WALK IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE LIBERATORS
Your Le Havre port call offers a profound opportunity to visit the hallowed grounds where Allied forces launched the liberation of Western Europe. This private shore excursion takes you to the most significant sites of Operation Overlord, where on June 6, 1944, thousands of young soldiers stormed the beaches of Normandy in the largest amphibious invasion in history.
With your expert guide, you'll stand on the sands of Omaha Beach, gaze at the rows of white marble crosses at the American Cemetery, and comprehend the sheer audacity of the assault on Pointe du Hoc. This is not merely a tour—it's a pilgrimage to understand the sacrifice that shaped the modern world.
Key Historical Sites:
Omaha Beach
Walk the stretch of sand where American troops faced the deadliest resistance on D-Day. Your guide will explain the tactical challenges, point out remaining German fortifications, and share personal stories of the men who fought here. The beach's peaceful present makes the past's violence all the more poignant.
Normandy American Cemetery
Pay respects at this sacred ground overlooking Omaha Beach, where 9,387 American service members rest. The perfect rows of white marble markers, the Walls of the Missing, and the memorial chapel create a deeply moving experience. Time for personal reflection and, if desired, locating specific graves.
Pointe du Hoc
Stand atop the 100-foot cliffs that Army Rangers scaled under fire to neutralize German gun positions threatening both beaches. The lunar landscape of bomb craters and preserved bunkers offers visceral testimony to the intensity of the battle and the courage of the men who fought here.
Shore Excursion Advantages:
Guaranteed Ship Return
We coordinate meticulously with Le Havre port schedules to ensure your return well before departure. Real-time communication keeps you informed throughout. Experience these historic sites with complete peace of mind about your vessel.
Cruise Terminal Pickup
Your driver-guide meets you directly at Le Havre cruise terminal as you disembark. No transfers or waiting—your D-Day journey begins immediately with expert commentary on the drive to the landing beaches.
What's Included:
- Private pickup at Le Havre cruise terminal
- Air-conditioned vehicle for the full day
- Licensed driver-guide with WWII expertise
- Visits to Omaha Beach, American Cemetery, Pointe du Hoc
- Historical commentary and personal stories throughout
- Assistance locating specific graves if requested
- Guaranteed punctual return to your cruise ship
Why Choose Bellidays:
- 17+ years guiding visitors through D-Day history
- Deep knowledge of operations, units, and personal stories
- Flexible itineraries honoring specific requests
- Intimate groups for meaningful, reflective experience
- Multilingual services (English, French, Spanish)
Sample Itinerary
This itinerary adapts to your ship's schedule and can be customized to focus on specific sites, units, or family connections. We can adjust timing and sequence based on your interests.
- 8:00 AM
Pickup at Le Havre Cruise Terminal
Meet your expert driver-guide at the port. During the 90-minute drive to the beaches, receive an introduction to Operation Overlord: the strategic context, the immense planning, and what Allied forces faced on June 6, 1944.
- 9:30 AM
Pointe du Hoc
Begin at this dramatic clifftop site. Walk among the preserved bunkers and bomb craters where 225 Army Rangers scaled the cliffs under fire. Understand the mission to neutralize German guns threatening Utah and Omaha beaches.
- 10:45 AM
Omaha Beach
Stand on the sands of "Bloody Omaha" where the 1st and 29th Infantry Divisions suffered devastating casualties. Your guide explains the tactical situation, points out key landmarks, and shares individual stories of courage and sacrifice.
- 12:00 PM
Normandy American Cemetery
Visit this profoundly moving memorial overlooking Omaha Beach. Time to walk among the graves, visit the memorial chapel, view the Walls of the Missing, and locate specific service members if desired. Visitor center provides additional context.
- 1:30 PM
Lunch Break
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in a nearby village. Taste Norman cuisine while reflecting on the morning's experiences. Recommendations provided for all preferences and budgets.
- 2:30 PM
Additional Site or Arromanches
Time permitting, visit Arromanches to see remains of the Mulberry artificial harbor, or another site based on your interests. Then scenic return drive to Le Havre with arrival well before your ship's departure.
Customize Your D-Day Experience
Personalize your tour with these additional sites and experiences:
Arromanches & Mulberry Harbor
See the remains of the artificial port that supplied Allied forces after D-Day. Visit the Arromanches 360° cinema for immersive footage combining 1944 archives with modern scenes. +1 hour
Sainte-Mère-Église & Airborne
Visit the town where American paratroopers landed in the early hours of D-Day. See the church steeple where John Steele's parachute caught, and explore the excellent Airborne Museum. +2 hours
Utah Beach & Museum
Explore the beach where the 4th Infantry Division landed with relatively light casualties. The Utah Beach Museum built within a German bunker offers excellent exhibits. +1.5 hours
Juno Beach & Canadian Sites
Honor Canadian forces at Juno Beach Centre. Visit the Canadian Cemetery at Bény-sur-Mer and learn about the Canadian contribution to liberation. +1.5 hours
Personalized Research
If you have family who served in Normandy, we can research their unit's movements and create an itinerary following their footsteps. Please provide details when booking for us to prepare this meaningful experience.
Extended Tours
For overnight stays in Le Havre or longer port calls, we can create multi-day D-Day itineraries covering all five beaches, key inland battles, and lesser-known sites. Contact us with your schedule.
Outstanding (Based on 56 reviews)
Guests consistently describe this as a deeply moving and educational experience, praising our guides' knowledge and the respectful, personalized approach.
GALLERY
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
D-DAY TOUR INFORMATION
Common questions about our D-Day beaches shore excursions from Le Havre. Contact us for anything else!
OTHER SHORE EXCURSIONS
MORE FROM LE HAVRE
Discover other private shore excursions available from Le Havre cruise port
Medieval Rouen & Gothic Cathedral
Explore Joan of Arc's city with its magnificent cathedral immortalized by Monet.
Normandy Countryside & Gastronomy
Taste Calvados, sample Camembert, and explore charming villages of the Pays d'Auge.
Étretat Cliffs & Alabaster Coast
Marvel at dramatic chalk cliffs that inspired Monet and countless artists.
HONOR THE GREATEST GENERATION
BOOK YOUR D-DAY BEACHES TOUR
A meaningful journey through history - Reserve your private shore excursion today
Questions? Contact us at bonjour@bellidays.com or via WhatsApp
Guest Reviews
Michael T.
October 2024"My father landed at Omaha Beach with the 1st Infantry Division. Belinda helped us find his footsteps across Normandy. Standing where he stood 80 years ago was overwhelming. Her knowledge of the battle and ability to bring personal stories to life made this the most meaningful day of our lives."
Jennifer & David R.
September 2024"We've read extensively about D-Day, but experiencing it with Belinda added dimensions we never expected. She balanced military history with human stories beautifully. The cemetery was profoundly moving. Back to the ship with time to spare. Highly recommend."
The Anderson Family
August 2024"Brought our teenage sons to understand the sacrifice made for their freedom. Belinda made history vivid and relevant for them. They were completely engaged all day. Educational, emotional, and perfectly paced. This is how history should be learned."