Le Havre: Normandy D-Day British & Canadian Beaches Tour

The Normandy landings on 6th June 1944 were undoubtedly the most complex military operation ever orchestrated, more than 6,000 warships, transport vessels and landing craft carried the liberating land forces across the Channel, while thousands of aircraft supported this armada. Around 160,000 troops landed on D-Day.

GOLD BEACH like many D-Day beaches, is dotted with quaint cottages and pretty little seaside villages. The main objective was to capture the village of Arromanches, make contact with U.S. troops at Omaha Beach, capture the town of Bayeux and finally meet up with Canadian troops at Juno Beach. Today, however, we know Gold Beach more for what happened after D-Day in particular, the artificial harbour (codenamed 'Mulberries') at Arromanches.

“I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full victory! Good luck!”

— Winston CHURCHILL

What to see ?

German Battery at Longues-sur-Mer
The Landing Museum at Arromanches
Bayeux WWII Commonwealth cemetery largest in France
JUNO BEACH is in the Canadian sector, it was a code name given by the Allies. This sector stretches from Bernières-sur-Mer to Courseulles-sur-Mer. Between the British beaches of Gold and Sword, the Juno Beach sector corresponds to the part of the coastline allocated to the Canadians. This sector was occupied by large coastal villages, which by the end of the 19th century had become charming seaside resorts. The main objective was to cut the Bayeux to Caen road, capture the Carpiquet Airfield and link together the two British landing sectors.

What to see ?

Juno Beach Center, Canada’s only WWII museum in Europe
Juno Park
Bény-sur-Mer Canadian Cemetery
SWORD BEACH is the easternmost of the five D-Day landing beaches. Along with Gold Beach, Sword Beach was one of the two British landing zones. The main objective was to capture the city of Caen. Caen is the largest town in the area and the one through which all the main roads in the Normandy countryside pass.

What to see ?

Memorial Pegasus and bridge in Bénouville
Pegasus bridge café
Le Grand Bunker in Ouistreham
Hillman site German bunker complex in Colleville Montgomery
This area is rich in history and there are so many things to do and places to visit.

My aim is to give you a good overview of the D-Day beaches. If there is a particular place that really resonates to you, make sure you tell me, even if it means you can't see everything. Make sure also everyone else agrees too!