Normandy: D-Day Beaches Tour & Caen Memorial Museum Ticket

Summary

Normandy’s D-Day history up close with museum & beaches tour

You’ll walk through Normandy’s past at your own pace inside the Caen Memorial Museum before joining a guided day trip to Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, and the American Cemetery. Hear stories from locals who know these places deeply. It’s quieting and strangely beautiful — you might find yourself lingering longer than expected.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, we almost missed our start time at the Mémorial de Caen — I got distracted by a display about Berlin in ’89 and lost track of the group meeting spot. The museum itself is… heavy, but in a way that sticks with you. There’s this faint metallic smell near the old uniforms, and I kept thinking about how quiet everyone was, even kids. Our ticket let us wander as long as we wanted (we ended up staying way longer than planned), which was good because there’s so much to take in before heading out to the D-Day sites.

Our guide, Sylvie, had this calm way of telling stories that made everything feel real — not just names and dates. She pointed out little things I’d never have noticed at Pointe du Hoc: wildflowers pushing through broken concrete, a bit of graffiti from a soldier half-hidden under moss. The cliffs are steeper than they look in photos; standing there with the wind off the Channel stinging my face, it hit me how impossible that climb must’ve felt in 1944. Someone in our group asked about her grandfather’s regiment and Sylvie just nodded quietly — she seemed to get it.

Omaha Beach looked almost ordinary at first — families walking dogs, someone flying a kite — but then you spot these faded bunkers half-sunk into the sand. The American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer was silent except for crows and flags snapping in the breeze. I tried to read some names but gave up after a while; it’s overwhelming. There was this moment when everyone just sort of stood still together, not really talking. I still think about that view over the crosses toward the sea.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Memorial and D-Day sites tour

• Self-guided visit to Mémorial de Caen
• Guided tour departs at 13:00
• Visit Pointe du Hoc bunkers
• Explore Omaha Beach landing site
• Tour Normandy American Cemetery

Top questions

How long does the guided D-Day tour last?

The guided tour of D-Day sites lasts around 5 hours round trip from Mémorial de Caen.

Is transport included between sites?

Yes, transport by air-conditioned minivan is included for all D-Day sites on the tour.

Can I visit the Caen Memorial Museum before or after my tour?

Your museum ticket is valid for 24 hours from first entry; you can visit before or after your guided tour.

Which D-Day locations are visited on this tour?

The tour includes Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach, and Normandy American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer.

Is lunch included during this Normandy day trip?

No lunch is included; plan to eat before or after your guided tour.

Are children allowed on this tour?

The tour is not suitable for children under 3 years old.

Is there an English-speaking guide?

The guided portion is available in English and French.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup; tours depart from Mémorial de Caen museum entrance.

What’s included

Your day includes flexible entry to the Mémorial de Caen Museum (valid for 24 hours), a five-hour guided minivan tour of Normandy’s main D-Day sites like Omaha Beach and Pointe du Hoc with an English- or French-speaking guide, plus all transport between locations before returning to Caen.