French Beach WW2 locations

Many people, especially British and American, love coming to visit the French beach WW2 locations that family members might have taken part in the famous D-Day landings

Top 5 French Beach WW2 Locations

Omaha Beach

Exploring Omaha Beach on a Budget: Practical Tips to Save Money

Omaha Beach is undoubtedly one of the most visited WWII locations in France. As one of the landing sites during the D-Day invasion, it holds great historical significance. Visitors come to witness the beautiful coastline, explore the remains of German defenses, and pay their respects at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial.

Visiting Omaha Beach, an iconic World War II site, doesn’t have to drain your wallet. Let’s dive straight into practical money-saving tips for your trip:

Choose the Right Time:

To avoid crowds and high prices, plan your visit during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall). The weather is pleasant, and you’ll have a better chance of finding affordable accommodation.

Budget Accommodation:

Look for budget-friendly options in nearby towns like Bayeux or Carentan. Guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, and budget hotels offer comfortable stays at lower prices, allowing you to save some cash. Bayeux is only about 20km away from Omaha Beach.

Pack a Picnic:

Save money on dining by packing a picnic. Grab some baguettes, local cheeses, and charcuterie from nearby markets. Enjoy your meal with a scenic view of Omaha Beach, all while keeping costs down. If you’re staying in Bayeux, they have local markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays. On Saturdays, it is held on the Place Saint Patrice (where it’s been held since Roman times)

Public Transportation:

Utilize public transportation to reach Omaha Beach. Trains and buses connect nearby towns, providing an affordable way to get there. Enjoy the picturesque countryside and save on transportation expenses. For example, the cheapest way to get from Bayeux to Omaha Beach costs in the region of €2.

Free Resources:

Take advantage of the free resources available at Omaha Beach. Download free audio tours or informative apps on your smartphone to enhance your visit without spending extra money.

Explore by Bike:

Consider renting a bike from a local shop. Cycling along the Normandy coast allows you to visit various WWII landmarks while enjoying the scenic route. It’s an affordable and adventurous way to explore the area.

Immerse in Local Culture:

Visit the town of Bayeux, known for the famous Bayeux Tapestry. Explore the local markets, delve into the region’s heritage, and engage with friendly locals. It’s a chance to experience the culture without straining your budget.

Utah Beach:

Places to stay:

We would recommend finding accommodation a short distance away from Utah Beach. As Utah Beach is another very popular French beach WWII location, look for affordable accommodation options in nearby towns like Carentan or Sainte-Marie-du-Mont. Guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, and budget hotels offer comfortable stays at reasonable prices, freeing up your budget for other experiences.

Self Catering & Picnic lunches:

We would always recommend visiting these markets to immerse yourself in the local culture and get excellent value for money:

Market Days in Normandy:

Port en Bessin: Sundays, an excellent market at Port en Bessin (eastern end of Omaha beach).

Carentan: Mondays, great food market.

Villedieu des Poeles: Tuesdays, a very good, large street market.

Bayeux: Wednesdays and Saturdays, a very good, historic market.

Juno Beach:

Juno Beach, where Canadian forces landed during the D-Day invasion, attracts a significant number of visitors. The Juno Beach Centre is a popular destination, offering a comprehensive understanding of Canada’s involvement in WWII. The museum’s exhibits, films, and guided tours provide a deep insight into the Canadian perspective of the war.

Visiting the Juno Beach Centre is generally inexpensive, with Adult tickets in the region of about 7.50 € (in 2023) for adults. Children pay 6.00 € and family tickets cost 23.00 €.

This is great value for money considering the time you can spend inside seeing the fascinating displays.

Places to stay:

We would recommend looking for affordable accommodation options in nearby towns such as Courseulles-sur-Mer or Bernières-sur-Mer. Guesthouses, budget hotels, or vacation rentals can provide comfortable stays at reasonable prices, leaving you with more funds for your visit to Juno Beach Centre.

Sword Beach:

This was one of the major French beach WWII locations for the British force, who landed over 29 000 soldiers there on D-Day.

Four essential visits at Sword Beach:

Great Bunker Atlantic Wall Museum:

The Great Bunker Atlantic Wall Museum, also known as Musée du Grand Bunker, is a historical museum located in the town of Ouistreham, near Sword Beach in Normandy, France. Situated within a massive concrete bunker, it offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore a preserved part of the German defenses built along the Atlantic Wall during World War II.

Hillman Site in Colleville-Montgomery:

The Hillman Site, located in Colleville-Montgomery, Normandy, France, is a significant World War II historical site. It played a pivotal role during the D-Day invasion and holds great historical significance in the context of the Battle of Normandy.

During World War II, the Hillman Site served as a strong German defensive position known as the Hillman Fortress. It was strategically positioned near Sword Beach, one of the landing zones for the British forces during the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944.

The Hillman Site consisted of a network of interconnected trenches, concrete bunkers, machine gun posts, and minefields. It was heavily fortified and manned by German troops from the 716th Infantry Division. The objective of the British forces was to capture the Hillman Site to secure their position on Sword Beach and advance further inland.

N ° 4 Commando Museum:

The N°4 Commando Museum, also known as the N°4 Commando Museum in Ouistreham, Normandy, France, is a museum dedicated to preserving the history and honoring the achievements of the British N°4 Commando during World War II.

The museum is located in the heart of Ouistreham, a town that played a significant role in the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944. The N°4 Commando was one of the specialized British commando units that participated in the amphibious assault on Sword Beach, aiming to secure the area and provide support for the wider Allied invasion.

The Pegasus Memorial:

The Pegasus Memorial, located in Ranville, Normandy, France, is a significant memorial site dedicated to the British 6th Airborne Division and its involvement in the D-Day landings during World War II. The memorial commemorates the actions of the division and pays tribute to the soldiers who fought bravely for the liberation of France.

Summary of the Best French Beach WWII locations:

As you can see, the above are only a few places mentioned where you could while away some time in an inexpensive manner. Sometimes a trip does not have to always be about the 5-star restaurants, but just taking a step back, having a picnic with the kids, and building memories with your loved ones that they will remember for a long time. Also, booking accommodation away from the main attractions also gives you better options, I personally love staying in little rural villages when I visit France. Taking strolls through villages, and visiting lovely little pastry shops, markets, and village stores, you immerse yourself in the culture.

So if you do decide to go visit the French beach WWII locations, have a look around at the lovely villages nearby that you can use as a base to go explore the surrounding countryside.