Normandy Battlefields – D-Day and the Landing Beaches
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Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial at Colleville-sur-Mer ©The Explorers - Valentin Pacaut, Normandy Tourist Board
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Abbey of Saint-Étienne, Caen
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Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial ©Marie-Anaïs Thierry, Normandy Tourist Board
Normandy is one of the great historic regions of France. On this tour, visit the Normandy Battlefields, where one of the most vital operations of World War II took place, D-Day. Allied aerial bombardments in advance of the D-Day Landings were targeted to break up German lines and to bomb strategic spots, notably gun batteries. Accompanied by a knowledgeable battlefield guide, experience the locations that played host to this significant operation. Immerse yourself in the history of World War II and visit both the British and American sectors. Although the horrendous conditions are difficult to imagine, the guide brings the experiences of these brave men to life. Visit cemeteries and museums about the D-Day invasion which commemorated the 75th Anniversary in 2019. Visit the memorials and understand the extraordinary deeds and astonishing sacrifices made.
Additionally, as well as gaining varied perspective on the more recent of historical events, travel to Bayeux. As small French towns go, Bayeux is possibly the one with the best-known name. Visit the famous Tapestry which tells the story of William the Conqueror’s invasion of England from 1064-1066. However, Bayeux has more to offer than the Tapestry, with 13th- to 18th-century buildings plus a fine Gothic cathedral, Bayeux has a lovely centre to explore.
Dates
Dates throughout 2024
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Welcome to Caen
Sail from Portsmouth across the English Channel to Caen with Brittany Ferries. On arrival into the Norman port, you may glimpse some of the first beaches of the battles and as you travel into Caen drive alongside the famous canal that had to be secured. Check in to your hotel. If time allows, have a wander around the beautiful town.
Day 2
British Sector
We start the day with a visit to Pegasus Bridge, Café Gondré and the Pegasus Memorial Museum, which is dedicated to the men of the 6th Airborne Division.
Then head to Merville Gun Battery, one of the first places to be attacked on D-Day. We proceed to Ranville Commonwealth Cemetery, the final resting place of 2,562 brave servicemen, and Bréville Ridge.
We stop for lunch in the quaint port town Ouistreham, and in the afternoon, we drive along Sword, Juno and Gold Landing Beaches. The taking of these beaches was the responsibility of the British and Canadian Armies.
We make a final stop in Arromanches to visit the invasion museum, focusing on the amazing Mulberry floating port.
Day 3
American Sector & Bayeux
First, we travel to Sainte Mère Église, the scene of some of the tragic landings of the US paras, before visiting Azeville Battery and Airborne Museum. The Airborne Museum is dedicated to the memory of the 82nd and 101st airborne divisions. The collection includes a WACO glider and C-47 cargo plane.
See Utah Beach then head to Pointe Du Hoc, which was captured by the American Rangers. Next we visit the American Cemetery overlooking tragic Omaha Beach, which is the resting place of 9,387 souls. We also visit the beach itself. We continue along the beach to the Longues-Sur-Mer Gun Battery, with its original guns.
Afterwards, travel to Bayeux to visit the historic famous Tapestry which tells the story of William the Conqueror’s invasion of England from 1064-1066 and his crowning as King. Bayeux Cathedral is also worth a visit with its different architectural styles.
Day 4
Depart Caen
Check out of your hotel and make your way back to the port for the early morning ferry from Caen back to Portsmouth.
Suggested Hotels
Ibis Caen Porte de Bretagne***
The ibis Caen Porte de Bretagne hotel is easily accessible from the A13 and A84 highways, and is just 10 mins from Caen city center. The hotel has 80 air-conditioned rooms, 3 of which are adapted for guests with reduced mobility, a 24-hour bar with terrace, free secure car park for cars and coaches and a Courtepaille restaurant. Free WIFI access throughout the hotel.
Novotel Bayeux ****
Located just 1.5km Bayeux Cathedral and 2 km from Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux. Hotel offers a restaurant and a bar as well as an outdoor pool and a terrace. Onsite coach parking available
Mercure Caen Cote de Nacre ****
This hotel is located on the outskirts of Caen; approximately 6 miles to the beach from the hotel. The room’s feature en-suite with bath or shower; Hairdryer; Satellite TV; Air conditioning; Tea/Coffee
welcome tray. There is a Lounge area; Bar (open 7.00am – 11.30pm); Safe deposit box at reception; Garden. The restaurant is open for breakfast (Hot/Cold buffet) and serve traditional French cuisine for lunch and dinner. Onsite parking is available and the centre of Caen is accessible by tram.
Fancy a different historical tour?
World War 1 Battlefields – ‘In Flanders Fields The Poppies Blow’
Or something different in France?
| Dates | Hotel | Half Twin | Single Supplement |
| Dates throughout 2024 | On Request | From £489.00 per person | On Request |
PLEASE NOTE: If travelling with Brittany Ferries, Friday afternoon to Monday morning tours are not possible on certain weeks of the year due to sailing schedules. If you have preferred dates, please contact us and we will be pleased to check the schedules.
