Omaha & Utah Beaches D-Day Sites Tour: Private Journey from Bayeux

Embark on an immersive and informative journey to the key US D-Day sites in Normandy!

Join our private tour from Bayeux as we explore the historic coastal battlegrounds where the Allied troops landed on June 6, 1944. This pivotal moment in history marked the beginning of a fierce and heroic battle that ultimately led to the liberation of France a few months later.

Convenient Pick-up in Bayeux or Surrounding Area

To start your day, we'll pick you up directly from your accommodation in Bayeux or the surrounding area. Meet our knowledgeable English-speaking guide/driver, who will provide you with a detailed overview of the itinerary and program for the day. As this is a private tour, your guide can be flexible and accommodate specific requests, within the constraints of time and availability.

Rest assured that our experienced guide is intimately familiar with the region and will ensure that you visit the most significant landmarks related to the US forces on D-Day. We have carefully curated a selection of major sites for you to explore. During the tour, your guide will offer appropriate suggestions for lunch, depending on the sites you choose to visit. Alternatively, we can make restaurant reservations in advance to streamline your experience.

Craft Your Personalized Tour of Normandy's Landing Beaches and Sites. You will be able to make a selection of your preferred stops during the booking process. The most significant sites include:

1. Omaha Beach Among the Allied troops, the Americans landed on two distinct beaches—Omaha and Utah. Despite preliminary bombings, the German positions in the Omaha sector remained formidable, leading to a tragic outcome with numerous casualties. At Omaha Beach, you'll step back in time and hear the incredible story of one of the most audacious and successful large-scale invasions in military history. This beach presented the toughest challenges for the Allied forces, with heavily fortified bunkers, fighting positions, and obstacles designed to repel any invasion. Gain a deeper understanding of the events that unfolded on the beach and how the battle progressed inland, as depicted in the powerful opening scenes of the film 'Saving Private Ryan.

2. Pointe du Hoc

Located within the American sector, Pointe du Hoc offers a breathtaking cliffside setting with lunar landscapes, dramatic bomb craters, and stunning views of the English Channel. This awe-inspiring site was entrusted to the Rangers due to its difficulty. It was a strategically crucial point of the Atlantic Wall, positioned as the highest elevation between Utah Beach and Omaha Beach, providing an advantageous vantage point to detect any hostile arrivals from the sea. You'll encounter German bunkers and experience a sense of stepping back into 1944 as you explore the site. Learn about the heroic mission assigned to Lt. Col. James E. Rudder and the 2nd Ranger Battalion to scale the 100-foot cliffs and disable the German positions, later reinforced by Lt. Col. Max F. Schneider and the 5th Ranger Battalion.

3. Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville

Prepare to be moved by the awe-inspiring Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer. This hallowed ground serves as the final resting place for 9,387 American soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Battle of Normandy. The cemetery stands as a poignant tribute to the sacrifices made by the United States in the liberation of Europe. From this vantage point, you'll overlook Omaha Beach, where the deadliest landing occurred during Operation Overlord. Immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere of the cemetery, enhanced by its carefully crafted aesthetics. Marvel at the half circle of columns, intricate statuary, and reflective pond—all enclosed within a meticulously maintained park. Detailed maps and commentaries within the loggias provide insights into the Allied operations in Normandy and Northwestern Europe. An orientation table offers a panoramic view of Omaha Beach, while a visitor center sheds light on the historical context and course of the battles.

4. Longues-sur-Mer German Artillery

The German artillery battery at Longues-sur-Mer played a pivotal role in opposing the landings on June 6, 1944. Situated between Omaha and Gold Beaches, this strategically positioned battery boasted four casemates, each housing a 150 mm gun, along with a range-finding post. As a vital component of the Atlantic Wall, it commanded a commanding view of the English Channel and played a crucial role during the Normandy Landings. Today, it stands as one of France's best-preserved sites, allowing visitors to witness the original cannons capable of firing 45 kg shells over a distance of 22 km. Explore the firing command post nestled within the cliff, offering a sweeping panorama of the Bay of the Seine.

5. Utah Beach

Utah Beach, the westernmost landing beach during D-Day, witnessed the arrival of the U.S. 4th Infantry Division. Thanks to the valiant efforts of airborne troops, the Utah Beach landing achieved significant success and thwarted major counterattacks. The German strongpoint at La Madeleine featured shelters, bunkers, a grenade launcher, and four cannons assigned to defend against any tanks. However, these defenses proved insufficient against the relentless air and naval bombardments on D-Day. The airborne troops, dropped five hours before the seaborne landings, fought their way towards the beach, neutralizing enemy positions that posed a threat to the Allied forces. Discover the remarkable stories of these paratroopers and their pivotal role in securing the landing area.

6. Sainte-Mère-Église

Sainte-Mère-Église holds a significant place in history as the landing site for American and British airborne troops on the fateful night of June 5-6, 1944. Two U.S. Airborne Divisions were assigned to establish a bridgehead in the Sainte-Mère-Église sector, providing support for the landing of U.S. infantry at Utah Beach. Witness the bravery of the 82nd and 101st U.S. Airborne Divisions as they parachuted from 821 Douglas C-47 planes and were transported in gliders. Their mission involved reinforcing the American infantry troops at Utah Beach and expediting the capture of Cherbourg.

7. Airborne Museum

The Sainte-Mère-Église Museum, situated at the location of fierce battles fought by American paratroopers during the night of June 5-6, 1944, stands as a testament to their heroism. Immerse yourself in history as you explore the extensive collection of uniforms, weaponry, and other war memorabilia. The museum's exhibits primarily focus on American paratroopers from the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, who played a vital role in the Normandy Landing. Noteworthy artifacts include the iconic Douglas C-47 troop transportation plane (known as the 'Skytrain') and a rare Waco glider, found only in Sainte-Mère-Église in France. 

Join us for an unforgettable day tour, meticulously designed to cater to the interests of international guests, including adults and families, seeking to delve into the historical significance of the D-Day landings in Normandy. Our expert guides will ensure you gain a comprehensive understanding of the events that unfolded on these hallowed grounds.