Normandy: Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc & Cemetery Small-Group Tour

Summary

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

You’ll walk Omaha Beach where history feels close enough to touch, climb through bomb-scarred ground at Pointe du Hoc with a local guide’s stories echoing around you, and stand quietly among thousands of white crosses at the Normandy American Cemetery. This half-day trip from Bayeux 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 — sharp and salty, carrying this low hum from the sea as we stepped onto Omaha Beach. Our guide, Claire, didn’t rush us. She just let us stand there for a minute, toes sinking into the cold sand, and I remember thinking how ordinary it looked for a place with so much history tangled up in it. There were a few locals walking dogs in the distance, their voices barely carried by the breeze. It felt strange to picture what happened here on D-Day — like my mind kept flipping between then and now.

We drove along quiet roads from Bayeux (the minivan was actually pretty comfy), and Claire kept pointing out little things — old stone farmhouses, hedgerows that apparently played a big part back in 1944. At Pointe du Hoc, she showed us these wild craters left by bombs, grass growing right up to the edge. I tried to imagine climbing those cliffs under fire; honestly, it’s impossible to get your head around it until you’re standing there looking down at your own shoes covered in red clay dust.

The last stop was the Normandy American Cemetery. The white crosses go on forever — it’s silent except for birds and sometimes footsteps on gravel. A couple next to me left flowers at one of the graves; I don’t know if they knew him or just wanted to say thanks. On the way back to Bayeux, nobody really talked much. I caught myself watching the fields roll past and thinking about all those small details Claire had shared — stuff you’d never get from a textbook. I still think about that view over Omaha Beach when the light changed for just a second.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit key Normandy D-Day sites

• Visit Pointe du Hoc gun battery
• Explore Omaha Beach landing site
• See Normandy American Cemetery

Top questions

How long is the Omaha Beach morning tour from Bayeux?

The tour is a half-day morning trip that returns to Bayeux around 12pm.

Is pickup included for this Normandy tour?

Yes, pickup is included from Bayeux train station or Place de Quebec in Bayeux only.

What sites are visited during this D-Day beaches tour?

The tour visits Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, and the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial.

How many people are on each tour group?

The group size is limited to eight passengers per minivan for a more personal experience.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

Does this day trip include transportation?

Yes, transport by air-conditioned minivan is included in the price.

Can children join this Normandy beaches trip?

Specialized infant seats are available; children can join with appropriate seating arrangements.

What’s included

Your morning includes pickup from either Bayeux train station or Place de Quebec before setting off in an air-conditioned minivan with your driver-guide. You’ll visit Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, and pay respects at the Normandy American Cemetery before returning to Bayeux just around noon.