Normandy D-Day Beaches Tour from Le Havre with Lunch

Summary

Walk Normandy’s poignant shores, hear stories at Omaha Beach and reflect at the American Cemetery

You’ll travel from Le Havre with a local guide who brings Normandy’s D-Day history to life through stories and small details you might miss alone. Walk Pointe du Hoc’s battered cliffs, pause for lunch by Omaha Beach, and spend time reflecting among the white crosses of the American Cemetery before returning quietly to your ship.

What’s the experience like?

“You see this stone? It’s not just a marker. Every one has a name, or sometimes just ‘Known unto God’,” our guide Michel said quietly as we wandered through La Cambe German War Cemetery. The grass was still damp from last night’s rain—Normandy always smells like wet earth and salt air to me. I didn’t really know what to say, so I just listened. There were only a few of us that morning, shuffling between the rows in silence except for the crows overhead. It felt heavy but honest.

The drive from Le Havre wasn’t long—maybe an hour and a half? Michel kept pointing out old farmhouses and little details I’d never have noticed on my own. When we reached Pointe du Hoc, the wind nearly knocked my hat off (should’ve tied it tighter). The cliffs are wild here; you can still see craters and busted concrete bunkers from D-Day. Some folks took photos, but I just ran my hand along the rough stone—cold and pitted, like it remembered everything. Someone in our group tried to pronounce “Rangers” in French; Michel grinned but didn’t correct them.

Lunch came later at Omaha Beach—a homemade baguette wrapped up tight with cheese and ham, plus water and a tiny apricot tart that reminded me of school field trips. We ate sitting on low dunes looking out at the sea. It’s strange how normal it looks now, kids playing in the distance while you’re thinking about what happened here. The sand gets everywhere. After that we walked along the beach—no speeches or anything formal—just time to think.

The last stop was the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer. I thought I’d be prepared but seeing all those white crosses lined up against the green was something else entirely. Michel let us wander as long as we wanted; he said there’s no right way to do this part. I found myself reading names until my eyes blurred a bit—maybe it was the sun or maybe not. On the ride back to Le Havre everyone was quiet except for some soft laughter when someone realized they’d gotten sand in their shoes again. Even now, days later, I keep thinking about that view over Omaha Beach—the light was pale gold and it felt like both an ending and a beginning somehow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — D-Day Beaches and Memorials Tour

• Pick up at Le Havre cruise port
• Drive to German Cemetery at La Cambe
• Visit German Cemetery
• Travel to Pointe du Hoc cliffs
• Explore Pointe du Hoc site
• Arrive at Omaha Beach
• Walk Omaha Beach and eat packed lunch
• Visit American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer
• Drive back to Le Havre

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Le Havre to Normandy D-Day beaches?

The tour lasts a full day and is timed to fit cruise ship schedules departing from Le Havre.

What sites are included on this Normandy D-Day beaches shore excursion?

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

Is lunch provided during this D-Day tour?

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

Does this tour include pickup from Le Havre cruise port?

Yes, round-trip pickup and drop-off at Le Havre Cruise Port are included in your booking.

Are guides local experts on World War II history?

Your guide is local and knowledgeable about Normandy's WWII history and D-Day events.

How much walking is involved on this tour?

You should have moderate physical fitness; expect walking at historical sites including uneven terrain at Pointe du Hoc.

Can infants or small children join this shore excursion?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed onboard.

Are service animals permitted on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed during the excursion.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip pickup from Le Havre Cruise Port or hotel, all transportation between Normandy D-Day sites like Pointe du Hoc and Omaha Beach with an experienced local guide sharing stories along the way, plus a homemade packed lunch with baguette, water and dessert before returning comfortably to your ship in time for departure.