Normandy D-Day Tour From Paris
Description
Take a one day trip from Paris to see the American sector of the Normandy landing beaches. Leave Paris in the morning via rail. Your guide will meet you personally at the train station in the historic town of Bayeux. Essential historical background is covered throughout the day, starting with Saint Mere Eglise Church and Utah Beach. Time for lunch is set aside along the coast, with ample choice of cuisine (not included). The afternoon continues your excursion via minivan to see Arromanches Harbor, the Pointe du Hoc, and the American Military Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer and the visitor center at Omaha Beach.
Tour Options
Itinerary
There is a substantial walk and historical talk at each spot along the coast, including a respectful visit of the American Cemetery and visitor center.
14,000 parachutists were dropped before dawn on the Cherbourg peninsula. One unit accidentally landed in the village square of Sainte-Mère-Église, with one airman famously left dangling from the church steeple. The story of his survival, plus the liberation of the town, starts the touring day.
Utah Beach was the first beach where Allies landed on the morning of June 6.. The coast was an imperative beachhead in the Cotentin region so as to capture Cherbourg and its deep water port. 23,000 American soldiers at Utah over many days.
"Bloody Omaha" was a crucial link between Utah Beach and the British invasion sector. Mis-timed landings, foundered tanks and lack of focused artillery support delayed the taking of the crucial 8 kilometers, mean to be taken by 7 a.m., to well into the evening.
Visting the stunning cliff where Army Rangers climbed upward, straight into German gunfire is a spell-binding part of the story of D Day. The heroic men had no idea the guns had been moved and concentrated right on their sector.
The modest fishing and resort town of Arromanches was a key toehold for the Allies on June 6. Remnants of so-called “Mulberrys” remain off shore, where the rough seas of the bay were tamed enough to keep ships anchored and maintain a supply chain for the troops.
This bluff overlooking the English Channel and Omaha Beach is the site of the American Cemetery and visitor center. More than 9,000 servicemen Lost their lives securing the beaches. Owned and run by the American Battlefield Monument Commission, the site is 172 acres. A grid map notes grave locations and one very moving spot is the Wall of the Missing.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Names and additional information of all participants for rail booking (to be collected after booking confirmation)
- Rail tickets delivered via email
Reviews(106)
I went on the two day tour, Normandy and Mont St. Michel. Fortunately we had a history geek on the Normandy tour who had more information for us than could be expected. The only downside was she dropped us off at the meeting point in downtown Bayeux in the rain and proceeded to drive right past our hotel to drop others at the train station. Bummer for us. Overall was great and that won't impact the score. The hotel they put us up in Domaine de Bayeux was outstanding. Very very nice staff, a converted chateau with a breathtaking courtyard. The village is quaint and as my girlfriend stated, adorable. Mont St. Michel was a marvel and something you really shouldn't miss. Very unique and worth the day. Buy first class train tickets upgrade, you'll thank me for the extra space and luggage storage.
What an Amazing trip! I took my son, who had never been there, to experience this historic place. The highlights of the trip were seeing Utah Beach & Sainte-Mere-Eglise, I had never seen them before, but most of all being at the American Cemetery for the flag lowering was truly emotional. Dylan, the tour guide, was exceptional with his knowledge of D-Day and the whole history of the time & area. We were doing this tour in conjunction with a cruise we had been on, and Lauren who I booked the tour with was a great help not only with the tour but also gave me advice on transfer from the ship, getting to Paris, and using transportation while in Europe. Dylan & Lauren made this once in a life time trip with my son a memory we will both carry the rest of our lives! Thank you Both!
Seamless process; communication was clear and concise related to all aspects of the trip. Our tour guide, Axelle, was excellent; extremely knowledgeable, engaging and very responsive to the group! Would highly recommend the tour!!
François, our tour guide had a wealth of information about the history of D-Day. He was very passionate and enthusiastic about what to see and spend energy on.
Igor, our guide was fantastic. Very knowledgeable and made sure we were able to see key sites in the time allotted. Because we went on a national holiday, it was particularly crowded and we could have easily missed seeing some things.
This day trip from Paris was a highlight of our trip. We had the pleasure of our guide being local to Normandy and only two generations removed from the horrors of war in his home. Igor was a passionate story teller with so much knowledge he was prepared to share with all. If you want a deep dive on WWII History in one day, I recommend this trip!
Our guide, Thierry, was very knowledgeable. He added a lot to the tour with his detailed stories about some of the men who fought in these battles, and the tactics and strategies of the combatants and their commanders. He used pictures and maps of the action in his presentation. Wear comfortable walking shoes and be ready for a few close quarters and steps in the bunkers. Also be ready to stand as your tour guide details what happened in these areas in 1944. Come with your questions. Our guide time the ending to be at the EOD taps and flag lowering.
Thank you Don!
Francois was the best guide. We would highly recommend him. Very knowledgeable and passionate about the tour and area.
Thank you Jason!
David was an incredible guide: knowledgeable and accommodating. My husband and I rate this tour A++++ ! We highly recommend it.
Thank you!
The tour was amazing. I loved the small group aspect. It makes the tour so much more meaningful. Our guide was enthusiastic about the Normandy area and the history. I appreciate him making the effort to get us to the cemetery in time to see the lowering of the flag. It meant a lot. It was a fantastic day, I would use this group again for any tour they offer.
