Omaha Beach: Day Trips and Tours from Bayeux

Omaha beach, arguably the most famous of the Normandy D-Day beaches, is a legendary stretch of coast in Northern France. The reason for its exalted status isn’t its beauty or surf, but its history.

And the best way to explore this historic landmark is through an Omaha Beach day trip from Bayeux.

Explore the area where thousands of young men gave their lives in the war against tyranny and oppression. Today, the Les Brave sculptures stand on the beach to serve as a monument to their sacrifice.

But here, the Second World War isn’t only remembered in monuments — German bunkers and pillboxes still dot the landscape serving as a stark reminder of the cost of war.

Here's all you need to know about Omaha Beach, one of the most exciting day trips from Bayeux.

How to get to Omaha Beach from Bayeux?

Omaha beach is located nearby the town of Bayeux, almost exactly in the middle of Normandy’s coastline.

From Bayeux to Omaha Beach by car

It’s easy to take a self-drive trip to Omaha Beach if you are traveling from Bayeux. From Bayeux’s town center head northwest towards the small town of Formingy La Bataille.

Once you enter the town, head north towards the coastal town of Saint-Laurant-sur-Mer, where you’ll find Omaha Beach.

The drive is approximately 25 kilometers long and the journey will take roughly 20 minutes to complete.

Guided tour to Omaha Beach from Bayeux

If you don’t want to go through the logistics of renting a car for your journey, don’t worry — a guided tour to Omaha Beach from Bayeux is a great way of combining affordability with efficiency.

Not to mention the fact that you’ll have a knowledgeable guide by your side who knows the area’s history like the back of his hand.

What is the typical itinerary?

A typical Omaha Beach day trip from Bayeux departs from the pre-arranged point in Bayeux. This will be Place de Quebec for most tours — although some tour companies may also offer a pickup service from Bayeux’s train station.

This is a convenient option for travelers who took the train to Bayeux from Paris. From here your driver and guide will drive you to Omaha beach in an air-conditioned van.

Once you arrive, you can stroll the beach, imagining what it must have been like for these young men to run straight into enemy fire. Take a moment to ponder their sacrifice at the Les Braves Monument, before following your guide to the next stop, Point du Hoc.

Point du Hoc was a crucial point in the German defenses and as such, it was heavily fortified. A lot of energy went into capturing this strategic position and ultimately allowing the inland invasion to proceed.

Next, you’ll travel to the American War Cemetery where you’ll see the cost of this gargantuan effort laid out in solemn white crosses. The British War Cemetery isn’t usually visited on an Omaha beach day trip.

However, the cemetery is located in Bayeux meaning you could consider making it part of your outing before or after your tour.

Usually, the entire tour takes between 3 and 4 hours to complete — making it perfect to combine with other famous Normandien landmarks like Mont Saint Michel, Rouen or Giverny.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Omaha Beach?

There are a number of tours from Bayeux to Omaha Beach, and finding the right one depends on a couple of factors — the duration, price and the number of attractions visited should all be considered when deciding upon your preferred tour.

Half-day Omaha Beach guided group tour from Bayeux

Your tour will start at the meeting point in Bayeux, from where you’ll head to your first stop — Point du Hoc.

This small outcropping on Normandy’s shore was critical to the German defenses and the integrity of the so-called Atlantic Wall. It was heavily fortified and saw some of the fiercest fighting during the D-Day invasion.

Your guide will explain what the now-abandoned fortifications were used for and allow you some time to explore the German bunkers on your own.

Next, you’re off to Omaha Beach where your guide will show you the main landing area, as well as where the German defenses were stationed. Spend some time walking the beach and visiting the Les Braves Monument.

The last part of your tour evokes a somber mood as you visit the American Cemetery. Rows upon rows of graves stand in silence — a visualization of the price an entire generation had to bare. After paying your respects, you’ll head back to the town of Bayeux.

Small group half-day Omaha Beach tour from Bayeux

A small group tour is limited to a maximum of eight people allowing for a much more intimate experience — this is especially fitting when visiting sites like Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery.

The tour itinerary is virtually identical to the guided group tour — but you’ll enjoy more time with your guide and a bit more freedom when it comes to exploring the remnants of war on your own.

Private Omaha Beach tour on e-bikes from Bayeux

If you want to have more control over what you do and where you go, a private tour to Omaha Beach is just the ticket. Your party will be the only people on this trip and you’ll travel to and from the historical landmark on electronic bicycles.

Traveling by e-bike allows you to really experience the landscape that played such a pivotal role in our history. Your guide is always nearby and willing to make an impromptu stop to answer any questions you may have.

Land sailing session on Omaha Beach from Bayeux

While this part of Normandy is intricately linked with its tragic past, it doesn’t mean that you are not allowed to have some fun. That’s exactly what a land sailing session on Omaha Beach is all about — celebrating the sacrifice of yesterday with fun and speed — today.

Land sailing or yachting is a sport where you drive a sail-powered three-wheel vehicle at exhilarating speeds. While you won’t spend much time exploring the landmarks of Omaha Beach, this tour is perfect for a family taking a break from sightseeing.

How much does a day trip to Omaha Beach from Bayeux cost?

For the most part, tours to Omaha Beach from Bayeux are similarly priced, coming in at €70 to €120 per person. Because Bayeux is only 20 kilometers from Omaha Beach, the tours are almost always half-day outings that last for about 4 hours.

The land sailing session on Omaha Beach from Bayeux costs €35 per person, but this experience is only 2 hours long. The price includes all of your gear, as well as a safety briefing.

A small group half-day Omaha Beach tour from Bayeux costs €70 per person — great value when you consider that the half-day Omaha Beach guided group tour from Bayeux comes in at €80 per person.

The most expensive option is the private Omaha Beach tour on e-bikes from Bayeux which costs €120 per person.

What will you see and do?

An Omaha Beach day trip from Bayeux usually visits three main attractions. These are Omaha Beach itself, the fortifications and German bunkers at Point du Hoc and finally the American Cemetery.

If you want to visit the British or Canadian Cemetery you can book a tour, or travel to these sites on your own. The British Cemetery is located in Bayeux, making it convenient to visit it before or after your day trip.

The Canadian Cemetery is located approximately 20 kilometers from Bayeux and is easy to visit on your own or on a guided group tour.

If you want a tour experience that covers all of the historic sites of the D-Day invasion, a guided tour of the Normandy D-Day beaches and battlefields is highly recommended.

When is the best time to visit Omaha Beach?

The summer months of June to September are the best time of year for pleasant weather. However, Omaha Beach becomes quite busy as the D-Day anniversary (6 June) approaches. Then again, a visit to Omaha Beach during this time provides a truly special experience.

Travel tips

• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that are fit for walking on the beach.
• Take warm clothes during the winter months, you’ll spend most of your time outdoors.
• Take extra snacks and water — lunch and drinks aren’t provided on the tours.
• Always be respectful when visiting sites of great tragedy.
• Confirm the tour’s departure point when booking, and again 24 hours before the tour date.
• The tours do not include gratuities — consider taking extra cash to reward great service.