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Self guided driving tour of D Day beaches

I have read RS already but wonder if anyone can suggest a good resource for a day long driving tour we can do on our own. We will be doing plenty of reading and research in advance of our trip this September. We'll be in Bayeux for 3 nights and hope to devote about a day to the beaches and related sights. Thank you.

Posted by
16893 posts

I would consider the Michelin Green Guide specific to Normandy. Rick's France book (p. 292) mentions the free guide "Exploration & Emotion" that you can request at TIs or download online.

Posted by
10344 posts

Other good resources for a day long driving tour that you can do on your own includes these:
First, stop at one of the larger museums (Bayeux or Caen) and go directly to their bookstore to look for the following items:
1) reprint of the 1947 Michelin map, "Battle of Normandy"
2) "folder map" titled "La Bataille de Normandie"
3) Historic Map: D-Day, by OREP
4) Booklet: D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, by OREP

Supplement those with a current Michelin map, and probably you want to add a GPS.
Then you'll be ready for the adventure!

Posted by
782 posts

I think your biggest problem will be parking,the tour companies have reserved parking at most sights and I am sure glad I took a tour they are very informative.
Mike

Posted by
10120 posts

I too am glad I took a tour, but was surprised by the parking comment. I don't think you'll have any trouble parking from what I saw during the height of tourist season a couple years ago. The leads you've gotten sound very good.

Posted by
2020 posts

Thank you for all the replies. I have just ordered Major Holt and am researching all the other resources. I'm sure they'll be helpful. If parking is only half as troublesome as ordering through Barnes and Noble we'll be OK! Thank you everyone.