The war memorial, Les Braves, at Omaha Beach, Normandy. We have some sample itineraries, if you would like to visit the Normandy beaches on one of our self guided tours. The British and Canadian Beaches - Sword Beach and Juno Beach - are located on the eastern part of the coast between Bayeux and Deauville.

If you keep driving west you will get to Utah Beach and Sainte Mere Eglise.

Right behind Omaha Beach is the US Cemetery in Colleville sur Mer and towards west is the strategic Pointe du Hoc cliff. Most of the main World War II Normandy landing sites - that is, those t hat were key to the success of Operation Overlord - are about an hour's drive from Bayeux. Omaha Beach is a 20-minute drive from Bayeux. The goal of the allied invasion was to liberate France and Europe from Nazi control.

On 6 June 1944, allied forces from the USA, Canada, Britain, France and many other countries landed on the beaches of Normandy.

The World War II Normandy landings beaches If you're particularly interested in world war history, you may enjoy our World War History Tour of France.Īn old waterwheel in Bayeux, Normandy - © Barry Skeates The tapestry itself dates back to the 11th century.

You should also see the Bayeux Tapestry that depicts the Norman Invasion of Britain, led by William the Conqueror in 1066. This is a great base from which to explore the sites of the World War II Normandy Invasion as well as the Norman backcountry. However, the neighboring city of Bayeux has a beautiful old town with half-timbered houses and the gorgeous Bayeux Cathedral.Unfortunately, Caen experienced heavy bombing during World War II, so not much of the old town remains. It will be of special interest to history lovers or people who are retracing their ancestors’ footsteps. The Caen War Memorial museum is very interesting and deserves a visit. Traditional stores in Pont l’Evêque - © OT Pontleveque Our French Heritage, Wine & Back roads itinerary will give you a taste of the 'real France'! To discover Normandy must-sees and hidden beauties, we invite you to take a look at our Normandy self-drive itineraries. View across the beach at Trouville-sur-Mer - ©Barney, Wikimedia Commons CC0Ī few miles inland, Pont-l'Évêque is famous for its creamy cheeses, which include the famous Livarot, Pont l’Evêque and Camembert cheeses. The Norman hinterland is covered with apple orchards used to make Normandy's famous apple cider and Calvados apple brandy. Our tour of the Normandy beaches, the Loire Valley & Paris will take you along the gorgeous, wind-swept Normandy coast, through the 'garden of France', ending at the 'city of lights'! We always recommend the most typical, authentic places to visit to our travelers. Deauville is a touristy town and we prefer some of the more typical beach resorts, such as the more laid-back Trouville-sur-Mer just next-door to Deauville. To reach Normandy from Paris, following the coast east from Honfleur, you will reach Deauville , famous for the American Film Festival and its beachside boardwalk. The Normandy Coast: Deauville & Trouville

Normandy beach war