DDay American Beaches and US Airborne Full Day Tour from Bayeux
Description
The best way to get an overview of the American involvement on D-Day is in a small group of a maximum of 8 people, with plenty of details given by our experienced guides. You will have the chance to discover every aspect of the sacrifice made by American soldiers on June 6, 1944. We will cover the American seaborne operation by visiting the two beaches where US soldiers landed, Omaha Beach and Utah Beach, as well as the German strongpoint of Pointe du Hoc, assaulted by the US Army Rangers. We will also visit the sites of the US Airborne Operation, including its most iconic site, Sainte-Mère-Eglise, where a terrible battle happened on the night of June 5, 1944. Finally, we will have the chance to pay our respects to the thousands of men who gave their lives to liberate Europe by visiting the Normandy American Cemetery.
Tour Options
Itinerary
First, we will have a 30-minute drive from Bayeux to Omaha Beach. You will start the day where the 1st and 29th US infantry divisions landed. Our guides, with the help of maps and pictures, will explain to you all the details of “bloody Omaha”. From the layout of the German defenses to the plight of the first waves, we will share with you the stories of these brave Gi’s who conquered the beach.
Your guide will show you the American cemetery behind Omaha beach. the resting place of more than 9,000 American servicemen and women. This sacred place, run by the American Battle Monuments Commission, is the most visited D-Day site in Normandy.
You will discover the unique site of Pointe du Hoc. Follow the footsteps of the 2nd US Ranger Battalion led by the famous Lieutenant Colonel James E. Rudder who scaled the cliffs to destroy a German gun battery threatening the whole US landing operation. Bomb craters, bunkers, dugouts, come and see this outstanding battlefield. After visiting Pointe du Hoc, we will drive 30 minutes to Sainte-Mère-Eglise.
In the heart of the Airborne operation, you will visit the small town of Sainte-Mère-Eglise. It was the first town to be captured by the American paratroopers. One of them got stuck up on the church tower during that night. Your guide will share with you the details of this crucial operation and many stories of these brave men. We will then leave Sainte-Mère-Eglise and drive 20 minutes to Utah Beach.
At Utah beach your guide will tell you how the 4th Infantry Division successfully breached the German defenses. The first wave was led by Brigadier General Theodore Roosevelt Jr who landed on that Beach at 6:30am. He was eventually awarded the Medal of Honor. We will then drive 15 minutes to our next stop, Angoville-au-Plain.
Your guide will bring you to the church of Angoville-au-Plain. This site was used as an aid-station. Two young medics treated about 80 wounded soldiers for two days. Discover their heroic feat, a moving story about humanity and dedication on the battlefield. After this visit, we will have a 35-minute drive back to Bayeux.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(137)
Phenomenal tour with the BEST guide. Paul had not only an expansive knowledge of WWII but also of the region, other significant cultural events, and current happenings. He was vey engaging and made the tour feel totally informational. We felt comfortable asking any and all questions. 150% would take this tour again.
I highly recommend the Dday beaches tour with Paul. Paul was very knowledgeable about WWII history and his great storytelling really added to our appreciation and understanding of what happened at the various sites. All the stops were very interesting, and especially loved the Airborne Museum and Pointe du hoc. The van was also very convenient and comfortable.
The tour format and pace was wonderful. Long day, but well worth it. Bryce was an exceptional tour guide. He was enthusiastic and very knowledgeable about D Day history. My only suggestion was to offer head phones for the van to help with clarity in the back seats.
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tour format and pace, and that you felt the long day was well worth it. We will let Brice know. We also appreciate your suggestion regarding headphones in the van. Thank you again for joining us and for taking the time to share your experience! Pierre
We had the absolute pleasure of having Yannick guide us for two full day tours, the DDay American Beaches and a trip to Mont Saint Michel. He really knows his history and made it all come alive with interesting stories and facts. I can’t recommend his tours enough!
Paul was a fantastic tour guide who spent the day showing us all around the D-day sights. He was the perfect tour guide for my Dad (82nd Airborne) since they were able to easily discuss war facts back and forth with each other. Can't recommend Paul enough!
Fantastic experience, especially thanks to our guide, Paul. The tour touches on the most interesting D-Day sites and every stop is accompanied by truly interesting explanations and anecdotes. Paul speaks very clear and understandable English, making everything even more pleasant. The day really flew by! Highly recommended experience.
Paul was absolutely amazing from start to finish! My partner and I were visiting from the Netherlands as part of the group, and Paul took the time to share all about our country's history during the war. He did the exact same for another couple from England, giving them a deep dive into the British and Canadian sectors—basically, everyone got their own tailored history lesson! His knowledge of WWII and the Normandy region is truly impressive. And that’s not to mention his fantastic food recommendations (the crêperie he pointed us to was absolute perfection!). I recommend HQ Company Tour with my eyes closed. Wherever you're from, Paul will find a way to connect it to your country's history.
Our guide Paul was the best! Very knowledgeable and enthusiastic with lots of great stories. He moved the tour along at a good pace without rushing through. Would definitely book again for one of the other tours!
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're happy to hear that you had such a great experience with Paul. His knowledge, enthusiasm, and storytelling are what make his tours so memorable, and we're glad you enjoyed the pace as well. We truly appreciate your recommendation and we will let Paul know about your great review! Pierre HQ Company Tour
We spent an amazing day with our brilliant guide Paul! Visiting Normandy landing field has always been one of my dreams cause I like reading history. And it comes true today. Thanks Paul for sharing so many stories hidden behind this region, we really enjoy the informative and educational history trip today! :) Would like to recommend the tour to my friends.
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that visiting the Normandy landing beaches was a dream come true for you. Paul is passionate about sharing the history of the region, and he'll be happy to know that his stories helped make your experience both informative and memorable. Thank you for your recommendation—it truly means a lot to us. We hope to welcome you or your friends on another tour in the future! Pierre HQ Company Tour
The tour was amazing. Our guide, Paul, was just terrific. His descriptions, explanation and energy was just incredible. He may the entire experience come to life.
