Revised on June 20,
Estimated reading time: 4
The sites of the D-Day and Battle of Normandy are located between Utah and Sword Beaches
From May 27th to August
This year’s commemorations, based on the 79th anniversary of the Battle of Normandy and D-Day, pay tribute to the heroes who came from far and wide to restore freedom to Europe.
Every year, the tourist offices located alongside and close to the D-Day Landing Beaches join forces to organize the D-Day Festival, which showcases memorial gatherings and celebrations in several locations including Sainte-Mère-Église, Bayeux, and Arromanches-les-Bains (Gold Beach sector), to mention a few.
3- guided tours with live performers
Every year in Mont Sainte-Marie-du-Mont’s Utah Beach sector, Ferrolliet Jean, a local B&B owner, and history enthusiast, conducts guided night tours of Battery Holdy, immersing oneself in the critical first hours of combat between American and German forces on June 6, 1944, with the addition of theatrical performances.
5- Guided tours oN Utah Beach
Immerse yourself in the action from the moment they met with airborne divisions to the moment they ensured the early capture of Cherbourg. Later added to Operation Overlord, this was one beach landing situated in the Manche département, facing many challenges. Embark on our guided walking tour, which explains the footsteps of the liberators on a 23km journey only on Utah Beach.
4- a real C-47 Dakota aircraft
Designated as a historic landmark, this remarkable aircraft, manufactured in the United States, stands alone in Normandy. Experience the hardships endured by paratroopers during their voyage across the English Channel and board an authentic C-47 Dakota SNAFU Special, which played a vital role in the airborne operations on D-Day, by visiting the Merville Battery Museum.
6- showS and demoS in Sainte-Mère Eglise
In the evening, there will be complete anti-aircraft protection around the church, with searchlights. Additionally, at 11pm, there will also be a demonstration of the anti-aircraft protection around the church. You can enjoy an evening of music at Eglise Sainte-Mère courtesy of the Doll Satin Sisters and the Jazz Normandy Patrol.
1- History hubs on JunO Beach
The ‘history hubs’ will showcase the movements of the Allied troops and the Atlantic Wall, as well as provide information through archive photos. These hubs will also feature biographies, accounts, and testimonials from locals and soldiers who experienced the Liberation, Landings, and Occupation. The trail will pass through the towns of Mer, Luc-sur-Mer, Langrune-sur-Mer, Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer, Bernières-sur-Mer, Courseulles-sur-Mer, and will allow visitors to uncover the stories of the people who lived through D-Day. It will provide an opportunity to follow in their footsteps and experience the Beach Juno sector.
2- audio tourS on Sword Beach
Explore the beautiful seafront while appreciating the magnificent villas. Learn all about the history of D-Day and visit the neighboring towns of Montgomery Colleville-sur-Mer and Lion. Take an audio tour through Ouistreham and follow the 2 km long Délicate La route. Rent an umbrella from the local tourist office, which is equipped with GPS and headphones. Don’t forget to visit the charming seaside town of Ouistreham, located in the Sword Beach sector.
8- An Evening at CanAda House
In Bernières-sur-Mer, Canada House on Juno Beach is organizing an evening of remembrance, which includes bagpipers, the laying of flowers, and the release of lanterns into the sky. This house was one of the initial residences freed by Canadian soldiers on D-Day.
9- Liberation parade in port-en-Bessin
Donning period clothing, immerse yourself in the 1940s theme and actively participate in the victorious procession of military vehicles and re-enactors as they march through the town of Port-en-Bessin to commemorate the Liberation!
7- Witness accounts in Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer
During these special guided tours, visitors have the opportunity to witness firsthand the vibrant events that took place in Saint Aubin and experience the Occupation and D-Day Landings through the perspective of the local residents.
the British Normandy Memorial
Situated in the coastal town of Normandy Veterans, Ver-sur-Mer, this splendid newly constructed monument overlooks Gold Beach. After extensive efforts spanning almost six years, it was inaugurated on 6 June 2021, commemorating the 77th Anniversary of D-Day. The establishment of the Normandy Memorial Trust in 2016 aimed to fulfill the aspiration of honoring the memory of British veterans, as there had been no dedicated memorial until then. The pivotal involvement of the British armed forces in the Battle of Normandy and D-Day resulted in over 22,000 individuals paying the ultimate price for the cause of freedom.
10- ‘The night they landed’ fireworks
Be amazed by the remarkable ‘The night they arrived’ fireworks show that occurs above the historic German fortification in Longues-sur-Mer.
11- A Concert in Bénouville
Bénouville offers the opportunity to enjoy an evening of live music, conveniently located across the Caen Canal from Pegasus Bridge, renowned as one of the most iconic bridges in military history.