At a glance
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Five iconic beaches: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword
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Museums, monuments and cemeteries tell the story
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A must for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in Europe’s freedom
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Can be experienced on a day trip or several days with deeper exploration
The D-Day Beaches – a Journey Back to 1944
When you visit the D-Day beaches in Normandy, you step directly into world history. June 6, 1944 marked the beginning of the end of World War II, when thousands of Allied soldiers landed on Normandy’s shores. Each beach has its own story and its own memorials.
The Five D-Day Beaches
Utah Beach – The westernmost beach, where American forces landed. Here you’ll find an exciting museum with authentic artifacts and films.
Omaha Beach – Known as “Bloody Omaha” due to the fierce fighting. The American cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer is beautifully situated overlooking the beach.
Gold Beach – Here British forces landed. The nearby Pegasus Bridge museum is also worth a visit.
Juno Beach – The Canadian landing beach, where the Juno Beach Centre today tells about Canadian contributions.
Sword Beach – The easternmost beach, where British and French forces fought side by side.
Memorials and Museums
Along the entire coast you’ll find a wealth of memorials, bunkers, museums and cemeteries. Among the most moving are the American cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer and the German military cemetery in La Cambe. The museums provide deep insight into both the strategy, soldiers’ experiences and the enormous effort that led to Europe’s liberation.
Tips for the Perfect D-Day Visit
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Start in Bayeux or Caen: Both cities are good bases with easy access to the beaches and plenty of guided tours.
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Combine beaches and museums: Understanding becomes deeper if you see both the historical sites and the modern exhibitions.
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Wear comfortable shoes: Many places require walks on sand, grass or uneven terrain.
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Visit outside peak season: Spring and autumn provide a more peaceful experience without the large crowds.
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Reserve time for guided tours: Local guides provide unique insights and personal stories that you won’t find in books. See 4 selected tours at the bottom of the page.
If you are in Paris
If you want to experience the D-Day beaches without worrying about transport or planning, you can take a private full-day tour from Paris to Normandy’s coast, where everything is arranged. You just need to sit back and immerse yourself in history, visit the iconic beaches and memorials, and enjoy the magnificent coastal landscapes. Get tips and inspiration from our Paris Travel Guide.
Where to Stay near the D-Day Beaches?
Below you’ll find our selected favorite hotels in the overview “Stay uniquely near the D-Day beaches”.
Bucket list factor
Standing on the same beaches where thousands of soldiers fought for Europe’s freedom is both a moving and unforgettable experience. The D-Day beaches provide a unique encounter with history that you can’t experience anywhere else – and therefore an absolute must on any France bucket list.
Bucket List Info :
D-Day Beaches and Memorials
Location – Normandy coast, Calvados & Manche
Region – Normandy, France
Theme – History & culture
Best time – Spring to autumn (May–September)
Duration – 1–3 days depending on how much you want to see
Tip – Combine visits to the beaches with museums and guided tours for the full experience
3 unforgettable excursions
in Normandy
Mont Saint Michel day trip with monastery entrance from Paris
Mont Saint-Michel day trip from Bayeux
Private hike in Mont Saint Michel with a licensed guide
Stay Uniquely near the D-Day Beaches – Read about our Bucket List Hotels!
Top 5 Bucket List Hotels near the D-Day Beaches
1. Hôtel Mercure Omaha Beach – Port-en-Bessin
This 4-star hotel is located close to Omaha Beach and the American cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer. Here you get modern comfort, wellness facilities and a golf course overlooking the sea. Perfect for those who want to combine historical experiences with relaxation.
Bucket List factor: Stay luxuriously just minutes from one of the world’s most iconic beaches.
2. Ferme de la Rançonnière – Crepon
A charming medieval country estate, just a few kilometers from Gold Beach. The old stone walls and idyllic courtyard create an authentic atmosphere, while the rooms are furnished with a combination of rustic style and modern amenities.
Bucket List factor: Stay overnight in a historic stone house where time seems to stand still, close to landing beaches.
3. Château La Chenevière – Port-en-Bessin
A luxurious castle hotel surrounded by beautiful gardens, located between Bayeux and Omaha Beach. Here you get elegant rooms, gourmet restaurant and an atmosphere of both peace and history – an experience that elevates your stay in Normandy to something very special.
Bucket List factor: Sleep like an aristocrat in a castle and explore the D-Day beaches right nearby.
4. Villa Lara Hotel – Bayeux
An exclusive boutique hotel in the heart of Bayeux, just a short drive from the beaches. Here you get top-class luxury, large rooms and personal service. The city’s cafés and the Bayeux Tapestry are just around the corner, making Villa Lara a perfect base for a longer stay.
Bucket List factor: Combine luxury with culture in one of Normandy’s most beautiful cities.
5. Domaine Utah Beach – Le Grand Hard – Sainte-Marie-du-Mont
An elegant country estate just minutes from Utah Beach. Domaine Utah Beach combines authentic Norman charm with modern comfort and has both restaurant, cozy lounges and a courtyard that invites relaxation after a day at the beaches.
Bucket List factor: Stay in peaceful and historic surroundings close to Utah Beach, where D-Day began for American forces.
Top 5 Bucket List Hotels near the D-Day Beaches
1. Hôtel Mercure Omaha Beach – Port-en-Bessin
This 4-star hotel is located close to Omaha Beach and the American cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer. Here you get modern comfort, wellness facilities and a golf course overlooking the sea. Perfect for those who want to combine historical experiences with relaxation.
Bucket List factor: Stay luxuriously just minutes from one of the world’s most iconic beaches.
2. Ferme de la Rançonnière – Crepon
A charming medieval country estate, just a few kilometers from Gold Beach. The old stone walls and idyllic courtyard create an authentic atmosphere, while the rooms are furnished with a combination of rustic style and modern amenities.
Bucket List factor: Stay overnight in a historic stone house where time seems to stand still, close to landing beaches.
3. Château La Chenevière – Port-en-Bessin
A luxurious castle hotel surrounded by beautiful gardens, located between Bayeux and Omaha Beach. Here you get elegant rooms, gourmet restaurant and an atmosphere of both peace and history – an experience that elevates your stay in Normandy to something very special.
Bucket List factor: Sleep like an aristocrat in a castle and explore the D-Day beaches right nearby.
4. Villa Lara Hotel – Bayeux
An exclusive boutique hotel in the heart of Bayeux, just a short drive from the beaches. Here you get top-class luxury, large rooms and personal service. The city’s cafés and the Bayeux Tapestry are just around the corner, making Villa Lara a perfect base for a longer stay.
Bucket List factor: Combine luxury with culture in one of Normandy’s most beautiful cities.
5. Domaine Utah Beach – Le Grand Hard – Sainte-Marie-du-Mont
An elegant country estate just minutes from Utah Beach. Domaine Utah Beach combines authentic Norman charm with modern comfort and has both restaurant, cozy lounges and a courtyard that invites relaxation after a day at the beaches.
Bucket List factor: Stay in peaceful and historic surroundings close to Utah Beach, where D-Day began for American forces.
Google Maps – Juno Beach
CityXee recommends these 4 excursions around D-Day beaches and memorials
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D-Dag strandene og mindesmærkerne i Normandiet
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Besøg det smukke fiskerleje Barfleur
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Udforsk maleriske Honfleur
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