Pointe du Hoc,Omaha Beach, American Cemetery - Day trip from Paris to Normandy

based on 58 reviews

Duration:13 hours to 14 hours (approx.)
Location: Paris, Île-de-France

From $290.28

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Visit to Normandy D-Day battle sites and U.S landing beaches from Paris

See the 100 feet high cliffs and german bunkers overlooking the British channel at Point du Hoc

Walk along the Bloody Beach (Omaha)

Visit the American War Cemetery

Discover the pretty little town of Arromanche and the vestige of the artificial port

Step back in time on a history tour, and learn about the events of June 6, 1944

Discover the impressive collection of fighting armoured vehicles at Overlord Museum, Omaha beach

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. Pointe du Hoc
With your driver-guide you will travel to the Normandy beaches in an air-conditioned minivan. Once you arrive in the Calvados county in Normandy, you will stop at “The Pointe du Hoc”, 100 feet high cliffs between Omaha and Utah beaches. In mid 1943 the german TODD organisation set up 6 long range artillery guns (155mm caliber) housed in concrete bunkers and facing the english channel above the cliff. In fact, "Pointe du Hoc" was one of the thousand german stronghold positions of Hitler' project to build a wall of defense along the coast in Europe. Known as « The Atlantic Wall » and which consisted to build bunkers, guns battery and beach obstacles network along the coastline, from the spanish border to Norway in order to prevent any allied invasion. In June 6, 1944 at 07h10 am 225 US Rangers aboard barges landed just below from the cliffs and began to scale them using ropes in order to stormed the guns emplacement and then destroy them all. Blown up concrete bunkers, bombs craters and traces of the battle are still visibles today.
2. National Guard Monument Memorial
The National Guard Monument sits on the spot (WN72) where the 29th National Guard Division broke through German defenses on D-Day, June 6, 1944. The monument and the original bunker which it sits atop are maintained by NGEF to preserve the legacy and pay honor to all National Guardsmen who have fought in the European theater.
3. Omaha Beach
At Easy Green sector, two monuments were erected after the war and still stands facing the beach : Monument « Signal of the Liberation » (photo stop on the spot) This Monument commemorates the landing of the Allied Forces on June 6, 1944 on Omaha Beach, and the liberation of Europe. Two frescoes can be seen on either side of the monument, one dedicated to the 1st US Infantry Division, the other at the 116th Regimental Combat Team of the 29th US Infantry Division. Monument « The Braves » (photo stop on the spot) A monumental work by sculptor Anilore Banon which pay tribute to the courage of Allied Forces soldiers. There you will have a bit of time to walk along the beach and maybe grabb a bit of sand to fill in a tiny glassed container as a souvenir to bring back home.
4. Memorial 1st US Infantry Division Omaha Beach
The monument of the 1st US Infantry Division (Red Sector / Easy) in the form of a commemoration-obelisk. The obelisk stands in the middle of the area of Wiederstandsnest (WN62). WN62 was one of the strongest defending positions in that area. WN62 or Widerstandsnest 62 (Resistance Nest 62) overlooks Easy Red and Fox Green Sectors of OMAHA Beach at Colleville sur Mer. WN62 was the most powerful resistance nest on the OMAHA beach coastline.
5. Overlord Museum - Omaha Beach
Overlord Museum chronicles the period of the Allied landing until the liberation of Paris. The collection was collected by someone who was both a witness to the conflict and involved in the reconstruction of Normandy. Personal items from individual soldiers and armoured fighting vehicles from the six armies in Normandy will be presented as a series of reconstructions showing over 35 vehicles, tanks and guns.
6. Cimetiere Americain de Colleville-sur-Mer
The guide is now taking you to visit the beatiful maintained American Cemetery in Colleville sur Mer which overlooks Omaha Beach nearby. The 180 acre site contains 9,387 perfectly aligned white crosses and a memorial chapel which adds the finishing touches to this moving scene, allowing visitors to reflect on the price of war. While walking along row upon row of white grave headstones, your historian guide will share with you stories of soldiers who fought in the vicinities and then were awarded for gallantry the highest miltary decorations. On the Walls of the Missing, in a semicircular garden on the east side of the memorial, are inscribed 1,557 names. Rosettes mark the names of those since recovered and identified. The memorial consists of a semicircular colonnade with a loggia at each end containing large maps and narratives of the military operations; at the center is the bronze statue, “Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves.” An orientation table overlooking the beach depicts the landings in Normandy. Facing west at the memorial, one sees in the foreground the reflecting pool; beyond is the burial area with a circular chapel and, at the far end, granite statues representing the United States and France.
7. Vestiges du Port de Mulberry
Arromanches is remembered as a historic place of the Normandy landings and in particular as the place where a Mulberry harbour artificial port was installed. This artificial port allowed the disembarkation of 9,000 tons of material per day. It was on the beach of Arromanches that, during the Invasion of Normandy immediately after D-Day, the Allies established an artificial temporary harbour to allow the unloading of heavy equipment without waiting for the conquest of deep water ports such as Le Havre or Cherbourg.The port was commissioned on 14 June 1944. This location was one of two sites chosen to establish the necessary port facilities to unload quantities of supplies and troops needed for the invasion during June 1944, the other was built further West at Omaha Beach. The British built huge floating concrete caissons which, after being towed from England, then had to be assembled to form walls and piers forming and defining the artificial port called the Mulberry harbour. These comprised pontoons linked to the land by floating roadways. One of these ports was assembled at Arromanches and even today sections of the Mulberry harbour still remain with huge concrete blocks sitting on the sand and more can be seen further out at sea. Some key figures: by 12 June 1944 more than 300,000 men, 54,000 vehicles, 104,000 tons of supplies had been landed.

ADDITIONAL INFO

CANCELLATION POLICY

Posted By : Hank_M
All stops were great. Tour guide was knowledgeable and fun to engage with. We had a great time. We highly recommend this tour.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-18 03:10:45

Posted By : Bonnie_P
The guide, Regis, was a walking encyclopedia of Normandy. We really enjoyed his commentary and knowledge. It’s a wonderful tour with some sobering moments seeing the crosses and stars of each soldier buried there.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-10 13:03:47

Posted By : mary_m
Our day in Normandy was spectacular. Regis, our guide, along with a sunny day, made the meaningful, serene Pont du Hoc, Omaha Beach and American Cemetery come alive. All three are must sees!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-01 10:14:19

Posted By : markdG6281DE
Its clinical and more like Ikea than a WW2 monument, its an ok experience.
Nice views on a good day and easy enough to walk around.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-20 06:17:15

Posted By : AlabamaHooverBucs
What an excellent day learning about the history of Normandy and the area. Transportation very comfortable, Adrian provided excellent information and we learned so much! Would definitely recommend this day trip to anyone visiting Paris.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-08 03:22:10

Posted By : Kathy_A
We had a great time. Our guide was excellent and very informative. The American Cemetery was very moving.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-11-18 02:44:48

Posted By : M H
It was absolutely the best tour I've ever had. Regis was courteous, accommodating, and extremely knowledgeable of the military events leading to and through D-Day and more. We never felt rushed at any of the stops. His restaurant pick was spot on too. He definitely made a long day from Paris to Normandy and back so very pleasurable and memorable. It was such a humbling experience. Do not miss out on this wonderful opportunity to pay homage to the greatest generation.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-11-12 16:16:23

Posted By : Eugene W
Being able to see these locations is one thing, but having the guidance of a tour operator such as Regis is invaluable for adding color and depth to an already profound experience! Regis greeted us 20 minutes before departure and got us situated in the very comfortable van for our drive out. He made sure to engage each and every one of us with stories of the area and genuine insight that only someone who has a great interest in the subject is able to provide. Being able to see Pointe du Hoc, the memorials, the beach, cemetery and museum all in a single packed day was a wonderful experience made even better by Regis's excellent commentary and engagement through stories and pictures. This tour is very focused on the subject and you do not sacrifice time spent at significant places for 'padding' like you might at other tours. Lunch was also very very good. If there is only one tour you do on your trip to Europe, make it this one.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-10-13 11:03:21

Posted By : Morgen_R
An amazing experience with a wonderful guide! Regis was so accommodating and knowledgeable. It was an educational and touching experience. If you are in Paris, I highly recommend this D Day experience. It is a long day, but worth the time and expense to honor the young men who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. Bring a rain jacket.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-09-24 18:04:36

Posted By : Robin_P
This tour is an absolute must !
Our tour guide, Regis, was spectacular. We learned so much history, and seeing the historic locations in person made all the difference. Regis is the Best. Ask for him as your guide.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-09-17 04:19:27