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

Summary

Walk Normandy’s D-Day beaches with stories that linger long after

You’ll stand on Omaha Beach with salt air in your lungs, trace your fingers along battle-scarred concrete at Pointe du Hoc, and walk among silent rows at the Normandy American Cemetery. With a local guide sharing real stories and transport from Bayeux included, this half-day tour leaves you with more questions than answers — but in a good way.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the wind — sharper than I expected, coming off the Channel as we stepped out near Omaha Beach. Our guide, Jean-Luc, just nodded at the horizon and said quietly, “This is where it began.” I found myself staring at the sand, trying to picture that morning in 1944. There were a few other travelers with us, all a bit hushed. The tide was out, leaving little pools that reflected the sky. Someone asked about the bunkers and Jean-Luc pointed them out, half-swallowed by grass now. He told us about the soldiers landing here — not in a grand speechy way, more like he’d grown up hearing these stories from his own family.

The drive to Pointe du Hoc didn’t take long (Normandy distances always feel smaller than you think), but it was enough time for Jean-Luc to share a story about his grandfather hiding in a cellar during the occupation. At Pointe du Hoc, you can still see craters everywhere — they’re not roped off or anything. I ran my hand over concrete scarred by shrapnel; it felt cold even in June. A couple from Ohio tried to pronounce “Pointe du Hoc” properly and we all laughed when they gave up. There’s something strange about standing on those cliffs knowing what happened there but also hearing birds and seeing wildflowers now.

The last stop was the Normandy American Cemetery. The grass there is almost too green — maybe because of all the rain? Rows of white crosses stretch toward the trees. We stood together for a minute without anyone saying much; even Jean-Luc just let us be quiet. I kept thinking about how different this place feels compared to photos online or in history books — it’s heavier somehow when you’re actually there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit key Normandy D-Day sites

• Depart from Bayeux
• Visit Omaha Beach battlefield
• Explore Pointe du Hoc site
• Stop at Normandy American Cemetery

Top questions

How long does the Normandy D-Day sites tour take?

This is a half-day tour starting from Bayeux and visiting three key sites.

Does this tour include pickup from my hotel in Bayeux?

The tour includes pickup from Bayeux; check details when booking for exact location.

Which D-Day sites are visited on this tour?

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

Is lunch included on this Normandy D-Day tour?

No lunch is included; it’s a half-day trip focused on site visits.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children must be accompanied by an adult; kids under 4 are not allowed.

What language does the guide speak?

Your guide will speak English throughout the tour.

How many people are on each tour group?

The group size is capped at 19 participants for a more personal experience.

Are infant seats available for this tour?

Infant seats can be provided if requested during booking; specify number and age of children.

What’s included

Your day includes transport by air-conditioned minivan with pickup from Bayeux, visits to Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, and the Normandy American Cemetery alongside an English-speaking guide who shares personal stories and context throughout each stop.