Normandy D-Day Tour From Paris

There is a substantial walk and historical talk at each spot along the coast, including a respectful visit of the American Cemetery and visitor center.

14,000 parachutists were dropped before dawn on the Cherbourg peninsula. One unit accidentally landed in the village square of Sainte-Mère-Église, with one airman famously left dangling from the church steeple. The story of his survival, plus the liberation of the town, starts the touring day.

Utah Beach was the first beach where Allies landed on the morning of June 6.. The coast was an imperative beachhead in the Cotentin region so as to capture Cherbourg and its deep water port. 23,000 American soldiers at Utah over many days.

"Bloody Omaha" was a crucial link between Utah Beach and the British invasion sector. Mis-timed landings, foundered tanks and lack of focused artillery support delayed the taking of the crucial 8 kilometers, mean to be taken by 7 a.m., to well into the evening.

Visting the stunning cliff where Army Rangers climbed upward, straight into German gunfire is a spell-binding part of the story of D Day. The heroic men had no idea the guns had been moved and concentrated right on their sector.

The modest fishing and resort town of Arromanches was a key toehold for the Allies on June 6. Remnants of so-called “Mulberrys” remain off shore, where the rough seas of the bay were tamed enough to keep ships anchored and maintain a supply chain for the troops.

This bluff overlooking the English Channel and Omaha Beach is the site of the American Cemetery and visitor center. More than 9,000 servicemen Lost their lives securing the beaches. Owned and run by the American Battlefield Monument Commission, the site is 172 acres. A grid map notes grave locations and one very moving spot is the Wall of the Missing.