Touring DDay sites

Judy: you do not say what time of year you are going to be in Normandy, so what to wear is hard to predict. However, even in summer, Bermuda shorts is a stretch often. My experience (although limited) in Normandy is that it would be better to have long pants, and very good walking shoes. Peter

Thank you Peter! I arrive June 7.....

Judy, I'm planning my own trip to Normandy for later this year and have no personal experience to offer, but the Caen Memorial Museum conducts tours of the landing beaches that might be worth considering. I haven't progressed to the point of looking for online reviews yet. I've also read many positive comments about Overlord Tours over the years.

judy,

To begin with I assume you're referring to Gare Saint-Lazare rail station? As it looks like you'll be going directly to the station after a long international flight, Taxi is certainly going to be the easiest method, albeit one of the most expensive. Hauling luggage on the Metro or RER after a long flight will not be the most pleasant experience (I've done that).

Despite your previous bad experience with a tour, I would highly recommend taking one of the excellent tours in that area, as you'll learn far more about the history and it will be a much more interesting and rewarding experience (I've done both so can compare them). Even with a car, the battle sites are spread out along about a 50 mile front and extend some distance inland, so even with a car it could take awhile, especially if you get lost.

One of the tour companies that seems to get consistently good ratings is Overlord Tours. They offer both half-day and full-day tours, so would provide the best flexibility. The guides know the shortest distance between historic sights so that's a very efficient way to see as much as possible in a limited time. Since you'll have a car, one other really practical suggestion would be to take a tour with Chris at Visit DDay Tours as he will travel with you in the car. The tour could be tailored to your specific interests.

I'll leave the question on wardrobe to the ladies on the forum, but Bermuda shorts wouldn't be my choice. It can often be windy close to the coast and depending on the weather at time time, shorts may be a bit "chilly". From a practical point-of-view, zip-off pants would probably be a good solution.

One final point - as you'll be using a rental car, be sure that you have an International Driver's Permit or a certified copy of your D.L. in French. Those are compulsory for driving in France.

I'd follow Ken's good advice, especially for a 1 day tour. We've been to Normandy for a week at least 7 times since 2001. We know a lot of the history, and my Dad's personal stories when he landed at Omaha Beach during the Invasion. The first 6 times we never took a tour. We had a rental car and went on our own and got a lot out of it. Last time though, we took a 1 day tour then spent the rest of the week on our own going back to all the places that were on the tour plus our favorites. The tour was extremely worthwhile and we learned so much more than we already knew. I do not like tours, and the one we took felt rushed and frustrating in that we didn't have enough time at each stop... and that was the beauty of having 5-6 more days and a rental car to go back at our pace. Can't remember name of tour we took, it was one that was always recommended on this forum which no longer exists. I'd go with Ken's recommendations on a tour company that leaves from Bayeux.
Don't miss the excellent WWII museum in Bayeux.
Normandy is extremely fun for us to drive and explore on the two-lane roads. So many charming places/villages/chateaux/churches/architecture and countryside to see in addition to all the DDay sites. Enjoy!

+1 for Chris and Visit DDay Tour - awesome

We were In Normandy in late June and it was COLD and sprinkly off and on. I wore long pants, and a Lands End fleece over a longsleeved tshirt. Think layers. Best bet is to check the extended weather forecast up until the moment you must zip your suitcase and have a hot and cold selection of items to add or subtract as needed. Our trips are usually around two weeks and that'll give me a reasonably good idea whether it'll be closer to 60 or 90 degrees. My suitcase for two June/July trips to France and south as far as Italy has four or five short sleeved Lands End tshirts, three or four longsleeved Lands End tshirts and two or three fleeces (one fleece on the plane), all in mix and match colors. That and a packable rain jacket and I'm prepared (above the waist) for June. I typically opt for capris over shorts, but I do usually take a pair. However, I have never worn them in France north of Nice. But who knows what weather this year may bring!

ETA, in case anyone accuses me of overpacking... I don't take nearly as many bottoms as I do tops. Usually a pair of jeans, a pair of black starfish pants, two capris, one shorts.

I was there early June and it can be cool so take a jacket.

I would suggest a good tour on your first full day to get a good overview. There have been some suggested tour operators here in this thread and if you search you will find others. You can try to pick the guide's brain about your interests and how to go about the rest of your time.

I'll put in a pitch for Dale Booth, he was the local guide for our DDay portion of a RS tour. Excellent guide, great presentation and very knowledgeable. If you are a group it may be worthwhile to hire a private guide for the day. They will tailor the tour to your interests, but they can be expensive.

Enjoy. It sounds like fun.

Thanks everyone! Great advice and very helpful.

Another vote for Overlord Tours (and ask for Olivier if he's still a guide there). My son (and WWII fanatic) and I took the Band of Brothers full day tour with him a few years ago. He is a local and very knowledgeable, with many interesting stories to share. His van only holds 5 or so people, so it's not a big bus group. Check out their various tours and see which one visits the places you're interested in. We visited the Bayeaux museum (and don't miss the tapestry) on our own the previous day. It's wonderful that you have a car and can, after the overview tour day, head back to sites for in depth exploration.

We toured on our own and found that Major and Mrs. Holt's Pocket Guide (bought via Amazon) was a great help in identifying what we wanted to see. We went to a few out-of-the-ordinary places that were very interesting. We were there around June 20 a few years ago, were wearing jeans and the meager layers we had, and were looking desperately for a place to buy an umbrella or light jacket. It was cold and rainy -- a perfect setting to imagine the actual D-Day landing!

Thanks Padams! I purchased that guide but haven't finished looking. I'll dig in, and the clothing info is very helpful.

We were there in June last year and it was rainy and very cold, made all the more so because of the winds on the coast. I would definitely take a sweater/jacket and solid shoes. It wouldn't hurt to pack a rain jacket either.

Hi Judy,
I was there June 6, 2012, and it was cool/cloudy/rainy/sunny/windy, and when I was there in October there were sprinkles and days of warm sunshine--so best to pack layers, a windbreaker and rain jacket. I second the recommendation for Overlord Tour (we did the 1/2 day Band of Brothers and 1/2 day Omaha). You'll need to book asap though.
I've also driven a rental a few times - you'll have a memorable time.

Christophe Rault is a guide beyond belief. His email is [email protected] or type his name in google for his website. For the level of detail you are seeking, he's your guy. Also check TripAdvisor reviews to see how wowed people were.

After 8 hours, my wife, NOT a military history buff, didn't want him to stop.
Charming Frenchman who speaks perfect English and has truly an encyclopedic knowledge.
Use his you drive, he talks option for touring. Cheaper and he is great at discussing things as you are driving from place to place.

The Holt guide is also a must for touring on your own.