Immerse yourself in history and experience an unforgettable moment by participating in the 80th anniversary of D-Day festivities! Find out how you can immerse yourself in this historic commemoration and pay tribute to the heroes of the Landings. Prepare for a unique and emotional experience by joining the celebrations of this major event of the Second World War.
Prepare your visit
Consider a last minute visit Normandy for the 80th anniversary of D-Day can be a real challenge. Rental accommodation within a 50 km radius of the main sites is often sold out months in advance. If you have not yet booked, it is recommended to look for creative solutions, such as accommodation with locals or in towns a little further away.
The kick-off of the celebrations
The grand start of the festivities begins this Saturday, June 1st, with the burning of the beaches. From 11:30 p.m., around twenty fireworks will be set off simultaneously on the historic beaches, Utah Beach has Sword Beach. This first night promises to be magical, highlighting the major sites of the Landings and paying tribute to the veterans.
Activities and events all summer
The festivities are not limited to just one day. Despite the big official ceremony on June 6 being often difficult to access, hundreds of events and exhibitions are planned throughout the region until the end of September. Some museums, such as the 54 linked to the Battle of Normandy, will have new tours and special exhibitions for this summer.
Explore the landing beaches
Whether you choose to visit Omaha Beach, Gold Beach, Juno Beach or any other historic beach, each site offers a unique perspective on the events that took place in 1944. Consider taking part in the giant picnics, period costume balls and concerts that will be organized in different towns .
New shuttles to make travel easier
For this edition, a regular shuttle service will connect the three main D-Day beaches in Calvados, from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., until September 30. These shuttles will also serve other key sites such as Pointe du Hoc and the Juno Beach Center. Four new vehicles, air-conditioned and equipped with Wi-Fi, will make these visits much easier by avoiding the hassle of traffic and parking.
The rates :
- Free for children under 5
- €5 per day for under 26s
- €10 for those over 26
Transportation options
To get to Normandy, several options are available to you:
- By car, by taking the RN13 from Paris-Caen, which is free.
- By train, with departures from Gare Saint Lazare. Allow around 2 hours to arrive in Caen, 2 hours 20 minutes for Bayeux and 2 hours 40 minutes for Carentan.
Prepare for a memorable and deeply moving experience during these D-Day 80th anniversary celebrations.
