I wonder if anyone can suggest a local company in Bayeux that offers small group day tours of the Canadian D Day sites. I will be in Bayeux on September 28 and as my father landed on Juno Beach, I would really like to take a tour of the sites. There are a number of companies that offer tours but it is so helpful to hear from someone who has actually taken one. Thanks for any suggestions!
Posted by
British Columbia
2 posts
We are also looking for a tour of the Canadian sites. Unfortunately we have a small window in terms of dates, and I’m having trouble finding tours on that date. We are happy with a small shared tour, but if no one else signs up for that day you are obliged to pay for all the spots. Any chance you’ll be in Bayeaux on September 23?
Posted by
OP
BC Canada
8 posts
Hi there, no unfortunately September 28 is the only day I have available. The Juno Beach Centre website lists tour companies that focus on Canadian sites. I am going to give them a try if I don’t get any personal recommendations. Good luck!
Posted by
Freedonia
16278 posts
Overlord Tours has a tour you might like:
https://www.overlordtour.com/product/tour-4-british-canadian-sectors-tour-fdt/
I toured with them, albeit to American landing sights, and it was excellent. They get great reviews on this forum.
Posted by
OP
BC Canada
8 posts
Thank you! I’ll certainly check them out.
Posted by
95 posts
I did the Overlord tour and it was great. Our only problem was it rained for a while. We stopped in Arromanches for lunch.
Posted by
OP
BC Canada
8 posts
That’s great to know - thank you!
Posted by
Indiana
925 posts
If you have the budget for a private tour I can recommend Sylvain Kast. One of the best guides we have ever had the pleasure of touring with on our trips. Knowledgeable, accommodating to your needs and excellent communication before you arrive for your tour.
https://www.d-day-experience-tours.com/tour/canadian/
Posted by
Moncton NB
1117 posts
Never taken a tour, but wanted to wish you well. Make sure you get to the Bény-sur-Mer Cemetery. It will make you weep. Other highlights are the Juno Beach Centre, "Canada House" in Bernières-sur-Mer, and the many commemorative cenotaphs along the beach from St-Aubin-sur-Mer to Courseulles-sur-Mer.
I saw the Juno Beach sites self-guided, by car rented from Caen (also saw Sword and Gold; Omaha and Utah too far for a day trip). I've read enough Canadian military history that I felt qualified to guide myself, but a tour would add a lot of value. If you do want to brush up with some reading, try "Juno Beach" by Mark Zuehlke; or if you want to focus just on June 6 "Assault on Juno" by the same author.
Have a great trip!
Posted by
OP
BC Canada
8 posts
Thanks to all. I am particularly interested in the cemetery so good to hear a review. My issue now is that most companies are either booked or don’t go on the day I have available - so I may just be taking myself. Again, thanks for all the replies.
Posted by
3439 posts
We took Overlord's British & Canadian Sectors tour in September 2019. Pegasus Bridge and the adjacent museum were fascinating, including the video introduced by Prince Charles. The cemetery at Ranville was our first visit to a Commonwealth cemetery, So many differences from the American cemeteries. I didn't realize that the British had dogs who jumped with the troops - a dog is buried there with his handler.
https://guidedbattlefieldtours.co.uk/the-story-of-a-dog-handler-and-his-dog-on-d-day/
The tour did spend a lot of time at Juno Beach, with its excellent museum. The tour was a convenient way to see Sword, Juno, and Gold Beaches in one day. The guide knew his stuff, and kept a good pace - not rushed, but he managed to fit everything in.
Posted by
OP
BC Canada
8 posts
That is fascinating! Thank you!