to see where and how the conflict took place. The D-Day Landing Beaches have since become a symbol of the price of peace across the world. Our fully comprehensive D-Day map below will help you work out which remembrance sites – museums, beaches, cemeteries and memorials – to visit during your stay.

GUIDED TOURS Of THE D-Day Landing BEACHES

On foot, or by minibus, bike or coach, there is a network of qualified English-speaking guides ( guides-conférenciers ) who specialise in showing visitors around Normandy’s many remembrance sites. We recommend if you book a tour to arrange for your guide to meet you at the train station or your hotel for a door-to-door service.

If you need to remind yourself of Normandy’s World War II history before your tour, here is a handy guide to the main phases of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy .

A Jeep ride in the footsteps of the 101st Airborne Division

Updated on 12 April 2024

Our weekend family tour of the D-Day Landing Beaches

Updated on 11 April 2023

The D-Day Landing Beaches with a dog

Updated on 19 July 2023

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D-Day and the Battle of Normandy Commemorating D-Day and the Battle of Normandy D-Day and the Battle of Normandy sites and museums Main phases of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy D-Day: 10 Unexplored Sites of Remembrance in Normandy

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A World War II Travel Blog

What to See at Sword Beach, Normandy: 11 Great Museums, Memorials, & More

Last Updated: January 19, 2024 //  by  Ashley Smith 2 Comments

Sword Beach is the easternmost of the five D-Day landing beaches . Along with Gold Beach , Sword Beach was also one of the two British landing zones. (American troops stormed Utah Beach and Omaha Beach while Canada stormed Juno Beach .)

Like the other four Normandy landing beaches, Sword Beach offers a great selection of museums and other sites to visit today.

Table of Contents

What happened at Sword Beach on D-Day?

British forces landed on Sword Beach at 7:25 am on D-Day and faced only moderate opposition. Just half an hour later the fighting was already inland. Here are some quick Sword Beach facts:

Sword Beach objective

The main British objective on D-Day was to seize the city of Caen. Caen is the largest city in the area and the one through which all major roads in the Normandy countryside run through.

Sword Beach casualties

Of the almost 29,000 troops that landed on Sword Beach, there were 683 casualties, a relatively low number as far as Normandy beach landings went.

Sword Beach outcome

The storming of Sword Beach on D-Day resulted in a super swift Allied victory with relatively few casualties.

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Also read: 20+ Fascinating WWII Sites in Paris – museums, memorials, and more

What to see at Sword Beach

Today, you can visit many of the key sites of the Sword Beach invasion and some of the best Normandy D-Day museums in the area. On your next visit, be sure to check out these 11 sites:

1. Mémorial de Caen (Caen Memorial Museum)

Located in Caen, the main Sword Beach objective on D-Day, is the Caen Memorial Museum , believed to be the best World War II in Europe. This museum opened on D-Day in 1988 and covers what happened on Sword Beach, what happened on D-Day, and all of World War II in general.

This museum displays tons of historical artifacts, replicas, airplanes, vehicles, and much more. It also has two cafés, three gardens dedicated to British, Canadian, and American soldiers who died in Normandy, and a movie theater.

The Caen Memorial Museum is extensive and will take up the most time of any of these sites. Definitely dedicate a good chunk of time to exploring it in depth.

Also check out: The Best D-Day Beach to Visit in Normandy : Here’s How to Choose

2. Memorial Pegasus and the Pegasus Bridge

The Pegasus Bridge spans the Caen Canal and capturing it was one of the major objectives of British troops on D-Day. Originally called the Bénouville Bridge, it was renamed to Pegasus to honor the men of the 6 th Airborne Division who wore the emblem of a winged horse on their uniforms.

The Memorial Pegasus located nearby is a museum and memorial dedicated these British troops—the 6 th Airborne Division, also known as the “Red Berets.” The taking of the Pegasus Bridge is one of the featured stories in the movie The Longest Day .

This museum covers both the military operation in taking the bridge as well as the personal stories associated with it. This operation is one of the lesser-known D-Day tales but one that played an essential role in Allied victory.

If you’re short on time to dedicate to this area, check out my post on the 7 best D-Day sites to visit in Normandy if you have just one day .

3. Pegasus Bridge Café

Originally known as Café Gondrée, the Pegasus Bridge Café is a small coffee house in the town of Bénouville at the northwest end of the Pegasus Bridge. Many refer to this building as the first site of combat during the D-Day invasion and as the first French house to be liberated. (Whether or not that’s true is up for debate since there are a handful of other sites who claim the same, so whatever.)

During the war, the café was run by Georges and Thérèse Gondrée who had been involved in the French resistance and passed on information about the bridge’s defenses. After the war, it was here that British paratroopers would henceforth celebrate the anniversary of D-Day.

The building is now listed as a historical monument and still serves customers today. The interior is decorated floor to ceiling in historical photographs and memorabilia, making it a little museum in its own right. When you’re in the area exploring these Sword Beach sites, stop by the Pegasus Bridge Café for a little break.

Read also: 10 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Normandy’s D-Day Sites

4. Le Grand Bunker (Museum of the Atlantic Wall)

Also known as the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, Le Grand Bunker focuses entirely to the history of the Atlantic Wall. It is located across the five levels of a former German bunker at Ouistreham.

This bunker was once part the most powerful coastal battery in the region and served as the nerve center for German command. From here, they controlled all other batteries in the area. On June 9 th , 1944, British lieutenant Bob Orrell and his men took it over.

Today, it has been completely renovated to appear as it did back in 1944. It encompasses all five levels and shows how the Germans organized operations inside the bunker. You can also head up to the rooftop to see 360° views of the entire surrounding area including the beaches.

As a bonus, you can also check out one of the D-Day landing crafts used by Tom Hanks’s character in Saving Private Ryan . This amphibious landing craft was used on D-Day, then fully restored and modified for the film. It is not on display outside Le Grand Bunker.

5. Memorial des Civils dans la Geurre (Falaise Memorial)

Translated into English, this museum is known as the Civilians in Wartime Memorial . This is one of Normandy’s lesser-known World War II museums but has a unique focus that makes it a worthwhile stop. The Civilians in Wartime Memorial focuses on what life was like for Normandy’s civilian population during the war.

This memorial was designed by the Caen Memorial and opened in 2016 making it one of Normandy’s newest war museums. At this museum you’ll learn about:

• the civilians’ complex relationships with soldiers during the war (the combination of liberation and the Allied bombings that preceded it)
• the daily life of French citizens during German occupation
• Norman resistance
• Jewish persecution
• and the exodus of 1940

6. Museum and the Merville Battery Site

This site is composed of both a memorial to the 9 th Parachute Battalion of the British Army and a museum dedicated to the Merville Battery. It was the 9 th ’s D-Day objective to destroy the German battery at Merville beforehand so British troops could land on Sword Beach.

They completed their mission but you can still see the battery in its entirety today. The site also displays tanks, airplanes, weaponry, dormitories, and more. You can sit inside a Douglas C-47 Dakota plane, explore the concrete casemates, and experience their light and sound show every 20 minutes that recreates the events of D-Day.

7. The Hillman Site

The Hillman Site is a small museum located at the former Hillman Fortress, a German bunker complex attacked on D-Day by Allied forces.

The exterior parts of the site are open year-round and the memorial is open only during the summer. Volunteers even lead free guided tours during the summer as well. You can explore the complex, check out historical artifacts, and get interesting information on how the Germans used the complex during WWII.  

8. The Bagpiper of Normandy

On the shores of Sword beach you’ll find a memorial to Bill Millin, a British man known as the Bagpiper of Normandy. Millin was the personal piper of Simon Fraser, the 15 th Lord Lovat (a Scottish title) and prominent British Commando during World War II. Fraser’s troops landed at Sword Beach on D-Day.

While bagpipes had been traditionally used in battle by Scottish soldiers, by the time of World War II bagpipes were restricted to the rear areas. (Go figure.) Regardless of these mandates, piper Bill Millin nevertheless played his bagpipe up and down Sword Beach (in a kilt) during the height of battle.

Somehow, Millin survived unharmed. (German snipers later admitted that, though Millin had been in their sights, they took pity on the man they thought was mad and refused to shoot him.) He and Fraser made it all the way to the Pegasus Bridge where Millin played his bagpipes as the British crossed it. A set of his bagpipes is now on display at the Pegasus Bridge Museum (above).

Today, up on the shores of Sword Beach is a memorial statue to Millin, the Bagpiper of Normandy. You’ll find this statue at the intersection of Boulevard Maritime and Avenue de Bruxelles. It features a bronze bagpiper atop a concrete base with three memorial plaques.

You can also see bagpiping Bill Millin in the movie The Longest Day .

9. French-British Museum of Commando N°4

The French-British Museum of Commando N°4 presents the landing at Sword Beach from the angle of the Franco-British commandos. These mission of the men of Commando N°4 was to liberate the town of Ouistreham and then to join the British paratroopers at the Pegasus Bridge. This museum tells their stories.

Located in the town of Ouistreham, this museum will take you about an hour to go through, 20 minutes of that is an introductory film detailing this commando’s actions on D-Day. The museum then tells their stories through photographs, uniforms and weapons, and more.

10. Kieffer Monument – Free French Soldiers Memorial

Overlooking Sword Beach is the Kieffer Monument, also known as the memorial to Free French Soldiers. It is designed to resemble a giant flame and pays tribute to all the forces of Free France who participated in the D-Day landings.

11. Hermanville War Cemetery

Located at Hermanville-sur-Mer a little bit north of Caen is the Hermanville War Cemetery , the final resting place Commonwealth soldiers who died on Sword Beach on June 6 th and in the first few days after the Normandy landings. (It was originally called Sword Beach Cemetery for this reason.)

Hermanville War Cemetery contains the graves of 1,003 World War II burials, 103 of them remain unidentified.

Visiting Sword Beach, Normandy today

Visiting Sword Beach Normandy today is a great way to learn about British contributions to the D-Day landings (and beyond). There are a number of notable museums and sites here, and you could dedicate an entire day to just this sector. Don’t miss a stop near Sword Beach on your next trip to World War II Normandy.

Hotels near Sword Beach, Normandy

If you’re looking to stay near Sword Beach during your visit to Normandy, check out these great options:

Hotel Le Cosy Riva Bella – Ouistreham

Hotel le Cosy Riva Bella is a lovely hotel in a great location for exploring the nearby museums and memorials. It’s well-reviewed by those who loved the comfort of the rooms, the convenient location, and the friendly, helpful staff.

It has a bar and breakfast room, an outdoor terrace, and free WiFi throughout. Also, it’s one of the oldest buildings in Ouistreham and the owners have set up a photographic exhibition of the hotel’s role in the city’s history.

Book your stay here: Hotel le Cosy Riva Bella

Manoir’Hastings

Located in Bénouville, Manoir’Hastings is a beautiful property just a half mile from the Pegasus Bridge. It offers free private parking, a restaurant, garden views, a terrace, and free WiFi.

Reviewers absolutely love how spacious this hotel and its rooms are, as well as the superb food offerings, friendly staff, and quiet location. Many found this to be a fantastic base for exploring the nearby D-Day sites.

Book your stay here: Manoir’Hastings

More info for your visit to Sword Beach, Normandy

• Want more hotel options? Check out Sword Beach hotels on Booking.com. ( Expedia and Hotels.com often have good deals too.)
• Need a rental car? Check out the best local deals here .
• Pick up this Normandy guidebook for more great area information.
• Be sure to watch Saving Private Ryan and Band of Brothers before your visit!
• What else have I covered in France? Check out my France archives .

Like this post? Have questions about visiting Sword Beach? Let me know in the comments below. Have a great time in Normandy!

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About Ashley Smith

Ashley is a World War II historian and travel expert who has visited 33 countries. She specializes in quick trips throughout Europe and the Americas with a focus on World War II museums, memorials, battlefields, and other sites of interest. Originally from Memphis, TN, she currently lives in Boston with her husband and two feline commanders.

Reader Interactions

December 21, 2021 at 5:57 pm

Manoir Hastings was the best place I stayed i al of Normandy. Cannot recommend it highly enough. Best food of my trip. And indeed, it is very convenient to all of the Eastern half of the D Day beaches.

December 22, 2021 at 8:15 am

Thank you John! That’s so great to hear. The reviews all agree with you!

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Paris WWII Sites Map

Visiting the beaches of Normandy: D-Day landings and WW2 sites – your ultimate guide

Visiting the beaches of Normandy, with its wealth of D-Day and world war 2 sites, was on our bucket list of things to do while in France and it’s one of those places that are well worth the visit.  

They can be accessed easily from either the UK or other parts of France (and as such, the rest of Europe) and each year they get more and more visitors eager to learn of what happened on 6th June 1944, or as it’s now known – D-Day.

This article probably contains affiliate links. This means that if you buy or book after clicking, I may get a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

I hope our guide to visiting these WW2 sites on the French coast of Normandy will be helpful and inspiring to anyone planning a visit and also anyone with a passing interest in our recent history.

Essentials for your D-Day explorations:

• Guide book with background info on the D-Day Sites
• Normandy Road map

Guided tour from Bayeux

• Half Day Small group tour to Omaha Beach

Our guide to visiting the beaches of Normandy and WW2 sites

The words have become almost normal now – incorporated into our everyday speech – D-day, beaches of Omaha, Utah, Sword, Gold and Juno.  Strange to think that 100 years ago, these words meant nothing in the context that we now think of them.

That’s what’s so moving about visiting the beaches of Normandy , the fact that it was so recent, that there are still people alive who remember those days, lived through them and either were there themselves or heard the news about it.  As time moves on fewer are around to tell the tale first hand, so it’s all the more important to keep the stories alive and to give weight to those words.

I knew of D-day, of course.  I grew up with fairly limited knowledge of the history though, I had heard the term but only really learned about the operation when our son developed a passion about the time period.  We watched films, documentaries and tv series about the war – I thought I knew what we were going to see when we visited Normandy!

What remains of World War 2 in Normandy today is sombre, touching and hopeful.  Sombre because it was the scene of many deaths, not just fallen men, but brothers in arms (to coin a phrase), comrades and friends.  Touching because there are still memories of a time gone by scattered around.  Hopeful because it’s a reminder of what can be achieved by humans in the pursuit of a better world.

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It’s not all about the war in Normandy though.   If you’re planning a trip with those who aren’t quite as interested, or perhaps with children who might not cope with days learning about death and fighting, the area has so much more too.  Gorgeous little towns, beautiful scenery and of course that amazing French food!

Normandy Invasion – a super quick history

Ok, this will be quick as I imagine if you’re interested in visiting the Normandy D-Day beaches you have a slight inkling of the history involved.

It was one of the largest organised invasions of all time that incorporated naval, air and land troops and it was a turning point for the Allies in World War 2.  The Normandy invasion on D-Day, 6th June 1944, were truly immense undertakings from the armed forces of not only Britain but also the USA and Canada.

Prior to it happening, France was under occupation from the Germans and their advancement throughout Europe was continuing. The Allies needed to have a foothold in Europe in order to have any hope of turning the tide.  What’s interesting is that the Germans actually knew that an invasion was likely to be happening, but they didn’t know where from and where the Allies would land.  There were many attempts to throw off the scent and the Germans did think the invasion would come further up the French coast in Calais or Dunkirk where it was much closer to the UK coast but of course that never happened.

It was so much more than D-Day itself though – there was months of preparation which included simulating the Normandy coastline in areas of the UK coast, practicing their manoeuvres and training the personnel.  This was an immense undertaking.  Further to this there was an operation whereby the coastal defences were bombed in advance of the invasion.

On the day itself, the Allies began by parachuting in airborne forces behind the enemy lines where they took strategic points and would meet up with the troops that began to land in the early hours of June 6th.  They fought with the soldiers and guards of the Atlantic Wall that Hitler built.   It certainly wasn’t easy but eventually they took the areas one by one, strategic towns and points were gained and the Allied forces pushed the Germans back.

Although the operation as a whole was a success there were many stories within D-Day where it seems the opposite.  Many, many lives were lost on both sides which is a terrible tragedy no matter the outcome.

A note on the names of the beaches in case you don’t know.  

There were many different areas of the coastline that troops landed on but they were generally split in to 5 sections and each had a different armed force in charge of landing there.  

Each area was given a code name – Utah, Omaha, Sword, Gold and Juno.  The Americans were charged with the Utah and Omaha landings.  The British landed at Sword and Gold and Juno was mainly Canadians.   The overall operation was called Operation Overlord and the landings themselves Operation Neptune.  

The history of this time is vast and I’ve researched thoroughly for this article but I’m not a historian so please forgive me if there are any inaccuracies – and also let me know so I can put it right!  For more in depth research of this time period Wikipedia is a good start and from there explore their related links at the bottom.

Why visit the D-Day beaches in Normandy?

Of course D-Day has been immortalised in films and tv series over the years and it’s one of the biggest and most well known operations from the Second World War.  

It’s an iconic moment in history and one where we can look back and see the huge sacrifice that was made actually did make a difference.  If D-Day hadn’t turned out as it did the outcome of the war might have been very different.  As such it’s a huge part of our history.

I feel that we must always remember the sacrifices made for us and while watching documentaries, reading books and enjoying movies about it can keep the stories alive, visiting the sites really gives a new dimension.  

You can know that soldiers lost their lives on a beach, but it’s just words.  Seeing that area and visiting the nearby graves really brings home the personal sacrifices.

For many of us it’s important to visit because we have a personal connection to the day too.  Many people come as a pilgrimage to pay their respects to family members who fought there.

For others, and I include myself personally in this, it’s just a really interesting place to go.  This is recent history and an important piece of the huge story that is the second world war.  No matter what I know about a place or piece of history I can’t fail to get something out of experiencing the place in real life.  

Museums help to keep the information of each area in an organised manner and you’ll find many enthusiasts willing to speak to you about the history if you take the time to ask.  By supporting these places you’re also helping to preserve the historic sites for future generations – definitely worth it.

Lastly, Normandy is a beautiful place in its own right.  I’m focusing this guide on the D-Day beaches and the war history of the area, but there’s so much to enjoy here that’s not just war related so go enjoy the food, the countryside and the people too!

What are the Top 10 must see sights at the D-Day Normandy beaches?

Here’s the places you really shouldn’t miss on your tour of the D-Day beaches in Normandy – I’ve listed them in order from west to east rather than importance:  

The first beach that you’ll get to if you are coming from Cherbourg or doing the tour West to East is Utah.

This beach was landed by American troops and was the more successful out of the two the US were dealt.  The reasons are most likely geographical, the Germans were defending a wide open coastline here, flat with no difficult to reach areas they could attack from.  Overall there were less than 200 casualties for the Allies here and it was a relatively quick victory.

Utah beach is one that isn’t in a built up area and the beach itself is nice to walk along if you get good weather with many remains of the German defences scattered along and lots of monuments to the battalions and units present there.  There’s also a museum which attracts most people with an interest in the time period and is fairly inexpensive.

Utah Beach Landing Museum – learn about the chronology of the landings, see a B26 bomber.

Winter opening hours (Oct 1st – May 31st): 10am – 6pm. (It is closed for the majority of December, opening from the 26th – 30th only)

Summer opening hours (June 1st – Sep 30th): 9.30am – 7pm

Get tickets here

Sainte-Mère-Église

A big part of the operation at Utah beach was the destruction and capturing of many of the strategic points in the area from the airborne divisions who landed at various places including Sainte-Mère-Église, a small Normandy town.

Some of the 82nd Airborne division landed at Sainte-Mère-Église in the very early hours of the 6th of June 1944, unfortunately too close to where they planned to land.   Many of them died as some buildings on fire in the town lit up the parachutists descending and were easy targets for the Germans.   One interesting tale is about the soldier, John Steele, who found himself caught on the steeple of the church as he tried to land.  He was shot in the foot, in lots of pain and could only watch some of the others in his company as they were killed.  He dropped his knife so could not free himself and so had to pretend to be dead while the fighting was going on around him.  He eventually was rescued from his precarious position by the Germans and he became a prisoner of war until he escaped a few days later. Despite early German dominance the town of Sainte-Mère-Église was taken soon after on June 7th 1944 and it also has the honour of being the first liberated town of the Normandy invasions.

In the town itself there’s a museum dedicated to the 82nd and 101st Airborne division – if you’ve watched Band of Brothers, 101st Airborne is portrayed in it.  

It’s well worth spending some time there with plenty that will keep kids happy (both of mine enjoyed their time there) and provide an insight in to what happened in the area for those interested to learn more.  Lots of replica planes and gliders to get a sense of what was involved!

The church keeps the story of the parachutist alive by keeping a fake dummy of a soldier on its roof top.

It’s a pretty town to explore round with many tourist shops selling world war 2 memorabilia, some restaurants and cafes too.  We really enjoyed our time there.

Airborne Museum  – learn about the airborne attack, how they liberated the town and also see some of the gliders and planes used.

Opening times:

• May – Aug: 9am – 7pm
• April and September: 9.30am – 6.30pm
• October – March: 10am – 6pm (the museum is closed throughout December and January)

See  here  for more information

Pointe du Hoc

One of the areas of Normandy that remains much as it was during the time of the landings is Pointe du Hoc.  It’s a steep cliff edge and the highest point of the area which sat between the beaches of Utah towards the East and Omaha which lay to the west.  As such it was heavily fortified and protected by the Germans despite it having been bombed prior to D-Day.  

The United States Army Ranger Assault group were charged with the scaling of the cliffs at Pointe du Hoc and removing the German artillery with the help of the British to land them at the scene.   Before even landing there were problems straight away with the sinking, and subsequent loss of those on board, of one of the amphibious DUKW vehicles. On landing the Germans fired heavily on all of the troops with disastrous effect and on reaching the base of the cliffs the Rangers were at half the initial numbers. To reduce the risk of them being fired at as they grappled up the cliffs, navy ships from the US and British navies fired on the German defences.   On reaching the top the soldiers struggled with yet more set backs: their radios didn’t work and their objective of removing a main artillery defence was already gone.   After intense fighting the finally overpowered the remaining guns and destroyed them.  They held off lots of counter attacks from the Germans over the next couple of days until they got relieved by further US troops on the 8th June.  

Pointe du Hoc is one of the stories I personally didn’t know much about but which I’m so glad I learned about.  

The museum at Pointe du Hoc does a really touching video which explains what happened.   Reading about the words often don’t convey the sense of what happened, but listening to the stories from the soldiers who scaled the cliffs themselves, watched their friends get fired upon and who came home to tell the tale brought tears to my eyes.  

There’s lots to see at Pointe du Hoc as well as the visitor centre – the remains of the casemates built by the Germans can be explored and you can imagine how it might have looked to them as the enormous amounts of D-Day troops descended on the area.   Craters litter the site too where it was heavily bombed.  

Visiting Pointe du Hoc

Open daily throughout the year

• April 15th – September 15th: 9am – 6pm
• Rest of the year: 9am – 5pm

Pointe du Hoc is one of the few free things to do in Normandy related to WW2 – if you’d like more information about visiting see here .

Maisy Battery

I have such a soft spot for parts of history that are covered over and forgotten about for years and Maisy Battery is one such place.

It was a very important German defensive position situated between the Utah and Omaha beaches and consists of over 2 miles of tunnels, bunkers and trenches.   The history of the site is still coming to light with all the war documents being released over the years – it seems that it was an unknown site to the Allies and that the Germans used Pointe Du Hoc as a ruse to confuse them and with the removal of the big guns that were expected to be there, this could certainly be true. It was lost to the world for over 60 years and was only rediscovered as someone found an old map to it in a veteran soldiers trousers.   That discovery combined with the opening of war files has opened up an exciting and interesting chapter!

If you drive past you might miss it – it’s completely camouflaged from the casual viewer!   Nowadays you can walk round the site, explore the tunnels, see some old guns, cannons and weaponry.   It’s a great day out and quite different to many of the other WW2 sites around Normandy.

Visiting Maisy Battery

Opening times

• April 1st – May 31st: 10am – 4pm
• June 1st – Aug 31st: 10am – 6pm
• September 1st – September 30th: 10am – 4pm
• Closed from October – March (although you can contact them with a possibility of visiting)

See here for more details and tickets

Omaha beach

The US Army had the objective of securing the Omaha beachhead however a catalogue of mistakes and confusion led to this being an extremely difficult operation with huge numbers of soldiers losing their life.   It started with the naval bombardment of the German defences – it wasn’t enough as they navy didn’t want to risk hitting the landing crafts. The landing troops were also blown off course quite a lot on the morning of the invasion due to the weather and this did not help matters.   The intelligence about the defences were flawed, they had trouble bringing vehicles on land with many of them being swamped as they tried to land and finally many of the soldiers were wiped out as soon as they did land due to heavy gun fire from the Germans.   As many as 2000 lost their lives (some sources report up to 5000) on that day.  After many days of fighting the objectives were completed, the beach secured and it was eventually used as a harbour to bring artillery and troops in to France and to help the push against the Germans.

Nowadays there’s a few remnants of the war still visible.  There’s many monuments to the regiments that fought along this stretch of land and who also lost lives as well as a memorial museum.  At low tide you might also be able to see the remains of the harbour that they built but not as prominent as the one at Arromanches.

Omaha Beach Memorial Museum

• February: 10am – 5pm (opens mid February – check their site for dates if travelling round then)
• March: 10am – 6pm
• April – May: 9.30am – 6.30pm
• June: 9.30am – 7pm
• July – August: – 9.30am- 7.30pm
• September: 9.30am – 6.30pm
• October – November: 9.30am – 6pm (closes mid November)
• Closes from mid November – mid February.

See more information  here

American cemetery

Overlooking the beach at Omaha is the American Cemetery which holds a great number of US soldiers who died in the second world war and with many of them being in the time of the Normandy landings.  It’s a beautiful place which overlooks the sea and it’s a heartbreaking visual reminder of the loss of life suffered.

Of course, it’s not the most cheery of places to visit and we couldn’t stay long as our daughter didn’t want to go (always something to bear in mind when visiting these WW2 sites with kids) but it’s a very important place that should be included in your itinerary if you can.  

There’s a visitors centre there too which tells the stories of the soldiers and is free to enter.

Normandy American Cemetery Visitor Centre

Admission is free – see more info about the site here

Gold beach & Arromanches sur les bains

This was my favourite site of our trip (see below for our thoughts on what to visit if you can only visit one beach) and it provides lots for anyone visiting Normandy with hopes of seeing WW2 history – there’s lots still visible!

The landings at Gold beach are slightly to the east of Arromanches and this was on of the two beaches that was taken by British troops.   The day started like many of the others with bombardment and bombing of the area the night before and the troops landed in the early hours of the morning of 6th June.   Choppy and rough seas meant that like many other beaches the men landed slightly off course and the vehicles they tried to bring ashore would get bogged down in the sand.   There were many casualties at Gold with around 1000 reported.   At the end of the day, almost 25,000 troops landed, they took Arromanches and eventually used that site to build a mulberry harbour which allowed them to bring in more weaponry to mainland Europe for the rest of the war.

There’s lots to see at this area.   We really enjoyed our visit to the town of Arromanches-sur-les-bains as you can see lots of the remains of the mulberry harbour.   This was the temporary harbour that was built to move tanks, weapons and soldiers in to the country.   There’s also a really good museum in the town too which I recommend to learn more about this area and how they landed and used the town.   Longues-sur-mer battery is also a well preserved German defence area that is worth visiting if you’re around this section.

Longues-Sur-Mer Battery

Freely open to look around – there are guided tours as well at the following times of year:

April, May, June, September & October: weekends only

July & August: daily

Tours run in both English and French – see here for more details.

Musée du Débarquement / D-Day Museum in Arromanches – learn about the mulberry harbours and the d day landing beaches

• January: Closed
• February: 10am – 12.30pm & 1.30pm – 5pm
• March: 9.30am – 12.30pm & 1.30pm – 5.30pm
• April: 9am – 12.30pm & 1.30pm – 6pm
• May – August: 9am – 7pm
• September: 9am – 6pm
• October: 9.30am – 12.30pm & 1.30pm – 5.30pm
• November & December: 10am – 12.30pm & 1.30pm – 5pm

See here for more details

The responsibility of the Canadian army was Juno beach which was located inbetween Gold and Sword.   The familiar story of the sea conditions causing delays and problems to the landings also applied here and the beaches were heavily protected by the Germans.   Although there was a preliminary bombardment of the sites they weren’t very effective and as such the troops landing were under heavy fire from the very start.   It’s considered one of the more successful landings, alongside Utah, even though many of the objectives weren’t actually met.   Casualties were relatively low, around 340 dead on the day.  

One of the towns in the area, Courselles-sur-Mer, now features a museum and memorial called the Juno Beach Centre.   If you’re at all interested in the Canadian effort in the war as well as the specifics of the Juno landings then I’d highly recommend a visit.  

Juno Beach Centre

• January: closed
• February: 10am – 5pm
• April – September: 9.30am – 7pm
• October: 10am – 6pm
• November- December: 10am – 5pm

Get more information  here .

Sword beach & Pegasus bridge

The final beach going from west to east is Sword beach at the town of Ouistreham.  

Sword was the responsibility of the British army and although the experienced quite a few casualties on landing at the beach, they managed to get their armoured vehicles landed quickly and took the beach in fairly good time.   This beach was the closest to Caen which was a major objective in Operation Overlord and so the troops moved onwards to there but suffered lots of setbacks and resistance on the way. Another important place nearby is Pegasus Bridge which played a part on the night before the landings where the plan was to secure the bridge and prevent any further German troops from gaining access to the bridge and hindering the landings the day after.  They arrived by using gliders successfully taking the Germans by surprise.

Sword beach was the first that we visited and it’s very strange, yet happy place that is a completely normal beach town.   Not what we were expecting at all.   There were people playing on the beach, lots of land sailing going on and just a generally nice atmosphere.  

The town of Ouistreham is a pleasant town to spend a night as well with lots to see if you’re interested in the landings.   There’s the Grand Bunker museum which is well worth a look, No4 Commando museum and also the Pegasus bridge memorial too all within that town.

Grand Bunker Museum, Ouistreham – see the command post as it was and learn about the Atlantic Wall

• Jan 6th – Feb 8th: Closed (2019 dates)
• Feb 9th – March: 10am – 6pm
• April – September: 9am – 7pm
• October – January 5th: 10am – 6pm

See here for more information

Pegasus Memorial Museum

Open every day from 1st February – 15th December

• February – March: 10am – 5pm
• April – September: 9.30am – 6.30pm
• October – 15th December: 10am – 5pm

See here for more information.

Though not a beach, a major player in the Battle for Normandy is the city of Caen which suffered terribly in the days after D-Day.  It was actually in the plans for it to be captured on D-Day itself, but that never happened, the Germans defended it fiercely and what ensued was fierce fighting and many casualties on both sides and civilians.  It actually took around 7 weeks for the city to be taken and ended with a bombing from the Allies which killed many French citizens and completely destroyed the city, reducing the majority of it to a pile of rubble.

Caen has many memorials about WW2 but the main one is the Memorial de Caen which houses a really good museum which is worth checking out.  If you are in the area do also check out the Abbey d’Ardenne which was the site of an atrocity committed by the Germans against some Canadian soldiers they had taken as prisoners.  At least 20 soldiers were executed there and there’s a touching war memorial to the men.

Caen Normandie Memorial Museum

• February – March: 9am – 6pm
• October – December: 9.30am – 6pm (some Mondays are closed also in this time)

See here for more information and tickets

Tips for visiting the Normandy WW2 sites

• Winter sees lots of the sites close for the season – do be aware of this if you are coming in the winter months.  If sites are open their hours are reduced a lot too.  Although out of season is generally a good time to visit, do make sure what you want to see will be available.  January sees many of the museums close completely so I’d recommend not to visit that month at least.
• It rains.  A lot.  We were there for about a week in April and saw so much rain!  Later we learned that Normandy is a very rainy region and is well known for it!
• As these are war graves, dress and act respectfully
• Around D-Day itself many of the sites close for ceremonies and it will be much busier so if you’re visiting around then check individual sites and book well ahead.
• France is well known for long lunch hours – as you’re visiting the towns and villages around be aware of this and don’t be surprised that shops shut.
• Sundays are also a day when almost everything shuts (although the D-Day museums around here tend to be open) – get any supermarket shopping done in advance.  We were definitely taken by surprise by this on our first visit to France!

What Normandy WW2 museums are worth visiting?

There are many museums along the coast line and in towns, too many really for one trip.   Unless there’s a specific area or operation that you’re interested in I’d suggest heading to wherever is convenient for you and enjoying what is on offer there.   There’s a chance of information overload if you try to do too many.  

I mean, how many guns can you see without getting bored?  My son would probably argue with me about that!

We haven’t visited all the museums in the area (unfortunately!) but we did enjoy the D-Day museum in Arromanches as well as the Airborne museum in St Mere Eglise and I’ve heard good things about all the museums in Normandy.  

How long should you spend in Normandy?

If you’re planning a Normandy trip I’d say that a good time to take in the sites is around 3 or 4 days.   This would allow you to really see all the beaches, plenty of museums and other sites around the area and for you to take in the larger towns such as Bayeaux and Caen.  

More than this and I’d imagine that history overload might take over, but your mileage may vary!

If you want to incorporate checking out the rest of the area including the gorgeous Mont St Michel then I suggest as long as you can spare and at least a week!   France is a great place to visit and we enjoy the slow pace of life there a lot!   Try not to rush your time there.

You can only visit one beach – which one?

This is a difficult one to answer and each person in our family who I asked said a different place.  

I think this can possibly depend on your war knowledge or maybe your heritage – Americans will almost certainly say Utah or Omaha, Canadians will say Juno!  

Personally I found Gold beach and specifically the town of Arromanches to be a really special place to visit and this is coming from someone with only basic knowledge of what happened in Normandy in WW2.  With parts of the artificial harbour still in view and being able to be seen up close, it really helps you visualise what happened back then.  Obviously if you can, visit at least a couple, but if I had to choose just one it would be the area around Arromanches-sur-les-bains.

I asked my son (our resident WW2 nut – he knows way more than me!) for his opinion and he said Omaha due to the extreme loss of life there and the significance of that beach in later films so that would be my second choice.  You also have the American Cemetery nearby too so easy to incorporate that in to your day.

My husband said to visit Pointe du Hoc.  I know, we’re not very helpful in narrowing down the choices!

If you are pushed for time, consider what is important for you to see.  If you’re British and want to see the places that they fought concentrate on the middle to east part.  If you’re Canadian you’ll likely want to concentrate on the Juno area and if you’re American or interested in the infamous Bloody Omaha then you’ll want to stick to the west.

Interested in more WW2 travel? See our posts about London’s WW2 sites or visiting Colditz Castle in Germany

Getting to the Normandy beaches

How to get to the normandy beaches from the uk.

Update – check out our new post about getting to Normandy from UK

When we travelled we took our motorhome over on the Dover to Calais crossing with DFDS  (always the cheapest option when I check) and travelled down from there.  It was a fairly straightforward journey but one thing I’d say is to not underestimate the time it can take to get to places in France.  It never looked too far on the map but it can be especially if you’re not using the motorways.

If you want to get yourself right in the heart of Normandy straight away and keep journey times to a minimum then I recommend a ferry to Cherbourg which means you can start at the Western end of the beaches near Utah within around 45 mins drive of the port.  Alternatively you can get a ferry to Le Havre which is about an hour and a half from Ouistreham and the eastern end of the beaches or Dieppe which is just over 2 hours drive away.

Brittany ferries – goes to Caen, Le Havre and Cherbourg

DFDS – goes from Newhaven to Dieppe

P&O ferries is another option to Calais

Looking for an itinerary for your trip? Check our 3 day self drive Normandy D-Day itinerary

There are also many tours that depart from the UK if you want to visit but aren’t too keen on doing it independently.  My Father in Law took a coach trip a few years back and thoroughly enjoyed his time there and it’s a great idea if you want to just sit back and enjoy your time there.

How to get there from Paris

If you are arriving in Paris and want to incorporate the beaches in to your France itinerary then I suggest one of two options: either hire a car or arrange a place on guided tour.  

It’s around a 3 hour drive to Ouistreham on the most eastern end of the landing sites so doable as a day tour if you wanted to, although it would be a long day.   To check out rental car options I recommend DiscoverCars.com which compares many companies to find the best deal.

Guided tours from Paris to Normandy are plentiful from the capital with some taking in the area over a couple of days and others just doing a day trip.  

When looking at these tours bear in mind if you have any specific places you want to visit and see if they include them as it’s impossible for them to cover everything!  

This one is a good option and if you have a couple of days to spare this one is worth a look  and even covers other Normandy sites such as Mont Saint Michel.

Visiting the beaches from Le Havre

Many cruise ships stop in Le Havre and as such it’s a good place to get excursions to the beaches.   Here’s one that covers many areas in a day.

Canadian sites from Le Havre

US sites from Le Havre

Using public transport to visit the Normandy beaches

It’s not particularly easy to use public transport to get to all the sites in Normandy but with some planning you should be able to visit a few places.  

Caen is an important part of the invasions and is worth seeing if you can.   Trains are around 2 hours from Paris in to the city.  If you want to do a tour from Caen this one would be worth checking out.

Bayeaux is another good town to visit and easily reached by train as well.   From Paris it can take between 2.5 and 3 hours to get there and it’s also easily reached by Cherbourg in about 1 and a half hours if you happen to be a foot passenger on one of the ferries.

Tours from Bayeux

There are many tours from Bayeaux that can take you on to the beaches themselves and are a better option that trying to navigate the buses which are infrequent.    

US Sites tour

US and British sites

Canadian sites tour

Driving tips for France

If you decide to drive over in France then here’s just a couple of tips:

• make sure you have a european driving kit that covers you for the legal things you need in France – Hi vis jackets, headlight deflectors (if coming from the UK),  
• the motorways in France are often toll roads and it can add up over time.   Either be prepared for this or plan a route that avoids them.

Where to stay when visiting the Normandy beaches

Bayeaux is a perfect base for any tour to the beaches whether it’s self drive or going by guided tour.  I’ve linked below to a couple of options with Booking.com – they are my preferred booking portal as often you can book without needing a deposit and they are super easy to use.

If you want to stay in the centre of town itself, be close to the town’s attractions such as the Bayeaux Tapestry (ok, now WW2 but still pretty cool) then I suggest the Hotel du Luxembourg which comes highly recommended.  It does have parking, although there’s a charge of €9 a day so do bear that in mind.   Check the hotel out here .

A budget option in Bayeux would be the Ibis hotel with free parking on site – here’s some more information about it .

Campervan and motorhome travel in Normandy

If, like us, you decide to take your motorhome to Normandy then you’re in for a treat as France is amazing for free or low cost camping areas (called Aires) in towns and villages all round the area.  

I think we managed pretty much not paying anything for the whole of our journey except for one night on a campsite.  I recommend getting the book All the Aires which gives all the information on where to stay and what facilities are available.

What next? Get inspired with movies, tv shows and books: Band of Brothers Saving Private Ryan D-day audio book Start planning your WW2 France trip with these guide books: Lonely Planet Normandy Travel the Liberation Route Book your hotel in Normandy: Booking.com

You might also like :

• Visiting Sherwood Forest: See Robin Hood’s Tree hideout – the Major Oak
• 5 gorgeous hotels overlooking Edinburgh Castle
• Our Texas to California Road Trip itinerary with 1000 miles on Route 66

Kirsty Bartholomew

2 thoughts on “Visiting the beaches of Normandy: D-Day landings and WW2 sites – your ultimate guide”

Opening times typically range from 9-10am to 5-6pm, but daylight stretches much further. Therefore, my usual question: which beaches/sites can be acceptably experienced outside 9-18 time bracket?

Good question Pablo – all the beaches are accessible outside of opening times for the visitor centres. I would say to perhaps look at the tide times especially for beaches like at Arromanches as when the tide is out you can walk up to the pontoons but of course when it’s in they are covered. BUT definitely don’t let the fact that the visitors centres not being open deter you from going. Plenty to see!

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14 of the best things to do in Normandy

Feb 27, 2023 • 15 min read

Here are Normandy's best experiences © LightFieldStudios / Getty Images

Normandy : the northwest region of France rolls off an English-speaking tongue as easily as a French one.

It’s known for its bucolic countryside and impossibly long stretches of beach where the famous D-Day landings took place during WWII. Beyond the shores lies much to discover: a rich literary history, four protected designation of origin cheeses, and of course,  the iconic Mont St-Michel, a surreal Gothic abbey dating from the 13th century set on top of an island that appears to float like a mystical dream on water during high tide. 

But the floating abbey is just the tip of an iceberg of things to do in the region, which can be divided into two main sections. There’s La Normandie Haut, or upper Normandy aka the Parisian’s Normandie, accessible by train and dotted with beachgoers and casino gamblers in Deauville and Trouville. Then there’s La Basse Normandie, or lower Normandy, which is much farther from the country’s capital and offers sights and tastes a bit more off-the-beaten-track. For those who are in need of a deep breath of fresh air, here are the very best things to do, eat and see in Normandy that’ll leave you wanting to come back for more.

1. Holiday like a Parisian in seaside Deauville

For those with busy schedules that want to carve out a weekend with fresher seaside air, a quick train ride will take you from the bustling French capital to the calmer and more relaxed shores of the Côte Fleurie. One popular destination is the glamorous beachside town Deauville. There you’ll find locals with their sunglasses on and sleeves rolled, strolling in loose linen outfits that perfectly match the white sand beaches dotted with colorful umbrellas. Along the shore you’ll find Les Planches, 1920s wooden art-deco changing cabins bearing the names of Hollywood stars who’ve attended the town’s yearly fall American film festival .

If proximity to fame makes you hungry, get the perfect meal at  L’Etoile Sur Mers where you can pick out seafood that will freshly cookedand served (though the uni – or sea urchin – is exceptional raw). Equestrian fans can head to the Deauville-La Touques racecourse, where the fiberglass sand track allows for races even in the winter, or sit on a plush leather chair and test your luck at one of the many spinning bright lights of the slot machines at the  Casino Barriere.

Planning tip: If you’re making the trip from Paris, book train tickets in advance online . You could also save up to 30% on train fares. 

Explore Deauville effortlessly with  GetYourGuide . Book your tour today.

2. Tour Caen Castle and visit the Caen Memorial Museum

Caen is the capital city of the Calvados department of Normandy and has a history going back to Roman times. Today you can still spot stone houses from the Middle Ages in the Vaugueux neighbohood, and history buffs should check out this unique tour with Viking specialist, Laurence. With tours available in both English and French, you’ll visit the castle , town hall, and both the men’s monastery ( L’Abbaye-aux-Hommes ) and the nunnery ( L’Abbaye-aux-Dames ). 

On rainy days (chances: high, bring an umbrella), you can head inside to the Caen Memorial Museum that sits atop an old German bunker. One of the most visited memorials by the French, this sprawling museum covers an immense amount of ground (plan at least three hours). Despite the breadth of information, there is an uniquely intimate glimpse of the past offered through artefacts: shoes and uniforms that belonged to the actual soldiers, newspapers and propaganda of the day and even a wartime wedding dress made from a parachute.  

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to  Le Bouchon Du Vaugueux for a taste of traditional dishes of the terroir made from locally-sourced seasonal products in a snug and convivial space – hone your French-listening skills by eavesdropping on neighboring conversations.

Planning tip: The Memorial Museum, despite a deceptively grand entrance, can get really crowded in the mornings with tour groups. Visit in the afternoon for more breathing room.

3. Sample Camembert on a Normandy cheese tour

In French, there’s a saying “en faire tout un fromage” , which essentially means to make a big fuss, or cheese, out of something. It’s used in a chiding manner, but let’s be real: French cheese is something that deserves a big fuss. Normandy doesn’t lack in the cheese department, and each of the famous four has a hometown you can visit. There’s the world-famous Camembert, which is creamy and soft. Livarot, which is a soft and stinky cheese made from the local Normandy breed of cows. Pont l’Evêque is a square and soft cheese that reached the height of its fame during the 14th century, and offers a subtle hazelnut taste. Finally, there’s Neufchâtel, another soft cheese made from raw milk that also has the honor of being the oldest cheese from the region, and usually comes in a heart-shape. All are worth a taste, but a visit to the Fromagerie Reo in Lessay merits a visit above the rest. Tour the factory to see first-hand how Camembert is made there with a brilliant English-speaking guide and best of all, at the end, you get a to sample the cheese. 

Detour: If you’ve got enough dairy and have an interest in antique vehicles, head to the nearby Paul’s Classic Cars , where you can look at vintage collection cars like a 1961 Austin Healy and a 1966 Ford Mustang. While there are many Americans obsessed with French cheese, it’s charming to meet one Frenchman obsessed with American cars – most of them are imported from California.

4. See the famous 11th-century tapestry in Bayeux

Before there was Netflix, there was the Bayeux Tapestry , an 11th-century 70m-long (230ft) scroll of hand-embroidered wool thread on linen that tells the story of the Norman Conquest of England. And incredibly, this rare piece of art is just as mesmerizing as it ever was. At the museum, you enter a dark and cool chamber wrapped with tales of 1066: warfare, kings being crowned, kidnappings, farming, and even a comet. This one-of-a-kind piece radiates with a strange magic; since it was commissioned shortly after William the Conqueror’s victory at the Battle of Hastings, it’s as if the emotions of the time were captured through thread and needle by those who lived and witnessed the events.

5. Frolic at the colorful beach huts at Gouville-sur-Mer

Sometimes the most beautiful sights are the unexpected and unassuming: impressive Gothic cathedrals are nice, but after a while all of that grandeur can tire the eye. Take refuge in the pleasing line of white beachside changing cabins with bright primary color roofs in red, yellow and blue that turn the natural landscape of Gouville-sur-Mer into a painting one can meander in. The cabins were originally built for vacationers in the 1920s, disappeared during the German occupation and were reinstated post-liberation – now, there are about 70 in total. Nearby, you can lunch at  L’azac, where you’ll find unpretentious and delicious food at affordable prices served by friendly staff. 

Detour:  Coutances is a 15-minute drive from Gouville-sur-Mer and is home to one of Normandy’s best creperies, Crêperie Le Râtelier, which has been around for over 20 years. Call ahead to reserve a table (+33 2 33 45 56 52) since it's often fully booked and ask for the soubise , a simple crepe of confit onion and butter.

6. Eat oysters fresh off the beach at Barneville-Carteret

For the French,  prendre l’air , or to get some fresh air, is a key concept to good health, and there’s no better way to do that than to go for a long stroll on a Normandy beach. Clear your mind in Barneville-Carteret , a town that won’t be teeming with tourists, where you can even find fresh oysters in the water to eat if you can shuck ‘em by hand.

An easier-to-eat fresh and free sea treat are the calyptraea chinensis, also called the Chinese snail hat, which are often found clinging on to the sides of the jagged rocks poking out of the shore. All you need to do is pop them off and you can eat the flesh immediately for a taste of the Normandy sea. Keep walking north past a row of blue-and-white cabins until you see the ruins of an old church then look for Le Russel, a cozy and intimate bar à vins with comfort foods like quesadilla and large wedge fries. Wash everything down with a perfectly mulled wine on cooler nights.

Detour:  Pick up dessert at  La Maison du Biscuit , a charming store that transports you back to 1903. The family-run business offers artisanal cookies, which you can enjoy with a coffee in the tea salon. 

7. Sip on Calvados and chug down AOP cider

Apples are abundant in Normandy, and with the plentiful harvest the locals have turned the fruit into liquid gold. Calvados is a brandy that must be made in Calvados to merit its AOC status (Appellation d’Origine Protégé). Get a taste and tour at Calvados Roger Groult , a family-run distillery that’s been around since the beginning of the 19th century and has been distilling apples over wood-fires for over five generations. The estate is impressive and the tour is infused with passion without being overly salesy – but the tasting at the end works its own magic. 

Two hours' drive to the west is Ciderie Claids , is a cidery that’s been around since 1992. A visit here is a full-body apple-trip; you smell them first and then the fizzy flavors dance on your tongue. You can even take home a bottle that’s been made a certain year, just like wine.

8. Visit the charming harbor town of Honfleur

Another Upper Normandy port village to visit with cobblestone streets and houses made of timber, Honfleur oozes with charm. It has been around for over a millennium, but unlike other port cities, it is situated at the end of the Seine, which means it’s at the edge of the sea and riverside. Lining the harbor are tall and narrow slate roof houses that are reflected in the water lined with boats by day and glowing with amber street lights by night.

Meander towards the town hall, where you’ll find a decadent carousel from 1900 that remains frozen in time; lions, giraffes, horses and old-world glamor carriages spin around and around as the sailboats drift by. From the historic center it’s a nice uphill hike to the 17th-century chapel (which may be difficult for young children or those with mobility issues) Notre-Dame de Grâce , where you can see model ships, an ancient organ, and views of the sea and the Pont de Normandie.

Planning tip: From Honfleur, it's a 25-minute bus ride to the neighboring port city Le Havre . Famous for its artistic inspiration, Le Havre is where the Impressionist painting movement was born thanks to Monet. Cinephiles may recognize the city too as it's been the backdrop to over 100 films, including the French classic The 400 Blows  (1959). 

9. Immerse yourself at an interactive old manor turned museum 

Part immersive-theater, part-history lesson, kids and adults alike will giggle and delight in the poetic and playful adventure-meets-spectacle that takes place at Le Manoir du Tourpe . Located in La Hague, this 16th-century manor covers local history, legends, and origin stories through characters that quite literally come to life. Nestled atop a tranquil and lush countryside where the grass stretches for miles, this free museum also offers craft workshops for children, temporary exhibitions, a cafe-hotel-restaurant Auberge des Goubelins , a library, guided hikes, and even a seed and plant library, where you can bring and swap seeds and plant cuttings. 

Detour: Lovers of French romanticism can pay homage to famed poet and screenwriter at Maison Jacques Prévert and daydream of an idyllic, creative existence, about 15km (9 miles) away in Omonville-la-Petite. After a morning of writing under exposed wooden beams, take a leisurely walk along stone-paved paths through a garden perfumed with orange tulips, daisies and lilies until you reach an old church and cemetery to ponder the ephemeral nature of life.

10. Walk the rocky cliffs at Étretat

For a contact high with nature, head straight to the falaises  of Étretat to enjoy the staggering sights of the dizzying chalk cliffs, made up of a type of porous limestone that inspired the likes of painters Claude Monet and Gustave Courbe. Due to the fragile nature of the stone, walking underneath is not allowed, but there are numerous hikes in the area for those who want to take in the natural splendor of the rocky arches. The well-paved hike of Porte d'Amont Loop that begins at Chemin de Criquetotis is suitable for any fitness level and takes about an hour (though allow longer to really soak in the mythic scenery). For more hardcore hikers, the Roc Vaudieu loop , which takes about four to five hours, offers incredible views of the massive cliffs that emerge from the water.

Detour: Aspiring writers may want to visit La Guillette, a villa built by short story writer Guy de Maupassant after he achieved publishing success. You can see the house where Maupaussant worked on Bel Ami and Pierre et Jean, but for actual visits inside contact the association via this form . 

11. Spend a day in Rouen, Normandy’s capital city 

Like other charming port cities of Normandy, Rouen has endured since Roman times and is brimming with medieval architectural charm. Art-aficionados will particularly appreciate the Museum of Beaux-Arts , which offers a range of idyllic landscape paintings, homages to ecclesiastical greatness, and of course Impressionist masterpieces. Best of all: admission is free. If contemporary art is more your speed, Rouen is also known for its street art –  follow the map  for a glimpse of urban and contemporary art in an ancient city.

Next, be awed as you stand underneath the 14th-century astronomical clock in the city center as the bells ring. A guide is available to explain the intricate detailing of the clock thoroughly, though at €7.50, it is somewhat steep for the brevity of the tour.  

Detour: If you just want to get a taste of the slow life, book yourself a stay at a Parcel tiny house . It’s under two hours from Paris but offers a true nature escape to the middle of an apple orchard haven. Through a partnership with the neighboring organic farm Jardins de la Thillaye , you can taste Saint-Émilion wine, the best butter of the region, locally made calva and cider, and Norman beef. Bring boots – the trek out to the cabins is long and the grassy fields can turn muddy easily under the volatile Normandy skies. 

12. Snag a striped sweater at Saint James

Clichés of French style include a beret paired with a horizontally striped sweater (cigarette and baguette accessories depending on the time of day), and one of the classic brands for French knitwear, Saint James, is also a charming little village you can visit. The most famous export, the striped shirt, has a long history: they were uniform for the navy seaman of the North, and the original 1858 design has 21 stripes for each of Napoleon Bonaparte’s victories of war. For a first-hand look at how the sweaters are made, you can get  a tour of the Saint James atelier and then leave the shop with your own Breton striped sweater or shirt.

13. Tour the D-Day beaches

About 22km (14 miles) from Bayeux is Omaha beach , one of the most famous locations of the D-Day landings locations and home to an impressive Memorial Museum. Nowadays, little evidence of the events of 1944 remain, except for the harrowing  American cemetery  and concrete German bunkers. At very low tide you can see remnants of the Mulberry Harbour, a huge temporary port set up off the coast. Otherwise, it's a tranquil spot, a gorgeous golden stretch with dunes and summer houses. Look out for the yellow stripes marking the Circuit de la Plage d’Omaha, a self-guided tour along the beach.

Detour:  Once you’re done feasting on history, get ready for some of the creamiest and best ice cream of your life at Ferme de la Haizerie in Vaux-sur-Aure. It’s a tiny and unpretentious ice cream shop that offers local flavors such as Calvados, and  teurgoule –  a Normandy rice pudding  – made from fresh farm milk.

14. Visit the iconic abbey at Mont St-Michel

Finally, it’d be impossible to talk about Normandy without mentioning the iconic Mont St-Michel , a floating abbey known as "the Wonder of the Western World". The sight of it is surreal and unique but it’s even better when you aren’t fighting for boardwalk space. Get there as early as possible to avoid crowds (or late), and if you can walk, skip the free shuttle that’s usually packed with tourists and has long lines. 

The best way to discover the island is to simply wander into the tiny crevices and narrow alleys. The abbey itself is beautiful, with chimneys as big as some modern living rooms. Trekking around barefoot in the surrounding bay is also quite an experience, and the cool sand relieves worn feet, but due to quicksand and a fast-rising tide you should only attempt it with a seasoned guide, such as  Ludo , who was raised in the area.  

Local tip and detour: While the famous, large and fluffy omelette de la mère Poulard that tourists usually flock to looks impressive, it’s quite pricey and not good value. Drive instead to the  Auberge Sauvage, an incredible modern French restaurant that offers 6- or 8-course meals made with locally grown garden fruits and vegetables – the humble carrots transformed into glazed edible sculptures are nothing short of art.

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