Small Group Guided D-Day Tour and Mémorial de Caen Museum
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Small Group Guided D-Day Tour and Mémorial de Caen Museum

Active
(237 reviews)
9h
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The D-Day Tour by the Mémorial de Caen is an unforgettable one-day trip for visitors staying in Normandy or in Paris.
You benefit from the services of an expert guide throughout the day. The day starts with a guided visit of the Mémorial de Caen museum, then lunch at the lovely Les Pommiers restaurant at the Mémorial de Caen and an afternoon tour of key WWII D-Day sites.

The Mémorial de Caen offers visitors the opportunity to take a historical journey through the 20th century, discovering major events from the end of the First World War to the fall of the Berlin Wall. It has a whole section covering D-Day and is the only museum in Normandy to relate the intensity of the Invasion that followed and explain its preparation in both enemy camps.

During D-Day guided tour you will learn the story of a day that changed the course of history. This takes place in an air-conditioned 9-seater mini-van.

Available options

D-Day Tour

What's included

2 course lunch at Les Pommiers
5-hour guided tour of D-Day sites in English and French
Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Guided tour of the museum

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

The Mémorial de Caen offers visitors the opportunity to take an unforgettable historical journey through the 20th century, discovering major events from the end of the First World War to the fall of the Berlin Wall. It has a whole section covering D-Day and is the only museum in Normandy to relate the intensity of the Invasion that followed and explain its preparation in both enemy camps. Your will visit with your expert guide.

2
Stop 2

In World War II, Pointe du Hoc was the location of a series of German bunkers and machine gun posts. Prior to the invasion of Normandy, the German army fortified the area with concrete casemates and gun pits. On D-Day, the United States Army Provisional Ranger Group attacked and captured Pointe du Hoc after scaling the cliffs. United States generals including Dwight D. Eisenhower had determined that the place housed artillery that could slow down nearby beach attacks.
(Wikipedia)

3
Stop 3

Omaha Beach was one of five beach landing sectors designated for the amphibious assault component of Operation Overlord during the Second World War. On June 6, 1944, the Allies invaded German-occupied France with the Normandy landings. "Omaha" refers to an 8-kilometer (5 mi) section of the coast of Normandy, France, facing the English Channel, from east of Sainte-Honorine-des-Pertes to west of Vierville-sur-Mer on the right bank of the Douve River estuary. Landings here were necessary to link the British landings to the east at Gold with the American landing to the west at Utah, thus providing a continuous lodgement on the Normandy coast of the Bay of the Seine. Taking Omaha was to be the responsibility of United States Army troops, with sea transport, mine sweeping, and a naval bombardment force provided predominantly by the United States Navy and Coast Guard, with contributions from the British, Canadian and Free French navies.
(Wikipedia)

4
Stop 4

The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial is a World War II cemetery and memorial that honors American troops who died in Europe during World War II.

A memorial in the cemetery includes maps and details of the Normandy landings and military operations that followed. At the memorial's center is Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves, a bronze statue. The cemetery also includes two flag poles where, at different times, people gather to watch the American flags being lowered and folded.

The cemetery, which was dedicated in 1956, is the most visited cemetery of those maintained by the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC), with one million visitors a year. In 2007, the ABMC opened a visitor center at the cemetery, relating the global significance and meaning of Operation Overlord.
(Wikipedia)

What's not included

Train tickets
Food and drinks, unless specified
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Available languages

Guide guide
EN FR

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8
204 reviews
5★
174
4★
22
3★
5
2★
3
1★
0
Tripadvisor 4.7
33 reviews
5★
28
4★
3
3★
0
2★
0
1★
2

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The tour is not suitable for children under 3 years old
If you are taking the train from Paris, you will need to make your own travel arrangements and buy your own train ticket. You should aim to arrive in Caen by 9am
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Meeting point

In Caen, you will be picked up by your guide at the mainline railway station. Your guide will be waiting in the main hall. Follow the signs ‘SORTIE Place de la Gare’ to go to the main hall. Your guide will be near the ‘Point de Rencontre’ sign and will have a board marked Memorial de Caen.

Important notes

Please note:
• If you are coming from Paris or somewhere else by train, your will need to book and pay for your own train tickets.
These are not included in the price of the tour.
Train tickets can be purchased online from the French railway company SNCF https://www.sncf-connect.com/
You must arrive at Caen railway station by 9am.

- You will be dropped off at Bayeux Railway Station.

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
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 18-99
1
Childs
Age 3-17
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 6
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available

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