Votre road trip "plages du débarquement" (D-Day landings) en 3-4 jours 
Why L’Îlot Pomme Cottage is Your Perfect Base?
Let’s be honest: after an intense day on the D-Day beaches, you’ll need a real sanctuary. And guess what? We’re in the perfect spot!
Just 20 minutes from Omaha Beach and 10 minutes from Bayeux, our estate is your ideal base for exploring the history of June 6, 1944. In the evening, come back home: heated pool, jacuzzi, large gardens, and time to relax.
The Itinerary at a Glance
We’ve crafted a chronological route that follows the Allied troops’ advance. No stress: everything is designed to optimize your travel and time.
What makes this itinerary great:
- Central location = short drives
- Balance of museums / outdoor sites / free time
- Total flexibility (adaptable to weather)
- Heated pool waiting for you in the evening
DAY 1: American Sector West – Utah Beach 🇺🇸
Drive: 50 km – 50 min from us
Morning: Sainte-Mère-Église (9am-12pm)
Start with THE iconic village where a paratrooper got stuck on the church steeple all night. Yes, it really happened!
Airborne Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Two parachute-shaped buildings (visually stunning!)
- A real C-47 displayed inside
- Immersive reconstructions that give you chills
- Visit time: 2.5 hours
- Price: ~€11
- Tip: Perfect for teens and kids!
On the square, look up at the church: the paratrooper dummy is still there 📸
Lunch: Norman Break (12pm-1:30pm)
Picnic with camembert and cider, or local restaurant. Your choice!
Afternoon: Utah Beach (2pm-5:30pm)
The Beach This was the least bloody of the 5 beaches. Take time to walk on the sand and imagine the scene.
Landing Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Built in a real German blockhouse
- Collection of military vehicles
- Poignant documentary film
- Time: 1.5 hours
- Price: ~€8
Bonus Option: Pointe du Hoc
If you still have energy (30 min drive):
- Insane cliffside location
- Giant bomb craters to explore
- Intact German bunkers
- Free!
💡 Our advice: Don’t underestimate the emotional impact of this first day. It’s intense.
6pm: Back to Base 🏠
Head to L’Îlot Pomme Cottage. Pool, drinks, relaxation. You’ve earned it.
DAY 2: Omaha Beach – “Bloody Omaha” 🇺🇸
Drive: 20 km – 20 min from us
Morning: The Museums (9am-12:30pm)
Two options (choose one):
Overlord Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Heaven for military equipment fans
- 10,000 authentic objects
- Ultra-realistic life-size scenes
- Price: ~€8.50
OR Omaha Beach Memorial Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- More intimate
- Focus on soldiers’ personal items
- Price: ~€7
Lunch: Sea Views (12:30pm-2pm)
Restaurants in Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer or beach picnic.
Afternoon: The Beach and American Cemetery (2pm-5:30pm)
But first, a digestive walk on the beach.
Head down to Omaha Beach. This is THE D-Day beach, the one from “Saving Private Ryan”.
Option for horseback riding on the beach for equestrian fans.
Monuments to see:
- “Les Braves” (sculpture on the beach)
- Bunkers in the dunes
- Commemorative plaques
Get your tissues ready. Seriously.
Colleville-sur-Mer Cemetery ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- 9,387 white graves aligned perfectly
- Direct view of Omaha Beach
- Ultra-modern visitor center
- Free / remember to book
- Tip: Try to arrive for the flag ceremony (4pm or 5pm depending on season)
On the Way Back: Longues-sur-Mer Battery
15 min from us!
- Only German battery with its original guns still in place
- Incredible view between two beaches
- Free exploration
- Free
6pm: Back to the Cottage
Chill, pool or garden walk. Your call!
DAY 3: British-Canadian Sector 🇬🇧🇨🇦
Drive: 15 km – 15 min from us
Morning: Arromanches (9am-12:30pm)
The artificial harbor = absolute military genius. See those big concrete blocks in the sea? They’re the remains of the harbor built in 15 days to supply the troops.
Landing Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Just renovated (looks amazing!)
- Animated models explaining the system
- Price: ~€9
Arromanches 360° ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Immersive film on circular screens
- Color archive footage (rare!)
- 20 minutes of thrills
- Price: ~€6
💡 Tip: At low tide, you can walk to the harbor caissons!
Lunch: Seafood (12:30pm-2pm)
Arromanches = perfect spot for oysters and fresh fish.
Afternoon: Juno Beach (2:30pm-5:30pm)
Off to the Canadian sector!
Juno Beach Centre ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- The only Canadian museum on the beaches
- Interactive and modern exhibition
- Guided tour of a German bunker included
- Activities for kids
- Price: ~€12
On the beach, check out the “Canada House” monument and the giant Cross of Lorraine.
6pm: Back to Base
DAY 4 (Optional): Your Choice! 🎯
Still have energy? Three options available:
Option A: Bayeux Day 🏰
10 minutes from us!
Morning:
- Cathedral: Amazing architecture
- Old Town: half-timbered houses, terraces, medieval vibes
Afternoon:
- British Cemetery: The largest in France (4,648 graves)
- Shopping and cafés downtown
Option B: Caen Memorial 🎓
30 min from us
THE museum to understand everything A to Z.
Caen Memorial ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- 3-4h visit minimum (it’s comprehensive!)
- From 1918 to the Cold War
- Exceptional documentary films
- Price: ~€20
- Advice: Ideal if you want the complete historical context
Option C: Sword Beach + Pegasus Bridge 🪂
35 min from us
The British sector in the East.
To see:
- Pegasus Bridge: First objective liberated on June 6 (epic night operation)
- Pegasus Museum: History of British paratroopers
- Sword Beach: The easternmost beach
- Bunkers in Ouistreham
Book Your D-Day Base 🏡
What we offer:
- 4-12 person cottages with equipped kitchen
- B&B rooms with breakfast
- Heated and secured pool
- Amazing private gardens
- Free parking
- WiFi
- Top strategic location
Distances:
- 10 min → Bayeux
- 20 min → Omaha Beach
- 15 min → Arromanches
- 30 min → Caen
Les infos pratiques ⚡
Norman Cuisine 🧀🍎
Take advantage to taste local specialties!
Must-try:
- Camembert, Livarot, Pont-l’Évêque (real AOP cheeses)
- Cider and Calvados
- Courseulles oysters
- Isigny salted butter caramel
- Teurgoule (cinnamon rice pudding – it’s a killer)
Where to eat?
- Local markets (top-level picnics)
- Seafood restaurants in Courseulles and Arromanches
- Traditional inns in Bayeux
Museum Hours
Generally:
- Opening: 9:30am-10am
- Closing: 6pm-7pm
- Last entry: 1h before
- ⚠️ Some closed Mondays off-season
📱 Tip: Buy your tickets online to skip the line!
Extended Version (5-7 Days) 🎒
Want to extend the adventure? Add:
- Mont-Saint-Michel (1h20 from us)
- Caen and its castle
- Honfleur and its picturesque harbor
- Étretat and its Instagram-worthy cliffs
- The Cider Route (tastings++)
Express Version (2 Days) ⚡
Only have 2 days? Here’s the condensed version:
Day 1: Omaha Beach + American Cemetery + Pointe du Hoc Day 2: Arromanches + Juno Beach + Bayeux
Efficient and intense!
If It Rains? ☔
Let’s be honest: this is Normandy, it’ll probably rain. But no worries!
Indoor Plan B:
- Caen Memorial (4h indoors)
- All the mentioned museums
- Arromanches 360° Cinema
The good side of rain:
- Fewer people everywhere
- Authentic Norman atmosphere
- Cemeteries are even more moving under gray skies
When to Visit?
Best time:
- April-May & Sept-Oct: Good weather, fewer crowds ✅
- June: Commemorations + events but SUPER CROWDED
- Winter: Budget option, raw atmosphere, fewer tourists, but bring your raincoat. Note: some museums close in winter
Pre-Departure Checklist
- Book at L’Îlot Pomme Cottage ✅
- Check museum hours online
- Plan for 3-4 days (min 2 if you’re in a hurry)
- Rent a car (essential)
- Raincoat + comfortable shoes
- Charged camera/smartphone
- Download the “D-Day Overlord” app
- Tissues (you’ve been warned)
How to Get Around?
By Car (highly recommended) 🚗
- Total freedom with schedules
- Free parking almost everywhere
- GPS recommended
By E-bike 🚴
- For eco-friendly sports enthusiasts
- Rentals available in Bayeux
- Guided tours available
Guided Tour 🚐
- Several providers in Bayeux
- Passionate guides sharing anecdotes
- Comfort option if you don’t want to drive
In Summary 🎯
June 6, 1944 = turning point in world history.
In 3-4 days from L’Îlot Pomme Cottage, you’ll:
- Walk on the beaches where everything changed
- Understand the scale of the sacrifice
- Live a memorable experience
- Enjoy awesome accommodation
Ready? We’re waiting for you! 🇫🇷
With Kids 👨👩👧👦
Sites that work well:
- Airborne Museum (great for teens)
- Outdoor beaches (Pointe du Hoc = adventure playground)
- Juno Beach Centre (kids’ activities)
- Our heated pool between visits!
Parents’ tips:
- Alternate museums and outdoors
- Plan snack breaks
- “Family special” guided tours exist
Go Further 📚
Films to watch before:
- Saving Private Ryan
- The Longest Day
- Dunkirk
Books:
- “The Longest Day” – Cornelius Ryan
- “D-Day” – Antony Beevor
Useful apps:
- D-Day Overlord (site geolocation)
- Weather app (we’re in Normandy, remember)
Websites: