Visit the Normandy landing beaches
Every year, Normandy attracts thousands of visitors from around the world to discover the D-Day beaches.
It was here, on June 6, 1944, that the Allies launched one of the most decisive military operations of the Second World War to liberate France.
These beaches, transformed into a symbol of peace, stretch for several kilometers between Ouistreham and Sainte-Marie-du-Mont, Arromanches-les-Bains, and Colleville-sur-Mer.
Today, these sites have become essential for understanding history, paying tribute, and paying tribute to the thousands of men who lost their lives.
The Normandy coastline is home to five main beaches linked to D-Day:
To better understand this moment in history or simply to reflect, you can visit numerous museums and historical sites.
There's no better place to start than the Caen Memorial before heading to the D-Day landing beaches, located a few kilometers away.
Utah Beach is the only beach located on the English Channel.
In this American sector, you can visit numerous museums such as:
Omaha Beach is a place infamous for the violence of its fighting. Located in the American sector, it houses the American cemetery erected in Colleville-sur-Mer.
Don't miss a visit to Pointe du Hoc, a strategic point on the Atlantic Wall.
You can visit the Overlord Museum Omaha Beach, which contains nearly 10,000 items, or the Omaha Beach Memorial Museum.
Nestled between Asnelle and Ver-sur-Mer, Gold Beach is the code name given by British soldiers.
You can learn more about the Battle of Normandy at the D-Day Museum in Arromanches or discover archive footage at the circular cinema in Arromanches.
Head to the Canadian sector with Juno Beach, now a seaside resort.
Visit the Juno Beach Centre, the only museum in Normandy dedicated to Canada's involvement during the Second World War.
Few vestiges of the fighting remain, but you can still see a few bunkers.
Sword Beach is the only beach where French soldiers landed. Take a detour to Pegasus Bridge, the first bridge liberated after the landings.
Then head to the Pegasus Memorial Museum and its life-size replica of the Horsa glider, the Merville Battery Museum, and the Atlantic Wall Museum, housed in a former German battery.
The D-Day beaches can be visited throughout the year. In June, you can attend numerous festivities and commemorations.
Plan at least two days for your visit.
Remember to consult the tourist offices for maps, practical information, and guided tours.
Located in downtown Caen, the Royal Hotel is the ideal place to set down your suitcases and visit the D-Day beaches.
Discover our 47 Superior, Deluxe, and Family rooms equipped with all the comforts of a 3-star hotel.
If you want to reach the beaches by bike, you can rent an electric bike with a range of 70 km, for a full or half-day.
Check out our best deals!
It was here, on June 6, 1944, that the Allies launched one of the most decisive military operations of the Second World War to liberate France.
These beaches, transformed into a symbol of peace, stretch for several kilometers between Ouistreham and Sainte-Marie-du-Mont, Arromanches-les-Bains, and Colleville-sur-Mer.
Today, these sites have become essential for understanding history, paying tribute, and paying tribute to the thousands of men who lost their lives.
Explore the five iconic beaches in Normandy
The Normandy coastline is home to five main beaches linked to D-Day:
- Utah Beach;
- Omaha Beach;
- Gold Beach;
- Juno Beach; and
- Sword Beach.
Discover the must-see D-Day museums and historical sites
To better understand this moment in history or simply to reflect, you can visit numerous museums and historical sites.
There's no better place to start than the Caen Memorial before heading to the D-Day landing beaches, located a few kilometers away.
🇺🇸 Utah Beach
Utah Beach is the only beach located on the English Channel.
In this American sector, you can visit numerous museums such as:
- the Utah Beach Landing Museum, which accurately retraces the first hours of the operation;
- the Airborne Museum, dedicated to the paratroopers;
- the D-Day Experience, a flight simulator aboard a C-47 aircraft;
- the Normandy Victory Museum.
🇺🇸 Omaha Beach
Omaha Beach is a place infamous for the violence of its fighting. Located in the American sector, it houses the American cemetery erected in Colleville-sur-Mer.
Don't miss a visit to Pointe du Hoc, a strategic point on the Atlantic Wall.
You can visit the Overlord Museum Omaha Beach, which contains nearly 10,000 items, or the Omaha Beach Memorial Museum.
🇬🇧 Gold Beach
Nestled between Asnelle and Ver-sur-Mer, Gold Beach is the code name given by British soldiers.
You can learn more about the Battle of Normandy at the D-Day Museum in Arromanches or discover archive footage at the circular cinema in Arromanches.
🇨🇦 Juno Beach
Head to the Canadian sector with Juno Beach, now a seaside resort.
Visit the Juno Beach Centre, the only museum in Normandy dedicated to Canada's involvement during the Second World War.
Few vestiges of the fighting remain, but you can still see a few bunkers.
🇫🇷 🇺🇸 Sword Beach
Sword Beach is the only beach where French soldiers landed. Take a detour to Pegasus Bridge, the first bridge liberated after the landings.
Then head to the Pegasus Memorial Museum and its life-size replica of the Horsa glider, the Merville Battery Museum, and the Atlantic Wall Museum, housed in a former German battery.
Our tips for planning your visit
The D-Day beaches can be visited throughout the year. In June, you can attend numerous festivities and commemorations.
Plan at least two days for your visit.
Remember to consult the tourist offices for maps, practical information, and guided tours.
Stay at the Best Western Royal Hotel in Caen
Located in downtown Caen, the Royal Hotel is the ideal place to set down your suitcases and visit the D-Day beaches.
Discover our 47 Superior, Deluxe, and Family rooms equipped with all the comforts of a 3-star hotel.
If you want to reach the beaches by bike, you can rent an electric bike with a range of 70 km, for a full or half-day.
Check out our best deals!
