We are renting a car and driving from Paris to Bayeux, Normandy on June 4-7. Can we get to all the sites by driving and is there parking?, especially on D-day. What are the tricks to see everything with the lines? Do we need to book a tour if we have our own transportation? Any closures on D-day? Do we need to buy tickets now or when we get there? My son is into history and this is where he wanted to go for his senior trip. He is joining the Idaho National Guard this week.
Posted by
IJzendijke, The Netherlands
2060 posts
It was busy but I had no problem going to the sites during my visit of D-day in 2012. The ceremonies and the presence of the veterans made this visit so special, I can really recommend going to the sites that day. No problem with parking the car also, like in Arromanches the centre was closed for traffic and I needed to walk a bit, but nothing to worry about. Many on the forum here are enthousiast about organized tours. I think best will be making a tour a day before or after D-day and attend the ceremonies at D-day self. Maybe somebody has a better idea to arrange that.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32307 posts
I agree with the previous reply, and would highly recommend taking one of the excellent local tours before or after the anniversary date. You'll learn far more about the history and it will be a much more interesting and rewarding experience. However, I'd suggest booking the tour WELL in advance.
Posted by
Middletown, RI
1203 posts
Not only can you get to all the sites by driving, But you can’t get to most of them without. Unlike European city vacations, this is a mostly rural area. While there are more crowds around the anniversary, you can still get everywhere with relative ease. There may be some ceremonies that require parking a little ways away, it is still very doable. I’ll be there myself from June 1–7 this year (my 5th visit there) staying in Saint-Mère-Église.
Posted by
Arvada, Colorado
76 posts
Time's getting short for you but I recommend this book: http://www.amazon.com/March-Victory-Battles-Battlefields-London/dp/0870813269 as a great guide to the WWII Normandy sites. As others have observed, a car is really a necessity. The popular sites will have some crowds, but I would recommend lots of pre-trip research to find less popular sites to visit. There are literally thousands of invasion sites to see, far more than a single trip can encompass. Have a great time!
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
380 posts
Like Wil, I was there in 2012, just for 2 days, but had no problems driving around on the 6th. If available and you can afford, do book a day tour - I know a lot about the history, but nothing can compare to a tour by an expert.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32307 posts
If you're going to book a day tour, do that WELL in advance. Some of the tour companies suspend operations during that time so that their guides can attend the ceremonies.