Private D-Day Landing Beaches - Bayeux or Caen

Caen , France

Private D-Day Landing Beaches - Bayeux or Caen

Active

(12 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Marked by engraved headstones, battle-scarred landscapes and the memories of the fast-disappearing 'Greatest Generation', we will pay tribute to those young men that gave their lives for our freedom. We need to ensure that their story is passed on from present to future generations !!!

We will cover different topics : the preparation of Overlord operation, the assault of the first Allied waves, the construction of the artificial ports, the set up of the decoy plan called Fortitude under the control of General Patton, the daily life under the German occupation and the relationships between the liberators and the French civilians, the involvement of the French resistance, the construction of the Atlantic wall, the German positions, the war effort, the role of the women, the war correspondants, minorities like code talkers, postal and balloon barage battalions …

All historical facts are documented with detailed military maps, archives and pictures from the Allied and German armies.

Available options

The Normandy Landing Beaches - Private tour

Pickup included

What's included

Bottle of waters

Gasoline

Guiding

Transportation

Parking fees

Tolls

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Pay tribute to these brave men at the American cemetery where 10,000 American soldiers are buried or missing in action. Stop at Omaha beach to visit a strongpoint, part of the Atlantic wall.

Stop 2

Stop at the German battery La Pointe du Hoc, the only place where huge craters are still visible due to naval and aerial bombardments. 225 rangers bravely climbed up the 100 feet cliffs. For a good comprehension of the Atlantic Wall or the german defenses.

Stop at Utah Beach. Lunch at the Roosevelt cafe built on a bunker, the meeting place of the veterans. Visit of the site where the landing of the 4th Infantry Division with Brigadier-General Theodore Roosevelt Junior took place. Monuments dedicated to the US navy with a Higgins boat.

We will cross the famous hedges which caused so many difficulties to the American troops and will go along the coastline of Utah beach which connects Sainte-Marie-du-Mont to the first village liberated of Sainte-Mère-l'Eglise in the American sector.

Stop 5

Stop at Sainte-Mere Eglise. Sainte Mere Eglise is famous thanks to the movie The Longest Day because of his paratrooper John Steele of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment who landed on the church tower. In addition, two stained glass windows were created for the church to commemorate the liberation of the city by the 82nd Airborne Division on June 6, 1944.

What's not included

Entrance fees for paid sites/museums if this is included in the program

Available languages

Guide guide

EN FR

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

8 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

We provide for free wheelchair, canes or steps to get on/off the minibus.

About Caen

Caen, a historic city in Normandy, is known for its rich heritage and significant role in World War II. It offers a blend of medieval architecture, war museums, and charming parks, making it a compelling destination for history buffs and culture seekers alike.

Top Attractions

Caen Castle

Built by William the Conqueror, this medieval castle houses the Normandy Museum and fine arts museum.

Historical 2-3 hours €7.50

Memorial Museum for Peace

Dedicated to the history of the Battle of Normandy and the consequences of war.

Historical 2-3 hours €9.50

Abbaye aux Hommes

A Benedictine abbey founded by William the Conqueror, featuring beautiful Romanesque architecture.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (church), €5 (museum)

Botanical Garden of Caen

A beautiful 12-hectare garden featuring a variety of plants, a greenhouse, and a rose garden.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Tripes à la mode de Caen

A traditional dish made with tripe cooked in cider and Calvados.

Main course Contains beef and pork

Moules-Frites

Mussels steamed in white wine, served with French fries.

Main course Seafood

Tarte Normande

A Norman apple tart made with caramelized apples and cream.

Dessert Contains dairy and gluten

Popular Activities

Hiking in the surrounding countryside Cycling along the Caen Canal Picnicking in the Botanical Garden Sunbathing at Deauville Beach Visiting museums and historical sites Attending local festivals and events Swimming at the beach Boating on the Caen Canal

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the warmest and most popular time to visit, with long daylight hours and numerous outdoor events.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: French
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Caen is generally safe, with low crime rates. However, petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially at night
• Use licensed taxis or rideshare services

Getting there

By air

Carpiquet Airport • 5 km from city center

By train

Caen Station

By bus

Caen Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and efficient, with frequent services. Single tickets cost €1.50.

Taxis

Available • Apps: G7, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Vaugueux Saint-Pierre Thaon

Day trips

Bayeux

30 km from Caen • Half day

A charming town known for its Bayeux Tapestry and medieval cathedral.

Mont Saint-Michel

120 km from Caen • Full day

A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring a stunning abbey and tidal island.

Deauville

40 km from Caen • Half day

A popular seaside resort known for its beach, casino, and film festival.

Festivals

Normandy Festival • Early September Deauville American Film Festival • Early September Christmas Markets • Late November to late December

Pro tips

Visit the Caen Castle and Abbaye aux Hommes early in the morning to avoid crowds
Combine a visit to the Memorial Museum for Peace with a walk through the Peace Gardens
Explore the Vaugueux neighborhood for a glimpse into Caen's medieval past
Try local specialties like Tripes à la mode de Caen and Camembert cheese
Consider purchasing a Caen Pass for discounted entry to attractions and unlimited public transportation