Stay in the historical town of Bayeux to explore the region of Normandy and take a tour of the key sites of the D-Day Landings. Here are some of the best D-Day tours to take:
(Photo: getyourguide.com)
The French region of Normandy is famous for sweeping sandy beaches, fairytale villages, and an abundance of fresh seafood. But for many a visit will be about one thing: the D-Day Landings. June 6, 1944, was a seminal turning point in the history of the Second World War, with 160,000 allied troops arriving at Normandy by sea, land and air. An estimated 4,414 allied soldiers died on D-Day itself, with more than 5,000 wounded, but it is sighted as one of the turning points of World War 2, which ended in Europe less than a year later. The town of Bayeux, with its narrow cobbled streets and elegant 17th and 18th century mansions, is the perfect place to base yourself for exploring both Normandy and the key places of WW2. Here are some of the best D-Day tours from Bayeux:
Half-Day Normandy WWII Sidecar Tour
Let’s face it, getting into an air conditioned minibus to start a D-Day tour doesn’t exactly set the scene. Climbing into a vintage sidecar most certainly did, feeling like an extra from an Indiana Jones movie. Of course, visiting historical sites that changed the course of history, from Gold Beach and its artificial port to Longues-sur-Mer and its German battery, and not forgetting Omaha Beach and its military cemetery, is a sombre affair but this sidecar tour made it just that little bit more immersive. The guide has an encyclopedic knowledge of WW2 and the area, even teaching you a few French words along the way, and the whole 3.5 hours is a good balance of historical facts, adventure and fun. The motorbikes can take two passengers too, one behind the guide and one in the sidecar. From €490 per group up to two.
Book at GetYourGuide
American D-Day Sites in Normandy Full-Day Tour
You don’t have to be a history buff to appreciate a full day tour of the American D-Day sites around Normandy. There is more than enough to see and it is fitting that a whole day is given to appreciate the impact of June 6, 1944, the turning point of WW2. This eight hour tour doesn’t drag on, visiting Utah and Omaha landing beaches and the US military cemetery with a small group to make sure everyone feels included. There is an opportunity to walk on Pointe du Hoc where US Rangers scaled the cliff and discover Sainte-Mère-Église, the heart of the jump zone. Luxury Mercedes minivans transport the group from Bayeux to the sites and back, and there is a particular attention to detail, with the guides being both enthusiastic and informative – no wonder many people come away saying this is the best tour they have ever experienced. From €150.
Book at GetYourGuide
American D-Day Sites in Normandy Half-Day Tour
(Photo: getyourguide.com)
For anyone who can’t spare a full day, it is possible to take in a lot in just four hours, as this tour proves. Starting at Place de Québec, it heads straight to Omaha beach, where the deadliest landings of the day took place, before continuing to the US military cemetery for the chance to pay respect and honor the soldiers of WW2. Finally reach Pointe de Hoc, the cliff that offers lunar landscapes and has an enviable viewpoint over the English Channel. This is another tour that avoids trudging along with the guide reciting pages of a history book – instead it’s clear a lot of work has gone into uncovering the human stories on both sides. From €87.
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Band Of Brothers Full-Day Tour
For a tour with a difference, follow the scenes from Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks’ acclaimed WW2 epic Band of Brothers. It’s a fictional series but set around Easy Company and based on real soldiers and events in the war. Over a full day, this tour follows in the footsteps of Easy company 506th in Normandy starting the day at Omaha Beach where the 1st and 29th US infantry divisions landed. Bringing along maps and pictures, the guides explain the minute details around “bloody Omaha”, from the layout of the German defenses to the plight of the first soldiers landing. There is also a visit to the American Cemetery and Pointe du Hoc. Woven into the historical details are scenes from Band of Brothers, such as the battle of Brecourt Farm – the most famous action seen in the second episode of the TV show. The tour ends at Carentan, a strategic crossroad that Easy Company captured and the road used by the soldiers in the third episode of the show. A fascinating and unique way to appreciate D-Day. From € 160.
Book at GetYourGuide
Private Tour: D-Day Beaches from Bayeux
For not a lot more per person than a group full day tour is this private tour with hotel pick up in Bayeux. That is if you have the maximum six people on this tour, so ideal for a family or group of friends, it works out at €200 each,compared with around €150 per person with a group. What you get for that little bit extra is a fully personalised commentary and a flexible itinerary that can be tailored to sit everyone’s preferences. The guide is knowledgeable and attentive, really painting a vivid picture of the the events of D-Day. From €1,200.00 per group (up to 6).
Book at Viator.com