D-Day beaches on June 6

Autumn,

It will probably be VERY busy in Normandy a week or so on either side of the anniversary. Hotels will probably be in short supply and transportation very crowded. Unless you really want to be there for the occasion, my suggestion would be to visit at another time.

I was across the channel in England at the time of the 2004 event, and could have attended. However, I decided there was no way I wanted to be anywhere near the area in such crowded conditions (including security for dignitaries), so I postponed Normandy for my next visit.

One other point to consider is that if you were planning to take any tours (ie: BattleBus), they usually close down during these events so that their staff can take part.

Good luck!

We were there last May and I talked to one of the employees at Omaha Beach about the upcoming anniversary on June 6. He told me how much longer it takes him to get to work on the 6th and preceding days and though I cannot remember exactly how much longer vs normal it was significant and he did not look forward to it. I would have mixed emotions about being there on June 6. It would be special to be there for sure with the D-Day and WWII vets being there and knowing the list of those vets who are still living dwindles daily. On the other hand it would be super crowded and getting into and out of the beaches would take some time. I suppose it would be a matter of mentally preparing for the crowds. Hopefully those who have been there on the anniversary will weigh in and share with you their experiences and the pros and cons from their visit.

It's an incredible experience to be in Normandy the first week in June----many activities, re-enactors, vintage vehicles, displays in even the smallest villages. We have been lucky enough to be there in '94, '99, '04 and will be there again this year(5/29-6/6).

Trying to get to/from Paris one day only would be a logistical nightmare on the 6th because of all the extra people. If you took the train to Caen or Bayeux, you might not have much choice of rental cars and there will likely be road detours to accomodate the crowds.If you could find a tour from Paris that day, I think that would be your best bet rather than trying to find your way on your own.

Be prepared for the unexpected. I tried to go once on the actual day and heads of state were there making speeches and the area was a high security zone, regular folks weren't allowed in.

Having been there, I would suggest you make your hotel reservations now.