Suggestions on DIY car tour of historical DDay sites

Re audio guide: google around using a search phrase such as: audio guide D-Day beaches
The key will be your thorough research and preparation of your DIY D-Day experience, so that you know what you're seeing, and know what stops to make.

Some travelers here report that even though they had a rental car, they decided to do a tour (such as Overlord Tour) to get the maximum out of their experience.

I just looked on UTUBE and found out I want to add Utah beach and museum. Also mapping out stops along the way starting to come together now. Are there any recommended sites you need advance tickets to see ?

No advance tickets AFAIK, not that kind of place.
To DIY, you will want to read up a bunch.
Rick Steves has a detailed description of a DIY itinerary, in his France guidebook.

Thank you Kent

Don't miss Arromanches, the site of Port Winston. Very impressive museum about this manmade port that facilitated the incredible logistics of supplying the invasion.

Just plan on a long day as there is no easy direct driving between the sites. More like zigzaging on country roads.

yes I gather that so far with using google maps to determine driving time. I already have Arromance on my list

DIY a GPS might be nice.

Of course the American Cemetery above Omaha Beach is a must-see. There's a sculpture there called something like "The Spirit of American Youth Rising From the Waves." At a spot near that sculpture, the French government/people still (AFAIK) deliver a bouquet of flowers every morning, next to a plaque that says, in French:

"A grateful French nation thanks the Mothers of America for the sacrifice of their sons on this beach, which they call Omaha Beach, in June 1944."
Will bring a tear to your eyes.

And before your trip, you might want to re-watch the first 25 minutes of Saving Private Ryan.

I agree to include the British and Canadian beaches along with the American ones.. Everything is well marked with good signs.
How many days do you have this area?
Beaches: Omaha, Utah,Gold, Juno, Sword
Pont d’Hoc
St-Mare Eglise
Bayeux Tapestry

kc,

While you can certainly tour the beaches by car, you'll learn far more about the history with an expert guide, which will make for a more rewarding and memorable visit.

If you don't want to take one of the excellent local tours, another option you could consider is to hire a guide to travel with you. Have a look at http://www.visitdday.com/ for one example. You'll have to contact him for further information.

One other point to note is that for driving in France, it's highly recommended that each driver have an International Driver's Permit, which is used in conjunction with your home D.L.