D-Day Battlefields: Day Trips and Tours from Paris
Take a poignant day trip to the D-Day Battlefields from Paris to visit its beaches and surroundings. Explore several iconic landmarks that played a part in the landings, tour the Caen Memorial Museum, visit the American Cemetery and see other important sites. The Normandy landings not only changed the direction of WWII, but also the landscape of the future world. D-Day is the largest seaborne invasion in history, and the lives lost are honored at several memorials and museums along the D-Day Battlefields. Today you can visit the sights of the invasion that marked the most influential moment of WWII.
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Take a poignant day trip to the D-Day Battlefields from Paris to visit its beaches and surroundings. Explore several iconic landmarks that played a part in the landings, tour the Caen Memorial Museum, visit the American Cemetery and see other important sites.
The Normandy landings not only changed the direction of WWII, but also the landscape of the future world. D-Day is the largest seaborne invasion in history, and the lives lost are honored at several memorials and museums along the D-Day Battlefields.
Today you can visit the sights of the invasion that marked the most influential moment of WWII.
Here's all you need to know about the D-Day Battlefields, one of the most insightful day trips from Paris.
What are the most famous sites to visit at the D-Day Battlefields?
The typical itinerary of a day trip from Paris to the D-Day Battlefields includes stops at several critical points of the Allied invasion in WWII. Additionally, visitors can learn more about the history of D-Day and honor the lives lost at multiple museums, memorials, and cemeteries.
WWII D-Day Battlefields beaches
The Normandy landings consisted of Allied invasions on an 80 kilometer stretch of the German-occupied French coastline. Allied forces attacked at five critical points: Juno, Omaha, Gold, Utah, and Sword. Today, you can visit several of these battlefields beaches - some of which have barely been changed since D-Day in 1944.
Please note that each Normandy beach included in the D-Day invasion has its own series of museums, war artifacts, and memorials. We recommend you to focus on one area for a more in-depth travel experience.
Caen Memorial Center
The Caen Memorial Center is the best place to get an overview behind the importance and influence of D-Day. The museum begins it exhibits with the 1920s that explain the events that led up to WWII. The exhibits also examine the lives of soldiers from both sides of the conflict.
Pegasus Bridge
The first Allied soldiers to land on Normandy arrived via parachute just after midnight on June 6, 1944. Pegasus Bridge was an important tactical place for Allied troops to seize immediately. Today, you can see and cross the monumental bridge which is largely the same and features its own museum on the Benouville side of the canal.
Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial
Located in Colleville-sur-Mer along the Normandy coast, the American Cemetery is a WWII cemetery that honors American troops who died during the war. It contains the graves of 9,386 American soldiers who died at the D-Day battlefields beaches and a memorial for the other 1,557 soldiers whose bodies were never found.
What kinds of tours are available to visit the D-Day Battlefields from Paris?
The Normandy landings are monumental in scope and loss of lives. Over 24,000 American, British, and Canadian troops landed on Normandy after midnight on June 6, 1944. It is estimated that anywhere from 4,000 to 9,000 German soldiers perished in the conflict. There were at least 10,000 Allied casualties.
As a result, attempting to see all the museums and memorials at the D-Day Battlefields in a single day is nearly impossible.
Given the historical context of Normandy in WWII, there are numerous types of D-Day Battlefields tours. It all depends on how much time and money you wish to dedicate to the journey.
The most popular D-Day Battlefields day trips from Paris include stops at historical landmarks, D-Day Battlefields beaches, museums, memorials, and cemeteries. You may either choose to book a small-group tour or a private tour.
- Small group tours: Small group tours are the cheapest option are very convenient to visit the most important sites.
- Private tours: If you don’t mind paying a little extra, you can book a private tour and enjoy a customized tour with your friends or family.
How much do WWII D-Day Battlefields tours from Paris cost?
The costs of D-Day Battlefields tours from Paris depend on the type of tour and length. D-Day tours typically start around US$130 and can easily exceed US$ 200 depending on the type of service. Transportation, a local tour guide, and tickets are included with the cost.
Make sure to use our search engine to compare all the different deals available. There are a lot of different travel agencies. Read reviews, compare prices, and book the tour that fit best your needs and budget.
How long does it take to get to the D-Day Battlefields from Paris?
The D-Day Battlefields Normandy beaches are located 250 kilometers from Paris. It will take you approximately 3 hours hours to get there. You may travel by train, by car or bus.
By train: From Gare Saint-Lazare in Paris, take a train to Bayeux. Once in Bayeux, take ca bus to reach the D-Day Battlefields beaches.
By car: From Paris, take the A13 highway to Caen. Once in Caen, take the road N13 and take the exit number36 in the direction of the D-Day Battlefields beaches.
By bus: you can book a day tour and travel by bus. You will enjoy a complete excursion, visit the most famous sites and won't worry about driving in a foreign country.
Regardless of your method of transportation, we recommend making travel arrangements in plenty of advance to avoid any unwanted surprises.
When is the best time to tour the D-Day Battlefields in Normandy?
The best time of the year to visit Normandy is between May and September, you will experience the most accommodating weather. Peak travel season in France can extend all the way from June to August.
If you don’t mind cooler temperatures and the chance for adverse weather, the fall and spring both offer decent weather and fewer crowds at the exhibits. Make sure you pack accordingly and have proper clothing.
Winter offers the fewest number of visitors, like most attractions, yet you will have to deal with much colder temperatures. Additionally, some businesses and establishments shut down during the colder months. Also keep in mind some museums are closed in January.
Are there any tours to the D-Day Battlefields from other cities in France?
Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in France:
Know before you go
- Be aware that some sites are not wheelchair accessible.
- You will have the possibility to purchase souvenirs at the Caen Memorial Museum's boutique.
- We recommend you to bring with you a warm coat during the winter period or a raincoat during the summer.
- Don't forget to bring a good pair of walking shoes to avoid discomfort.