GUIDED
TOUR
English
TOUR
MUSEUM
INCLUDED
Free
time
DEPARTURE : 8:45 am
departure from Bayeux, Place de Quebec
Duration of the visit : 8 hours
Price : 130€ / per person
NORMANDY AMERICAN D-DAY EXPERIENCE
Starting at a convenient hour, this tour is designed to allow you to have breakfast in your hotel before meeting your guide at the tour departure point in the center of Bayeux. Once onboard, you will be transported in a modern air-conditioned van/ bus to experience and explore the American sectors, Omaha and Utah beaches.
You will follow the footsteps of the famous Big Red One, 29th, and 4th American Infantry Divisions and discover the stories of 82nd and 101st Airborne Units that landed in the early morning hours of the D-Day Invasion in Normandy. You will have lasting memories of your visit including, walking the grounds of the beautiful Normandy American Cemetery.
Highlights
- Maximum of 20 clients per tour
- Tour delivered in English only!
- Experienced professional guides
- Guided visits and occasions to take photos and explore
DEPARTURE
We like to run on schedule and if you are not at the departure point by the advertised boarding time, we will depart. There will be others on board that have arrived as requested and we do not want to impact their experience. If you do arrive late, you will need to take a cab at your own expense to catch up with the tour. We strongly advise you to arrive early for the tour as no refunds will be considered if you miss the service.
OMAHA BEACH – WN62
The US 1st Infantry and 29th Infantry Divisions, as well as elements of the US Army Rangers were tasked with opening up 5 exit points to start the movement inland. Supported with incredible air and sea pre-bombardment, Allied planners expected to be moving off the beach area within 2 hours. Sadly, this was not the case and this is why many documentaries and movies have been made about this location. When you hear the stories from your guide, you will understand why this beach is known as, "Bloody Omaha". Depending on the tide, you will have the opportunity to walk on the sand and see the beach from the soldiers perspective. From this point of view, the high bluffs that once had machine guns firing down, are very intimidating.
AMERICAN CEMETERY
The Normandy American Cemetery covers 172 acres and is the final resting place for many thousands of service men and women. You will have sufficient time to explore the visitor center before taking the time to reflect in the cemetery . Four women and three Medal of Honor recipients, including Theodore Roosevelt Jr, are some of the most notable people buried here.
OMAHA BEACH – DOG GREEN
You will hear the story of "the Bedford Boys", a group of 30 young men from Bedford Virginia, a town of 3,200. All of whom had joined the National Guard before the outbreak of WW2 and had then been incorporated into Company A, 116th Infantry, 29th Division. Prior to D-Day, they were chosen to be the first wave to land on Omaha Beach, Dog Green Sector, which was the best defended and toughest of the invasion points on that historic day.
POINTE DU HOC
During World War Two, the Nazis were in the process of building the Atlantik Wall; a series of fortifications from Norway to the border of France and Spain. Stretching for over 2000 miles, this formidable construction of fortifications was designed to try and prevent an Allied landing in the west. One such site was located at the Pointe Du Hoc in Normandy. Consisting of 6 long range gun positions and many other concrete bunkers, it posed a real threat to Allied shipping on D-Day. As this battery was right between the two American landing beaches, Allied planners had no choice but to knock out this position. Here you will hear the incredible stories of bravery shown by US Army Rangers who had to scale nearly 100 feet of cliffs to destroy the guns.
SAINTE MERE EGLISE
This small Norman town was situated on the main N13 road that linked Cherbourg to Bayeux and Caen. This was the main route that both Germans and Americans would have to utlise to mobilise much needed equipment during the battle of Normandy. Sainte Mere Eglise was an objective for 82nd Airborne Paratroopers and has been made famous by the movie, The Longest Day. American Paratrooper John Steele was unfortunate to get caught on the church steeple during the drop.
SAINTE MERE EGLISE
This small Norman town was situated on the main N13 road that linked Cherbourg to Bayeux and Caen. This was the main route that both Germans and Americans would have to utlise to mobilise much needed equipment during the battle of Normandy. Sainte Mere Eglise was an objective for 82nd Airborne Paratroopers and has been made famous by the movie, The Longest Day. American Paratrooper John Steele was unfortunate to get caught on the church steeple during the drop.
SAINTE MERE EGLISE
This small Norman town was situated on the main N13 road that linked Cherbourg to Bayeux and Caen. This was the main route that both Germans and Americans would have to utlise to mobilise much needed equipment during the battle of Normandy. Sainte Mere Eglise was an objective for 82nd Airborne Paratroopers and has been made famous by the movie, The Longest Day. American Paratrooper John Steele was unfortunate to get caught on the church steeple during the drop.
MEEHAN CRASHSITE
Aircraft “66”, a Douglas C-47, flew over the English Channel on the night of June 5-6, along with hundreds of other aircraft carrying US paratroopers. The plane “chalk” 66 is unfortunately hit by the fire of the German anti-aircraft defense: it attempts a landing, but explodes against a hedge. The Easy Company pilots and paratroopers are dying on the spot.
HEDGEROW BATTLES
As we drive, we will show you some of the typical hedgerow terrain that the allies had to battle through. We will explain how the Germans utilised the countryside to their defensive advantage and how the allies overcame them.
LECLERC MONUMENT – WN8
We will show you some German bunkers known in German as weiderstandsnest 8 (WN8) and discuss about the role of the free french forces.
UTAH BEACH
Utah Beach was the code name given to the western most landing beach on D-Day. The American 4th Division under the command of Theodore Roosevelt Jr were tasked with assaulting this section of the Normandy coastline.
LEADERSHIP MONUMENT
We will stop briefly to show you one of our favourite monuments in Normandy. Richard Winters was chosen to represent leadership due to his world wide fame from the TV mini-series, Band of Brothers.
SAINTE MARIE DU MONT
We will take time to explain the significance of this beautiful small village. This was an objective for the 101st Airborne to help the forces landing on Utah Beach.
ANGOVILLE-AU-PLAIN
Situated approximately 5 miles from Carentan, the small village of Angoville-Au-Plain witnessed heavy fighting between the German Paratroopers and American Paratroopers that dropped close by at dropzone D. After our 101st Airborne briefing, you will then hear the incredible story of two Airborne Medics. Kenneth Moore and Robert Wright displayed not only courage but also humanity during the desperate struggle to take this small area of Normandy.
BAYEUX
Bayeux is the home of the Bayeux Tapestry, which depicts the events leading up to the Norman conquest of England. It is also known as the first major city secured by the Allies in France. Charles de Gaulle made two famous speeches in this town. The population is about 15000 inhabitants.
Detail tour
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Stage : 1 / 16
WE RECOMMEND ARRIVING BY 08:40
Meeting point
Departure
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We like to run on schedule and if you are not at the departure point by the advertised boarding time, we will depart. There will be others on board that have arrived as requested and we do not want to impact their experience. If you do arrive late, you will need to take a cab at your own expense to catch up with the tour. We strongly advise you to arrive early for the tour as no refunds will be considered if you miss the service.
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We kindly ask that you be at the shuttle departure point at Place De Quebec in Bayeux at least 10 minutes before the shuttle is due to depart. If you are coming by car, free parking near the train station (10 mins walking).
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Stage : 2 / 16
Guided tour
1st Infantry Division
Omaha Beach- WN62
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The US 1st Infantry and 29th Infantry Divisions, as well as elements of the US Army Rangers were tasked with opening up 5 exit points to start the movement inland. When you hear the stories from your guide, you will understand why this beach is known as, "Bloody Omaha".
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Depending on the tide, you will have the opportunity to walk on the sand and see the beach from the soldiers perspective. From this point of view, the high bluffs that once had machine guns firing down, are very intimidating.
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Stage : 3 / 16
Guided tour and free time
Time to reflect
American Cemetery
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The Normandy American Cemetery covers 172 acres and is the final resting place for many thousands of service men and women. You will have sufficient time to explore the visitor center before taking the time to reflect in the cemetery.
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Stage : 4 / 16
Inside the vehicule
29th Infantry Division
OMAHA BEACH - DOG GREEN
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You will hear the story of "the Bedford Boys", a group of 30 young men from Bedford Virginia, a town of 3,200. All of whom had joined the National Guard before the outbreak of WW2 and had then been incorporated into Company A, 116th Infantry, 29th Division. Prior to D-Day, they were chosen to be the first wave to land on Omaha Beach, Dog Green Sector, which was the best defended and toughest of the invasion points on that historic day.
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Stage : 5 / 16
Guided tour and free time
US Army Rangers
POINTE DU HOC
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One of the famous German gun battery was located at the Pointe Du Hoc in Normandy. Consisting of 6 long range gun positions and many other concrete bunkers, it posed a real threat to Allied shipping on D-Day. As this battery was right between the two American landing beaches, Allied planners had no choice but to knock out this position. Here you will hear the incredible stories of bravery shown by US Army Rangers who had to scale nearly 100 feet of cliffs to destroy the guns.
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Stage : 6 / 16
around 12:45
Not provided by Bayeux Shuttle
LUNCH BREAK
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During our visit, there is ample opportunity to eat in one of the many restaurants or cafes located here. Please bear in mind though that lunch is not provided with the tour and is at your own expense.
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Stage : 7 / 16
Included in the cost of the tour
AIRBORNE MUSEUM
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Included in the cost of your tour is a ticket to enter the impressive Airborne Museum. Your guide will give you sufficient time to tour this fantastic location that will give you a greater insight into the Airborne operation.
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Stage : 8 / 16
Guided tour
82nd Airborne
STE MERE EGLISE
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This small Norman town was situated on the main N13 road that linked Cherbourg to Bayeux and Caen. This was the main route that both Germans and Americans would have to utlise to mobilise much needed equipment during the battle of Normandy. Ste Mere Eglise was an objective for 82nd Airborne Paratroopers and has been made famous by the movie, The Longest Day. American Paratrooper John Steele was unfortunate to get caught on the church steeple during the drop.
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Stage : 9 / 16
Inside the vehicle
101st Airborne
MEEHAN CRASHSITE
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Aircraft “66”, a Douglas C-47, flew over the English Channel on the night of June 5-6, along with hundreds of other aircraft carrying US paratroopers. The plane “chalk” 66 is unfortunately hit by the fire of the German anti-aircraft defense: it attempts a landing, but explodes against a hedge. The Easy Company pilots and paratroopers are dying on the spot.
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Stage : 10 / 16
Inside the vehicle
4th Infantry
HEDGEROW BATTLES
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As we drive, we will show you some of the typical hedgerow terrain that the allies had to battle through. We will explain how the Germans utilized the countryside known as the "bocage" to their defensive advantage and how the allies overcame them.
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Stage : 11 / 16
Inside the vehicle (according to traffic)
Free French army
LECLERC MONUMENT - WN8
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We will show you some German bunkers known in German as weiderstandsnest 8 (WN8) and discuss about the role of the free French forces.
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Stage : 12 / 16
Guided tour
US 4th Infantry
UTAH BEACH
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Utah Beach was the code name given to the western most landing beach on D-Day. The American 4th Division under the command of Theodore Roosevelt Jr were tasked with assaulting this section of the Normandy coastline.
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The landings did not go to plan and the American 4th Division landed around 2 kilometers from their designated spot. By mistake, American forces landed behind German resistance postion WN5. At this site, we will explain the defences, why US forces landed in the wrong location and, ultimately how the beach was secured.
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Stage : 13 / 16
Inside the vehicle (according to traffic)
American Forces
LEADERSHIP MONUMENT
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We will stop briefly to show you one of our favorite's monuments in Normandy. Richard Winters was chosen to represent leadership due to his world wide fame from the TV mini-series, Band of Brother.
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Stage : 14 / 16
Inside the vehicle
101st Airborne
STE MARIE DU MONT
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We will take time to explain the significance of this beautiful small village. This was an objective for the 101st Airborne to help the forces landing on Utah Beach.
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Stage : 15 / 16
Guided tour (according to traffic)
101st Airborne
ANGOVILLE-AU-PLAIN
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Situated approximately 5 miles from Carentan, the small village of Angoville-Au-Plain witnessed heavy fighting between the German Paratroopers and American Paratroopers that dropped close by at dropzone D. After our 101st Airborne briefing, you will then hear the incredible story of two Airborne Medics. Kenneth Moore and Robert Wright displayed not only courage but also humanity during the desperate struggle to take this small area of Normandy.
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Stage : 16 / 16
around 17h15
End of the tour
BAYEUX
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We will finish this Normandy American tour at the same location as we started. Please note that we do not drop off at hotels.
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* As we have limited space onboard the vehicles we use for this tour, we are sorry
but it is not possible to carry in our vehicles any of the following:
- Luggage / Wheelchairs (including fold up types) / Mobility scooters / Walking frames
* If you are traveling with children, please note that everyone requires a seat.
* It is a legal requirement so please ensure you book a seat for each person taking the tour.
* It is forbidden to carry infants on your lap.
* When booking, please specify the age of the child and we will provide a car seat if require.
We do not accept children under 4 years old.
* For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
* If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
* Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
* Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
* We are forced to pay a PayPal chargeback fee. 5% will be removed from the amount you are refunded.
* With respect to our intricate planning, we cannot make any exceptions to this policy.
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important information
* As we have limited space onboard the vehicles we use for this tour, we are sorry
but it is not possible to carry in our vehicles any of the following:
- Luggage / Wheelchairs (including fold up types) / Mobility scooters / Walking frames
* If you are traveling with children, please note that everyone requires a seat.
* It is a legal requirement so please ensure you book a seat for each person taking the tour.
* It is forbidden to carry infants on your lap.
* When booking, please specify the age of the child and we will provide a car seat if require.
We do not accept children under 4 years old.
-
CANCELLATION POLICY
* For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
* If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
* Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
* Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
* We are forced to pay a PayPal chargeback fee. 5% will be removed from the amount you are refunded.
* With respect to our intricate planning, we cannot make any exceptions to this policy.