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Normandy D-Day and Landing Beaches

Overview

The stretch of the Norman coast, with its code names Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword, is famous for the D-Day landings of Allied troops that took place on 6th June 1944.  Code-named Operation Neptune, this was the largest seaborne invasion in history.  Follow the Normandy coast to learn about the naval operation that changed the world.

There really isn't anything that compares to stepping foot on the beaches where the allied troops landed, making this region a perfect destination for school History trips.  Have the opportunity to visit a number of museums and memorials to complement these beach visits and expand your knowledge of this unparalleled event.

Our Suggested Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Travel to Normandy.

    Arrive, settle into your accommodation and spend some time on the beach.

  2. Day 2

    Start your day by visiting the Mémorial de Caen, the museum and memorial commemorating WW2 and the Battle for Caen. Holding an interesting focus on the fragility of peace, it is regarded by many as the best WW2 museum in France. 

    Then visit the Memorial Pegasus, whose museum contains exhibitions and personal objects related to the 6th Airborne Division.  Head to Ranville Cemetery, a WW2 cemetery of Commonwealth soldiers and Merville Gun Battery, built as part of Germany’s Atlantic Wall to defend continental Europe from Allied invasion.

  3. Day 3

    Spend the morning at the Arromanches 360 degree cinema and Musée du Debarquement. Situated on the seawall, this indoor and outdoor museum commemorates WW2’s Normandy campaign and the D-Day landings.

    Enjoy a fantastic guided tour of the D-Day Landing Beaches and walk in the footsteps of WW2 soldiers.

  4. Day 4

    Before heading back to the UK, experience some French culture with a visit to a local market with numerous stalls of local produce. Or you might choose to visit the Boulangerie Le Fournil, a traditional French bakery, with free samples!

    Return travel to the UK.

UNCMT Lion Sur Mer

Accommodation

We use a wide selection of accommodation throughout Normandy, mostly to the 2* standard - all specially suited to the requirements of our schools. Here are just some examples of the accommodation our groups stay at: MVF Les Tourelles and Maison Familiale Bon Sejour.  All accommodation we use is particularly suited for school groups and audited by us.