Seeing for yourself the best D-Day sites to visit in Normandy is an absolute must-do for any World War II enthusiast. In fact, it tops the bucket list of every one of them that I know.
It’s not always the most “fun” vacation, but this collection of sites absolutely beats the hell out of anything you’ll see in Paris or the Loire Valley. You can have your van Gogh and your Chateaux; just give me a war museum and a few battle sites and I’ll be a happy—but still really sad—camper. (The WWII sites in Paris are definitely worth checking out though!)
But the best part? You can still see many of the best D-Day sites to visit in Normandy even if you only have one day. So if you have just one day to spend touring World War II sites in Normandy, start with these 7 places.
(I can verify the accuracy of this itinerary as I personally road-tested all 7 of these sites myself in one unforgettable day. But if you have more days, definitely check out my 3-day Normandy itinerary!)
If you’d prefer to just take a tour, check out my post on the 10 best local Normandy D-Day tours or my list of best Normandy tours from Paris to take in 2024. (And book ASAP!)
The best D-Day sites to visit in Normandy
I believe the overall goal of travel is to inspire you, change you, make you into a better human being–and a visit to these D-Day sites will do just that. Can the Eiffel Tower say that?
Now there are a lot of D-Day sites to visit in Normandy, France, as you can imagine—memorials, museums, battlefields, cemeteries, and tons of random other things. Are they all worth a visit? Probably. Do you have three months to spend in France? Probably not.
So I’ve chosen seven that I feel are the best D-Day sites to visit in Normandy for when you don’t have much time but still want a well-rounded, diverse experience.
Pro tip: If you haven’t planned your trip to Normandy yet, try to Visit as close to D-Day as possible. Get 9 more helpful Normandy travel tips here.
Map of the best D-Day sites in Normandy
The map below contains all 7 of the sites mentioned in this post. To save this map: Click on the star ⭑ next to the map’s title to save in your Google Maps. To use this map: Open Google Maps on your phone, click “Saved” at the bottom, then click “Maps.”
Definitely check out my helpful guide to driving around Normandy with all the stuff you need to know (including the details of my speeding ticket).
1. Caen Memorial Museum
The Caen Memorial and Museum, located in the British Sword Beach sector, opened on D-Day in 1988. Many regard it as the best World War II museum in France. Visit on or around D-Day (like I did) and the abundance of decorated war veterans there to greet you will be a great introduction.
The Caen Museum was built on top of the former underground headquarters of a German general and is every inch a lesson in symbolism.
You enter the building through a small door in the middle of a huge flat façade representing the Allies’ breach of the seemingly impenetrable Nazi Atlantic wall. The entrance into the museum itself is a downward spiral staircase into a dark underground symbolizing the decent into war/Hell.
The museum covers the subjects of:
- The start and globalization of the war,
- The various resistance movements,
- Genocide and mass violence,
- Liberation and the end of the war,
- The D-Day landings and the Battle of Normandy (to name a few),
- And has a strong focus on the topic of peace
The museum offers a movie theater, a gift shop that got most of my travel money, the underground bunker of German General Wilhelm Richter, a café and restaurant, and three gardens dedicated to American, Canadian, and British soldiers who died in Normandy.
Also read: Which is the Best D-Day Beach to Visit in Normandy?
Why the Caen Museum is one of the best D-Day sites to visit in Normandy
For starters, it’s one of the most comprehensive museums on the topic of World War II.
It’s also extremely visual. It displays countless historical artifacts, artwork, video and sound recordings, newsreels, props and replicas, maps, and more. This museum has everything: airplanes, jeeps, tanks, artifacts of the times, and unexploded bombs that only worried me a little bit.
A large part of the museum focuses specifically on the D-Day landings and the Battle of Normandy. Which is where you are and what you probably came to learn about.
You can also meet war veterans. I visited the Caen Museum on June 8th (two days after the D-Day anniversary) and the place was full of uniformed British war veterans, many from World War II, who were excited to chat with visitors.
Meeting so many veterans in Normandy just two days after the D-Day anniversary will give you all the warms and fuzzies, and probably a teary eye or two.
★ More information here: normandy.memorial-caen.com
If you want to check out more museums while you’re in Normandy, you might like my post on 18 must-visit Normandy museums for WWII enthusiasts. This area has museums dedicated to just about every part of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy (and beyond).
2. Arromanches-les-Bains
I’m in love with the town of Arromanches–the small seaside town famous for its artificial “Mulberry” harbors. The town is charming as heck and at the center of the Gold Beach landing zone. (Only around 600 people live there, but that’s still the most that ever have.) It played an invaluable part in the D-Day landings, hence, the entirety of World War II.
Arromanches-les-Bains in World War II
It was here that the Allies built their artificial, “temporary” harbors to facilitate the unloading of vehicles, materials, and people into Europe. These Mulberry Harbors (as they’re often called) had, by June 12, 1944, helped bring 300,000 men, 54,000 vehicles, and 104,000 tons of supplies into Europe.
Arromanches today
Arromanches is dotted with memorials and D-Day gift shops, is easily stroll-able, and makes a great spot for a scenic lunch. What’s left of the artificial harbors can still be seen sitting out in the ocean.
Before or after lunch you can visit:
- Head down to the water to check out the harbors up close, or head up to the top of the hill to see them all from above from the D-Day 75 Memorial Garden
- The newly redesigned Musée du Débarquement–a museum focused on the building of the artificial harbors
- Arromanches 360°–a circular, fully immersive theater that puts you, pretty literally, in the middle of the 100-day Battle of Normandy. (These two museums are described more fully in my post on great WWII museums in Normandy.)
- Pick up some souvenirs; this is the best place to do your D-Day souvenir shopping.
Also read: Visiting WW2 Sites With Kids: Should you? Can you? Here’s what you need to know.
Why Arromanches is one of the best D-Day sites to visit in Normandy
I especially love Arromanches for its ability to send me back in time. It was like I fell asleep at some point on the extremely short drive from the Caen Museum and woke up in the 1940s. This excited me to no end since time travel is my favorite kind of travel.
The town swarmed with war enthusiasts decked out in full World War II army uniforms of all ranks. World War II army Jeeps driven by uniformed soldiers jammed the parking lots and streets. And 1940s big band and swing blared into the town center from the speakers at the Musée du Débarquement.
The feeling of actually “being” in a historical time period is something you can’t get looking at artifacts in a museum.
Arromanches played such an important role
Arromanches and its artificial harbors played such a huge role in the war you’d be crazy to skip this one. It’s majorly, enormously, hugely because of the artificial harbor at Arromanches that the Allies were able to help defeat Nazi Germany.
I told you how many men, vehicles, and supplies entered Europe through this harbor as of June 12th. But by the end of its use 10 months later, that number had increased to 2.5 million men, 500,000 vehicles, and 4 million tons of supplies.
Visible history
Remnants of the artificial harbor still sit out there in the water after all this time. I always prefer to see my historical artifacts in situ.
It’s not such a sad destination
Because the Allies wanted to use Arromanches for the building of their harbor, this was not designated one of the landing zones. This ensured the beach was preserved and free of war debris.
Because Arromanches was such a huge a contributor to the defeat of Nazi Germany and not a battleground, the atmosphere is completely unique. There’s swing music instead of silence, photography, Frisbee-throwing, and smiles and laughter instead of grief.
★ More information: Normandy Tourism’s Arromanches page
3. Longues-sur-Mer Battery
The Longues-sur-Mer battery, situated between the Omaha and Gold landing beaches, consists of four gun installations like the ones seen below and were used by the German troops on D-Day. Well, sort of.
Heavy bombing of this site by French and US ships the night before and the morning of the D-Day landings made getting any sort of use out of these about as difficult as saving that Private Ryan fellow (“It’s like finding a needle in a stack of needles.“).
British ships eventually demolished three of them, leaving the last one (only barely) operating for a little bit longer, though it didn’t really matter. The German crew of about 120 survivors surrendered the next morning.
Why Longues-sur-Mer Battery is one of the best D-Day sites to visit in Normandy
The batteries and bunkers here are extremely well-preserved and look almost exactly like they did 80+ years ago. Plus, the Longues-sur-Mer battery is the only German coastal defense battery to be classified as an official historic monument (since 2001).
The Longues-sur-Mer battery also provides excellent views over the Atlantic and the D-Day landing beaches. From here you can really gauge the strength and power these guns had.
This area is so beautiful and somewhat off the beaten tourist path so you’ll probably be here close to alone. One thing I learned while checking out some of the best D-Day sites in Normandy is that to really be able to reflect on what you’re seeing and what happened at each one, it’s best to do so alone. Take a solo stroll along the path and imagine the chaos of this place on June 6, 1944.
Since I visited on June 8th, just two days after the D-Day anniversary, there was a group of reenactors camping out nearby in an authentic World War II campsite.
★ More information: This page is pretty informative.
4. Normandy American Cemetery
The final scene of Saving Private Ryan, when old man Ryan arrives at the grave of Captain John Miller and says, “Tell me I have led a good life. Tell me I’m a good man” will pretty much sum up your visit to Normandy American Cemetery, where this and the opening scene of the movie took place.
You’ll ask yourself all the similar questions: These people died for me… am I good person? Have I proven their sacrifice worthwhile? Would they be proud of the life I’ve lived?
About Normandy American Cemetery
Normandy American Cemetery serves as the final resting place for 9,387 U.S. soldiers, most of them victims of the D-Day landings and ensuing battles. There are 9,238 Latin crosses, 149 Stars of David, and 1,557 names on the Walls of the Missing.
The cemetery overlooks (the strikingly picturesque) Omaha Beach and, because the French government gave this land to the United States free of charge and taxation to use forever, is considered American soil.
At Normandy American Cemetery you’ll find:
- A Visitors Center with a great D-Day museum inside
- The Walls of the Missing
- The semicircular memorial colonnade with the sculpture “Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves”
- Larger than life maps of military operations
- And the most beautiful, idyllic spot on Planet Earth
Having visited just after the D-Day anniversary, I also saw groups of uniformed World War II soldiers and a handful of jet flyovers. Surreal.
The most emotional site of the day
Of all the best D-Day sites to visit in Normandy, Normandy American Cemetery was the most emotional for me. Besides the fact that, at its very basic, it’s a cemetery, I think all the emotion comes from knowing so much about these soldiers and how, why, and for what they gave their lives.
I think part of the emotion is sadness, for what they and their families went through, but also the fact that I’ll never get to personally say Thank You. Part of it is confusion; how can humans do these things to other humans? And a large part is gratitude.
Why Normandy American Cemetery is one of the best D-Day sites to visit in Normandy
Because there are 9,387 (+1,557 more) men here that you need to say Thank You to. Every single thing you have and have ever had, and everything your parents and their parents have ever had and been able to do is owed to these 10,944 Americans (and then some).
Because of them, we exist today. Because of them, we live the kind of lives that are so free of concern our biggest complaints are that our steaks are undercooked and our flights are overbooked. You owe them all the thanks you’ve got in you.
An incredible visual
Seeing how far and wide the white crosses (and stars) span here is a great way to visualize just how many soldiers sacrificed themselves to put an end to Hitler and the Nazi threat. And remember, these are just a portion of the American fighters.
Heaven on Earth
Visit Normandy American Cemetery to experience Heaven as close as you ever will on Earth. Maybe it was just the day I was there on my first visit, but the Normandy American Cemetery is, without a doubt in my mind, the most peaceful place I’ve ever visited.
It was a perfect day: summer sun shining but not hot, the waves rolling in on the empty beach downhill from the cemetery, gentle breezes blowing through the surrounding trees, soft green grass, blue sky dotted with puffy white clouds, absolute silence except for the singing birds. It almost didn’t feel real.
If you like visiting filming locations
If you like visiting WWII locations you’ve seen in movies, you must come here. Saving Private Ryan is one of the most highly rated World War II and D-Day films out there and this place plays such a huge part.
Visit the Niland Brothers
Similarly, you can visit the graves of the Niland brothers–two of the real life brothers who inspired the movie Saving Private Ryan. (Yes, it was based on a true story!) In total there are 45 pairs of brothers buried at Normandy American Cemetery and among them are Robert and Preston Niland. You can find their crosses at Plot F Row 15 Graves 11 and 12, respectively.
★ More information: Normandy American Cemetery website
5. Omaha Beach
You can visit Omaha Beach, notoriously where American troops suffered the worst on D-Day, and the experience is surreal. Everything about it will shock you: the massive size, the weight you feel just by being there, and how, this place that was once total Hell on Earth, is also just a pleasant beach surrounded by quaint French cottages.
You’re here, seeing it with your own eyes, getting bit by the sand flies with your own legs, and yet it doesn’t feel real. This can’t possibly be the place you’ve seen on so many screens.
On the beach you’ll find the sculpture of “Les Braves” by French sculptor Anilore Banon, the three parts representing the Wings of Hope, the Rise of Freedom, and the Wings of Fraternity. Behind it you’ll find the D-Day Signal Monument.
Also read: For more must-see D-Day sites in and around Omaha Beach, check out that link for my post on what to see at Omaha Beach: 11+ Inspiring Stops.
Why Omaha Beach is one of the best D-Day sites to visit in Normandy
Omaha Beach is ground zero for American D-Day history. Almost everything you know about D-Day happened right here. And though there isn’t much to see, Omaha Beach is all about feeling.
You must see it in modern times. It’s fascinating to compare what you’ve seen in movies to the real thing. (This article is a great introduction to that.) These comparisons are everything when it comes to putting the war, especially all of the physical obstacles the troops overcame, into perspective.
6. Pointe du Hoc
As one of Normandy’s best D-Day sites, Pointe du Hoc proves that nothing is impossible. Pointe du Hoc is a 100-foot cliff overlooking the English Channel. It’s the highest point between Utah Beach and Omaha Beach and at the time was fortified with a wall of German gun casemates (like the ones at Longues-sur-Mer).
Pointe du Hoc on D-Day
On the morning of June 6th, the US Army captured Pointe du Hoc after scaling the cliffs—a feat many believed to be impossible. And when you stand on the cliff yourself, you’ll agree 110%.
They did so with the use of grappling hooks, ropes, and ladders, much of that fired from rocket launchers on their landing crafts. These guys scaled a cliff with just rope while being shot at with automatic weapons from all angles. This is the definition of a hero in case you weren’t aware. This stop motion, little-green-army-men re-enactment portrays the scene perfectly.
Today, Pointe do Hoc still has its German gun casements and bunkers, is completely covered in bomb craters, and serves as home to a surprisingly large population of sheep. You can walk the entire site, go inside the bunkers, look over the cliffs, pay your respects at the memorials, and I even got to see a sheep being born. True story.
Why Pointe du Hoc is one of the best D-Day sites to visit in Normandy
You can see what ‘impossible’ really looks like. Nothing you need to do after this will seem too difficult, too inconvenient, or worth complaining about. Next time you think about calling something you have to do “impossible,” think of Pointe du Hoc.
To see the the bomb craters. The bomb craters at Pointe du Hoc provide a visual you can’t get anywhere else. No other D-Day sites have bomb craters like the ones you’ll see here. There are so many; and they’re still here. You must see this for yourself. (See what Pointe du Hoc looks like from above here.)
★ More information: ABMC’s Pointe du Hoc page
7. La Cambe German War Cemetery
Visit La Cambe German War Cemetery because travel is all about growing as a person… but also about throwing your mind, your beliefs, and your emotions for a loop.
Visiting a German cemetery in Normandy just days after the anniversary of D-Day may seem… strange? treacherous, even? And you’re absolutely right; it kinda does.
But then you get there and what you experience is something different and unexpected. You’ll discover there’s a moment when you stop thinking of these German soldiers exclusively as villains.
Sure, many of them were horrible people but most probably didn’t want to die fighting our soldiers any more than ours wanted to die fighting them. You know about Hitler… did they have a choice? (I’m asking honestly; this is a highly debatable question.)
Everyone was a victim during WW2; no one wins in war. And some cemeteries will get to you regardless of who is buried there. It’s just in their nature.
About La Cambe German Cemetery
La Cambe German Cemetery started out as a cemetery for both American and German soldiers. They eventually moved the Americans either back to the US or to the aforementioned American Cemetery and more Germans were moved in.
Today, the total grave count at La Cambe stands at 21,245. This makes it the largest cemetery in Normandy and the largest German war cemetery. And it’s all packed into a space one-tenth the size of Normandy American Cemetery. All belong to victims of the D-Day invasion and resulting battles, and most of these soldiers were close to being teenagers.
They’ve adorned the cemetery with imposing black stone crosses and the whole site seems to have been designed under the “heavy and dark” theme. (The German cemetery in Bastogne follows the same theme.)
At the cemetery’s center is a large mound under a statue of a woman and a man meant to represent the mothers and fathers who lost children in the war. The mound itself is not symbolic—it actually holds the unidentified bodies of almost 300 German soldiers. Graves here are a 2-for-1 deal and some don’t even have names at all.
Be as angry as you want to be, just don’t forget these men were fellow human beings once. Men who loved family members, felt loneliness, had best friends, played sports, wrote love letters, and probably, at some point, did something nice for someone they didn’t know.
Why La Cambe is one of the best D-Day sites to visit in Normandy
To see (and feel) the stark contrasts (both visual and emotional) between the American and German cemeteries. Normandy American Cemetery is white, bright, open, and beautiful. It leaves you feeling so grateful you think your heart will burst.
La Cambe German Cemetery is profoundly heavy and dark. You’ll leave feeling all around confused, disheartened, and understandably a little pissed.
Visiting La Cambe helps you understand how equal we all are. The events of D-Day have doubtlessly left us all feeling sad, but we Americans don’t own the rights to those feelings. Experiencing a German cemetery helps paint a broader picture of the war. It wasn’t just Us vs. Them; it was All of Us vs. Intolerance and Hate.
★ More information: Normandy Tourism’s La Cambe German Military Cemetery page
Books to read for your trip to Normandy
As always, I recommend gearing up for your trip to the best D-Day sites to visit in Normandy by reading all the books and watching all the movies. Here’s where you can start:
Band of Brothers (Stephen Ambrose)
New York Times bestseller about the US Army’s 101st Airborne Division. This book tells the true stories of these men and their leaders from when they enlist in the Airborne, to their parachuting into France early on the morning of D-Day, and on to their capture of Hitler’s Bavarian outpost, the Eagle’s Nest in Berchtesgaden. Stephen Ambrose is a great writer and his books are easy to follow and endlessly engaging.
Pick up your copy of Band of Brothers here.
D Day: June 6, 1944 (Stephen Ambrose)
Amazon says: “Stephen E. Ambrose’s D-Day is the definitive history of World War II’s most pivotal battle, a day that changed the course of history.” And since it’s Stephen Ambrose it’s bound to be perfection. Pick up D-Day: June 6, 1944 here.
Double Cross: The True Story of the D-Day Spies (Ben Macintyre)
A little D-Day behind-the-scenes action for you. Amazon says: “[Operation Fortitude] was the most sophisticated and successful deception operation ever carried out, ensuring Allied victory at the most pivotal point in the war.” Reviewers say it’s more for history and WW2 buffs than it is for spy novel enthusiasts. Pick up Double Cross here.
Omaha Beach: D-Day, June 6, 1944 (Joseph Balkoski)
John Hillen of the New York Post says: “Balkoski’s depiction of ‘Bloody Omaha’ is the literary accompaniment to the white-knuckle Omaha Beach scene that opens Steven Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan.” If you’ve seen Saving Private Ryan, you know that’s quite a description! Pick up Omaha Beach: D-Day, June 6, 1944 here.
Movies to watch before your trip to Normandy
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Amazon description: “Seen through the eyes of a squad of American soldiers, the story begins with World War II’s historic Omaha Beach D-Day invasion, then moves beyond the beach as the men embark on a dangerous special mission. Captain John Miller (Tom Hanks) must take his men behind enemy lines to find Private James Ryan, whose three brothers have been killed in combat.”
Film magazine Empire describes the 27-minute Omaha Beach landing scene as the “best battle scene of all time.” That same scene was named Number 1 on TV Guide’s list of 50 Greatest Movie Moments. Watch this movie! Check out Saving Private Ryan here.
The Longest Day (1962)
Known as the definitive D-Day movie and full of stars: John Wayne, Sean Connery, and Henry Fonda (among many others). It depicts D-Day from the perspectives of both the Allied and German forces and uses actors and military consultants who personally fought in the war. Check out The Longest Day here. You can also check out my 2-day Normandy itinerary inspired by the movie.
Band of Brothers (2001)
An epic, 10-part HBO miniseries based on the book by Stephen Ambrose. Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks produced it–just as they did Saving Private Ryan. Some of its biggest stars include Damian Lewis, Michael Fassbender, Donnie Wahlberg, Ron Livingston, David Schwimmer, and Tom Hardy. Check out Band of Brothers here.
Ike – Countdown to D-Day (2004)
Amazon description: “IKE: COUNTDOWN TO D-DAY follows the 90 terrifying days leading up to the invasion as General Dwight D. Eisenhower decides the fates of thousands of soldiers while managing complex strategic relationships with British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, American General George S. Patton, Britain’s Field Marshall Bernard Montgomery and French President Charles de Gaulle.
In this climate, one man, Dwight Eisenhower, pulled the world’s leaders together for one of history’s most infamous battles.” Check out Ike – Countdown to D-Day here.
Storming Juno (2010)
Half movie, half documentary. Juno Beach was one of the five D-Day landing beaches and invaded by our Canadian allies. Storming Juno portrays Canada’s role in D-Day through the true stories of paratroopers, tank crewmen, and regular infantry. Check out Storming Juno here.
More info for your day in Normandy
- Hotels: Find great places to stay in Normandy here on Booking.com (Expedia and Hotels.com often have great deals also.)
- Rental cars: Book the best local rental car deals here.
- For Normandy tours: Check out the best local options and the best day tours from Paris here.
- Travel planning: Pick up a Normandy guidebook and this super helpful France customs and culture guide.
- Be sure to watch Saving Private Ryan, The Longest Day, and Band of Brothers before your visit!
- Want more? See all my Normandy posts here.
Like this post? Have questions about visiting the best D-Day sites in Normandy? Let me know in the comments below. Have a great time in France!
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16 WWII Sites in Washington DC (+ Arlington, VA) You Shouldn’t Miss
Your article is really helpful. thnks…
Thank you very much!
I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting
my own weblog and was wondering what all
is needed to get set up? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a
pretty penny? I’m not very internet savvy so I’m not 100% certain. Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks
Hi Elwood – Actually anyone can start a blog for themselves for free (to start) and figure it out as you go along. I wrote a page on my other site about starting a blog and you can read it here if you’re interested: https://www.mywanderlustylife.com/how-to-start-a-blog/
Good luck!
Hi Ashley,
We are from Boston also and are currently planning our 1st European vacation, it includes a short stay in Normandy (1 night in Rouen, and 2 nights in Bayeux) to visit D-Day sites and other interests. I found your article very helpful. I was considering a BOB’S tour but was on the fence due to costs and flexibility as I have a rental car and have interests that are not included in tour. Your blog helped me to decide to go it alone. I do have some other areas that I would like to visit St mere Eglise, and Valognes. I think I have planned my available time well but I am open to suggestions. Regards, Mark
Hi Mark! Thank you so much for your comment! I’m glad I could help you in your decision. And yes, I feel that area is easy enough to navigate on your own, that you don’t really need a tour. This way you’re free to spend as much time at a location as you wish. The biggest thing you’ll lack doing it on your own is a tour guide – so make sure to pick up some good guidebooks for all the info!
And, personally, I haven’t been to Sainte-Mère-Église or Valognes (yet) so I’m afraid I won’t be of much help, but I’m sure what you’ve planned is perfect. I’ll keep you in mind if I find something interesting! Have a great time in Normandy, thanks again Mark!
Your article made me cry, am hoping to visit the beaches in June 2021. I’ll really be balling my eyes out then! Thank you
😭😭 I feel you Stacey! I hope we’re all able to travel then! It truly is an unforgettable experience. You’ll love it.
Hi Ashley,
Thanks for another excellent read.
My dads uncle (my God Father) was there on the second wave. He survived.
When Saving Private Ryan came out, my dad asked his uncle if he would go to the movie with him. He answered “I lived through that hell once, and I don’t want to live it again”.
Sam
Thanks Sam! That’s incredible! Yes, I love that movie for its accuracy but I have heard it’s hard for veterans for to watch.
Ashley, as a Combat Marine it was hard for me to watch as it brought back some PTSD. That being said, I believe Saving Private Ryan and Schindler’s List should be mandatory films in History classes, so we never forget. The sacrifices of so many lives and the genocide of millions all because of hate and bigotry.
Hi C.L. – I’ve heard that about the movie from other veterans. A testament to the filmmaking for sure. I agree that everyone should watch those films. Thank you for your service.
What a great article! Can you tell me what you think on days to visit D-day sites between the day before, the day of, the day after D-day? We have flexibility this June 2022 and I’m not sure what day between June 5th, 6th, or 7th would be better for guided tours and for my teenagers and elderly parents to experience D-day festivities. Also, do you have any guides you recommend who would personalize a tour like you’ve laid out above?
Thanks so much
Thank you Josie! Visiting the D-Day sites on or around D-Day is one of my biggest tips! June 6th might be pretty busy, but I visited on June 8th and it was still bustling with reenactors and events, etc. I think any of the days you mentioned would be a great time to visit though! And unfortunately I don’t have any tour guides on hand that could personalize a tour like that, but I have that noted and I’ll let you know if I find something/someone!
Great article! You managed to put into words the exact emotions/questions World War II evokes and in particular this battle site!
I currently plan to visit these sites in April 2022 and will most likely follow your suggestions as much as possible.
Thanks!
Donna
Thank you so much Donna! You’re going to love this trip!
What a wonderful and informative article. I’m hoping to tour the area in July 2022. How long would you say is a reasonable time frame to cover the seven sites you’ve listed here — for folks who want to really absorb and learn, not just “peek and run and say they’ve been there”? Thanks for any advice you can offer.
Thank you Velia! You can actually spend a great deal of time in the area as there is much more to see than just the seven sites listed in this post. If you wanted, you could even spend five days in the area and explore one of the five beach landing zones per day and visit all of these sites in each of those. That would be an incredible way to get the most out of your visit. I have posts on what all you can see at Utah Beach, Omaha Beach, Gold Beach, Juno Beach, and I’m working on Sword Beach right now. These posts cover all the sites in those particular sectors, beyond just the beaches. Otherwise, if you wanted to visit just these seven sites, I’d say two days would be adequate to visit them slowly and fully. 🙂
I am so glad I stumbled across your website. We will be in Europe this July and only have one day to spend in Normandy. I know there is more to see than can be done in one day, so I was looking for this exact advice. I also really appreciate how much feeling you put into writing this. I would have never even thought to visit the German cemetery but after reading this it is now on my must see list. Thank you so much!!
Thank you so much Karey! Your comment means a lot to me. I’m so happy I could provide the exact thing you were looking for! 🙂 Have a great time in Europe!
Many thanks for this article, it really helped out visit today. We’re coming back for another prolonged visit in the future, also using this article as a guideline.
That’s great to hear! For your next visit, don’t miss all my Normandy articles here (https://destinationwwii.com/category/european-theater/d-day/) – I have pages on each of the beaches and more. 🙂
Hi Ashley
Thank you for the article and the incredibly helpful links, map locations, and descriptions of these places.
We had less than a day to spare but we made the most of it. Followed your list from Caen museum to La Cambe (only skipped Arromanche in between) and we’re able to visit all the sites in about 7 hours.
Thanks again – greatly appreciated.
I’m so happy to hear that Salil! I’m glad you could fit in many of the sights with the little amount of time you had. Definitely still a worthwhile visit. 🙂
I’m going to Normandy soon and your article will be the basis of my trip – what a heartfelt article – well done!
Thank you so much Anabel! I hope you have a great time on your trip! 🖤
Hi Ashley, thank you very much for this elaborate and clear article! I like the personal touch you give it in every section and the split in “About” and “Why” sections. Thank you very much for writing this — we’re about to visit Normandy for a couple of days.
You’re welcome Arjan, and thank you. 🙂 You’re going to have a great time in Normandy!
Hi! We will be in Paris Dec 22-28 and would like to do a day trip to Normandie. From what I can tell the DDay Omaha Museum isn’t open in Dec? You also don’t have it on your list. Do you know if any of these places would be worth going to at that time of the year? Is it worth coming to all the way from Paris for a day in Dec?
Hi Julie! The first thing to remember is that the Normandy beach area is going to be a 3-hour drive there and another 3-hour drive back, so it’s a long day. And yes, you’re right; some of the museums are closed during December, some are closed half of December on select dates, and most of them are only open from 10am – 6pm during this time anyway. (Normandy American Cemetery closes at 5.) There will definitely be a way to work it out that you can see some great stuff, but it really depends on the date you’re looking to go. Most all of them seem to be closed 12/24 and 12/25, but open on the other days around there. However, the beaches are always open.
Hi Ashley! Thank you so much for your time of these informative posts. My husband and I are planning to go for our 10 yr anniversary and it just so happens that the best time to go for us will be around D-Day! While we wont to be there on the actual day, but a couple days before, still exciting though. Is the only way to visit the beaches by car? There is no city bus that can drop you off?
Hi Stefani! Unfortunately, no, there isn’t really a reliable bus network that will take you to the beaches and other sites. A car is really the best way to get around here. That being said, you can always rent one, or perhaps hire a car for the day. Your hotel might be able to arrange a taxi for you. You could also join an organized tour of the area that goes to the top sites and includes transportation as well. I love using public transportation myself so I understand the frustration. That being said, it’s good that you’re going around D-Day as you just might find you have more options! Reach out to your hotel and see if they can help you more with this.
This article was very helpful! I am wondering if these are all accessible by public transportation? Or will I need to rent a car?
Thank you Marissa! Unfortunately not. You’ll see when you get there, the area is pretty quiet – there isn’t a lot going on despite what a big tourism draw these areas are. Renting a car is best. Taking an organized tour of the area or hiring your own tour guide/driver would be another option.
We will be visiting the Normandy area at the end of April, 2023. Your suggestions are great and we plan to try to visit most everything within a day and a half. Your passion for each site was felt in your writings. You brought be to tears with some of the readings. I can only imagine when I see it in person. Thank you for your suggestions.
Best Regards,
Jo
Thank you so much, Jo! Your comments means so much to me! I hope you enjoy the area as much as I did. 🙂
How many days would you need if you wanted to see all of the above?
Hi Danny, All of the above sites can be visited in one day if you have your own car. Obviously, the more days you have in Normandy, the better, but if you only have one day, you can still fit these all in.
Thank you so much! My family and I visited France in May and used your guide for visiting sites in Normandy. It was perfect! By the way, we will be heading back to Europe with some friends in September with plans to visit Munich and the Octoberfest! Saw your site, Things not to do at the Octoberfest! Thanks!!!
Oh yay! I’m so happy to hear that David! Have so much fun in Germany!
Hi, I visited the Normandie last week during a 3 day roadtrip with my son. Your post here was my guideline for the tour and it was a great tour. Thank you for that.
However I would suggest to ad Sainte-Mère-Église to the trip. It’s where paratroopers were dropped behind enemy lines in the earliest hours of D-Day. The airborne-museum there is a great must-see experience.
I’m so happy to hear that, Jack! Yes, I agree that’s a worthwhile site to visit; I’ve included it in many of my other posts (for those visitors who have more time in the area).
We are planning on heading that way in a few weeks and I am SO thankful I came across your blog. My family hates organized tours, so we are renting a car in Paris and exploring Normandy on our own. Thank you for taking the time to post!
Renee
Sailing Zatara
That’s awesome! You’re going to have an epic time!
I clicked on this article and questioned my life for a second lol. I am also Ashley Smith but I’m from Franklin, TN! What a small world! Thanks for the article!! My husband’s great uncle died on D-Day. He made it to the boat after the attack but was killed by shrapnel. His siblings, 2 of the 3 are still around, talk about him all the time.
That is so funny!! And wow, what a story!
With 80 years coming up since D.Day, I am preparing a presentation marking this anniversary.
I have read long ago that there is a pub in Normandy, that has remained unchanged since 6 June 1944. How true is this, and if it is can you kindly provide details
Hi Vern! I’m not sure which place you are thinking about specifically, but here are a couple places to look at: check out #3 in this post; and #4 in this post. Maybe one of those is what you heard about.
I’m so glad i came across this site. I plan on taking my two sons here from the UK very soon. I was never a history person when i was younger but as the years go by WW2 fascinates me. We holiday in Jersey every year and that has a huge WW2 history. Lots of German bunkers to explore on that island if you ever go.
I’m so happy to hear that, Darren! Y’all will have an amazing time here.
Such a well written and concise article about a topic that is overwhelming!!!
We will be visiting these sites next week for sure.
Thank you so much for all the good work.
Thank you so much, Andrew! I hope you have an amazing time in Normandy.
We ended up in Normandy this week (I’m in Caen right now!) and I’m glad that this post showed up on my search results. I referred to it a lot, from which sites to visit, and in which order, to reading your comments from my phone to my family so they get some context as to what they were about to see at each stop. That’s so much for building it, writing it and maintaining it. That said, here are some comments.
I don’t believe that all seven of those sites are doable in just one day. We went to the museum in Caen and spent a little less than half a day there. There is lots to see and it’s really well done. We didn’t see everything, though, and you could spend an entire day there. There were at least two films that were looping in different parts of the museum and they are very well done. Don’t miss them. There are seats scattered around for your to let your doggies rest while you take the movies in. They’re made such that you don’t need to watch from the beginning; just show up and stay until you reach the part “where you came in”. Pro tip: be sure to get the audio guide.
We did do the other sites, from Arromanches-les-Bains with their artificial harbor all the way to the German cemetery. In Arromanches-les-Bains, that’s where you want to stock up on souvenirs and get lunch or other sustenance since there isn’t anywhere near a dearth of places in the other locations (that’s my personal observation, maybe I missed something while driving for the first time in France, and I don’t reach much French). Definitely do the Arromanches 360°. Since the films at the Caen museum were so well done, I thought this would be too, and it was. The film is all around you and it’s a bit overwhelming, there is so much to see, but it’s ok, don’t sweat it. The audio that goes along with the film is also localized to the screen it’s coming from, so the sound of trucks on the left will come from the images of trucks to your left. Again, well done. We didn’t go into the museum there, but I didn’t want to push my family, who isn’t really into WW2, too hard on this day. Pro tip: the cinema is up a steep hill; you will breathe hard and sweat a little, but unless you are seriously ambulatorily challenged, you’ll do ok.
Don’t miss the emplacements at the next stop, Longues-sur-Mer Battery. It’s a good walking tour (be ready for a day of walking) but to just see those slabs of concrete and the size of those barrels puts things into perspective. Pro tip: try not to go on a day with a dozen busfuls of school kids are also visiting!
Next up was the Normandy American Cemetery. We were visiting just five days after the 80th anniversary, and after the American president Joe Biden showed up for a few days (we were staying just a block away from where he stayed in Caen!). They were still taking down all the stages and tent shades and so a lot of important stuff there was off limits. Despite that, it’s important to see firsthand the scale of the place and see all those grave markers. Somber. It’s a place to pay your respects; it’s not a tourist attraction. I felt unease with all the tourists taking selfies with the graves in the background. They have their own museum there, which is heavily concentrated on the American invasion (as expected) and it felt a little nice being on “American soil”. Their museum shows unique things such as what the German army used for defenses, what the American soldiers wore, along with all their gear, and a lot of other stuff. Again, I don’t want my family to overdose.
Let me mention here that throughout our travel that day, there were strings of flags flying in the coastal wind just *everywhere*. Strings with French, American, British and Canadian flags. Individual flags from all these countries. Lots of Thank You messages, in English and in French. It’s been 80 years and the residents are still very grateful. I’m reciprocally glad that our fathers and mothers could help out, as we should. We’re all in this together.
At Omaha Beach, there isn’t much to see there. It *is* more of a place to feel, and to reflect. It’s amazing that such a quaint little beach town was the scene of such violence. During our visit, the main square, just on the beach side of the roundabout, was all closed off due to the stages that were being disassembled. We had to trudge through the sand to get close to the Les Braves sculpture. But that’s not me complaining, especially at a place like this. Because our worries today are *nothing* like what the world had back then.
Next stop was Pointe du Hoc, and yes, There. Are. Bomb. Craters. Everywhere! And many of them are HUGE! Just think of the energy that was necessary to displace that much earth. This place had the feel of a real battlefield. Again, due to the recent remembrances and events, we couldn’t get out to the point since it was closed off with the stage being taken down. Like at Longues-sur-Mer, there is an emplacement or two, and you can go into one of the concrete bunkers. It was very much like the first scenes of the Normandy invasion in the Call of Duty game, WW2. Pro tip: Like with Longues-sur-Mer, don’t forget your walking shoes.
The La Cambe German War Cemetery is only about 15 minutes by car from Pointe du Hoc, so we stopped there too to experience the contrast. My family acknowledged that too. Although it was a sunny and breezy June day, you could still feel the “darkness” of the place. It had to be the basalt headstones against all the green of the grass, as well as the monument on the hill. We looked at some of the names on some of the graves and were surprised to find Polish-looking names (those ending with -ski), and we also found one that was the same as my wife’s family’s name, which takes its name from a famous town west of London (very un-German!). Of course, there were lots of Fritz’s and Heinrich’s. We didn’t stay long since it was the end of the day, and unless you into the visitor center (we didn’t), this can be a short visit (for all your own reasons). My wife commented on how well kept the place was, here in France, after what happened to cause the existence and need for such a place. My take on that is that those in the “Greatest Generation” somehow recognized that these were humans too. As Ashley says, everyone is a victim during a war. Pro tip: this is a quick visit.
This is my trip report of the best places to visit and pay respects in honor of the D-Day landings in Normandy that took place on 11 June 2024. And Ashley, thanks again for your post; please know that it *really* helped plan our visit, provide context and make for a well structured and informed day for us.
Hi Rob – Thank you so much for sharing the details of your trip with me! I’m so glad I could help your family have an amazing time in Normandy. I agree with everything you said! That’s too bad you had to miss out on some stuff because of all the anniversary preparation, but that’s a neat experience in itself for sure.