From Paris: Day Trip to Normandy Beaches and Memorials

Normandy’s beaches tell one of modern history’s most important stories. Experience Normandy’s incredible history in person by visiting Omaha beach, the American cemetery and more on this day trip from Paris.

Highlights

Ponder the region's history from the 100-foot cliffs of Pointe du Hoc
Learn how Omaha Beach was a turning point for the Allied Powers in WWII
Indulge in tastes of the region with a local cider tasting

Full description

Allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy on June 6th, 1944: D-Day. This full-day trip to France’s Normandy region features multiple sites where many D-Day battles were fought. The tour also features an opportunity to learn more about the agriculture of Normandy with a tour of a cider house and subsequent specialty drink tasting.

The first stop on this tour of Normandy is the monument at Pointe du Hoc. These 100-foot cliffs overlook the English Channel and were lined with German artillery during World War II. Omaha Beach is the most well-known and the largest of five landing areas of D-Day’s Normandy Invasion, and the site of a major turning point for the Allies during World War II. You'll have an opportunity to visit the memorial located on the beach and reflect on what took place there.

After a lunch break, you will tour an authentic cider house and sample some of Normandy’s libations. Learn about the region’s famous liqueurs and how they're produced. After the tour, enjoy a tasting of hard cider, Calvados (an apple brandy unique to France’s Normandy region) and Pommeau (a regional blend of apple juice and brandy).

The tour’s final stop is the American Cemetery and Memorial. This site spans over 170 acres and honors over 9,000 Americans who lost their lives in World War II. The American Cemetery is a profound and humbling homage to the brave men of this era who sacrificed their lives fighting for freedom.

Includes

• Roundtrip transportation by bus
• All entrance fees
• Cider and liqueur tasting

What’s Not Included

• Price of Lunch
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Gratuities (recommended)

When you get there

Outside the Porte Maillot metro station, in front of the row of car rental companies. A representative will be there holding a sign reading “The Paris Guy".

Know before you go

• You will be spending a total of about 6 hours exploring the Normandy region
• The total tour time, from the morning departure in Paris to the evening arrival in Paris, is about 13 hours; It takes about 3.5 hours to get to Normandy by coach bus, depending on daily traffic