There’s so much WWII history to see in Normandy, but when you’re short on time these Normandy tours from Paris can help you make the most of your visit to Normandy’s D-Day sites.
Why take Normandy tours from Paris?
While it would be great if we could all spend weeks in Normandy exploring the fascinating museums and historic landing beaches, that’s mostly just a dream. Instead, these tours are great options for when you really want to visit Normandy’s D-Day sites but don’t have a lot of time, money, or know-how.
With these tours, you can still visit some of the top D-Day sites, get expert commentary on the D-Day invasion and other events that took place there, and have someone else take care of all the logistics and planning for you. You won’t have to book a hotel, rent a car, worry about schedules, or keep wondering what the heck it is you’re looking at.
This post is only for Normandy tours originating from Paris that have you arriving back in Paris at the end. If you’re looking for tours that start in Normandy because you’ll already be there, look for tours that originate in Bayeux.
Choosing the best Normandy tours from Paris
But which tours are the best? Which ones go to the right places and cover the most ground? Luckily, you have a World War II and travel expert at your disposal (hey there!) who’s also quite adept at traveling on a time budget. Let’s just say, day trips are my bread and butter. (I’m also a professional tour guide btw!)
I haven’t taken all the tours on this list, but I do have a keen sense of what the average Normandy visitor wants from a D-Day day tour. To create this list, I’ve compared all the available tours (there are a lot) against my stringent set of criteria. I’ve taken into account things like:
- Cost/value
- Customer rating and popularity
- Length of tour and start/end times
- Overall benefit
- Topic/focus of the tour
- Ease of logistics
…and more. All so you can be sure which of the Normandy tours from Paris is the most worth your time and money. I’ve only chosen English-language tours and all prices in this post are in U.S. dollars.
So how do I choose the best D-Day tours in Normandy? Well, I’m very particular when it comes to booking travel—be it hotel rooms, flights, or guided tours. I’ll never recommend anything that’s rated lower than 4 out of 5 stars, anything with no reviews, or run by a company that doesn’t even look reputable. As always, I only recommend the things I would personally book for myself.
And for your time in Paris, don’t miss all the fascinating WWII sites in Paris; there are many museums, memorials, and more to check out here.
My favorite tour companies for day trips
My go-to tour companies are Viator and Get Your Guide. I’ve booked many tours through these companies and have always been satisfied. They’re both well-known in the travel community (Viator is owned by TripAdvisor actually); booking through them is quick and easy; most tours offer free cancelation and/or “reserve now, pay later;” and their rates are more than reasonable. A day trip to Normandy from Paris the no-nonsense way, basically.
I’ve also taken into account the more boutique tour offerings from top-rated independent and local tour operators. My highly critical requirements still apply here. So, let’s get to it! All things considered, these are the best Normandy tours from Paris in 2023 to learn about the events of 1944.
If you want to know more about each of the sites and museums in this post, check out my articles on what to see at each of the five Allied landing beaches: Utah Beach, Omaha Beach, Gold Beach, Juno Beach, Sword Beach.
Best Normandy tours from Paris: at a glance
In this post I’ll dig into all the best Normandy tours from Paris. I’ll tell you why I picked them, what makes them one of the ‘best,’ what they include (and what they don’t), and more. But first, here’s a brief look at the top 10 D-Day tours in Normandy:
- Best overall: Normandy D-Day Small-Group Day Trip from Paris w/ Cider Tasting
- Most popular: Normandy D-Day Battlefields and Beaches Day Trip from Paris
- Best private tour: Normandy D-Day Full-Day Tour w/ Tours by Locals
- Best private tour on a budget: D-Day Beaches Private Tour from Paris w/ Igor Rosen
- Best luxury tour: Normandy Battlefields D-Day Private Trip with VIP Services
- Best value tour: Normandy D-Day Landing Beaches Tour by Gray Line
- Best overnight tour: Normandy 2-Day Discovery Trip from Paris
That’s the simple list; now let’s dig deeper into which of these Normandy tours from Paris is going to be the best for you.
1. Best overall Normandy Day Tour from Paris
My pick for best overall: Normandy D-Day Small-Group Day Trip from Paris (w/ Cider Tasting)
Okay, while it may seem weird that my top pick includes a cider tasting of all things, here me out. I picked this one as the best overall Normandy tour from Paris because it has the 3 things I look for most in tours: small group tour (maximum 8 people), a 5-star rating and tons of reviews, and the best combination of stops out of all the tour options.
What you’ll see on this tour
This tour includes stops at:
- Omaha Beach
- The Overlord Museum
- The German battery at Longues-sur-Mer
- The cliffs and German bunkers at Pointe du Hoc
- The Normandy American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer
Of all the Normandy tours from Paris, this one includes 3 stops I feel everyone visiting Normandy for the first time must visit. (Please visit the American Cemetery, walk in the sands of Omaha Beach, and see the cliffs at Pointe du Hoc if you can.) Sadly, not all tours cover these sites.
This tour and these stops are perfect for first-time visitors who want to get a sampling of the best sites related to Operation Overlord and an overall impression of what the Normandy region is like today. This tour is great for those visitors who want to visit historic Normandy but don’t need a week-long battlefield engagement to get the picture.
To get more information on these and other sites you can visit on these tours, check out my post on the best D-Day sites.
I love small-group tours because of the individual attention each visitor receives and it’s just a more enjoyable experience for everyone. This tour also has a 5-star rating after almost 1,300 reviews which says a lot! Reviewers’ favorite aspects of the tour are the excellent tour guides and the stress-free-ness of the whole experience. (How travel should be!)
What this tour includes
This 13-hour full-day trip includes:
- Roundtrip transportation from Paris
- An expert guide and driver
- Entrance fees to the Overlord Museum and skip-the-line guarantee
- The option to reserve now and pay later
- Free cancelation up to 24 hours before the tour
- And yes, a cider tasting at a local orchard for what it’s worth!
It does not include gratuities for the guide and driver, lunch (there will be a stop for lunch but your meal is at your own cost), or hotel pick-up and drop-off. Instead, you’ll meet the guide at a meeting point in central Paris, as is common with these kinds of group tours. (In this case, it’s near the Arc de Triomphe.)
How much this tour costs
As of April 2023, this tour is offered 7 days a week and costs $275 per person. All things considered, I feel this is a great value for everything this tour includes, especially based on all the positive reviews. I would absolutely book this tour for myself.
Note: There is a similar tour to this one that also includes a cider and calvados tasting + a 2-course lunch. However, I felt the one I chose stops at better sites. If you’d like to compare the two yourself or are particularly interested in trying Normandy’s famous apple brandy, check out this tour.
2. Most popular Normandy day trip from Paris
The most popular D-Day tour from Paris: Normandy D-Day Battlefields and Beaches Day Trip
I have to admit I almost chose this one as best overall, but it was missing something I felt was super important: a stop at Pointe du Hoc. Otherwise, this is an excellent tour I would readily book for myself.
This tour has a 4.5-star rating and over 2,100 reviews! It’s the most popular of all the Normandy tours from Paris by a long shot. Most of the reviews praise the tour’s knowledgeable and enthusiastic tour guide as well as the great driver.
What you’ll see on this tour
This full-day trip from Paris stops at many of the key points in Normandy including:
- Omaha Beach
- The Normandy American Cemetery
- Arromanches les Bains
- The Arromanches 360° Museum
- Juno Beach
A stop at Arromanches les Bains to see the remains of the Mulberry Harbors is the one thing that’s missing from the No. 1 tour on this list. Arromanches is a worthwhile and unforgettable location I highly recommend you check out.
What this tour includes
This most popular tour includes:
- Roundtrip transportation from Paris
- A professional driver and licensed guide/expert on the events of June 6, 1944
- Admission to the Arromanches 360° museum
- The option to reserve now and pay later
- And free cancelation up to 24 hours before the tour
It does not include gratuities, lunch (though you will have free time in Arromanches to get lunch on your own), or hotel pick-up and drop-off. (This tour’s meeting spot is near the Eiffel Tower.)
How much this tour costs
As of April 2023, this tour costs $210 per person which means this Paris tour to Normandy is one of the most budget-friendly options as well. (It’s not super cheap of course, but it definitely costs less than most other tours and still hits many of the must-see locations.) All-in-all, a great value in my opinion.
What to know about this tour
There are a couple of things you should know about this tour before you book it. These aren’t necessarily deal breakers, but there’s a reason this tour is cheaper than the others and why I didn’t pick it as Best Overall.
1. The tour is not offered on Sundays or Wednesdays. If you have a flexible schedule, this won’t be a problem since it’s offered most days of the week. But sometimes you’re tied to a certain day/date so that could be an issue.
2. This is not a small-group tour. They will take a maximum of 40 people on this tour. Again, this isn’t a deal breaker, but it just means you’ll likely receive less individualized attention and have to walk through these locations as a herd. Not ideal, but not bad for the price.
3. Best private Normandy tour from Paris
My pick for best private tour: Normandy D-Day Full-Day Tour w/ Tours by Locals
If you’d prefer a private tour over spending your Normandy tours from Paris with a busload of people, there are options for that too! And the best one I found is this one with Steeve from Tours by Locals.
This tour has nothing but rave 5-star reviews and accommodates a maximum of 7 people. It lasts the standard 12 hours and can even be customized to your preferences. Want to trade in one of the locations for somewhere else? No problem. Because this tour is all your own, you have a lot more options.
What you’ll see on this tour
This full-day tour visits many of the best D-Day sites in Normandy as-is, but remember you can customize it too. Out of the box, this tour stops at:
- Pointe du Hoc
- Normandy American Cemetery
- The German battery at Longues-sur-Mer
- Arromanches les Bains
These stops are actually all on my shortlist of must-see D-Day sites in Normandy, so that’s a huge plus. You’ll definitely leave this tour feeling like you saw everything you came to see!
What this tour includes
This awesome private D-Day invasion tour includes:
- Roundtrip transportation from Paris in your own deluxe private vehicle with pickup and dropoff at your hotel or other location of your choosing
- A lunch stop at what sounds like a fantastic restaurant specializing in Norman cuisine
- An expert, local, independent guide
- Documents, photos, and maps to help you understand the destination’s history
- Photo stops at your request
- A full refund if you cancel 15 days or more before your tour.
It does not include the cost of lunch or gratuities.
How much this tour costs
As of April 2023, this tour costs $1940 for a group of 4 or less. (Although, a missed opportunity for not just making it $1944 for the hell of it.) So, for 4 people it costs $485 per person; for 3 people it costs $646 pp; for 2 people it costs $970 pp, and if you’re coming by yourself, I think you can do the math there.
While this is considerably more than the first two Normandy tours from Paris, it’s important to remember this tour is 100% private. Your small group has its own car and expert guide; you’ll be able to get so much more out of each destination by being able to ask questions, going where you want, and not having to wait for the entire group to gather; and you can even customize it to your own preferences.
People are always asking me for the best private and customizable Normandy tours and I’m totally going to recommend this one from now on. (This tour is offered every day of the week.)
4. Best private Normandy tour from Paris on a budget
Best private tour on a budget: D-Day Beaches Private Tour from Paris w/ Igor Rosen
I’m a big fan of private tours in that it feels like such a luxury. And this private tour actually makes it affordable for travelers on a budget. And it has a 5-star rating from reviewers who can’t stop raving about Igor as a tour host and private guide!
What you’ll see on this tour
This tour includes stops at:
- The Pegasus Bridge
- Juno Beach
- Arromanches les Bains
- Pointe du Hoc
- Normandy American Cemetery
A stop at the Pegasus Bridge is new on this list and I appreciate that this tour deviates from the norm while still hitting some must-see spots.
What this tour includes
This full-day Normandy tour from Paris includes:
- Roundtrip transportation from Paris in your own private vehicle
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Digital resources to use during the trip
- All entrance fees (even though everything on this list is free, but I guess in case anything pops up)
- Water and snacks during your drive to the coast of Normandy
- An English audio guide as well
Like the rest, this tour does not include lunch, though a lunch stop will be made.
How much this tour costs
As of April 2023, this tour costs $959.50 for up to 6 people. That’s only $159 pp for a private tour if you have 6 people. This tour is a great option for a family or group of friends that’s traveling together. It costs less than the group tours!
And because this tour is offered through Get Your Guide, it also includes the option to reserve now and pay later, as well as free cancelation up to 24 hours before the tour.
Important note: This tour has limited availability and is booking up fast. The dates are already limited, but maybe there’s an opening you can work with!
5. Best luxury tour to Normandy from Paris
My pick for best luxury tour: Normandy Battlefields D-Day Private Trip with VIP Services
If too much travel has got you down, why not indulge a little with this private luxury tour of the Normandy D-Day sites from Paris? Another tour with a 5-star rating, reviewers can’t stop raving about the passionate and knowledgeable guides and all the little ways they went above and beyond.
This tour is offered every day of the week and has a maximum of 8 people. The transportation is even wheelchair accessible. (A rarity among Normandy tours from Paris!)
What you’ll see on this tour
With a focus on American troops, you’ll visit four of the most unforgettable D-Day sites:
- Pointe du Hoc
- Omaha Beach
- The Normandy American Cemetery
- Arromanches les Bains
This is the standard itinerary for this 13-hour tour but because this is a private tour it can be customized as you wish. (Maybe ask if you can swing by the German battery at Longues-sur-Mer while you’re in the area!)
What this tour includes
This private luxury Normandy tour from Paris includes:
- Private transportation for your group
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Paris
- All fees and taxes
- Wi-Fi for the drive to Normandy and back
- Expert guide
Like the others, it does not include the cost of lunch or any gratuities.
How much this tour costs
As of April 2023, this tour costs between $1680 and $1880 per group, depending on the size of your group. If you go it alone, you’ll pay the full $1680. For 2 people, you’ll pay $840 each. Three people will pay $570 each; etc.
Because this is a Viator tour, you have the option to reserve now and pay later, as well as the benefit of free cancelation up to 24 hours before the tour.
6. Best value tour of Normandy from Paris
My pick for best value tour: Normandy D-Day Landing Beaches Tour by Gray Line
If you want to get the most for your money on a Normandy tour from Paris, check out this option from Gray Line. It has excellent reviews—the guides and drivers receive the highest marks—and stops at only the most famous Normandy spots. It also includes things none of the other tours do!
What you’ll see on this tour
On your Gray Line Normandy tour from Paris you’ll stop at the following places:
- Caen Memorial Museum
- Pointe du Hoc
- Normandy American Cemetery
- Omaha Beach
- Arromanches les Bains
- Juno Beach
One thing I want to point out is the fact that this is the only tour I’ve found that visits the Caen Memorial Museum. The Caen Memorial is said to be one of the best World War II museums in Europe and I don’t disagree. Visiting this museum was a huge highlight of my own time in Normandy so I’m glad to see at least one tour stop here.
What this tour includes
This best deal of a tour includes the following:
- Roundtrip transportation from Paris on a comfortable and air-conditioned bus
- Entrance tickets to the Caen Memorial
- And a 3-course lunch with drinks
It includes lunch! This is a first as far as Normandy day tours from Paris go. It does not include gratuities or hotel pick-up and drop-off though.
How much this tour costs
As of April 2023, this tour costs $213 per person and includes free cancelation up to 24 hours before the tour. This tour is not offered on Sundays or Wednesdays.
Gray Line tours
I’ve taken a number of Gray Line tours (mostly in Iceland) and have found them all perfectly enjoyable. Basic, but always worthwhile.
This tour does not clarify how many people will be on the tour, but Gray Line tours typically serve large groups on large coaches, so it’s not exactly intimate. But for the deal you’re getting here, it’s all about compromise.
7. Best overnight Normandy tour from Paris
My pick for best overnight tour: Normandy 2-Day Discovery Trip from Paris
If you do have the time to spare and want to get a little more out of your Normandy tour from Paris, check out this option which includes a visit to everyone’s favorite Normandy and Brittany attractions. It has all 4 and 5-star reviews and is a pretty good deal for two days’ worth of touring.
What you’ll see on this tour
On the first day of this 2-day tour of Normandy you’ll visit:
- The towns of Rouen and Honfleur and their most notable spots
- Omaha Beach
- Normandy American Cemetery
- The newly renovated Musée du Debarquement in Arromanches
On the second day you’ll visit:
- The beautiful town of Saint-Malo
- And you’ll spend most of your 2nd day exploring the iconic village and historic abbey of Mont Saint-Michel.
You’ll love Saint-Malo if you’re a fan of the Pulitzer Prize winning novel All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doer. This is one of my favorite books of all time and this beautiful World War II novel is set right here in Saint Malo. Visiting Saint Malo was a huge treat for me! Plus, it’s a very cool historic town regardless.
Likewise, so is Mont Saint-Michel, one of the most famous and iconic “attractions” in all of France. Visiting this place was unforgettable and I know it will be for you too.
What this tour includes
This 2-day tour of Normandy from Paris includes:
- Professional guide and driver
- Roundtrip transportation from Paris
- Entrance tickets to the attractions visited
- An overnight stay in a 4-star hotel in Caen
- Dinner the first night and breakfast the next morning
It does not include lunch on either day, hotel pick-up and drop-off, or gratuities.
How much this tour costs
As of April 2023, this 2-day tour of Normandy from Paris costs $605 per person which, considering everything you get on this tour, is probably the best deal out there.
Because of the nature of this tour (needing to reserve hotel rooms and whatnot), it includes free cancelation only up to 7 days before the tour. This tour is also offered in Spanish and only available for booking on Thursdays and Saturdays.
6 things to remember when looking at Normandy tours from Paris
When shopping around for Normandy tours from Paris, here are a few key things you’ll want to keep in mind.
1. Tour accessibility
Keep in mind that not all transportation offered is going to accessible for persons with disabilities. Some are; most aren’t. If it doesn’t say so in the listing though, reach out to them for more information. They may be able to accommodate you after all or at least give you more of an idea of what to expect so you can decide if the tour is right for you.
2. Drive time
Know that the trip between Paris and the D-Day sites in Normandy is going to be around 3-4 hours each way through the French countryside. This is a long time to be en route, so prepare for it.
Most tours will provide commentary on the sights you’re going to see, the area’s history, etc. Some may even play movies if they have the ability to do so. Regardless, plan to bring a book to read or download some movies ahead of time.
3. Where to buy souvenirs
Almost all museums in the Normandy area have at least small gift shops. Some, like the Caen Memorial, have massive ones. Otherwise, the town center in Arromanches les Bains has lots of gift shops where you can buy souvenirs.
4. Always arrive early
Unless you’re taking one of the private tours, always be sure to arrive to the meeting point at least 15 minutes early. And even allow extra time for getting there since the meeting points in Paris city center tend to be near popular monuments. Don’t underestimate how long it takes just to get across town.
5. Make sure it leaves from Paris
If you seek out other Normandy tours from Paris that aren’t mentioned here, be careful to note if it does in fact leave from Paris.
Many Normandy tours say “from Paris” in the description, but aren’t actually Paris tours at all. For instance, many of the tours that originate in Bayeux (which is already in Normandy) will say “from Paris” because they expect you to take the train from Paris to Bayeux where you’ll start your tour at 8:00am. Then after your tour in the late afternoon you’ll have to get yourself back to Paris.
I find this entirely manipulative and I can’t stand it, but I digress. Before you book a tour, be 100% sure it includes roundtrip transportation from and back to Paris.
6. Take lots of photos but…
As always, you can (and should) take lots of photos on your trip from Paris to Normandy. However, please refrain from selfies or inappropriate pictures at Normandy’s D-Day sites.
Yes, I’ve seen a father and son take ridiculous jumping photos at Normandy American Cemetery. (They also played a game of tag while running in and out of the headstones.) Yes, I’ve also seen women posing for sexy photos at war memorials. Get. A. Clue. Pay your respects, above all else.
Maybe now would be a good time to tell you to read this post on visiting WWII sites with kids.
What to pack for your Paris to Normandy day tour
When packing for your trip to France, be sure to keep these items in your travel checklist:
Comfortable shoes – There’s going to be a lot of walking on your Normandy tour; be sure to pack some comfortable walking shoes.
Unique WWII travel gear from the DWWII shop – There are lots of great D-Day items in the shop like t-shirts (this is the best-seller!), passport wallets, and more. (I donate a portion of all sales to a WWII charity.)
Refillable water bottle – It’s also going to be a very long day so make sure you stay hydrated.
European plug adapter – Whether or not you’ll be staying overnight, there’s a good chance you’ll need to charge your phone at some point. And you won’t be able to do it without a plug adapter.
Sunglasses and sunscreen – Especially if your tour from Paris to Normandy will be during the summer.
Anti-theft purse – Petty theft is common in Europe and especially in Paris. Keep yourself and your valuables safe with an anti-theft purse. These are the only kinds of purses I use when I travel. I have bags from both Travelon and PacSafe.
France customs and culture guide – I get one of these pocket-sized Culture Smart books for every new country I visit.
Movies and/or books for the road – Might I suggest:
Or these books:
- All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
- Band of Brothers by Stephen Ambrose
- Six Armies in Normandy by John Keegan
Other Normandy tours from Paris
If you have questions about other Normandy tours from Paris that I didn’t cover in this post, let me know! I’ve examined all of them. So if you find one you’re curious about, leave a comment below and I’ll tell you know why it didn’t make the list.
Have a great time on your tour of Normandy! I hope I’ve made planning it a little easier for you.
More info for your Normandy D-Day trip
- Heading to Paris? Read reviews and find great places to stay here.
- Save lots of money and time by getting some Paris Go City passes.
- Need a rental car? Check out the best deals in Paris here.
- For more tours in Paris, check out the great options from Viator and Get Your Guide.
- Don’t forget a Paris guidebook and this must-have France customs and culture guide!
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14 Must-Visit Normandy Museums for WWII History Buffs (2023)