Normandy D-Day Beaches Tour from Le Havre with Lunch & Return

Summary

Walk Normandy’s D-Day sands from Le Havre with stories and quiet moments

You’ll walk Omaha Beach’s sands, stand atop Pointe du Hoc’s battered cliffs, and pause among silent rows at the American Cemetery—all with a local guide who brings Normandy’s D-Day stories to life. Includes pickup from Le Havre port or hotel and a packed lunch so you can linger by the sea while history settles in.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re American?” our guide Jean asked as we shuffled out of the van in Le Havre. He grinned when I nodded, then patted his jacket pocket—he’d brought a tiny Stars and Stripes pin to wear for the day. I didn’t expect that. The wind off the Channel was sharp, but Jean kept up a steady stream of stories as we rolled through green fields dotted with cows. The drive out of Le Havre felt longer than I thought it would (maybe an hour and a half?), but honestly, I barely noticed because he had us all picturing what these roads looked like in 1944.

The first stop was La Cambe German War Cemetery. It’s quiet there—the kind of silence you notice more than noise. Black crosses set in rows, grass somehow greener than anywhere else on the trip. A French couple stood near one stone for a long time; I caught myself holding my breath without realizing it. Jean didn’t say much here, just let us wander. I’m glad he did.

Pointe du Hoc was next and wow—those cliffs are steeper than they look in photos. You can still see bomb craters everywhere, and the bunkers feel cold even on a mild day. Jean pointed to where the Rangers climbed up; someone behind me whispered “how did they even do that?” We all sort of stood there for a minute, nobody taking selfies for once.

Omaha Beach is just… ordinary sand until you start thinking about what happened there. Lunch was simple—a baguette sandwich wrapped tight, water bottle sweating in my hand—and we ate sitting on the sea wall looking out at the tide coming in. It felt wrong to laugh but someone cracked a joke about French mayonnaise (it’s better, by the way), and Jean smiled quietly like he’d heard it before.

The last part was walking through the Normandy American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer. White crosses lined up so far you lose count. There were birds singing—just normal birds—but it sounded different here somehow. I still think about that view over the bluffs down to Omaha Beach below. On the drive back to Le Havre, everyone was pretty quiet except for Jean humming some old tune under his breath. Not sure what else to say except if you want to actually feel history instead of just reading about it, this is worth your day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Normandy D-Day landing sites

• Pickup from Le Havre port or hotel
• Drive to La Cambe German War Cemetery
• Visit La Cambe German War Cemetery
• Travel to Pointe du Hoc
• Explore Pointe du Hoc cliffs and memorial
• Arrive at Omaha Beach
• Enjoy packed lunch at Omaha Beach
• Walk along Omaha Beach and reflect
• Visit Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial Chapel
• Return drive to Le Havre port
• End tour and farewell from guide

Top questions

How long does the Normandy D-Day tour from Le Havre take?

The tour is designed as a full-day experience tailored to fit cruise ship schedules from Le Havre port.

Is pickup included for this D-Day landing beaches tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from either Le Havre cruise port or your hotel.

What sites are visited on this Normandy day trip?

You’ll visit La Cambe German War Cemetery, Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach (with lunch), and the Normandy American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer.

Is lunch provided during this tour?

Yes, a packed lunch including a baguette sandwich, water, and dessert is included during your stop at Omaha Beach.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

Please inform your provider at least 72 hours prior if you need vegetarian or gluten-free options for lunch.

How far is Omaha Beach from Le Havre?

The drive takes roughly 1 hour 30 minutes each way depending on traffic conditions.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this Normandy D-Day landing beaches tour.

Is this suitable for travelers with strollers or prams?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes prompt pickup from Le Havre port or hotel, all transport between sites like Pointe du Hoc and Omaha Beach with an expert guide sharing local stories throughout, entry to each memorial site along the way, plus a packed lunch of baguette sandwich, water and dessert before returning comfortably well ahead of your ship’s departure time.