Normandy D-Day Tour: Omaha, Utah Beaches & Pointe du Hoc

Summary

Stories of courage and loss across Normandy’s D-Day sites

You’ll walk Utah and Omaha Beaches where history echoes underfoot, step inside bunkers at Pointe du Hoc, hear stories in Sainte-Mère-Église’s square, and pause among white crosses at the Normandy American Cemetery—all with private transport and time to linger where it matters most.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the wind — sharp, salty, almost stubborn as we stood at Utah Beach. Our guide Jean-Marc handed me a photo of the landing, sand streaked with shadows and chaos. “It wasn’t supposed to be here,” he said, nodding at the waterline. I tried to picture it: boots in wet sand, shouts lost in the surf. The memorials were simple but heavy — names carved into stone you could run your fingers over. There was a faint smell of coffee from a little stand nearby (we stopped for one later), but mostly it was just sea air and this odd hush that didn’t match the stories.

Sainte-Mère-Église surprised me. I’d seen that parachute mannequin hanging from the church in old photos, but standing there — real bells ringing somewhere behind us — it felt different. Jean-Marc told us about John Steele getting caught on the steeple (“He hung there for hours!”), and I caught myself glancing up every few minutes. There were locals out walking dogs or waving to each other; life goes on even where history feels so thick you could almost taste it.

Pointe du Hoc was rougher than I expected. You can still see bomb craters like open mouths in the grass, and those German bunkers are cold inside, even on a sunny day. We ducked through one and my shoes scraped against old concrete — weird how something so solid can feel haunted. At Omaha Beach, Jean-Marc paused for a long time before talking about what happened there. He didn’t rush us; nobody did. Some people left flowers or just stood quietly looking out at the waves rolling in. I don’t know if you ever really “get” what happened here, but being there makes it less abstract somehow.

The last stop was the Normandy American Cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach. Flags coming down at sunset — that got me more than I thought it would. There’s something about rows of white crosses against green grass and sky that sticks with you after you leave. On our way back to Bayeux (private van, which honestly made things easy), nobody talked much for a while. Maybe that’s part of why people do these tours — to feel small but connected for a day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit key American D-Day sites

• See first aid post church
• Explore Sainte-Mère-Église town
• Visit Utah Beach and monuments
• Tour Pointe du Hoc cliffs and bunkers
• Visit Omaha Beach landing site
• Pay respects at Normandy American Cemetery

Top questions

How long is the private D-Day tour from Bayeux?

This is a full-day tour covering major American sector sites from morning until late afternoon.

Does this D-Day tour include both Omaha Beach and Utah Beach?

Yes, both Omaha Beach and Utah Beach are included along with Pointe du Hoc and other key locations.

Is transportation included in this Normandy D-Day tour?

Yes, private air-conditioned transportation is provided throughout the day.

Are entry fees or museum tickets included?

All fees and taxes are included in your booking; no extra charges at sites visited.

Is this tour suitable for children?

This tour is not suitable for children under 8 years old.

Will we have time to take photos or get coffee during the tour?

Yes, there’s free time at most stops for photos, restrooms or grabbing a coffee.

Is this Normandy D-Day tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible and service animals are allowed.

Who leads the D-Day tour? Is it with a local guide?

The tour is led by an experienced local guide knowledgeable about Normandy’s WWII history.

What’s included

Your day includes private pickup from Bayeux in an air-conditioned vehicle, all entry fees and taxes covered up front so you won’t need cash at any site, plus time built in for coffee breaks or photos before returning comfortably in the evening.