Normandy D-Day Beaches: Private Tour from Bayeux with Pickup

Summary

Private Normandy landing beaches tour from Bayeux with guide

You’ll walk Omaha Beach’s sands with a local guide who brings D-Day stories to life, visit Sainte-Mère-Église’s famous church, explore Pointe du Hoc’s battered cliffs, and pause among thousands of white crosses at Normandy American Cemetery. This private day trip from Bayeux includes hotel pickup and time to reflect — it’s more moving than you might expect.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel nervous just stepping out of the van at Omaha Beach — but there’s something about that wind coming off the Channel, cold and salty, that kind of stops you. Our guide, Jean-Luc, didn’t rush us. He let us stand there a minute, listening to the gulls and the waves hitting the sand. He pointed out where the first boats landed and I tried to picture it, but honestly it’s hard to imagine that kind of chaos in a place so quiet now.

We’d started in Bayeux after breakfast (croissants still warm), and Jean-Luc handled everything — pickup was right at our hotel, which was good because I’m not a morning person. On the drive he told stories about his grandfather seeing parachutes over Sainte-Mère-Église. When we got there, he showed us the church with the dummy paratrooper still hanging from the steeple. A little dark humor, I guess — even some locals were laughing about it outside the bakery.

Pointe du Hoc was muddy underfoot (I slipped once, no shame), but those cliffs are wild. You can still see craters everywhere and touch the rough concrete of old bunkers. The German cemetery felt different — quieter somehow than even the American one later on. At the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, rows and rows of white crosses just sort of blur together if you stare too long. Jean-Luc left us alone for a bit there; I think he gets it. I still think about that silence.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Normandy D-Day beaches and sites

• Depart from Bayeux
• Visit Sainte-Mère-Église
• Explore German Cemetery
• Tour Pointe du Hoc
• Visit Omaha Beach
• See Normandy American Cemetery

Top questions

How long does a private Normandy D-Day tour from Bayeux take?

The tour is a full-day experience; timing depends on your pace and chosen stops.

Is hotel pickup included for this Normandy beaches tour?

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

Which sites are visited on this day trip?

You’ll visit Sainte-Mère-Église, Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach, German Cemetery, and Normandy American Cemetery.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels.

Are infants or small children allowed on this private tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; specialized infant seats are available.

Does this day trip include entry fees or lunch?

No lunch is included; entry fees aren’t mentioned as needed for these sites.

How many people can join this private tour?

The air-conditioned minivan accommodates up to 8 people per group.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Bayeux by air-conditioned minivan (max 8 people), plus guidance throughout from your local driver-guide so you don’t have to worry about logistics or directions along the Normandy landing beaches route.