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Normandy- Best 2/3 sights to see on our own in half day

We will be in Normandy area staying in Bayeux for the night and plan to spend an afternoon(4-5 hour) exploring D-Day sights.

What are the best couple D-Day sights to see on our own? We will have a car and not doing an organized tour

Our thoughts:
Omaha Beach
American Cemetery
Utah Beach

I was named after a great uncle who died on D-Day beach and I was born on June 5, so I want to see area.

Posted by
288 posts

I would add Pont du hoc. You can see the cliffs the 1st rangers had to scale. You get a great view of the beaches on both sides. On top there are german bunkers and craters and gun parts from the bombing.

Definitely the cemetery.

Posted by
26829 posts

Honestly, I think you'd see more if you could see your way clear to take a half-day van tour (though a full-day tour would be better). The guides/drivers working for companies like Overlord Tours are professionals. They know where they're going and they have a great deal of information to impart.

Posted by
11052 posts

Also add St-Mere Eglese. My dad's unit encamped there after landing. It is featured in "The Band of Brothers" too.
With such a short amount of time, a guided tour would be helpful. Our Bayeux hotel arranged one for us.

Posted by
687 posts

Second the opinion that you should use a guided tour. Also the Dady Museum in Bayeaux is interesting as is the tapestry