Normandy D-Day Beaches: Omaha, Pointe du Hoc & Cemetery Tour

Summary

Walk the sand at Omaha Beach hear stories at Pointe du Hoc pause at the Normandy American Cemetery

You’ll stand where history happened on Omaha Beach, listen as your local guide shares stories at Pointe du Hoc, and pause among thousands of white crosses at the Normandy American Cemetery. This half-day trip from Bayeux includes pickup and drop-off by minivan so you can focus on what you’re feeling — not logistics.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the wind — sharp off the water at Omaha Beach, carrying that salty Atlantic smell and something heavier I can’t really name. We stood there in a small group, boots sinking into the sand, and our guide (Mathilde, who grew up nearby) just let us listen to the waves for a minute before she said anything. You could see everyone sort of holding their breath. She pointed out where the Americans landed on D-Day — it’s hard to picture chaos here now, with kids flying kites in the distance and all that open sky.

Driving between sites in the minivan felt almost too comfortable after that. At Pointe du Hoc, you get out and walk over grass pocked with old craters — some still filled with rainwater. Mathilde told us about the Rangers scaling those cliffs; I tried to imagine it but mostly just felt small looking up at them. There’s still twisted metal from bunkers if you look close enough. Someone asked if locals ever come here just to walk their dogs; she laughed and said her uncle does, but only early mornings when it’s quiet.

The last stop was the Normandy American Cemetery & Memorial. The white crosses go on forever — or it feels like it. I saw a couple tracing names with their fingers, not saying much. The light was gold by then and everything seemed quieter than before, except for this one crow squawking overhead (kind of ruined my attempt at a deep moment but maybe that’s real life). On the way back to Bayeux, nobody talked much. That view from the bluff sticks with me more than I expected.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Normandy WWII sites in afternoon

• Stand at Omaha Beach landing site
• Explore Pointe du Hoc gun battery
• Visit Normandy American Cemetery

Top questions

How long is the Normandy beaches half-day tour?

The tour lasts an afternoon and returns to Bayeux around 6pm.

Does this tour include hotel pickup in Bayeux?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for selected hotels in Bayeux.

Which sites are visited during this tour?

You’ll visit Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, and the Normandy American Cemetery & Memorial.

Is transportation provided during the tour?

Yes, transport is by air-conditioned minivan with your driver-guide.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

Is lunch included in this half-day trip?

No lunch is included; it’s an afternoon tour without meals provided.

Can infants join this Normandy day trip?

Yes, specialized infant seats are available upon request.

Where does this D-Day beaches tour depart from?

The tour departs from Bayeux in Normandy; there is no pickup from Paris.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes hotel pickup (from select Bayeux hotels), transport by comfy minivan with a knowledgeable local guide leading you through Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, and finally to the Normandy American Cemetery & Memorial before returning you to Bayeux around 6pm.