D-Day Sites to Visit in Normandy from Paris
If you are planning a trip to Paris, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Normandy Landing beaches. This area of the French coast is a historic place that became the scene of one of the most important moments of World War II.
From Paris, it is possible to take a full-day excursion to learn more about the landing and its aftermath.
The Normandy Landing beaches are a place of pilgrimage for many tourists who want to pay tribute to the soldiers who fought for the freedom of Europe.
During the excursion, you can visit the most emblematic places of the battle, such as Omaha Beach, where one of the bloodiest battles was fought, or the American cemetery of Colleville-sur-Mer, where the graves of thousands of soldiers are located.
The excursion to the Normandy Landing beaches from Paris is a unique experience that will allow you to learn more about the history of Europe and the world.
In addition, you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery and discover the gastronomy and culture of the Normandy region. Don’t miss it!
How to Get to the Normandy Landing Beaches From Paris
If you are in Paris and want to visit the Normandy Landing beaches, you have several options to get there.
By Car
Car is the most common way to reach the Normandy Landing beaches from Paris. The trip takes about 3 hours, depending on traffic.
You can easily rent a car in Paris easily. To get there, take the A13 freeway in the direction of Caen. From there, follow the signs to the different landing beaches. Everything is very well indicated.
By Train
Another way to get to the Normandy Landing beaches from Paris is by train. You can take a train from Saint-Lazare station in Paris to Bayeux station, which is the closest town to the beaches.
The trip takes about 2 hours and a half. From there, you can take a bus or a cab to reach the different beaches of the landing.
By Bus
You can also take a bus from Paris to the Normandy Landing beaches.
There are several companies offering this service, such as Flixbus and Ouibus. The trip takes about 4 hours, depending on traffic.
Some of the most common stops are Bayeux and Caen, from where you can take a cab or a local bus to reach the different landing beaches.
Organized Visit
If you prefer a more comfortable and organized option, you can join an excursion from Paris to the Normandy Landing beaches. Several companies offer this service, such as Civitatis y Viator.
The trip takes about 14 hours and usually includes visits to the main places of interest, such as the American Cemetery, the Landing Museum and the different beaches.
As you can see, you can get to the Normandy Landing beaches from Paris by car, train, bus or organized tour. Choose the option that best suits your needs and enjoy a unique and historic experience.
Is it Possible to Visit the Normandy D-Day Sites in 1-Day?
It is possible to visit some of these places in one day, but it will depend on your available time and your personal interests.
If you only have one day, I would recommend focusing on the most important places close to each other.
For example, you could visit the Landing Beaches, the Normandy American Cemetery and the Normandy Landing Museum in Arromanches in a single day, as they are relatively close to each other.
However, if you want to visit more places, you will need more time. In general, it is best to plan a multi-day visit to enjoy all the important sites and have enough time to explore the area at your leisure.
In our case, we spent 4 days in a camper van. I clarify the van thing because it travels slower than by car. And we dedicated those 4 days only to things related to the D-Day sites and did not have time to see everything.
Where to Stay Near the Normandy Landing Beaches
If you plan to visit the Normandy Landing beaches from Paris, it is recommended that you stay close to the area to save time on travel. I leave you these options, choose the one that best suits your travel style.
- Ferme de la Rançonnière
- La Villa Port Winston – Face Mer B&B
- Château La Chenevière
- City’O apparthotel
- Hotel La Rosière
In addition to these hotels, you can also find accommodation options in the nearby towns of Bayeux and Caen, which have a wide range of hotels and are located just a few kilometers from the landing beaches.
If you prefer a more economical option, you can choose to stay at a campsite near the area. Some of the most popular campgrounds are:
Remember that it is important to book in advance, especially during the high tourist season in the area.
If you travel in winter, the campgrounds are closed. We went in March, before the first pandemic confinement and there were no campsites open. So we slept in an area for motorhomes.
We were looking for a campsite because 5 of us were in the van and some friends in a car with a tent. In the end, the 5 of us made do in the van.
- Recommended reading: Visiting Loire Valley Castles in one day from Paris
Tips for Visiting the Normandy Landing Beaches
Here are some tips for visiting the Normandy Landing sites:
Plan your visit in advance: Before you go, research the places you want to visit and plan your route. It is also important to check the opening and closing times of the places you want to visit.
Use a guide or audio guide: A guide or audio guide can help you better understand the history behind each place you visit. They can also help you navigate the area and find the most important places.
Wear comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear: Most of the Normandy Landing sites are outdoors, so it is important to wear comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear for walking and exploring.
Bring a raincoat, umbrella and waterproof shoes if you go in winter. Take a look at the weather before you travel.
Respect historical sites: It is important to respect the historical sites you visit. Do not touch or damage monuments and artifacts, and do not leave trash in the places you visit.
Dedicate enough time to each place: Each place has its own history and memorials, so it is important to dedicate enough time to explore and learn about each place you visit.
Don’t rush: Take your time to explore the area and enjoy each place you visit. The Normandy Landing area is rich in history and culture, so don’t rush and enjoy all it has to offer.
Best Time for a Day Trip to Normandy from Paris
The best time to take a day trip to Normandy from Paris is during the spring and summer months, from April to September.
During these months, the weather is warmer and more pleasant, making it more comfortable to explore the outdoors. In addition, during the summer, there are more daylight hours, which will allow you to make the most of your time in the area.
However, be aware that during the summer months, the area may be busier and prices may be higher.
If you prefer to avoid the crowds, you might consider visiting Normandy during the autumn months, from October to November, when temperatures are cooler but still pleasant.
We went in early March, and the weather was pretty bad, but it was what we expected. Of course, there were few people.
Is it Worth Visiting Normandy?
Absolutely! If you love history, culture, and nature, Normandy is definitely a place you should visit.
The Normandy Landing area is one of World War II’s most important sites and has many monuments and museums commemorating this historic event.
In addition, the region has beautiful beaches, impressive cliffs, picturesque villages and delicious gastronomy, making it a complete tourist destination.
It is also an ideal place for those looking to relax and enjoy nature, as it has a large number of green spaces and natural parks.
Normandy is a tourist destination that has something for everyone and is definitely a place worth visiting.
LEE: Day trip to Champagne and Reims from Paris
10 D-Day Sites to Visit in Normandy
Landing Beaches: Omaha, Utah, Gold, Juno, and Sword. The Landing Beaches are the sites where Allied forces landed on the Normandy coast on June 6, 1944, during World War II.
Each beach has its own history and memorials, such as the Normandy Landing Museum in Arromanches.
Normandy American Cemetery. Normandy American Cemetery is a final resting place for more than 9,000 American soldiers who died during World War II.
The cemetery has an impressive panoramic view of the coast and a memorial chapel.
Normandy Landing Museum in Arromanches. This museum tells the story of the Normandy landings and the construction of the artificial harbor at Arromanches.
The museum has a large number of artifacts, photographs and historical documents that help to understand the importance of this event in the history of the 20th century.
Pegasus Bridge and Merville Battery Museum. Pegasus Bridge was the first place to be taken by Allied forces during D-Day.
The museum tells the story of Operation Deadstick, which was carried out by the British Airborne Division on the night of June 5-6, 1944. The Merville Battery is a German fortification that was captured by the British on D-Day.
Pointe du Hoc. Pointe du Hoc is a cliff on the Normandy coast that was captured by American forces during D-Day. The site features many bomb craters and a breathtaking panoramic view of the coastline.
Caen Memorial Museum. The Caen Memorial Museum is one of the largest and most complete museums dedicated to the Second World War in France.
The museum has many interactive and multimedia exhibits covering the history of the conflict, from its origins to its end. There is also a section dedicated to the Normandy Landings and the liberation of France.
Church of Sainte-Mère-Église. The Church of Sainte-Mère-Église is a small church that became famous during D-Day for being the place where the American soldier John Steele was trapped in the bell tower during the battle.
The church has a commemorative plaque and a parachutist figure hanging from the bell tower.
Museum of the Liberation of Cherbourg. The Cherbourg Liberation Museum tells the story of the liberation of the city of Cherbourg by the Allied forces during World War II.
The museum has a large number of artifacts, photographs and historical documents that help to understand the importance of this event in the history of the 20th century.
Longues-sur-Mer battery. The Longues-sur-Mer Battery is a German fortification that was captured by Allied forces during D-Day. The battery has four cannons that are still in their original location and a large number of bomb craters.
Arromanches artificial harbor. The artificial harbor of Arromanches was built by the Allies after D-Day to allow supplies and troops to reach the Normandy coast.
The port was built using prefabricated blocks that were transported from England and some of them can still be seen on the beach today.
10 Organized Tours from Paris
D-Day Landing Beaches Day Trip: This tour will take you to the Normandy Landing Beaches, where you can explore the sites where the Allied forces landed on the Normandy coast during World War II.
You will also visit the Normandy American Cemetery and the Normandy Landing Museum in Arromanches.
Mont Saint-Michel Island Tour: On this tour, you will visit the impressive Mont Saint-Michel, a rocky island off the coast of Normandy that boasts an impressive abbey and beautiful panoramic views.
You will also have free time to explore the island and enjoy the local gastronomy.
Normandy Day Local Cuisine Tour: This tour will take you through the Normandy countryside, where you can enjoy the delicious local cuisine, including cheeses, cider and calvados.
You will also visit a local market and farm to learn about regional food production.
Falaise Castle Day Trip: On this tour, you will visit Falaise Castle, the birthplace of William the Conqueror. The castle boasts impressive architecture and panoramic views of the Norman countryside.
Normandy Coastal Road Bike Tour: On this tour, you will explore the Normandy coast by bike, passing by beautiful beaches, cliffs and picturesque villages. This tour is ideal for those looking for an active, outdoor experience.
Mémorial de Caen Museum Guided Day Tour from Paris: This tour will take you to the Caen Memorial Museum, one of the largest and most complete museums dedicated to the Second World War in France.
The museum has a large number of interactive and multimedia exhibits covering the history of the conflict, from its origins to its end.
Day Trip in Monet’s Garden and House: On this tour, you will visit Claude Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny, where the famous impressionist painter lived and worked. The gardens are a work of art in themselves, with beautiful flowers and a water pond filled with water lilies.
Horseback Riding in the Normandy Region: On this tour, you will explore the Normandy countryside on horseback, passing through beautiful landscapes and picturesque villages. This is an ideal tour for those looking for an active, outdoor experience.
2 Day Trip to Normandy and Brittany from Paris: This two-day tour will take you through the region of Normandy and Brittany, where you can explore the historical sites, the beautiful landscapes and the delicious gastronomy of the region.
You will visit the most important sites of the Normandy Landings, Mont Saint-Michel and the city of Saint-Malo, among others.
In summary, if you are in Paris and want to visit the Normandy Landing beaches, there are several options to get there and many exciting places to visit. Plan your visit in advance and enjoy this important historical site.
Plan Your Trip to France
- Paris packing list
- Visit Monet’s House from Paris (Giverny)
- What to see in Caen Normandy
- Visiting the Château de Chenonceau in the Loire Valley
- The Seasons in France
- How to plan a road trip in France
- How to save money on your trip to France
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