THINGS TO DO IN D-Day Beaches: 2-DAY ITINERARY

Normandy’s D-Day Beaches stretch from Ouistreham to Saint-Marie-du-Mont, almost 50 miles along the Normandy coast. A stoic reminder of one of the greatest events in World War II, many history buffs and descendants of WWII veterans flock to these shores to learn more about this grisly yet triumphant day. Allied Troops landed on the D-Day Beaches on June 6, 1944. Although there were thousands of casualties, their victory marked a distinctive turning point that would ultimately win the war with Germany.

This two-day itinerary through Normandy follows the five main landing areas for the Allied Forces. America, French, Canadian, and British forces, among a few other European battalions, came together that day. You’ll learn more about the area and events that took place by standing on the beaches, exploring interactive museums, discovering the batteries, and walking in the footsteps of soldiers.

Day 1

Morning: Ouistreham to Douvres

Start your first morning of exploring the D-Day Beaches just east of Ouistreham, a city on the far eastern edge of this section of Normandy.

• Merville Battery Museum: Your first stop of your tour of the D-Day Beach sites is the Merville Battery Museum. This series of German batteries located near Sword Beach was one of the Allied Forces key targets on D-Day. British Paratroopers took the batteries within 30 minutes. Visitors can explore six of the bunkers and batteries, scattered over several acres and displaying Many travel here to see the restored 100 mm howitzer, a massive field gun.

• Pegasus Bridge: Continue making your way towards Ouistreham, crossing the famous Pegasus Bridge. Once known as the Bénouville Bridge, it was crucial that the allies capture this bridge to gain control over the area and aid the Allied Forces on June 6th, cutting off any German reinforcements. The bridge was taken in a matter of 10 minutes by troops who arrived by glider. Although only two Allied lives were lost, one was the first to die by enemy fire on D-Day.

• Le Grand Bunker: Also known as the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, Le Grand Bunker is located in Ouistreham. Dedicated to the Atlantic Wall itself, fortifications that were built by the Germans to stop beach invasions that stretched over 3,000 miles, Le Grand Bunker tells the story of the men who gave their lives and the manpower that went into creating this series of battlements. Housed inside the former German Headquarters for Caen, visitors will find perfect reconstructions of the six floors, from engine rooms to the infirmary, and radio transmission room, as well as exhibits about the Atlantic Wall.

• Sword Beach: Drive west to visit your first of the D-Day Beaches, Sword Beach. The British Allied Troops landed here, a section of coast that stretches from Ouistreham to Lion-sur-Mer. This is the closest beach to Caen, making it a strategic location and crucial for gaining control of the area. The capture of the Pegasus Bridge and Le Grand Bunker aided the D-Day landing at Sword Beach. Over 1,300 British troops lost their lives on the beach that day. Sword Beach is one of the less developed D-Day Beaches, best explored at low tide.

• 1944 Radar Museum: Finish the morning at the 1944 Radar Museum. Built overtop a bunker, this small museum is a window into the importance of radar in WWII. A part of the Atlantic Wall, these radars were able to detect targets 400 km away.

Day 1, morning - D-Day Beaches Tour Map

Afternoon: Juno Beach to Arromanches

• Juno Beach Centre: The only museum dedicated to Canadian Allied Troops, the Juno Beach Center looks at Canada’s often forgotten contributions to WWII. Both permanent and temporary exhibitions are on display, including photographs, artifacts, documents, and firsthand accounts. It’s also possible to see several of the German bunkers near the museum.

• Juno Beach Memorial: Begin the afternoon at your second of the D-Day Beaches, Juno Beach. Canadian troops were sent to Juno Beach and were met with heavy German artillery. Because of delays due to shoals just off the coast, many of the boats that approached Juno Beach were destroyed. A stone memorial commemorates the 1 in 18 troops who perished on Juno Beach that day.

• British Normandy Memorial: Commemorating the 22,442 British men and women who gave their lives in Normandy from June to August in 1944, the British Normandy Memorial overlooks Gold Beach. Pillars, engraved with the names of the fallen, are situated in a rectangular shape that is oriented from east to west.

• Gold Beach: Your third and final D-Day Beach for the day is Gold Beach. British soldiers landed on Gold Beach, an area of about 5 miles. Although you might typically picture German soldiers being set up in batteries, many were stationed in homes that overlooked the beach. Despite faster-rising tides than expected and the inability to disarm German fortifications, Gold Beach had only 400 casualties.

• D-Day Museum in Arromanches: As the geographical center of the D-Day Beaches, it’s only fitting to end your first day of exploring in Arromanches. Pay a visit to the D-Day Museum in Arromanches, also known as the Musée du Debarquement, built on the site of Britain’s artificial port. The museum commemorates this impressive feat of architecture that allowed heavy machinery to be dropped off in Arromanches despite the lack of a deep water port. Exhibits also give visitors a look into the scrupulous level of detail that went into planning the D-Day landings and what happened that fateful day. This is also where you’ll find the Arromanches 360° Cinema which displays the 20-minute film, “100 Days of Normandy”. Images and film clips were collected from different country’s archives. You can also pay a visit to the cinema's roof for panoramic views.

Day 1, afternoon - D-Day Beaches Tour Map

Day 2

Morning: Longues-sur-Mer to Le Cambe

• Longues-sur-Mer Battery: The batteries at Longues-sur-Mer proved to be a menacing force against the Allied Troops, straddling both Gold and Omaha Beach. It wasn’t until June 7th that this battery was finally captured. This is one of the best preserved German batteries, with one of its original canons intact, along the D-Day Beaches, and well worth a visit.

• Normandy American Cemetery: One of the largest D-Day memorials, the Normandy American Cemetery is an impressive homage to the American Allied Forces. This memorial was built on top of the first American cemetery on European soil, where soldiers were laid to rest on June 8th. Visitors will find several sites, including the cemetery itself, which spans over 170 acres. Over 9,000 soldiers are buried here. You’ll also see the Walls of the Missing, where the names of 1,557 missing soldiers are inscribed, a half-circle colonnade, an orientation table of the beaches, granite statues, and a reflecting pool.

• Overlord Museum: Situated near Omaha Beach, the Overlord Museum is one of the most comprehensive museums on the D-Day landings, also known as Operation Overlord. Visitors will find both indoor and outdoor exhibitions, including cannons and tanks on the exterior and interactive exhibits on the interior. Realistic displays show soldiers in uniform, while over 10,000 artifacts help tell the story of the landings and aftermath over 24,000 square feet. Some of the highlights include a genuine Famo German artillery tractor, a genuine grapple, and a Panther German tank.

• Omaha Beach: Located just below the Normandy American Cemetery, Omaha Beach is where most of the American Allied Troops landed on June 6th. Omaha Beach took the most casualties of all the D-Day Beaches, and the clifftop batteries of Pointe du Hoc presented a formidable opposition. Almost everything went wrong on Omaha Beach, from high tides to sunken tanks. A stone memorial stands on the beach as an homage to the 2,400 men who lost their lives that day.

• Pointe du Hoc: Continue west, up to Pointe du Hoc to see the extensive batteries that crowned the 100 foot tall bluffs above Omaha Beach. A special unit of Army Rangers climbed these cliffs, taking over the batteries from the Germans. Of the 225 rangers, 77 perished. Visitors today can go inside the batteries and get a panoramic perspective of the beach and cliffs from the grassy bluffs.

• Maisy Battery: If your interest in batteries isn’t sated yet, head to the Maisy Battery next, where you can explore 2 km of German trenches. Buried for over 60 years, the trenches weren’t rediscovered until 2004.

• La Cambe German War Cemetery: End your second morning at the D-Day Beaches at La Cambe German War Cemetery. Situated near Omaha Beach, visitors will find a burial mound and symbolic crosses scattered around the site. Over 21,000 German soldiers are buried here. Designed by Robert Tischler, the site is particularly stoic.

Day 2, morning - D-Day Beaches Tour Map

Afternoon: Saint-Côme-du-Mont to Le Bourg Neuf

• D-Day Experience: Kick off your afternoon at the D-Day Experience, a sprawling museum complex dedicated to the landing beaches. Here, you’ll find two museums, a 3D theater, and an airborne troop memorial. Start your visit at the 3D theater with a 36-minute documentary, highlighting the Battle for Carentan. Afterwards, you’ll have two museums to choose from. The Dead Man’s Corner Museum was once the headquarters for German paratroopers and displays authentic artifacts. The D-Day Experience exhibition is a virtual guide with Lieutenant Colonel Wolverton onboard a genuine C-47 aircraft.

• Utah Beach Landing Museum: Overlooking the very spot where Allied Troops first came ashore, the Utah Beach Landing Museum pays tribute to these men. The tour goes in chronological order, weaving through exhibits that display genuine artifacts, vehicles, and equipment. You’ll also have the opportunity to see a B26 bomber. This museum is one of the best D-Day museums for children!

• Utah Beach: Utah Beach is your final D-Day Beach of the trip. This was the first beach that the Allied Troops landed on the morning of June 6th, led by the Americans, and it was captured quickly. Along this stretch of sand, you’ll find a stone memorial, much like the others you’ve seen thus far. This beach saw the fewest casualties at just 126.

• WWII Museum: End your visit to the D-Day Beaches at the WWII Museum in Quineville. This museum encompasses the entirety of WWII and has interactive exhibits, including the reconstituted street from an occupied Normandy village. With over 1000 square meters of exhibits, you’ll further understand the war and uncover the unique history of how the war affected the local area of Quineville, after a visit to this museum.

Day 2, afternoon - D-Day Beaches Tour Map

Other Things to Do Near the D-Day Beaches

• Airborne Museum: Another wonderful museum located just beyond the D-Day Experience near Utah Beach, the Airborne Museum is a tribute to American paratroopers. Visitors will find fascinating exhibits that include C-47 planes and Waco gliders. Other interactive exhibits tell the story of the Sainte-Mere-Eglise night jump and the pathfinders, among others, through artifacts and short films.

• Bazenville-Ryes Military Cemetery: One of many small military cemeteries that are strewn throughout Normandy, the Bazenville-Ryes Military Cemetery holds the graves of 300 British, 300 German, and 21 Canadian soldiers. This was one of the first cemeteries created after D-Day and the first burials began on June 8th. The cemetery is located in Bazenville, not far inland from the British Normandy Museum.

• Beny-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery: The only Normandy cemetery almost entirely devoted to Canadian soldiers, Beny-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery is where 2,049 soldiers were laid to rest. Surrounded by pine trees, the men were killed on the D-Day Beaches or in the fighting that took place in the following days. Canadian visitors will find it particularly poignant.

• Angoville-au-Plain Church: Hidden away in the minuscule hamlet of Angoville-au-Plain is a small chapel with an impressive story to tell. On the evening of June 5th, two medics from the 101st Airborne Division landed just outside this 11th-century church and set up an aid station inside. Anyone and everyone was treated here, including German soldiers. Visitors will still find blood-stained pews and scars from a mortar that hit the building. Because the soldiers were treating patients from both sides, their lives were saved when German troops stormed the building.

• Memorial Filthy 13: Commemorated in the film, “The Dirty Dozen”, the Filthy 13 were part of the 1st Demolition Section, a group of men trained to demolish German defenses. Donning Native American war paint due to their leader McNiece’s Choctaw heritage, the group landed by parachute with the mission to secure the Douve River bridge. Half of the company perished in the landing, but they secured the bridge nonetheless. Later in the war, the remaining men were sent to the Battle of the Bulge and aided the 101st Airborne Division who were trapped. You’ll find a memorial to their incredible story near the D-Day Experience in Saint-Come-du-Mont.

• Hangar Museum of Dirigibles: An often overlooked museum, the Hangar Museum of Dirigibles is a unique homage to air hangars in WWII. You’ll step inside a German hangar to see a dirigible  alongside a guide who will help make the history come to life.

• Château de Balleroy: Situated 20 minutes outside of Bayeux, Chateau de Balleroy is a small 17th-century castle designed by French architect Francois Mansart. Inspiring the design of other chateau, including Versailles, visitors can tour the gardens and interior of the chateau with its magnificent chandeliers, suspended staircase, and artwork.

• Maison de la Nature et de l’Estuaire (Sallenelles): Sandwiched between Caen and the ocean, Maison de la Nature et de l'Estuaire is situated on the Orne River estuary. Visitors can tour the interpretation center which has exhibits on the estuary and their efforts to protect this fragile ecosystem.

• Mulberry Harbor Remains (Arromanches): Created by the Allies in WWII, the Mulberry Harbor Remains are the remnants of makeshift harbors that aided in unloading ships to Normandy’s coast. One of these harbors was built off the coast of Arromanches while the other was built off of Omaha Beach, spanning six miles that were connected by steel roadways.

• Visit Local Markets: Many of the towns near the D-Day Beaches have weekly local markets that show off Normandy’s homegrown produce and products like cider. Some of the can’t miss markets include Caen, Trouville, Bayeux, Honfleur, the fish market in Courseulles-sur-Mer, and Pont l’Eveque—known for its famous cheese of the same name.

• Horse Riding on the Beaches: Going horseback riding on Normandy’s beaches is a unique way to experience this maritime region. Deauville is the premier town in Normandy for horseback riding and famous for its own horse races. You’ll also find stables in Cabourg and Colleville-sur-Mer (where you can ride out on Utah and Omaha Beach).

• Arromanches des Vents - Windsurfing and Water Sports: The rugged Normandy coastline makes for excellent windsurfing conditions and there’s no better place to try the sport than in Arromanches. Other water sports you might want to try include kayaking, sailing, SUP, and even surfing.

• Château de Creully: The Chateau de Creully might seem like your run of the mill, feudal fortress, but it actually played a starring role in WWII. On D-Day, BBC correspondents holed up in the Medieval tower to report on the landings. Visitors can tour the castle and the Radio Museum, which details the historic reporting that took place there.

• Calvados Tasting Tour: Normandy is known for apples and therefore calvados, a delicious apple brandy. The D-Day Beaches aren’t far from the Route du Cidre, a road trip and region through the countryside where both cider and calvados are produced. If you want to stay closer to the D-Day Beaches, Ferme de la Sapinière is just opposite Omaha Beach and produces both calvados and cider.

• Helicopter Tour Over Normandy: Take to the skies from Caen to get a bird's eye perspective of Normandy’s D-Day Beaches. You’ll also get to see the Pegasus Bridge, Ouitreham, the Orne Estuary, and so much more.

• Luxury Spa Day: Several seaside resorts offer a chance for R&R near the D-Day Beaches. The seaside resort town of Cabourg has several spas that offer massage, sauna, and other treatments with views of the water. The twin towns of Deauville and Trouville also offer a swathe of five-star resorts with equally glamorous spa’s.

• Exclusive Hot Air Balloon Ride: Another way to see the D-Day Beaches from above is by taking a hot air balloon ride. This can be a private experience, soaring above the Normandy countryside and glittering sea and spotting WWII sites along the way.

Day Trips From the D-Day Beaches

• Bayeux: The closest large city to the D-Day Beaches, Bayeux is the famous home of the impressive, Romanesque artwork, the Bayeux Tapestry. Stretching 70 meters, this masterpiece tells the story of the Norman conquest of England, led by William the Conqueror. But artwork aside, Bayeux is a wonderful destination to base yourself or visit as you make your way along the D-Day Beaches. Visitors will find the imposing Bayeux Cathedral and several museums dedicated to WWII.

• Caen: Another mid-sized city that’s tucked along the D-Day Beaches route, Caen is steeped in WWII history. Pay a visit to the Memorial de Caen or go in search of the Caen Castle, which has the largest walled fortification in Europe. Caen was a crucial crossroads during WWII and is another popular jumping-off point and base for the D-Day Beaches.

• Cabourg: Just across the Orne River from the tiny town of Ouistreham, Cabourg was once one of France’s most popular vacation destinations. Visitors will still find Belle-Epoque architecture and a grand, seafront promenade. The town also hosts an annual film festival and has its own casino and racecourse.

• Mont Saint Michel: A legendary destination in Northern France, a visit to Mont-Saint Michel is a magical experience that can’t be missed. Just 1.5 hours from Bayeux, this pilgrimage site is crowned by the Abbey Mont-Saint Michel. Vast tidal plains surround the abbey's rocky precipice, which you can visit along with charming shops and crepe restaurants along the way.

• Honfleur: Perched on the Seine estuary, Honfleur was once one of the most important port towns in France. Less than an hour from most D-Day Beach sites, visitors can stroll the charming Vieux Bassin harbor and its half-timbered architecture to see why Monet and Degas were so inspired by this quaint town. Of course, there’s lots of Medieval history to uncover here too!

• Le Havre: Another city steeped in WWII history, Le Havre makes a great addition to a trip that is centered around the D-Day Beaches. Just across the water from Honfleur, Le Havre is known for its unique city planning and architecture, a result of having been almost completely destroyed in WWII. Auguste Perret was tasked with recreating the city from the ground up, utilizing mostly concrete to do so. Aside from WWII history, Le Havre is also known as the birthplace of Impressionism. Monet’s famous painting of Le Havre, “Impression, Sunrise” is often touted as the first creation in this style.

• Ouistreham: Despite being a small, seaside village, Ouistreham was an important crossroads during WWII. Several crucial events took place here, including the Commando Landing and the Battle for Caen. German soldiers occupied the city, including it in their Atlantic Wall fortifications. WWII history aside, this is a great spot to dine on fresh seafood and stroll the Plage de Riva Bella.

• Deauville/Trouville: Divided by the Touques River, Deauville and Trouville are twin coastal resorts just 45 minutes east of Ouistreham. Here, you’ll find all things luxury including golf courses, racecourses, spas, and Michelin-star restaurants. Both towns also have beautiful, beachfront promenades.

• Battery at Azeville: Forming one of the largest portions of the formidable Atlantic Wall, the Battery at Azeville was one of the foremost opponents on D-Day, taking almost three days to capture. The batteries were situated inland from Omaha Beach, meaning that they were invisible to Allied Forces. At one point, 170 German soldiers held the batteries. Visitors today can go inside these concrete bunkers and take an audio tour to learn more.

• Port-en-Bessin-Huppain: Just northwest of Bayeux, Port-en-Bessin-Huppain is a small maritime village southeast of Omaha Beach. Many visitors come to see the Tour Vauban and its panoramic views of the ocean.

• Houlgate: Tucked just to the east of Cabourg, Houlgate is another seaside resort known for its grand hotel, seafront promenade, and casino. The area is steeped in history that dates back to the Viking Age and was the stomping grounds for William the Conqueror.

• Beuvron-en-Auge: A quintessential, half-timbered Norman village, Beuvron-en-Auge is often thought of as the most beautiful hamlet in France. Many visit this flower-strewn town for the weekly market and as a part of the Route du Cidre.

• Saint-Lo: Caught in the crossroads of the D-Day Landing, the quaint town of Saint-Lo was almost completely destroyed in WWII. Modern day Saint-Lo has been completely restored, including its grand cathedral. The town is now best known for its equestrian heritage and just 30 minutes by car from Bayeux.

• Pays d’Auge: Pays d’Auge is a region inside of Normandy, tucked between Calvados and Orne. This area is known for… The most popular towns in the area are Deauville and Honfleur, but some of France’s most idyllic villages call the Pays d’Auge home too. Make a pitstop in Beuvron-en Auge and its colorful, half-timbered center or Beaumont-en-Auge to see its traditional thatched rooftops.

Top Things to Do with Kids at the D-Day Beaches

• Parc Animalier Saint Martin: Located near the far western end of the D-Day Beaches, Parc Animalier Saint Martin is a great way to break up a WWII centered trip for kids. Many of the animals at Parc Animalier Saint Martin were seized from private collectors in France. Visitors will have the chance to see tigers, hyenas, baboons, chimpanzees, gorillas, and more.

• Parc Festyland: A small theme park on the outskirts of Caen, Parc Festyland is a perfect combination of thrilling roller coasters and more tame children’s rides. Visitors will find carousels, pendulum rides, and more with themed restaurants to dine at, including the Medieval-themed Squire’s Inn.

• Paléospace: For children (and adults!) who love dinosaurs, Paléospace makes for a fun day, exploring Normandy in the Jurassic period. Located east of the D-Day Beaches, visitors will find dinosaur fossils that have been found across Normandy, displayed in interactive exhibits and galleries, alongside a 360° planetarium.

• Horse Drawn Carriage Tours: Horse drawn carriage rides are a fun way to get the kids involved in your trip to the D-Day Beaches. Many towns in Normandy have a rich equestrian history, including Deauville, where you’re sure to find a horse drawn carriage ride to treat children to.

Where to Eat & Drink Near the D-Day Beaches

• Jean-Luc Tartarin (1 Michelin star, Le Havre): East of the D-Day Beaches, Jean-Luc Tartarin is nestled in the city UNESCO center of Le Havre. This Michelin-star restaurant focuses on traditional Normandy dishes and the region's bountiful fresh seafood. Guests will find dishes like langoustine and sweetbreads, served in imaginative ways and paired with wine, calvados, and local cider.

• L’Essentiel (1 Michelin star, Deauville): If you’ve had your fill of traditional Norman dishes, L’Essentiel’s vibrant Asian dishes, created with local Normandy ingredients, is the perfect solution. This Michelin-star restaurant in Deauville is located right on the historic Place de Morny and dishes up zingy cuisine like Simmental beef with samsang jus.

• L’Odas (1 Michelin star, Rouen): Rouen’s only Michelin-star restaurant, L’Odas provides a vibrant ambience to enjoy a classic French meal. Watch the master at work from the open-air kitchen, creating seasonal dishes that are paired with delicious wine and sprawling views of the cityscape.

• Ivan Vautier (1 Michelin Star, Caen): Ivan Vautier is the only Michelin-star restaurant in Caen and situated in the hotel of the same name. Guests will find Normandy-inspired cuisine made from local ingredients. There are different multi-course menus to choose from, or guests can opt for the Blind Menu which changes daily.

• L’Alcove (Bib Gourmand, Bayeux): Set in an intimate and whimsical space, L’Alcove is a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant in the heart of historic Bayeux. You’ll dine on contemporary cuisine like ravioli stuffed with local snails and butternut squash, roast chicken with lobster sauce, Normandy cheeses, and inventive desserts like the fig ball and cream pot with corn.

• La Rapiere (Bib Gourmand, Bayeux): A family-owned restaurant that celebrates Gallic cuisine with a modern flare, La Rapiere sources its ingredients from local producers. You’ll find heart-warming dishes like roast chicken and polenta, langoustine tails, and local fish, alongside traditional French desserts like profiteroles and dark chocolate mousse.

• Le Recto Verso (Arromanche): Tucked away in the tiny town of Arromanche, Le Recto Verso is a traditional Normandy creperie. A no-frills yet cozy atmosphere, choose from savory galettes or sweet crepes paired with gourmet coffee, local cider, or calvados.

• La Table d’Hotes (Bib Gourmand, Ouistreham): A Bib Gourmand restaurant in the heart of Ouistreham village, La Table d’Hotes is run by a husband and wife duo, he the chef and her the sommelier. You’ll find elevated Normandy fare on their small menu, which features local cheeses, fresh-caught fish, and simple desserts.

Golf Courses Near the D-Day Beaches

• Golf Utah Beach: An 18-hole golf course that overlooks Utah Beach, Golf Utah Beach offers a links-style course situated between marshland and sea. This beautiful yet difficult course is a par 72, with winds being highly variable due to its proximity to the ocean. Amenities include a clubhouse.

• Omaha Beach Golf Course: Located in the town of Port-en-Bessin, tucked between the American Cemetery and Omaha landing beach, the Omaha Beach Golf Course is a 36 hole course, divided into two 18 hole courses that offers both a par 71 and par 72 option. Another striking golf course, guests will find classic Norman fruit trees, hedgerows, and glimpses of the Mulberry Harbor.

Racecourses Near the D-Day Beaches

• Deauville-La Touques: The racecourse, Deauville-La Touques is Normandy’s premier racetrack, holding events throughout the year. Located in the glitzy seaside resort of Deauville, this racecourse is fun for the entire family.

• Cabourg Racecourse: The Cabourg racecourse holds 20 races throughout the year. Located in the heart of Cabourg, close to the D-Day Beaches, visitors will also find several restaurants on site including Marcel Proust and La Terrasse.

Where to Stay Near the D-Day Beaches

Bayeux is the closest “big” city to the D-Day Beaches, followed by Caen. Still, many visitors choose to stay in the small, seaside hamlet of Arromanches. Where you spend the night depends entirely on which sights are most important to you, how close you want to be to the beaches, and whether you want to experience the countryside of a city.

• Le Grand Hotel Cabourg (Cabourg): A five-star hotel, located in the seaside resort town of Cabourg, Le Grand Hotel Cabourg is an elegant stay near the D-Day Beaches. Guests will find incredibly spacious rooms and suites, decorated with antiques to reflect 1907. Huge windows and sprawling terraces look out to the sea and gardens. Amenities include a restaurant, two bars, and a world-class spa. La Grand Hotel Cabourg is situated east of the D-Day Beaches.

• Chateau la Cheneviere (Port-en-Bessin): Perfectly nestled between Bayeux and the D-Day Beaches, Chateau la Cheneviere makes for an extra special stay. A five-star hotel that was once an 18th-century manor house, the 30 rooms offer a more intimate feel than a large commercial property. Suites are decorated in a way that perfectly combines the charming old world with modern amenities. Guests will also find two onsite restaurants, The Botanist and The Little Garden. Amenities also include an English garden, tennis court, bicycles, and pool. Massages can also be booked.

• Ferme de la Ranconniere (Arromanche): Located near Bayeux in the heart of the countryside, Ferme de la Ranconniere is an exquisite four-star hotel and unique stay. Over 700 years old, suites and rooms are situated in various corners of the estate, including the old bakery, the tower, and where the lord once slept. Each room is individually designed and includes unique features like stone walls. Amenities include two gourmet restaurants and a bar. Guests can also explore the stunning grounds, visit the farm animals, and enjoy the sunny terraces.

• Domaine Utah Beach (Saint-Marie-du-Mont): A beautiful 3-star hotel and four gites, situated just inland from Utah Beach, Domaine Utah Beach is the perfect countryside getaway, tucked close to the D-Day Beaches. Rooms are cozy and well-appointed, while the standalone gite cottages are great for groups and families. Amenities include an onsite restaurant, Le Grand Hard, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There is also a spa, and activities, like sightseeing, horse riding, and Jeep tours, can be booked through the hotel.

• Villa Lara - Villa Augustine Hotel (Bayeux): Villa Lara - Villa Augustine Hotel is one of Bayeux’s premier properties and a five-star stay. Tucked in the heart of the Bayeux historic district, the property is composed of two historic buildings. Villa Lara has 28 uniquely decorated rooms, while Villa Augustine has 4 presidential suites. Decorated elegantly with fine furniture and antiques, guests can catch glimpses of the Bayeux Cathedral or grab a glass of wine at the bar.

• Hotel Ivan-Vautier (Caen): For those who are staying closer to Caen and looking for a bit of luxury, Hotel Ivan-Vautier is a 5-star hotel featuring a Michelin star restaurant. Suites are well appointed with A/C, comfortable beds, and flat-screen TVs, while the onsite spa provides a sauna and hammam for relaxation. Tucked away in a quiet suburb of Caen, this is a great place to stay if you want to be based in a larger city for your trip to the D-Day Beaches.

Best Time to Visit the D-Day Beaches

Much like Ireland and England to the north, Normandy sees variable weather and plenty of rainfall throughout the year. That being said, some of the best times to visit the D-Day Beaches are in spring and fall. Precipitation is fairly consistent throughout the year, with a chance of rain at any time, but temperatures are perfect for exploring these sites along the coast from April to May and September to October. Keep in mind that the average hours of daylight in October is 11 making it more difficult to pack in seeing all of the sites!

Although the shoulder seasons of spring and fall are both great times to visit the D-Day Beaches, many visitors come for the anniversary of the Allied Invasion on June 6th. Those who do decide to visit on June 6th will be treated to reenactments, memorials, and more festivities.

Festivals Near the D-Day Beaches

• D-Day Festival: This vibrant festival takes place every June, around the June 6th anniversary of the D-Day Landings, in Normandy. The entire coastline participates, from Ouistreham to Saint-Mere-Eglise. Festivities include reenactments, fireworks, parades, and concerts, all strung from beach to beach.

• Marathon de la Liberté: Also known as the D-Day Landings Marathon, the Marathon de la Liberté takes place every year in the month of June. Runners connect some of the most famous D-Day sites in Normandy, including the Pegasus Bridge and both Juno Beach and Sword Beach.