Normandy on June 6?

Stephanie, I've never been in Normandy at that time, but my preference would be to avoid the area. The crowds will be huge and Hotel rooms will likely be scarce and high priced. In addition at least some of the tour companies suspend operations at that time, so that the Guides can attend the ceremonies. Happy travels!

I agree with Ken. If you have an option to visit there at a different time the crowds will be significantly less. We were there one time in early March when there was very little in the way of people and again in May when it was much more crowded but tolerable. If June 6 is your only chance to go I would go for it since it is such an historic place and definitely worth a visit. In May 2009 we were there and talked with one of the security personnel employees and he dreads the whole week leading up to June 6. He said it takes him much longer to get to work (forget how long he said but it was something like an hour longer from where he lived) and of course there are many dignitaries who flood the scene so that makes it quite a busy place. I would love to be there on June 6 for the celebration just to honor and pay my respects to those who made the great sacrifice and for the returning vets who survived the invasion but overall I believe I would enjoy it more when less crowded. Whether visiting on June 6 or any other day the feeling is overwhelming when thinking about what happened there which changed the course of WWII.

I do not know how big the crowds will be considering that it is the 68th as opposed to a 5 or 10 year multiple. You could possibly contact the America Battle Monuments Commission to find out two things: 1) How big do they expect the crowds to be and; 2) Will the visitor Center be open ( It has been closed on some of the major anniversaries ). The importance of the visitor is that the display on the lower level is a must see item. Some of the pictures and narratives there are more moving than the cemetery itself. My wife and I almost passed it, and we are so glad that we didn't. I am not sure that the crowds will or will not add to the experience, the ABMC might give you some insight to that. In any case Normandy is, IMHO, something that every American should see if possible the only question is on an anniversay day or another day. Have a great trip.

I decided I just couldn't pass up the chance to experience the anniversary. I'm in Paris that week, and am taking a train to Bayeux morning of 6th, spending the night (I got an affordable room, but most are booked now) and leaving evening of 7th. This will be my 4th visit to Normandy, but I've heard that the experience of talking to the vets who come is unforgettable. And, sadly, with their numbers dwindling every year, I knew it would likely be my only chance to experience it. I'm going to bike to the beaches on the 6th, and spend the 7th in Bayeux, which is when it was liberated. As long as I don't have to worry about driving/parking, etc., the crowds don't worry me. I'm SO excited!
Whatever you decide, I definitely recommend that you visit the area some time during your trip. It's beyond description, in many ways.

I agree with Shelly.  Go June 6!  Heres proof. (length of this will require two posts) In 1999,  read Tom Brokaw's books on the greatest generation. I was moved by his books & made a reservation to go to Normandy over the June 6, DDay anniversary period.  I did not know a soul but learned there were a number of veterans that returned for ceremonies that occurred during that period.   I went to Normandy June 3 or 4.  I stopped at the first beach site closest to Paris & found British  veterans sitting in a cafe.  I walked up to them, introduced myself & said, "I came from the United States to thank you for what you did." For the remainder of that day & the next I wandered the coast, cafe to cafe doing the same thing.  I witnessed extremely moving ceremonies in multiple villages & cross roads throughout the region.  I met great & humble men.  Listened to their stories.  The ceremonies honoring these returning veterans were incredibly moving.  They are hard to put into words. 

I returned home after the experience of a lifetime.  Checked that off my"bucket list." As the next DDay anniversary approached, I got letters & emails from the vets & others I met asking "when I was coming back."    I went again, met more friends, saw more moving cermonies.  Long story short, I have been for 12 years. Met wonderful friends even brought one British veteran to the US  Sadly, when you make great friends in 1999 or 2000 and thye are 80- 85, you lose those friends pretty quickly. The ceremonies are smaller now as the number of returning veterans shrinks.  The various veterans associations are disbanding & we all say we are not coming back.  But we all do, year after year.  I know it will end as the last of these brave men pass on or get too infirm to travel.  Until then I keep going back.   The ceremonies & the men are still come   I will too. Looking them in the eye & thanking them has the same impact on them, & on me, as it did that very first time.  Go!