A 2-day trip to Normandy from Paris to visit the American D-Day landing beach sites, the abbey at Mont Saint Michel and the medieval town of Bayeux, the first town liberated by the Allies in June of 1944. . These fortifications were protected by yard-thick steel-reinforced concrete slabs, surviving almost unscathed from the aerial bombardment. Spectacular chateau in Normandy, you can enjoy a soothing set up in the lush Mue Valley of Lower Normandy. This is due to the abundance of orchards in the region. Watch the documentary and ongoing display that details the contribution of American troops to World War II. Also, imagine what those Allied troops were facing on that day. Small Group Normandy D-Day Battlefields & Landing Beaches Day Trip From Paris. The gliders landed right on the button, with the nose of the first one buried in the barbed wire fence fifty yards from the canal bridgeBritish precision at its best. D-Day began what we now know as the Battle of Normandy, which lasted for three months. Best Private Tour: Private Day Tour to D-Day Beaches from Paris Tour Highlights At A Glance: Departure Point: Hotel Pickup Departure Time: 7:00 AM Duration: 13 Hours (approx.) The invasion took place on the beaches of Normandy, France, on Tuesday 6 June 1944 by the Allies. My teen kids really enjoyed it and got a better understanding as to why Normandie was so important in WW 2. And after our guided walking tour of Rouen, our group of four stopped for a beer on a sunny patio on the way back to the boat. Find out if a tour of Normandy's D-Day beaches are worth it. The closest beaches to Paris are Dieppe and Deauville (two hours drive). Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Paris - Caen (Meals: D) Take the Normandy motorway and make your first stop at Rouen for a walking tour in the old town before continuing to Honfleur. We provide private small group overnight tours from Paris to Normandy or full day trips to visit the d-day beaches, Omaha, Pointe du Hoc and the American cemetery located in Colleville sur Mer. Visit Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, Pointe du Hoc, and more . Out of these, Omaha Beach was the largest. The opening scene of that film took place here. Above the cliffs, at Longues le Mer 3.1 miles west of Arromanches, is an observation post linked to four 155 mm gun fortifications, firing onto the Allied armada. Alternatively, you could rent a car and drive to Normandy yourself, join the tour at Caen, or go from Paris to Normandy by train + car, from the Gare du Nord station in Paris and have the tour guide pick you up at the Caen train station. Our guide was knowledgeable and interesting. Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial Tours. Required fields are marked *. Normandy D-Day Beaches 4. A popular mediaeval pilgrimage and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This tour of the beaches of Normandy helps to bring families together to learn more about the sacrifices made on both sides of the beach, by Allied forces as well as German troops. Multiple tour companies offer guided Normandy day trips from Paris to the various significant battle sites. Whether you hop on a guided tour from Paris operated by Paris City Vision or rent a private vehicle, whatever you do, do not miss it. Those two deserve a lot of credit for making all of us feel comfortable. Pick up must be arranged 48 hours prior to departure, after this timedeparture will be set from our agency at 2 rue des Pyramides, 75001 PARIS - Metro Pyramides or Tuilerie. Normandy D-Day Landing Beaches Day Trip with Cider Tasting & Lunch from Paris Check Rates & Availability for this Tour Now What's Included? After a relaxing lunch break, youll visit a local cider house for a tour and tasting of the local nectars. Train 2h 15m 28 - 50 See schedules Find tickets now This is a great way to get a sense of just how big of an Allied operation this really was. . 1. Discover the beautiful and varied scenery while you are on your day trip from Paris to Normandy. Claude Monet's Garden & Pond at Giverny 2. One of the best is probably the train as you enjoy the changing scenery of the French countryside. So all in all, it wasn't a bad trade-off. From Paris to Mont Saint-Michel by Guided Tour Mont Saint-Michel. Enjoy the historical ambiance in the cobblestone lanes and explore the gothic churches at every turn. We feasted on soup, salad, steak, seafood, pasta, and decadent desserts. Day Trip from Paris to Normandy Beaches and WWII Memorials. Miles of floating piers and platforms connected them to the Normandy beaches, from which thousands of tons of equipment and supplies could be offloaded. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. Day 2: Explore Paris: Day 3: Morning: Visit Auvers sur Oise. Learn about the elaborate ruse the allies put on the fool the Germans into thinking the invasion would take place at Calis. Look out over the beach and imagine what German troops must have been thinking as Allied forces rushed toward them. You will surely be mesmerised by these gems of mediaeval architectural work at Rouen. 14 Normandy Night tours. Day 6: Drive To Bayeux. A: The best Day Trips in Normandy according to Viator travelers are: Normandy American D-Day Beaches Full Day Tour from Bayeux. Take some literature, take pictures, or even buy a souvenir or more in-depth reading material. So my mom, my dad, my partner, and I booked the cruise in 2022, with a departure date nearly a year later in March 2023. You might want to switch hotels as you have a 1.5 hour drive to the area around Honfleur, Rouen, and Parc Naturel Rgional des Boucles de la Seine. This experience requires good weather. One of my favorite activities was a cheese-tasting session hosted by our cruise director. You cannot imagine what went on on this now picturesque beach on the morning of the 6th of June 1944 without sending shivers down your spine. Wander through the American Cemetery at Colleville-Sur-Mer. The task of seizing the bridges was assigned to the Brits under the command of Major John Howard. Take a day trip from Paris to visit Normandy and the World War II D-Day landing beaches. The reinforcements did not arrive as promised, leaving the Rangers to spend the next two days crawling on their stomachs, fighting for their lives. Instant confirmation. Your email address will not be published. The best places to stay in Versailles are Htel le Versailles, Htel d'Angleterre, Htel Versailles Chantiers, ibis Versailles Parly 2, Waldorf Astoria Versailles - Trianon Palace. Lastly you will see the Normandy Cemetery and the 10,000 crosses that are perfectly aligned and meticulously maintained. Visit this historical sites with a . Day 5: Day trip to Le Havre or Deauville. Return by 8 p.m. Group Size: No limit, for parties of over 6 people, please call for a quote. When they reached the top, they engaged in close combat, taking cover in the deep craters created by the aerial bombardment. The flexible itinerary made it a great group trip, and I liked that I was able to visit multiple destinations in northern France without having to unpack my suitcase more than once. They make an impressive sight off the cliffs of Arromanches. Arts, crafts and products Made in Normandy, The Tourisme & Handicap label for disabled visitors. Best luxury tour: Normandy Battlefields D-Day Private Trip with VIP Services. 1. This rocky island right off the coast of Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel is the perfect day out! For those who Normandy is more than just a historical location, and something closer to home, visiting the American Cemetery is a pilgrimage. I loved every single meal I ate on board. The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers questions. If you are in Paris it is definitely doable on a day trip and weve got a highly reviewed option with a great price. But you might not know what to see or how to get there. Meet your tour guide-driver and get started on your journey back to June 6, 1944, when the Normandy landings took place. The Normandy D-Day Trip w/ American Cemetery tour is our Editor's Choice for the best Normandy tour with its combination of sites seen, tour guides and value. Stop at the Canadian Memorial at Juno Beach. A real escape to the French country is offered by this four-day jaunt through the rural north. And you will do this with the members of your private group and no one else. After the 3-4 hour coach ride to Normandy from Paris, youll stop for lunch and drinks at a small, local eatery. Are you, or a family member, now a part of any of the military divisions that fought so valiantly? All rights reserved | Made with love, Oh yes, affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free article you see below. Ten thousand airplanes and 5,000 ships participated in the invasion, making it the most significant military operation in history. There were other benefits to going on a river cruise, too. See true artifacts left behind from the war, including bomb craters and bunkers while your guide elaborates on the gritty details surrounding the Battle of Normandy. For the full scoop of what this means, please read our. Your first stop is La Pointe du Hoc, where US Rangers landed and captured the strongly fortified German promontory. We loved traveling to all the beaches of Normandy. But while there is so much to explore, did you know that just a few hours away there sit an incredible French location? Not ready to book a tour? A knowledgeable English . Satisfied the bridges had been secured, Major John Howard sent the coded message Ham and Jam! Lastly is a cider tasting at a local farm and head back to Paris after a full day of exploration of Normandy. And every night, an onboard piano player performed in the boat's lounge. Then head to Pointe du Hoc where you will gaze in astonishment at where the Army Rangers scaled the 100 foot cliff to take out the German artillery. The 10 Best Gardens, Parks, and Beaches in Venice, Top 15 Beaches Along the Amalfi Coast in 2023, The Best Breathtaking Beaches in Greece in 2023. The Normandy D-Day Tour from Paris. If you werent affected when standing on Omaha Beach, the American Cemetery at Coleville directly above Omaha, most certainly will. In Allied hands, they would enable the landing forces on Sword Beach to breakout and prevent panzer tank units from reaching Normandy beaches and repelling the invasion. The tour departs Paris for the historical battlefields and landing beaches along the coast, including the Utah Beach Museum, housed in an original . A replica and original Horsa glider are also on display. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experiences start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded. This is the cemetery that is featured in the last scenes of the Steven Spielberg movie Saving Private Ryan. Likely to sell out. End your tour of Normandy with a walk through the American Cemetery and a stop at the visitors center. If you are staying in Paris, there are easy travel methods to get to Normandy for this tour. The paratroopers immediately stormed the bridges capturing them within minutes. Bridges are critical features in war. Cold drinks were room temp/tepid and as hard as they try, at least one will always cause the bus to be late for next stop and make you sit in a hot bus while you wait. At the same time, bombs and bullets rain down upon the brave men racing desperately across the 437.5-yard beach, which was littered with landmines and other obstacles. Your email address will not be published. I've been to France, spent time in Paris, visited the WW1 battlefields and cemeteries in N France, St Malo, and now I'd love to visit Normandy. Make the most of the exquisite French scenery and attractions on this unforgettable day trip from Paris to Normandy. We had a great and fun guide. Learn about the Second World War, the Battle of Normandy and the D-Day Landing. The American Cemetery was very moving as well. Above the beach, numerous monuments honor the various units that played their part in this bloody and decisive battle of WW2. Thanks to the motorway, you can easily reach Giverny in just 55 minutes, Rouen in one hour and 30 min and Caen in just over two hours. Its a breathtaking sight to see. Know before you go. Paris-Mont-Saint-Michel: a 2 hour 50 min train journey to Villedieu-les-Poles plus 45 min by coach to the Mount. Paris City Vision sightseeing tours that take place over several days are also available and will provide you with the opportunity to discover even more of France before heading to the Normandy region, like Saint-Malo and the Mont Saint Michel (a 2-day trip with an overnight stay in a 3-star hotel) or a guided visit of the famous Loire Valley . Castles in the Loire Valley 8 . The food I ate on the Skaga felt on par with dishes from a fine-dining restaurant. The various memorials and statues among the exquisite gardens honoring the heroes that gave their lives for our freedom will humble you. Seeing the beaches along with the narrative from the guide. My favorite place to admire the riverfront scenery was on the Aquavit Terrace, an outdoor patio at the front end of the Skaga that offered unobstructed views. This is one of the best Normandy tours from Paris as you will also stop by the American Cemetery to pay respects to the many. Above all else, I loved getting to explore new places and make memories with my parents and my partner. Nearby Cities. The Orne River bridge was captured without firing a shot. 14h English Everyday 07:00 Travel from Paris in a comfortable air-conditioned coach to the beautiful beaches of Normandy in order to honor the sacrifices made there on June 6th, 1944. Day trip From Paris: Mont Saint Michel Guided Day Trip. When I'm groggy and trying to wake up in the morning, the first thing I like to do is sip coffee. While our guide told us about Monet's life, we wandered through the famous water-lily garden, where the Impressionist artist painted more than 250 scenes of the delicate flowers floating on the pond. Weve chosen these top Normandy tours because they offer a wide range of experiences and will fit into everyones budget. He studied finance and statistics, but that is his "Dr. Jekyll" side! We also wandered through his pink home with green shutters before pedaling back to the ship. I've enjoyed the several ocean cruises I've taken, but I've also experienced mild seasickness a few times during them. End your tour with a visit to the Caen Peace Memorial and reflect on the fragility of war and peace. Afterward, we stopped by the local bakery for a crepe and a flaky pain au chocolate. Though the Germans took control of this area during WWII, the Allied forces made it their mission to seize control of these cliffs and take over the coastline. For example, we ate escargot, boeuf bourguignon, croissants, and Nioise salad. Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately. Your private guide will take you on a tour of the beach, telling you many of the harrowing tales of young men fighting for their country. Experience the flavours of Normandy at a cosy traditional village restaurant where you can always opt for a meat, fish or a vegetarian dish, but it does not have a fixed menu. Normandy is a popular tourist region located in the north of France with over 600 kilometers of coastline bordering the English Channel. On a different evening, the director gave us a humorous crash course in the French language. The Bayeux town is popular for the Bayeux Tapestry, a 11th-century masterpiece of mediaeval art, the tapestry portrays a work of embroidery that is woven from 10 different shades of wool yarn. What are the best places to stay during a Paris to Versailles day trip? This site contains affiliate links. But landing a fully-laden plywood airplane with no engine, in darkness, and enemy territory, using a compass, stopwatch, altimeter, and speedometer for navigation, would be a hazardous task, even before engaging the enemy. I especially loved the daily specials, which the servers offered at every meal, because they showcased French cuisine. I found it very moving. On June 6, 1944, the Allied forces landed over 156,000 troops on a 50 miles section of Normandy to begin the liberation of Europe after five years of German occupation. I only have great news about planning a Paris to Rouen day trip: you actually don't need much planning. Normandy American Cemetery & Memorial at Omaha Beach. Mont Saint-Michel 6. Omaha beach and the cemetary were my favorites tour guide was very informative driver was very good as well. SitemapTerms and conditions Change cookie settings PrivacyMade with by IRIS Interactive. A plaque bearing an emotional inscription by US President Raegan is testimony to the bravery and sacrifice made by these elite soldiers. Head to Dieppe during your holiday in Normandy. It just depends on the amount of stops. All the while your guide will be giving you the detail and history and answer any questions you may have. Towing giant hollow, floating, concrete caissons across the Channel, they sunk them in formation off Arromanches to form a harbor. To this day, the D-Day landings in Normandy are the largest amphibian operation in history. You'll learn the American story, from airborne to infantry, all while covering the dramatic Normandy coastline with a local, enthusiastic guide. Another 24,000 paratroopers parachuted behind enemy lines during the night before. The Germans immediately abandoned their positions. D-DAY BEACHES. After an overnight flight to Paris, my partner and I made our way to the Viking Skaga. The boat's culinary staff laid out an impressive spread of French cheeses, which we munched on while the director described each type's history and significance. Travel Time: It takes 3-4 hours via road or 2.5 hours via train from Paris. Is a Tour of the Normandy D-Day Beaches Worth It? So lets get the hell out of here!. 20. Our tour guide, Zoltan, was very knowledgeable about D-Day history and World War II history in general, and our driver, Charlie, was also very good. It has not only beautiful scenery but also a rich history. Covering over 170 acres of land, this burial site honors more than 9,000 American soldiers. It is absolutely worth spending time in Bayeux to stroll around its quaint old town and see the UNESCO-listed Bayeux Tapestry at the Bayeux Museum and the Cathedral of Bayeux. If its canceled because the minimum isnt met, youll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Despite being a battleground during the World War II, the Omaha beach in Normandy today is best known for its untouched, sandy floor. This website is protected by reCAPTCHA in compliance with Googles Privacy Policy and any other appropriate confidentiality and security measures. US$ 278.29 per person. This tour departs from Bayeux, Normandy and not from Paris. Sadly, he died of a heart attack three days later in his Jeep. You will also get to see Arromanches, where the iconic Mulberry harbor artificial port was installed. Paris-Mont-Saint-Michel: a 2 hour 50 min train journey to Villedieu-les-Poles plus 45 min by coach to the Mount. Pointe du Hoc Your adventure begins in Paris where you will board a luxury coach and head North from Paris to Normandy The first stop your will be Pointe du Hoc, which is a scenic area with beautiful cliffs. A practice he follows! I don't love overly scheduled vacations, and I thought this itinerary struck the perfect balance between organized activities and downtime. The operation was a complete success. Unfortunately, there is no direct train to Normandy, but you can go to Bayeux and hop on a tour from there. After visiting the cemetery, you will board your luxury coach again and head back to Paris, concluding a long and fulfilling day. Of course, they knew the following 24 hours were to save the world, but there had to be a human cost. You can stand along the low bank that shielded the survivors from the line of fire coming from machine guns on the hill and cliff above and hear the chilling call of Col. George Taylor, to the men, there are two types of people on this beach; the dead and those about to die! Next is the most breathtaking part of the tour: the cemetary. In front of the 00 Monument is the Le Roosevelt Caf, an institution all on its own. The tour guide was excellent, great overview of the history, very detailed. . There is a direct train from Saint-Lazare and it takes 2 hr 20 mins to reach Bayeaux. You will learn about their acts of heroism that saved the landing from disaster! I knew this trip would help me reconnect and create lasting memories with my retired parents, who are both in their early 70s. Utah & Omaha Beaches D-Day Group Tour from Bayeux. The American Cemetery is the resting place of more than 10,000 Allied troops who lost the battle that day. 15 Normandy Entry tickets. Here is how it works. The movie in the small village. Private Local Guide & Private Transportation from Paris. Definitely worth doing. Setting off inland, fighting for every inch of ground, they eventually found the guns unmanned and ready to fire upon Utah Beach. Learn all about the WWII history of the region. Discover Normandy's D-Day sites from Paris in just one day, Explore Omaha Beach, the American Cemetery, and Arromanches' artificial harbor, Delve into the WWII history of the area with your informative guide, Round-trip transportation by luxury air-conditioned coach from Paris, Service of a Normandy D-Day expert licensed guide, Stop at Arromanches with free time for lunch, Confirmation will be received at time of booking, The coach journey from Paris to Normandy takes approximately 3 - 4 hours and you will spend 5 hours in Normandy itself, No heart problems or other serious medical conditions, Possibility to buy souvenirs at Arromanches, Toilets are available at the American Cementery, Juno Beach Center, at the comfort stop, A warm coat is recommended during the winter period, a raincoat during the summer and a good pair of walking / flat shoes are suggested to avoid discomfort, Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level, This tour/activity will have a maximum of 45 travelers. The train is comfortable and with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and food and drink service. Our guide was phenomenal. Paris-Granville: 3 hours. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Best Access to the Monuments You Want to See. Looking for a structured way to experience Normandy and the WWII memorials of Omaha Beach? Highly recommend Viator. Then, enjoy a scenic drive through the French countryside toward the northwest coast and discover WWII history and the site of the D-Day landings. By then, out of the initial 225 that scaled the cliffs, only 90 were still able to fight. One of the only reasons I came to France was to go to Normandy and Omaha Beach. The American Cemetery serves as the final resting place for many American soldiers who lost their lives in combat. It was a very nice way to spend the day. Check out ourguide to Parisfor more planning resources, ourtop Normandy toursfor a memorable trip, and if a Normandy tour is worth it. However, the Seine was calm throughout our voyage on the Skaga, and I didn't feel a hint of seasickness during the entire cruise. As if learning information that is specifically tailored to you and your familys history wasnt enough, you will also enjoy guided tours of some of the most famous D-Day landmarks. D-Day Beaches Omaha Beach, site of D-Day and the starting point for the Normandy invasion, is approximately a 3-hour drive from Paris. Plan on a long 13 day with a 3+hr bus ride each way. Just be prepared for a long day of travel and a whirlwind tour of the highlights. Though it was fun getting to meet new people, it was sometimes hard to hear them across the table or carry on private conversations. I also enjoyed our ride through the countryside of Normandy, which was very beautiful. Listen to your guide as they tell you all about the events that unfolded here on D-Day. Together, let's celebrate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day on this full day tour to the Normandy beaches from Paris. We have been paying for Safety Wing travel insurance for a little over a year now, and we happily recommend them to our family and friends. There are a lot of options in Bayeux that offer a budget-friendly stay, allowing you to use the charming town as a base. Running across the bridge firing from the hip, platoon leader, Lt. Den Brotheridge, was struck in the neck, becoming the first Allied soldier to be killed by enemy fire on D-Day. Head to Livarot to sample the 4 famed cheeses that are produced in Normandy. A circular wall in the Garden of the Missing bears the names of the 1557 soldiers, whose remains were never found.