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. (Really though, the WWII sites in Paris are still worth checking out!)
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.) This post has been fully updated for 2023.
And if you’d prefer to just take a tour, check out this post on the best Normandy tours from Paris to take in 2023. (And book ASAP!)
Pro tip: If you haven’t planned your trip to Normandy yet, try to Visit as close to D-Day as possible. More on that in a minute.
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.
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 upon entering 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 (cel-e-brate good times, come on),
- the D-Day landings and the Battle of Normandy (to name a few),
- and has a strong focus on the topic of peace.
There 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 two restaurants, 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 Caen Memorial Museum is one of the best D-Day sites to visit in Normandy
It’s one of the most comprehensive museums on the topic of World War II
Go big or go home. Either way, go get me a tissue.
It’s very, very visual
The museum displays countless historical artifacts, artwork, video and sound recordings, newsreels, props and replicas, maps, and more to help me read as absolutely little as possible. (I am on vacation after all.) This museum has everything: airplanes, jeeps, tanks, artifacts of the times, and unexploded bombs that didn’t worry me at all.
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 came to learn about. And if it’s been a while since you’ve watched Saving Private Ryan, this museum will prepare you for the rest of the most popular D-Day sites to visit in Normandy.
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. They were excited to chat with visitors and pose for pictures.
Meeting so many vets 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: normandy.memorial-caen.com
If you want to check out more actual museums while you’re in Normandy, you might like my post on 14 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. Excuse me, the ‘commune’ of Arromanches because that’s what they’re calling it. Turns out, ‘commune’ is actually a technical term used to denote “the smallest French territorial division for administrative purposes.” So, there’s something you might not have known.
The commune of Arromanches is a small seaside town famous for its former artificial harbor. Only around 600 people live there, but that’s still the most that ever have.
Arromanches-les-Bains in World War II
The town is charming as heck and at the center of the Gold Beach landing zone. It played an invaluable part in the D-Day landings, hence, the entirety of World War II.
Here, the Allies built an artificial and “temporary” harbor to facilitate the unloading of vehicles, materials, and people into Europe. Mulberry Harbor, as it’s formally known, had, by June 12, 1944, helped bring 300,000 men, 54,000 vehicles, and 104,000 tons of supplies into Europe.
Arromanches is spotted with memorials and World War II gift shops, is easily stroll-able, and makes a great spot for a scenic lunch. What’s left of the artificial harbor can still be seen sitting out in the ocean.
After lunch you can visit the newly renovated (as of April 2023) Musée du Débarquement, a D-Day museum that focuses on the building of the artificial harbor, and/or Arromanches 360°, a circular, fully immersive theater that puts you, pretty literally, in the middle of the 100-day Battle of Normandy. I didn’t do this but it sounds absolutely terrifying. (These two museums are described more fully in my post on great WWII museums in Normandy.)
Also read: Visiting WW2 Sites With Kids: Should you? Can you? Here’s what you need to know.
Why Arromanches-les-Bains is one of the best D-Day sites to visit in Normandy
Time travel
With Arromanches, it was love at first D-Day site. Immediately upon arriving, the sense that we’d gone back in time was overwhelming. 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 harbor played such a huge role in the war you’d be crazy to skip this one. 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. It’s majorly, enormously, hugely because of the artificial harbor at Arromanches that the Allies were able to help defeat Nazi Germany.
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, no troops ever landed here on D-Day—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
Like Arromanches, visiting the German battery at Longues-sur-Mer won’t drag you down.
The Longues-sur-Mer battery, situated between the Omaha and Gold landing beaches, consists of four gun installations like the ones seen above and were used by the German troops on D-Day. Well, sort of.
Heavy bombing of this site by French and U.S. ships on 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 dismantled 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
It’s a historical monument
The Longues-sur-Mer battery is the only German coastal defense battery to be classified as an official historic monument. I haven’t seen the others but… this one is probably the best.
It’s well preserved
These bunkers look almost exactly as they would have 75 years ago. Again, there’s a lot to be said for seeing these artifacts in their original locations.
Excellent views
The Longues-sur-Mer battery provides excellent views over the Atlantic and the D-Day landing beaches. From here you can really gauge the strength and power these guns must have had.
Enjoy some solo time
This area is so beautiful and you’ll probably be here all alone. One thing I learned while checking out some of the D-Day sites to visit 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 this place the way it must’ve been on June 6, 1944.
Since I visited on June 8th, just two days after the D-Day anniversary, there was a group of enthusiasts 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 H. 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?
The most emotional site of the day
The Normandy American Cemetery was the most emotional for me of all the best D-Day sites to visit in Normandy. 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 is confusion–How can humans do these things to other humans? And a large part is gratitude.
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 the Wall of the Missing with the names of 1,557 soldiers missing in action.
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; the Wall of the Missing; the semicircular memorial colonnade with the sculpture “Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves” and large maps of military operations; and the most beautiful, idyllic spot on Planet Earth.
Having visited just after the D-Day anniversary, we also saw groups of uniformed World War II soldiers and a handful of jet flyovers.
Why Normandy American Cemetery is one of the best D-Day sites to visit in Normandy
To say Thank You
Because there are 9,387 (+1,557 more) men there that you need to say “Thank you” to. Literally every. single. thing. you have and have ever had, and everything your parents and their parents have ever had and been able to do, you owe to these 10,944 Americans.
Because of them, we even 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 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, 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 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 movies out there and this place plays such a huge part.
Visit the Niland Brothers
Similarly, you can visit the graves of the Niland brothers. In total there are 45 pairs of brothers buried at Normandy American Cemetery and among them are Robert and Preston Niland.
The Nilands are two of the four brothers from the real-life Saving Private Ryan family (yes, that movie was based on a true story). 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 there, 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 (seen below) 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.
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
Main site for D-Day history
Omaha Beach is ground zero for American D-Day history. Maybe even all of World War II 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.
To 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.
★ More information: Normandy Tourism’s D-Day Landing Beaches page
You might like: If you’re here in the U.S. you can see a Higgins Boat and actual survivor of the Normandy beach landings at the American Heritage Museum in Hudson, Massachusetts. Check out my post on this museum to learn more.
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 D-Day, the U.S. Army captured Pointe du Hoc after scaling the cliffs—a feat many previously 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 and rope ladders that were 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.
Also check out: You can see one of only two Pointe du Hoc grappling hooks left in existence on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington DC. Check out my post on WWII sites in Washington DC here.
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, look over the cliffs, pay your respects at the memorials, and I watched 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 are 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
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? maddening? treacherous, even? And you’re absolutely right; it does. It did.
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 didn’t want to die fighting our soldiers any more than ours wanted to die fighting them. You know about Hitler… do you think they had much of 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 just get to you regardless of who is buried there.
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 U.S. or to the aforementioned American Cemetery and more Germans moved in.
Today, the total grave count at La Cambe stands at 21,222 (the largest cemetery in all of Normandy) packed into a space one-tenth the size of the Normandy American Cemetery. All belong to victims of the Allied D-Day landings and the resulting battles, and most of these soldiers were close to being teenagers.
They’ve adorned the cemetery with imposing black crosses and the whole site mirrors this idea: heavy and dark.
At the cemetery’s center is a large mound under a statue of a woman and a man representative of the mothers and fathers who lost children in the war. The mound itself represents nothing—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 German War Cemetery is one of the best D-Day sites to visit in Normandy
To see the contrast
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 is sure to burst.
La Cambe German Cemetery is profoundly heavy and dark. You’ll leave feeling all around confused and disheartened.
We are all equal
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
Before 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:
Read these books:
Band of Brothers by Stephen Ambrose
New York Times bestseller about the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division. This book tells the 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 phenomenal writer and his books are easy to follow and endlessly engaging. Pick up Band of Brothers here.
D Day: June 6, 1944: The Climactic Battle of World War II by 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 by 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 by 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.
Watch these movies and miniseries
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 movie about D-Day 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.
Band of Brothers (2001)
An epic, 10-part HBO miniseries based on the book by Stephen Ambrose (I told you it was good). Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks produced it–just as they did Saving Private Ryan (good again). Some of its biggest stars include Damien 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, this one 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
- Heading to Normandy? Read reviews and find great places to stay here.
- Need a rental car? Check out the best local deals here.
- For tours in Normandy, check out the best Normandy tours here.
- Don’t forget a Normandy guidebook and this must-have France customs and culture guide!
Which sites do you want to visit the most?
Let me know below!
But first, pin these images ⇣⇣⇣
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!