Normandy private tours

[Mbbill]

Any recommendations for hiring a tour company

[John Bull]

Hi, and welcome to Cruise Critic,

 

Overlord is the best-known & highly recommended by Cruise Critic members

https://www.overlordtour.com/product-category/tour-from-ports/

They offer both seat-in-minibus and per minibus, but they do sell-out early.

 

Check your cruise's RollCall to see if a fellow-cruiser is looking for sharers.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/20-roll-calls/

Post on that RollCall anyway, to say Hi to your fellow-cruisers.

 

There are other D-Day tour operators, but you'll need to google

 

Or rent a car (find sharers via your RollCall) and DIY.

If you quote your ship, day-of-the-week arrival and sailing times, your port (Le Havre or Cherbourg), and your interests (presumably Brit.?), I and others can suggest a route. Sights have plenty of signage & knowledgeable staff

 

JB 🙂

 

Edited January 6, 2023 by John Bull

[WESTEAST]

Agree Overlord is great - we used them and were extremely satisfied. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and would definitely book with them again.

[Turtles06]

I'll pile on -- it's been some years since we toured with Overlord, but they were fantastic.

[sleepingcat]

Just to add to JB 's good advice above, and this is based on doing our own thing for the landing beaches, as we were in our motorhome not on a cruise: if you have a personal connection to operation overlord, as many of us do, research precisely where you want to go.  My dad was bosun on a Royal Navy LST (landing ship tanks) and mainly transported Canadians and their equipment, so with my husband I went to the Canadian museum which is less visited and was a moving and tearful experience for me. A tour of the US beaches while interesting would not have had the same personal impact. 

 

and btw we are all assuming you are interesting in the ww2 landings, but of course you might prefer an art tour, in which case from Le Havre, Honfleur is nearby and there have been lots of previous posts about how to do this as well.  

[caripoo]

We have used Overlord tours twice....you can plan your OWN day...they are fantastic.

[spunks]

I have heard nothing but good reports on Overlord Tours. However, we took Lable West and they were beyond wonderful. We even got a stop at the German Cemetery. I would highly, highly recommend either over a ships tour. Half the cost and twice the tour in my opinion.

[Coral]

We used: https://alliedvictorytours.com/american-d-day-tour-from-cherbourg-cruise-port/

 

I thought Edward was amazing.. We also did stop at a German Cemetery after one person asked to do so. It was on the way back to the ship. I believe he only operates out of Cherbourg or for those who take the train in. We had a group of 7. I would do this tour again in a heart beat.

[gdlamberth]

On 1/5/2023 at 6:35 PM, John Bull said:

Or rent a car (find sharers via your RollCall) and DIY.

If you quote your ship, day-of-the-week arrival and sailing times, your port (Le Havre or Cherbourg), and your interests (presumably Brit.?), I and others can suggest a route. Sights have plenty of signage & knowledgeable staff

JB,

     You've been a well spring of information on other topics so I'll take you up on your offer.

 

First, we are not on a cruise.  We'll be doing a land trip where we plan to spend 2 or 3 days in Bayeux in late September 2025, primarily to visit the D-Day beaches and related battlefields.  I would like to do this as a DIY for the 5 of us; DW, Son, DIL and 11tr old grandson.  By way of background:

We will be staying somewhere in the immediate vicinity of Bayeux after having taken the train down from Paris. I am a former Marine Paratrooper and my wife is retired Navy. When visiting UTAH I'd like to make sure we see the US Navy Memorial there dedicated
to the Shore Fire Control Parties (my wife attended the dedication of this memorial several years ago). Also when going to or from St Mere Eglise,  to drive by I'd like to visit Brecourt Manor. I know the sight is on private property but I understand there
is a memorial on the road. When we do British/Canadian Beaches I'd like to drive through Ouistreham? I don't think the casino attacked by the French Commandos is still there but I'd still like to show grandson where it was. I would like to see the Canadian Museum at Juno as I understand it's very moving.  I've also read Canadians talking about "Hell's Corner."  I think I'd like to take family there also.  When last I was at Pegasus Bridge I spent quite a bit of time at the British Airborne Museum there and I would expect to do so again.  I personally feel the glider pilots at Pegasus performed the finest feat of airmanship during the War.  All three gliders landing within 200 meters of the Bridge.  Don't need a fancy lunch either. Last time our guide called in sandwich orders for Point du Hoc and we picnicked on the way to Omaha.  Omaha and Pont du Hoc and the Btry at Longues-sur-Mer are must sees also.

 

JB and colleagues, I know that's a big wish list but routing and sequencing suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated.

 

SF,

Greg
 

 

Edited May 7 by gdlamberth

[CruiserBruce]

@gdlamberth, are you planning on renting a car, or use tour companies? I think a rental car would work best for you, and your sites to visit list is awesome....however there are many options for tours to help you complete your list. We did a very similar trip ( our third visit) to Bayeux and the D Day area just last summer.

[gdlamberth]

10 minutes ago, CruiserBruce said:

@gdlamberth, are you planning on renting a car, or use tour companies? I think a rental car would work best for you, and your sites to visit list is awesome....however there are many options for tours to help you complete your list. We did a very similar trip ( our third visit) to Bayeux and the D Day area just last summer.

I am debating whether to rent a car or use a tour company.  DW and I have been to several of the sites in a prior visit; but, Grandson has now become very interested in WWII, partly since a lot of his ancestors, are Veterans. This is part of a larger land trip to Europe where we'll fly into Paris, spend a day or two and then take the train to either Bayeux or Caen (if we rent a car for a DIY of the Normandy Beaches).  I'm pretty good at navigating us around especially if there is pretty good signage...however, while my German is passable none of us speak French at all.

 

[CruiserBruce]

You don't need to speak French, although it would be helpful, particularlywhen it comes to menus. Signage is pretty good. Lots of people speak English. 

 

You could rent a car in Bayeux so you could do custom designed days. I didn't get the sense that many tour providers there will build custom tours. The distances aren't huge, but you will want to lump some things in close proximity into one day.

[John Bull]

Best to rent a car.

Bayeux - is closer to the American sights but car rental may involve a taxi ride from the station.

Caen - has a number of rental agencies close to the station, but it means a little city driving.

You'll need a sat-nav or navigation tablet.

If you're planning to take 2 or 3 days, Caen is as convenient as Bayeux - head first to Ste Mere Eglise, overnite somewhere near Omaha Beach, and make Pegasus Bridge your last stop,

 

As @CruiserBruce says, language isn't a big problem, there's plenty of written & some audio in English, knowledgeable English-speaking staff at the sights, and a good proportion of the locals speak English. Many menus are in English too.

 

I've spread my suggested route over two days, here's a suggestion for the first day

 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/DKWASWR8PMhtGE496

From Caen or Bayeux to Ste Mere Eglise on the N 13 divided highway. Taken by US airborne forces, good Airborne museum, worth up to an hour.

From Ste M/E little lanes direct to the coast (put Hameau Mottet into your navigation tablet as a navigation point) then turn right (the sea on your left) along Utah beach (its pretty featureless) to the D-Day Landing Museum (worth an hour and more). You'll see the USN Monument close to the museum.

On the way to Sainte Marie du Mont pass the Dick Winters monument and take the next right (signed Audoville La Hubert) opposite a crucifix monument. In a couple of hundred yards turn left by the Easy Company Memorial - it's a narrow car's-width lane, Brecourt Manor is part of the farming complex on your left, no signage. That from google streetview - I've not driven down there.

Put La Cambe into your sat-nav, return to the crucifix monument & then right to continue on the road from Utah and through Ste Marie du Mont to re-join the N13 divided highway heading back towards Bayeux. 

I've included the German Cemetery at La Cambe.

You'll see it alongside the N 13, but it's worth the little diversion signed at the next roundabout (traffic island in American-speak?) to spend ten minutes there - the comparison with the American Cemetery is stark

Now to Pointe Du Hoc, worth 30 minutes plus.

Then to Omaha.

If you book your overnight accommodation in the Omaha Beach area, you can then explore in any time you've got left that day, and the rest before you take to the road next morning (you probably won't manage the American Cemetery until the morning)

 

It's late & I've got a couple of busy days ahead of me, second day to follow - but you'll have to adjust it to suit your time-schedule

 

JB 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

[gdlamberth]

16 hours ago, John Bull said:

Best to rent a car.

Bayeux - is closer to the American sights but car rental may involve a taxi ride from the station.

Caen - has a number of rental agencies close to the station, but it means a little city driving.

You'll need a sat-nav or navigation tablet.

If you're planning to take 2 or 3 days, Caen is as convenient as Bayeux - head first to Ste Mere Eglise, overnite somewhere near Omaha Beach, and make Pegasus Bridge your last stop,

 

As @CruiserBruce says, language isn't a big problem, there's plenty of written & some audio in English, knowledgeable English-speaking staff at the sights, and a good proportion of the locals speak English. Many menus are in English too.

 

I've spread my suggested route over two days, here's a suggestion for the first day

 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/DKWASWR8PMhtGE496

From Caen or Bayeux to Ste Mere Eglise on the N 13 divided highway. Taken by US airborne forces, good Airborne museum, worth up to an hour.

From Ste M/E little lanes direct to the coast (put Hameau Mottet into your navigation tablet as a navigation point) then turn right (the sea on your left) along Utah beach (its pretty featureless) to the D-Day Landing Museum (worth an hour and more). You'll see the USN Monument close to the museum.

On the way to Sainte Marie du Mont pass the Dick Winters monument and take the next right (signed Audoville La Hubert) opposite a crucifix monument. In a couple of hundred yards turn left by the Easy Company Memorial - it's a narrow car's-width lane, Brecourt Manor is part of the farming complex on your left, no signage. That from google streetview - I've not driven down there.

Put La Cambe into your sat-nav, return to the crucifix monument & then right to continue on the road from Utah and through Ste Marie du Mont to re-join the N13 divided highway heading back towards Bayeux. 

I've included the German Cemetery at La Cambe.

You'll see it alongside the N 13, but it's worth the little diversion signed at the next roundabout (traffic island in American-speak?) to spend ten minutes there - the comparison with the American Cemetery is stark

Now to Pointe Du Hoc, worth 30 minutes plus.

Then to Omaha.

If you book your overnight accommodation in the Omaha Beach area, you can then explore in any time you've got left that day, and the rest before you take to the road next morning (you probably won't manage the American Cemetery until the morning)

 

It's late & I've got a couple of busy days ahead of me, second day to follow - but you'll have to adjust it to suit your time-schedule

 

JB 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

WOW! Just WOW!!

Edited May 8 by gdlamberth

[John Bull]

On 5/8/2024 at 2:02 AM, John Bull said:

Best to rent a car.

Bayeux - is closer to the American sights but car rental may involve a taxi ride from the station.

Caen - has a number of rental agencies close to the station, but it means a little city driving.

You'll need a sat-nav or navigation tablet.

If you're planning to take 2 or 3 days, Caen is as convenient as Bayeux - head first to Ste Mere Eglise, overnite somewhere near Omaha Beach, and make Pegasus Bridge your last stop,

 

As @CruiserBruce says, language isn't a big problem, there's plenty of written & some audio in English, knowledgeable English-speaking staff at the sights, and a good proportion of the locals speak English. Many menus are in English too.

 

I've spread my suggested route over two days, here's a suggestion for the first day

 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/DKWASWR8PMhtGE496

From Caen or Bayeux to Ste Mere Eglise on the N 13 divided highway. Taken by US airborne forces, good Airborne museum, worth up to an hour.

From Ste M/E little lanes direct to the coast (put Hameau Mottet into your navigation tablet as a navigation point) then turn right (the sea on your left) along Utah beach (its pretty featureless) to the D-Day Landing Museum (worth an hour and more). You'll see the USN Monument close to the museum.

On the way to Sainte Marie du Mont pass the Dick Winters monument and take the next right (signed Audoville La Hubert) opposite a crucifix monument. In a couple of hundred yards turn left by the Easy Company Memorial - it's a narrow car's-width lane, Brecourt Manor is part of the farming complex on your left, no signage. That from google streetview - I've not driven down there.

Put La Cambe into your sat-nav, return to the crucifix monument & then right to continue on the road from Utah and through Ste Marie du Mont to re-join the N13 divided highway heading back towards Bayeux. 

I've included the German Cemetery at La Cambe.

You'll see it alongside the N 13, but it's worth the little diversion signed at the next roundabout (traffic island in American-speak?) to spend ten minutes there - the comparison with the American Cemetery is stark

Now to Pointe Du Hoc, worth 30 minutes plus.

Then to Omaha.

If you book your overnight accommodation in the Omaha Beach area, you can then explore in any time you've got left that day, and the rest before you take to the road next morning (you probably won't manage the American Cemetery until the morning)

 

It's late & I've got a couple of busy days ahead of me, second day to follow - but you'll have to adjust it to suit your time-schedule

 

JB 🙂

 

 

Day Two

 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/WnAXqwMZ5o33Kmd7A

 

If you didn't have the time last night, drive to Omaha Beach Memorial,  Probably via Av.de la Liberation, but depends where you lodged. Various monuments here and elsewhere on your route.

From the Monument, follow the beach road west (the sea on your right), in about a mile it then turns inland & in 1/4 mile turn left at the T-junction onto the D514 (by the end of the day D514 will be imprinted in your brain 😏) for the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-mer. It's about 5 miles on the D514 to a roundabout, where it's signed to your left. For the moment, ignore the Overlord Museum at the roundabout.

 

The American Cemetery is a must-see. Not just the immaculately-maintained cemetery, but the peaceful grounds & the visitor centre. There used to be a path down to Omaha, but it's now closed. 

 

Now consider how well you're keeping up with the clock, and put Longues Sur Mer into your sat-nav. Back at that roundabout, the Overlord Museum is pretty decent if you have the time. Continue on the D514, in 1/4 mile is The Big Red One museum (I've not visited),  and in about 8 miles in Longues sur Mer turn left by the pedestrian crossing for the Longues Battery, a couple of minutes off the D514. Worth 15 minutes.

Return to the D514 toward Arromanches-sur-Mer

 

In about 4 miles decide if you want to go to the harbour at Arromanches or skip it & stay on the D514. Arromanches was the site of the Mulberry Harbour, floated across from England after D-Day. If the tide is right you can walk right up to some of the remaining caissons. There's an excellent waterfront museum, and a selection of shops, bars & eateries, but if the car park is full parking can be difficult. Sat-nav to Juno Beach Centre

 

If you skip Arromanches centre, definitely stop off on the D514 at the top of the hill beyond the town (360 cinema but don't bother with it) for a panoramic view of the Mulberry Harbour remains. Pay-parking, even for a photo-stop, but worthwhile.

 

Continue on the D514 for 8 miles to Courseulles-sur-Mer. Just before the town, Juno Beach Memorial is poorly-signed to your left. At the memorial follow your nose east (right) and you'll come to the  Juno Beach Centre, worth an hour if you've got the time.

 

(if time is short, direct from Juno to Caen station is 17 miles, 30 mins but longer in rush hour)

Set your satnav to  Lion-sur Mer, The road layout in Courseulles-sur-Mer has changed since I was last there, so you'll need it. It'll send you cross-country - no worries, the villages on the D514 are slow-going, only a few hundred yards are waterfront and lots of little dead-end residential roads to Sword Beach and nothing to see.

 

At Lion-sur-Mer set the sat-nav to Ouistreham, 4 miles - a couple of museums on the road (yes, D514 again) from Lion-sur-Mer to Ouistreham, the eastern end of the D-Day beaches. I've taken the cross-Channel ferries to there many times - pleasant, but no longer much D-Day about the place.

 

Next head to Pegasus Bridge (Benouville if your sat-nav doesn't recognise it), about 5 miles. Mebbe a coffee at Cafe Gondree, first building liberated on D-Day.

If time is short head from Juno Beach straight to Pegasus Bridge (14 mls, 30 mins).

 

Pegasus Bridge to Caen train station is about 9 miles, 15 mins -but longer in rush-hour.

 

You'll notice I started you in Bayeux & you ended up in Caen 😄. They're about 22 miles, 30 minutes apart - probably best to choose the one or the other 😏

 

French rental agencies don't like long hours, most close around 6pm. So choose one with an out-of-hours drop-off & key-drop. Take photos when you leave the car.

 

Bookmark your lodging address and the car rental address in your sat navigation device - that way, wherever you are you can easily check how long it'll take to go straight there - the timing isn't generous.

 

Bon Voyage

 

JB 🙂