Private vintage sidecar tour of the D-Day Landing Beaches

Your Gentleman Sider (guide/driver) will meet you with his vintage sidecar at the pickup location of your choice, or at the parking lot of the Bayeux Battle of Normandy Museum, or at the Bayeux bus station. He will help you gear up with helmets, gloves, and vintage goggles before getting you comfortably settled in. There will, of course, be stops along the way to take breaks and capture photos.

Your pilot will take you to Arromanches-les-Bains. It was on this beach that, during the Battle of Normandy, immediately after D-Day on June 6, 1944, the Allies established Mulberry B, a temporary artificial harbor designed to allow the rapid unloading of heavy equipment and supplies without having to wait for the capture of deep-water ports such as Le Havre or Cherbourg. Although Arromanches was located at the heart of the Gold Beach landing sector, it was largely spared from the heaviest fighting on D-Day. To ensure that the artificial harbor could be installed and become operational as quickly as possible, it was essential to avoid damaging the beach and to preserve the surrounding roads and communication routes. For this reason, British troops landed further east, between Asnelles and Ver-sur-Mer, and liberated Arromanches from inland later on the evening of June 6. As a result, Mulberry B Harbor became operational on June 14, 1944.

The Longues-sur-Mer Battery is one of the artillery batteries of the Atlantic Wall, located in the coastal village of Longues-sur-Mer in Normandy. The site originally consisted of four long-range 150 mm naval guns, each protected by a reinforced concrete casemate, along with various installations used to operate and defend the battery. Positioned between the Allied landing beaches of Omaha Beach and Gold Beach, the battery occupied a strategic location within the Normandy invasion area. Prior to and during D-Day, it was subjected to intense aerial and naval bombardments, which prevented it from fully carrying out its mission. The position was captured by British forces on June 7, 1944, the day after the landings. Today, the battery is a protected historic monument and remains remarkably well preserved. The site has been developed for visitors and is one of the most popular stops on tours of the Normandy D-Day landing sites.

*This stop may be omitted if your guide determines that there is not enough time remaining during the tour.* Liberated on June 8, 1944, by the 47th Royal Marine Commando during Operation Overlord, Port-en-Bessin quickly became a vital logistical hub for the Allied forces. From June 16, 1944, the town served as the main distribution point for a network of pipelines stretching approximately 120 km (75 miles), designed to supply Allied armies with the fuel needed to continue their advance across France. In late August 1944, this system was further expanded through Operation PLUTO (Pipeline Under The Ocean), which involved laying undersea fuel pipelines between the Isle of Wight in England and Querqueville, near Cherbourg, ensuring a continuous flow of fuel from Britain to the European mainland.

*This stop may be omitted if your guide determines that there is not enough time remaining during the tour.* Omaha Beach remains one of the most iconic D-Day landing sites and holds a place of profound historical significance. Here, you will stand on the very sands where thousands of American soldiers courageously came ashore under intense enemy fire and relentless artillery bombardment on June 6, 1944. Your guide will share the powerful story of the challenges faced by the troops during this fierce and decisive battle, bringing to life the events that unfolded on these shores. As you walk along the beach, take a moment to reflect at the memorials and pay tribute to the courage, determination, and sacrifice of the men who fought here in the pursuit of freedom.

The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, perched on a bluff overlooking Omaha Beach, stands as a moving and deeply meaningful tribute to the soldiers who gave their lives during the Normandy campaign. As you walk among the rows of white marble crosses and Stars of David, you will be filled with a profound sense of gratitude and respect for those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the cause of freedom. Your guide will share stories of some of the men laid to rest here and provide insight into the lasting impact their sacrifices had on the course of history and the liberation of Europe. *During the low season, the cemetery closes early. As a result, tours starting at 4:00 PM cannot include a visit to the cemetery.* *Please note that, starting in 2026, access to and visitation of the Normandy American Cemetery cannot be guaranteed.*

On our way back, a stop in Bayeux will reveal the medieval charm of this town, highlighted by its impressive 11th-century cathedral. This Gothic masterpiece stands as a fascinating witness to the region’s rich history. Take a moment to admire the picturesque streets of Bayeux, lined with half-timbered houses, offering a captivating glimpse of its timeless beauty as our adventure comes to an end.