Private Full day landing beaches tour From Honfleur and Le Havre

Exploring the D-Day beaches of Normandy becomes both personal and flexible with this private full-day tour departing from Honfleur or Le Havre. Priced at $1,304.41 per group (up to 7 people), it offers a tailored experience that lasts approximately 7 to 11 hours, making it suitable for history enthusiasts, small groups, or families seeking an in-depth Normandy adventure. The tour emphasizes private transportation, expert narration, and the opportunity to customize stops, providing a comfortable and educational journey through some of the most significant World War II sites. A French croissant breakfast is included to start the day, and the tour features only your group at each site, avoiding crowded tours and allowing for a more personalized visit.

This experience is well-regarded, holding a perfect 5.0 rating from 25 reviews, with 100% recommending it. Notably, the tour is booked 146 days in advance on average, highlighting its popularity among visitors eager to explore Normandy’s historic landscape in depth. It is designed to appeal to those who want a flexible, guided day with a knowledgeable host leading the way through pivotal WWII landmarks.

Key Points

• Private, customizable full-day tour of Normandy’s D-Day landing beaches starting from Honfleur or Le Havre
• Includes a French croissant breakfast and private transportation
• Visits key sites: Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach, American Cemetery, Longues-sur-Mer batteries, Arromanches artificial port, and Pegasus Bridge
• Tour duration varies from 7 to 11 hours, depending on stops and pace
• Only your group participates, with no crowded bus atmosphere
• Highly rated and often booked 146 days in advance

Private Transportation and Custom Stops for a Personal Normandy Experience

This tour begins with private transportation, ensuring your day is comfortable and tailored to your interests. The guide offers a personalized approach, allowing you to select which sites you wish to explore more thoroughly, such as Omaha Beach or the American Cemetery. The flexibility is a strong point, especially since the tour is only for your group—up to 7 people—creating an intimate and relaxed atmosphere.

The guide provides a breakfast of French croissants at the start of the day, setting a pleasant tone. Snacks, bottled water, and sodas are also included, so you stay refreshed throughout the day’s explorations. The tour operates Monday to Friday, with flexible hours from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, accommodating different schedules.

In-Depth Visit to Pointe du Hoc and the Role of the 225 Men of Colonel Rudder

The first stop is Pointe du Hoc, approximately an hour and a half from your starting point, depending on your hotel location. This site offers a compelling look at the daring assault by the 225 men of Colonel Rudder’s second ranger battalion. The guide discusses the sequence of events that led France to be occupied by Nazi forces in 1940, the planning and execution of the June 6, 1944 landings, and the exploits of the Rangers.

Visitors gain a clear understanding of this pivotal battle, with free admission to the site. The guide’s storytelling makes the complex military operations accessible, providing context about the importance of Pointe du Hoc in the overall Normandy invasion. The stop lasts about 3 hours, offering enough time for photos and reflection.

Omaha Beach Stop and Nearby Restaurant Recommendations

Next, the tour moves to Omaha Beach in Saint-Laurent sur Mer, where you can take photos of the iconic shoreline. This stop is about 3 hours long, giving time to walk along the sands, absorb the scenery, and understand the scale of the landing.

The guide offers suggestions for nearby restaurants, making it easy to grab a quick lunch before proceeding. The site’s history as the bloodiest of the landings makes it a deeply moving visit, with the landscape still echoing the fierce fighting of June 1944.

Visiting the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer

The American Cemetery is the most visited site on the Normandy landing beaches. This stop lasts about 1 hour and includes optional viewing of a short film honoring fallen soldiers. Visitors can also explore a small commemorative museum on-site.

Walking among the 9,387 tombs provides a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made. The guide helps explain the significance of this cemetery in American memory and the broader context of the Battle of Normandy. This quiet, respectful site offers a moment of reflection amid the tour’s more active stops.

German Batteries at Longues-sur-Mer: Still Hosting 155 mm Cannons

At Longues-sur-Mer, approximately 20 minutes from the cemetery, the tour pauses to observe German casemates housing 155 mm cannons that were part of the Atlantic Wall. These well-preserved fortifications still contain cannons in place, offering a tangible link to the military defenses faced by Allied forces.

This brief stop allows visitors to see the scale of the Nazi defenses and appreciate the complexity of the battlefield. The free admission makes this site an accessible and visually striking addition to the day.

Exploring the Remains of the Artificial Port in Arromanches

Arromanches-les-Bains hosts the remains of the artificial port—Mulberry Harbour—constructed by the Allies to supply their forces in Normandy. The tour includes a 30-minute stop here, where the guide explains how this engineering feat was planned and installed under wartime conditions.

The remains of this port symbolize the logistical ingenuity of the Allied invasion. Visitors can view the remnants and gain insight into how the port supported the subsequent push inland, making this a crucial stop for understanding the broader operation.

Crossing Pegasus Bridge and the Heroic Night of June 5-6, 1944

The final stop is Pegasus Bridge in Bénouville, about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Arromanches. The guide discusses the British 6th Airborne Division‘s daring mission to seize this crucial crossing during the night of June 5-6, 1944.

Crossing the bridge, renamed Pegasus Bridge in honor of the airborne division’s insignia, symbolizes the success of the airborne assault. This site marks a turning point in the invasion and offers a sense of military heroism. After this, the tour concludes with a drive back to your hotel, completing a comprehensive day of historic exploration.

Additional Inclusions: Food, Beverages, and Comfort

The tour’s inclusions emphasize comfort and convenience: bottled water, snacks, and a soda-filled cooler help keep everyone energized. The luxurious and comfortable van ensures a smooth ride between sites, minimizing fatigue during the long day.

The breakfast of French croissants adds a nice local touch to the morning. Since lunch is not included, travelers should plan for a quick meal during the Omaha Beach stop or bring their own snacks if desired.

Perfect for History Enthusiasts and Small Groups Seeking Flexibility

This private Normandy tour is highly suitable for those who prefer a personalized experience over a crowded bus tour. The customizable itinerary allows emphasis on specific sites, making it ideal for history buffs or families wanting a flexible, educational day.

The knowledgeable guide, Gilles, receives praise for his friendly demeanor and ability to weave storytelling with historical facts. The tour’s high ratings and positive reviews highlight its value as an engaging, educational, and comfortable way to explore the significant WWII sites of Normandy.

Normandy’s Landmark Tour with a Personal Touch

In sum, this full-day private tour offers an intimate look at Normandy’s most important D-Day sites. Starting from Honfleur or Le Havre, it combines historical depth with comfort and flexibility. With only your group, you avoid the crowds, and the guide’s expertise ensures a meaningful visit.

While lunch is not included, the tour’s thoughtfully curated stops, expert narration, and inclusion of a French breakfast make it a well-rounded experience. It is best suited for small groups or families interested in exploring WWII history at their own pace, with the assistance of a dedicated guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people can join this private tour?
The tour accommodates up to 7 people per group, making it ideal for small gatherings.

What is included in the tour cost?
The price covers private transportation, French croissants breakfast, snacks, bottled water, and all scheduled stops.

Can I customize the stops during the tour?
Yes, the tour is private and customizable, allowing you to focus more on the sites that interest you most.

How long does the tour last?
The duration ranges from 7 to 11 hours, depending on how long you spend at each site and the pace of your group.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, but the guide can suggest nearby restaurants during the Omaha Beach stop.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
Most travelers can participate, but specific accessibility details are not listed. It’s best to contact the provider if needed.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Who operates this tour?
The experience is provided by Your Normandy Tour, with contact at +33 7 49 78 05 85 or [email protected].

Is the tour available year-round?
It operates from April 1, 2025, to September 5, 2026, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Why should I choose this tour?
Its private, flexible format, combined with expert guides like Gilles and access to key WWII sites, offers a meaningful and personalized Normandy experience.