Bayeux , France

Normandy D-Day Tour From Paris

Active

(98 reviews)

13h

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Take a one day trip from Paris to see the American sector of the Normandy landing beaches. Leave Paris in the morning via rail. Your guide will meet you personally at the train station in the historic town of Bayeux.

Essential historical background is covered throughout the day, starting with Saint Mere Eglise Church and Utah Beach. Time for lunch is set aside along the coast, with ample choice of cuisine (not included).

The afternoon continues your excursion via minivan to see Arromanches Harbor, the Pointe du Hoc, and the American Military Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer and the visitor center at Omaha Beach.

Available options

Tour with 2nd Class Rail

Day trip via rail from Paris to Normandy to see the American sector of the D-Day landing beaches. 2nd class rail included.

Tour with 1st Class Rail

Day trip via rail from Paris to Normandy to see the American sector of the D-Day landing beaches. 1st class rail included.

What's included

Rail to and from Paris to Bayeux, Normandy

Pick-up and drop-off in Bayeux

Detailed itinerary

There is a substantial walk and historical talk at each spot along the coast, including a respectful visit of the American Cemetery and visitor center.

Stop 2

14,000 parachutists were dropped before dawn on the Cherbourg peninsula. One unit accidentally landed in the village square of Sainte-Mère-Église, with one airman famously left dangling from the church steeple. The story of his survival, plus the liberation of the town, starts the touring day.

Utah Beach was the first beach where Allies landed on the morning of June 6.. The coast was an imperative beachhead in the Cotentin region so as to capture Cherbourg and its deep water port.
23,000 American soldiers at Utah over many days.

Stop 4

"Bloody Omaha" was a crucial link between Utah Beach and the British invasion sector. Mis-timed landings, foundered tanks and lack of focused artillery support delayed the taking of the crucial 8 kilometers, mean to be taken by 7 a.m., to well into the evening.

Visting the stunning cliff where Army Rangers climbed upward, straight into German gunfire is a spell-binding part of the story of D Day. The heroic men had no idea the guns had been moved and concentrated right on their sector.

The modest fishing and resort town of Arromanches was a key toehold for the Allies on June 6. Remnants of so-called “Mulberrys” remain off shore, where the rough seas of the bay were tamed enough to keep ships anchored and maintain a supply chain for the troops.

This bluff overlooking the English Channel and Omaha Beach is the site of the American Cemetery and visitor center. More than 9,000 servicemen Lost their lives securing the beaches.
Owned and run by the American Battlefield Monument Commission, the site is 172 acres. A grid map notes grave locations and one very moving spot is the Wall of the Missing.

What's not included

Local transfers to and from your hotel/apartment in Paris

Gratuities

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

22 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

76 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Names and additional information of all participants for rail booking (to be collected after booking confirmation)

Rail tickets delivered via email

Meeting point

Clients meet their guide at the Bayeux rail station.

About Bayeux

Bayeux is a charming town in Normandy, France, famous for the Bayeux Tapestry, a medieval embroidery that tells the story of the Norman Conquest of England. The town's well-preserved architecture, rich history, and proximity to the D-Day landing beaches make it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts and cultural travelers.

Top Attractions

Bayeux Tapestry

A 70-meter-long embroidered cloth depicting the events leading up to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.

Historical 1-2 hours €12

Bayeux Cathedral

A stunning Gothic cathedral with beautiful stained glass windows and a rich history.

Religious 30-60 minutes Free (donations welcome)

D-Day Landing Beaches

The site of the Allied landings on June 6, 1944, during World War II.

Historical Half to full day Free (museums may charge)

Bayeux War Cemetery

A Commonwealth war cemetery containing the graves of soldiers who died in the D-Day landings and the Battle of Normandy.

Historical 30-60 minutes Free

Bayeux Museum of Battle of Normandy

A museum dedicated to the Battle of Normandy, with exhibits on the D-Day landings and the subsequent campaign.

Historical 1-2 hours €8.50

Must-Try Local Dishes

Moules à la Crème Normande

Mussels cooked in a creamy sauce with Norman butter and cider.

Main Contains seafood and dairy

Tarte Normande

A traditional apple tart with a caramelized top, often served with cream.

Dessert Contains gluten and dairy

Camembert

A famous Norman cheese made from cow's milk, with a rich and creamy flavor.

Dairy Contains dairy

Cidre

Norman cider, made from apples grown in the region, often served with meals.

Drink Alcoholic beverage

Popular Activities

Hiking along the Normandy coastline Cycling through the countryside Kayaking on the River Aure Strolling along the River Aure Visiting local cider houses Enjoying the peaceful town center Visiting the Bayeux Tapestry Exploring Bayeux Cathedral

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather and numerous festivals. It's the best time for outdoor activities and visiting the D-Day beaches.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: French
Widely spoken: English, Spanish, German
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

Bayeux is generally safe, with low crime rates. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas
• Use licensed taxis

Getting there

By air

Normandy-Caen Carpiquet Airport • 25 km from Bayeux
Deauville-Normandy Airport • 80 km from Bayeux

By train

Bayeux Train Station

By bus

Bayeux Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The local bus system is affordable and covers most of the town and nearby areas.

Taxis

Available • Apps:

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Town Center Saint-Lô Street Port de Bayeux

Day trips

Caen

30 km • Half day to full day

A historic city with a rich past, known for its castle, museums, and memorials.

Mont Saint-Michel

100 km • Full day

A stunning island commune with a medieval abbey, known for its unique architecture and tidal surroundings.

Arromanches-les-Bains

15 km • Half day

A coastal town known for its role in the D-Day landings and its museum dedicated to the Normandy landings.

Festivals

D-Day Commemorations • June 6th Bayeux International Arts Festival • July Medieval Festival • August

Pro tips

Visit the Bayeux Tapestry early in the morning to avoid crowds
Rent a car for flexibility in visiting the D-Day beaches and other nearby attractions
Try local specialties like Norman cider and Camembert cheese
Explore the town's medieval streets and hidden courtyards
Check for local festivals and events during your visit