Canadian War Cemetery: Day Trips and Tours from Bayeux

The east coast of France is the site of several historically significant battles during World War II. It is also here that armed forces of Commonwealth countries including Canada arrived on European shores.

It is therefore apt that this area is the location of numerous memorials and cemeteries honoring those soldiers who lost their lives during the war.

A day trip to sites including the Canadian War Cemetery from Bayeux provides an insightful experience to visitors wanting to pay their respects to the fallen soldiers, or learn more about the history of the region.

Here's all you need to know about the Canadian War Cemetery, one of the most insightful day trips from Bayeux.

How to get to the Canadian War Cemetery from Bayeux?

The Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery is located at Bény-Reviers, North East of Bayeux, while the Bretteville-sur-Laize Canadian War Cemetery is to the south-east of Bayeux.

From Bayeux to the Canadian War Cemetery by car

You can drive from Bayeux to the Canadian War Cemetery in Bény-Reviers along the D35. The 23 kilometer journey takes around 25 minutes.

The route from Bayeux to the Bretteville-sur-Laize Canadian War Cemetery circumvents the town of Caen along the N13. The 48 kilometer drive takes around 50 minutes.

Guided tour to the Canadian War Cemetery from Bayeux

With multiple cemeteries and sites commemorating the Canadian soldiers who fought alongside other allied forces, touring is best in the company of a knowledgeable guide.

A guided tour from Bayeux begins with a pickup from your hotel or collection from a central meeting point. Tours usually last at least 8 hours.

How much does the entrance ticket to the Canadian War Cemetery cost?

There is a cost to visit the Juno Beach Center, Canada’s Second World War museum, located at Courseulles-sur-Mer. A visit to the Beach Center costs €7.50 for adults.

Veterans, Second World War widows, war disabled and accompanied children under 8 can enter for free.

A low carbon discounted rate is also offered when meeting certain requirements.

What is the typical itinerary?

A typical tour starts with a hotel collection or pickup at a meeting point in Bayeux. Travel to the Normandy coast while your guide shares the history of the Allied D-Day landings on French shores.

Visits to sites including the Juno Beach Center, Ben-sur-Mer or Bretteville-sur-Laize Canadian War Cemeteries, the Canadian Abbey d’Ardenne Massacre Memorial and the town at Caen are all commonly included in the day tours.

After a full day visiting the many solemn reminders of the fierce battles fought on the French shores, you will return to Bayeux in the late afternoon.

What kinds of tours are available to go to the Canadian War Cemetery?

Small group and private tours are available from Bayeux.

Full day small group Canadian D-Day tour

This comprehensive full day tour with a small group of no more than eight people includes the Canadian D-Day beaches and the Battle of Normandy.

Departing from Bayeux,  this tour includes the Juno Beach Center, Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery, the memorial at Abbey d’Ardenne and the monuments at Caen.

Full day Private Canadian D-Day tour from Bayeux

From Bayeux, you can book a private tour that visits all local sites significant to Canada. From their arrival at Courseulles-sur-Mer to the massacre of Canadian prisoners of war by SS troops at Abbey d’Ardenne.

You will hear stories of the infantry struggles against the German defenses and learn about the temporary Allied airfields and Royal Canadian Air Force missions. A visit to the Canadian War Cemetery at Bény-Reviers is included in this itinerary.

Full day Private British and Canadian battlefield tour from Bayeux

On a private tour from Bayeux your expert guide will escort you as you follow in the footsteps of the British and Canadian armed forces.

A tour of this nature typically includes stops at sites such as Longues-sur-Mer, Arromanches-les-Bains, Ver-sur-Mer and the Canadian landing site at Courseulles-sur-Mer where the Juno Beach Center now stands.

Pegasus Bridge and the Ranville War Cemetery bring the tour to an end. Certain private tours can also be tailored to your specific requirements.

How much does a day trip to the Canadian War Cemetery  from Bayeux cost?

A full day small group Canadian D-Day tour costs from €120 per adult. When accompanied by an adult, children aged 10 and older pay around €100 while children under the age of 10 pay around €75.

For a full day private Canadian D-Day tour from Bayeux expect to pay from €750 for your group.

Full day private British and Canadian battlefield tours from Bayeux cost between €650 and €800 for groups of up to eight people.

What will you see and do?

The focus of these types of day excursions is the involvement of Canadian forces in World War II in the Normandy region. Many tours start with a stop at the remains of the Mulberry artificial harbor that was in use until the end of 1944.

The Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery near Caen, and the Bretteville-sur-Laize Canadian War Cemetery are both locations where many of the Canadian soldiers who lost their lives lie buried. One or both of these cemeteries are typically included in a tour, as is the Juno Beach Center – Canada’s Second World War museum and cultural center.

Another somber site to visit is the Abbey d’Ardenne. Now a memorial, this site marks the location of a massacre of Canadian prisoners of war by SS troops.

Time for lunch or refreshments is included in all tours, but the cost will be for your own account.

What are the opening times?

The Juno Beach Center is open from February to December from 10AM to between 5PM and 7PM depending on the season. It is closed on 25 December and for the month of January.

When is the best time to visit the Canadian War Cemetery?

With both indoor and outdoor sites and exhibits, a fair weather day is best for a Canadian War Cemetery tour. Temperatures are mild from April to October, with June to August being the busiest months.

Commemorative events such as D-Day remembrance ceremonies typically take place in June.

Travel tips

• Book your preferred tour in advance.
• Select a private tour if you would like a customized tour.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes.
• Pack an umbrella or rain jacket.