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OMAHA BEACH

Key Facts

Sites

Museums

Experiences

Eat

Sleep US sector

Omaha Beach in Vierville-sur-Mer, Normandy
Vierville-sur-Mer at low tide, Omaha Beach

KEY FACTS

The second beach/sector from the west among the five landing areas is Omaha Beach. Stretching about 6 km (4 miles), it spans across three villages : Vierville-sur-Mer, Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer and Colleville-sur-Mer and has the shape of a « croissant ». The Omaha Beach sector includes Pointe du Hoc and Pointe de la Percée.

Omaha Beach was considered the most challenging of the five landing sectors.

There were 5 beach exits along Omaha codenamed:
– Dog 1 in Vierville (WN 71 & 72)
– Dog 3 at Les Moulins valley ( WN 66 & 68)
– Easy 1 at Le Ruquet valley (WN 65)
– Easy 3  in Colleville (WN 61 & 62)
– Fox 1 which resembled a path (WN 60).
WN (= Widerstandsnest) denotes German weapons strongpoint emplacements.

The Germans understood the strategic importance of these routes and heavily fortified the bluffs overlooking the sea, especially at each beach exit. They constructed 15 WN (Widerstandsnest) all along the cliffs, with two 88mm guns positioned at both ends of the beach in Colleville and Vierville. These guns had overlapping fields of fire enabling them to cover up to 7 miles highlighting the significance of the croissant shape of the beach.
Approximately 4,000 beach obstacles were installed by the Germans to impede potential Allied landings and hinder tank advancement onto the shore. Interestingly, these obstacles inadvertently provided cover for the Allies against German fire…

Omaha Beach was stormed on June 6, 1944, at 6:30 am by the 1st Infantry Division, known as « The Big Red One, » and the 29th Infantry Division also called the Blue & Gray division. The beach was fiercely defended by the 352nd German Infantry Division, which was well-trained, having previously served on the Eastern Front.

Simultaneously, at 6:30 am, the assault on Pointe du Hoc was launched by 261 Rangers from Task Force A of the 2nd Battalion of the 29th Infantry Division. Positioned midway between Omaha Beach and Utah Beach, Pointe du Hoc commanded a strategic position atop its cliffs overlooking the sea. The objective was to secure this battery and neutralize any threat it posed to the troops landing on Omaha and Utah Beaches. Despite extensive bombardment by the Allies in the months leading up to the invasion, Pointe du Hoc remained heavily fortified. The Rangers were tasked with reaching the cliff summit by 7 am and signaling the success of their mission to the naval fleet. Subsequently, additional Rangers from the 2nd and 5th Battalions of Task Force C were to arrive as reinforcements.

Missions of the Allies on Omaha Beach 
– Open roads to reach the N13 and penetrate inland.
– Establish connections with other American forces at Utah Beach and British forces at Gold Beach.
Rangers’ missions at Pointe du Hoc
– Capture the German strongpoint and neutralize the battery’s six guns, a significant threat to Operation Overlord’s success.
– Prevent German reinforcements from moving from Grandcamp Maisy to Omaha Beach.

In total, 34,250 American soldiers landed on Omaha Beach on June 6th, with between 3,000 and 4,000 casualties recorded that day. « Casualties » refer to soldiers who were wounded, killed or went missing in action.
Out of the 2,400 tons of supplies intended for landing only 100 tons reached the shore safely.

Why was the landing on Omaha considered a disaster ?
– Previous aerial bombardments failed to hit their targets due to fog and low clouds, which allowed German defenses to remain intact.
– Thick smoke from the night bombardments obscured the coast in the morning, hindering the Navy’s visibility and accuracy in targeting. Consequently, when the first wave of 1,450 American soldiers landed, they faced heavy German resistance resulting in rapid casualties—90% within just 5 minutes. Survivors faced disorganization due to the unexpected landing locations.
– Many tanks sank or were destroyed and engineers tasked with clearing beach obstacles faced heavy enemy fire resulting in significant losses.

The breakthrough on Omaha Beach
Around 10:00 am, certain groups of soldiers managed to achieve the first breakthrough. Subsequently, other units also made progress. German positions were gradually captured, mostly from the rear, and by early afternoon, armored vehicles were brought ashore. By late afternoon, the beach was nearly under American control. In the evening, American forces reached the coastal road linking the three villages of Omaha Beach. However, the bridgehead remained quite precarious

What occured at Pointe du Hoc ?
The 261 Rangers led by Colonel Rudder initially arrived at Pointe de la Percée 2 kilometers further east due to strong currents. They were forced to navigate back westward under heavy German fire. Two out of the ten landing crafts sank, including one loaded with crucial supplies and ammunition. Consequently, survivors disembarked at Pointe du Hoc later than anticipated, approximately 40 minutes behind schedule. Colonel Rudder was expected to signal the Allies waiting on ships at 7 am to indicate the battery’s capture. However, at that hour, the Rangers had yet to scale the cliff, leading the Allies to believe the mission had failed. As a result, the additional 500 Rangers designated to reinforce Pointe du Hoc were redirected to Omaha Beach, specifically the Charlie Sector, the westernmost area.
The 225 surviving Rangers at Pointe du Hoc found themselves without reinforcements, having to fend for themselves. They ascended the cliff using ropes and sheer determination. Upon reaching the cliff’s summit, the Rangers seized the German bunkers, only to discover that the original six guns had been relocated and replaced with wooden replicas. In pursuit of their objective to destroy the guns, two Rangers ventured inland around 9 am, located the artillery pieces, and demolished them using incendiary grenades. Despite accomplishing their mission, only 90 Rangers remained fit for combat by day’s end.
Lacking reinforcements, food, water, and ammunition, the survivors endured isolation. The Germans launched numerous counterattacks in the ensuing days. While some reinforcements arrived on the afternoon of June 7, it was not until June 8 morning that they successfully repelled the Germans and secured the nearby village of Saint-Pierre-du-Mont.

AN EXCELLENT BOOK TO BRING WITH YOU ON OMAHA BEACH !

Omaha Beach by Georges Bernage

Buy the outstanding documentary book « OMAHA BEACH«  by Georges Bernage, published by Heimdal editions and bring it along when exploring the Omaha Beach sector. This book is a treasure trove of information, featuring meticulously crafted photos, plans and maps that provide a good overview of the D-Day landing strategy.

Omaha Beach book by Georges Bernage, Heimdal Editions

In my opinion, it’s the ideal resource to understand what happened during the Omaha Beach landing whether you’re already familiar with it or not. It provides detailed descriptions, explanations and photographs for each of the 15 German strongpoints (referred to as WN) along the beach (WN60 to WN74). This is immensely beneficial for comprehending the German tactics and the appearance of each WN in 1944.
Interested in purchasing ? Click HERE.

SITES

INTERESTING STOP ON THE WAY TO OMAHA BEACH FROM BAYEUX

La Cambe German Cemetery and its information center

– This is the largest one of the six German WWII cemeteries in Normandy.
– 75,000 German soldiers are buried in Normandy.

The cemetery of La Cambe is spread over 17 acres and was inaugurated in September 1961.
Originally, in 1944, American and German soldiers were buried in La Cambe. Then 2/3 of the American bodies were repatriated to the USA at the request of families and 1/3 was transferred to the American cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer overlooking the « bloody » Omaha Beach. It has been German since 1948.

There are today 21,222 German soldiers buried here aged from 16 to 72 years old.
It is the only German cemetery still open to burials in Normandy when new remains of bodies are found.

Before arriving to the cemetery you will drive along a road lined with maples : it is the beginning of the Garden of Peace with 1,200 maple trees planted to symbolize peace, each tree being funded by a donor from different countries. The first one was offered by the Royal British Legion.


In the cemetery, you will see the imposing central Tumulus with its large dark cross in basalt lava of 5 meters high containing 207 unidentified soldiers and 89 identified ones whose names are engraved on plaques. They are buried all together in a mass grave. The statues of a mother and a father overlook their lost kids.


Around this tumulus, you can see 49 plots with up to 400 graves each.


The site is dark and rather austere, recalling the defeat of the Germans.


The cemetery is voluntarily managed by the German War Graves Commission and relies on donations.

Some young people of all nationalities often come here in summer to help with the maintenance of the place : they volunteer during their school holidays and also visit places of memory in Normandy.

My suggested itinerary on Omaha Beach from Bayeux

MY GOOD TIP

Visit some sites of the Omaha Beach sector with the free app « D-Day App » !
*
Visit the German and the American war cemeteries, Omaha Beach and Pointe du Hoc with an audio-guide : very easy to use, you just have to dowload content and you will get a free guided tour.
*
Available in French and English.
Click HERE.
**

I suggest touring the following sites from east to west to explore the Omaha Beach sector (details for each stop are provided below).

Time needed for this tour : a full day (with possibly one museum visit).

1- WN 60 for an overview of Omaha Beach and to grasp the strategic importance of this location for the Germans.

2- The American cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer.

3- Omaha Beach : Le Ruquet, Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer, the marker of the 1st American cemetery and Vierville-sur-Mer.

4- Pointe du Hoc : a German gun battery captured by the Rangers.

1- GERMAN STRONG POINT WN 60

WN 60 stands as the most eastern German strong point : from here, you’ll enjoy a view over the 6 km stretch of Omaha Beach extending to Pointe de la Percée. Onsite, you’ll see the remnants of this strategically significant German position.

Omaha Beach, Normandy

How to get there
?

There are no signage available, so follow my directions or input « La Révolution » in Colleville-sur-Mer into your GPS.

– From Bayeux, take the D613 road passing through the villages of Vaucelles, Tour en Bessin, and Mosles.
– Then, turn right onto Route d’Argouges (D97) until you reach Route d’Omaha Beach (D514).
– Turn left as if heading towards the campsite Le Robinson at the entrance of Colleville-sur-Mer.
– Upon arrival, turn right onto Cabourg Street, continue straight and make another right at the end of the road.
– Follow this path until you see a small parking lot on your left. Park your car here and proceed on foot to the right to reach the strong point and the bunkers.

WN 60 on Omaha Beach
This WN held a dominant position, yet it had its weaknesses. A small cliff at the beach’s edge provided cover for American soldiers, enabling them to attack the WN from the rear.

To reach the beach, take the path on your left from the parking lot. It’s a pleasant 15-minute walk to the pebble beach (the sandy beach is further west), but keep in mind that the return trip to your car may take longer due to the steep coastline !

Eastermost place on Omaha Beach

2- NORMANDY AMERICAN CEMETERY

Free admission.
Pets NOT allowed.

Website HERE.
Omaha Beach, 14710 Colleville-sur-Mer
Ph : 02 31 51 62 00

** If you have a family member buried here : Report your presence upon arrival : you will be escorted to the grave.**

The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer overlooks Omaha Beach and the English Channel. It’s a tribute to the US troops who lost their lives in Europe during World War II. Inaugurated in 1956 but with the first burials as early as 1947, the cemetery covers more than 172 acres and holds 9,387 graves. It is situated near an initial temporary American military cemetery. Managed by the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC), the site is on land owned by the United States. 
Close by, you can visit the remains of German defensive structures such as WN 61, 62, and 63. WN 61 featured an 88mm gun directed westward, capable of coordinating fire with another gun located at WN 72 to the east.

  • The Memorial with its striking 7-meter high bronze statue is impossible to miss. The statue embodies the « Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves. » Additionally, on each side of the Memorial walls, you’ll find four maps detailing the Normandy landing and military operations.

    Statue The spirit of American youth rising from the waves at the US cemetery, Omaha Beach, Normandy

  • At the Wall of the Missings, located in a semicircular garden of the Memorial, you’ll find 1,557 inscribed names. Rosettes indicate the names of those who have been recovered and identified since.
  • A small chapel built by the USA stands in the cemetery   » as a tribute « in remembrance of all their sons who fell during the landings on the beaches of Normandy and during the liberation of northern France. » These words are displayed outside the chapel.
  • The Time Capsule buried in the lawn at the cemetery’s entrance holds news reports from June 6, 1944. Sealed on June 6, 1969, in memory of General Eisenhower and the troops under his command, it is scheduled to be opened on June 6th, 2044, marking the 100th anniversary of the D-Day landing.
  • In the Visitors’ Center, you’ll find fascinating exhibits, including personal accounts from men and women who participated in the Allied operations during the Battle of Normandy. Additionally, there’s an emotional film titled « On Their Shoulders, » which recounts the stories of three American soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for the liberation of Europe.
  • The flag lowering ceremony and the playing of Taps, a tribute to fallen soldiers of the American Army, are held one hour before the cemetery closes to the public. It is a deeply moving moment.

    IN MY OPINION : this stop offers a profoundly moving experience, evoking strong emotions even for those without family ties to World War II. The stunning and awe-inspiring view overlooking Omaha Beach makes it a must-see destination in Normandy.

    Visiting hours

    Open 7/7 except on December 25 and January 1.
    – From April 1 to September 30 : 9am-6pm.
    – The rest of the year : 9am-5pm.
    – Admission is free of charge and ends 15 minutes before closing time.

Statue of "The Spirit of American Youth rising from the waves"
The American cemetery, Omaha Beach, Normandy
The thousands of Graves...
The Wall of the Missings, US cemetery, Omaha Beach, Normandy
The Wall of the Missings
Omaha Beach from the cemetery orientation table

3- THE BEACH OF OMAHA

  • Stop at Le Ruquet exit in Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer (WN 64 & 65)
    Where the first road opened inland.
    WN 64 was incomplete on D-Day posing a vulnerability in the German defenses. The beach exit at Le Ruquet provided an opportunity to penetrate the valley. In addition, the area was poorly protected between WN 62 and 66 except for WN65 and minefields. Thanks to effective fire from an allied ship and an armored half-track, the two « Ruquet bunkers » were destroyed allowing engineers to open the road toward the plateau. By 3pm American heavy equipment could utilize this cleared exit. The 1st Infantry Division (Big Red One) established its headquarters in the blockhouse. Today, a cannon can still be seen in this bunker (WN 65).

    Le Ruquet German bunker -WN 65- and its cannon

  • In Saint Laurent sur Mer
    – Take a moment to visit the contemporary sculpture « Les Braves Omaha Beach Memorial » by Anilore Banon, erected in 2004 to honor the bravery of the soldiers who landed here on the 60th D-Day anniversary.

    The Braves Memorial on Omaha Beach, Normandy
    This sculpture consists of three elements :
    – The wings of Hope
    – Rise, Freedom!
    – The Wings of Fraternity
    At high tide, the sea engulfs all three elements.
    Close by, you’ll also find the « Monument SIGNAL » honoring the soldiers who landed here on June 6, 1944.

  • Commemorative marking of the first World War II American cemetery in France.
    It’s situated along the coastal road Boulevard de Cauvigny between Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer and Vierville. It’s approximately 400 meters from the Monument Signal towards Vierville.

    Commemorative marking of the first WW2 American cemetery in France, Omaha Beach, Normandy

  • In Vierville-sur-Mer
    – « The National Guard Monument » is constructed atop an original German Bunker (part of WN72) housing an 88 mm gun. This site was heavily fortified by the Germans to safeguard the valley exit.

    National Guard Monument in Vierville-sur-Mer, Omaha Beach, Normandy
    – Along the « rue de la mer » in Vierville, you’ll see the remnants of floating footbridges codenamed « Whale footbridges, » which formed part of the artificial harbor of Omaha Beach ( = called Mulberry A for American / Mulberry B for British was located in Arromanches on the British sector). Designated as historical heritage in 2021, these bridges were reassembled in 2004 through the efforts of a dedicated volunteer association and were inaugurated on the 60th anniversary of D-Day.


3-
POINTE DU HOC

14450 Cricqueville-en-Bessin.
Free access and free parking
(don’t leave anyhing visible in your vehicle !!)
Pets NOT allowed.
The Visitor Center
is open 7/7 all year round, 9am-5pm (until 6pm April 1-September 30) from where you can get an explanatory brochure.
Information panels on site.
Website HERE.

Recommended time on site : 1hr – 1hr30min

Pointe du Hoc holds a special place among the sites in the American sector for me. The impact craters left by Allied bombings are still visible leaving an impactful sight to behold. Exploring the casemates allows you to grasp the layout of a German battery. Moreover, being on-site offers a clear understanding of its strategic significance for the Germans. Positioned atop the cliff, it served as an excellent observation point, providing a commanding view of both Utah and Omaha Beach, anticipating any Allied landing. A granite needle stands as a poignant tribute to the bravery of the Rangers.

**Please be aware that access to the command post (one of the casemates) closes 30 minutes before the Visitor/Reception Center closes.**

Curious about what unfolded at Pointe du Hoc on D-Day ? The D-Day Overlord website provides detailed information. Click HERE.

POINTE DU HOC (click to enlarge)

MY SELECTION OF MUSEUMS

OVERLORD MUSEUM in Colleville-sur-Mer

Overlord Museum, Omaha Beach, Normandy
Duration of visit
: 1-2 hours.

Located at the roundabout leading to the Normandy American Cemetery near Omaha Beach, the Overlord Museum showcases the Leloup family’s collection of over 10,000 pieces, including 40 vehicles, tanks, and guns.
The museum recounts the Battle of Normandy up to the liberation of Paris through highly realistic reconstructed scenes.
With thorough explanations, extensive documents, objects, accessories and photos, it’s a museum worth visiting.
Tickets are available for purchase only at the museum.

OVERLORD MUSEUM
Lotissement Omaha Center
14710 Colleville-sur-Mer
Website HERE.

Opening days :
– Open 7/7 :
February – March – October – November – December : 10.00 AM to 5.30 PM
April – May – September : 10am-6:30pm
June – July – August : 9:30am-7pm
Last entrance 1 hour before closing.
– Closed : December 24, 25 and 31 and January.

A Harley Davidson from 1943, Overlord Museum, Normandy

D-DAY OMAHA MUSEUM in Vierville-sur-Mer

D-Day Omaha Museum in Vierville sur Mer, Normandy
Duration of visit
: 45 min-1 hour.

Thousands of original pieces are on display in an authentic American period building.
This museum features a one-of-a-kind private collection of exceptional and rare pieces and equipment used during the Normandy Landings, including an Enigma machine, an FG 42, a Goliath tank, landing craft, resistance equipment, excavation materials, and more.
These items were compiled over fifty years by a passionate father, now deceased who passed on the legacy of remembrance to his sons. The collections are exhibited both indoors and outdoors.

An American Caterpillar bulldozer at the D-Day Omaha Museum in Vierville sur Mer, Normandy
My opinion : This small private museum is a hidden gem with a stunning collection of military equipment. It relies solely on ticket sales for its existence and does not receive any government funding, so please come and visit to support it !

D-DAY OMAHA MUSEUM
Route de Grandcamp
14170 Vierville-sur-Mer
(between Pointe du Hoc and the US cemetery)
Website HERE.

Opening days :
– Open from April to mid-November

**EAT ON SITE : Grab lunch at the double-decker bus of the Embusqué food truck (or on the terrace) located on the museum site for a quick and quality meal ! The restaurant is open from April to October only. More details are provided below in my « restaurant recommendations ».

ORIGINAL EXPERIENCES

POINTE DU HOC BY KAYAK

How about exploring Pointe du Hoc differently? Consider a guided kayak tour (only available in French) offered by the Grandcamp-Maisy sailing school during July and August.

This is a 5-kilometer kayak excursion with a French guide. You’ll paddle along the base of the cliffs that the Rangers scaled on the morning of June 6, 1944 while your guide narrates how they captured this pivotal position.
Additionally, you’ll get to observe the coastline with its colony of kittiwakes, the largest in Europe. It’s a unique and informative way to experience Pointe du Hoc. It’s remarkable to think that this serene and picturesque location was once the scene of intense battle 80 years ago…

ISIGNY OMAHA TOURIST OFFICE – SAILING SCHOOL
Quai Crampon
14450 Grandcamp-Maisy
Ph : 02 31 21 46 00

Ask for information by email
sandra.robin@isigny-omaha-tourisme.fr

– Activity planned every Saturday from July 13 to August 24, 2024 and only on reservation (generally open from mid-June) 
– Schedule :
according to the tides : either 9am-11:30am or between 1:30pm and 2:30pm until 4 or 5 pm.
– Duration :
2,5 hours.

– 2024 price : 20 euros per person (guide and equipment included).
– Requirements : from 16 years old / minors (-18) must be accompanied / know how to swim.

FAT BIKE TOUR ON OMAHA BEACH

With « Omaha Beach D-Day Story », you’ll explore Omaha Beach in a unique way while engaging in a sports activity at the same time.
It’s an excellent cycling tour that offers insights into D-Day.

  • The Omaha Beach D-Day story Tour : 4 hours / 100 euros pp.
    Your guide will take you on a commented cycling tour of Omaha Beach, explaining history and stopping at bunkers to project on the walls period photos and videos on the D-Day landing with a video projector.
  • Another option is : The Omaha Beach Road Tour : 5 km / around 2 hours / 75 euros pp.
    A 5-km commented tour on an electric or classic bike. You cycle on the road or cycle paths on the seafront passing through Saint-Laurent and Vierville.

    Conditions of sale for both options
    :
    – 4 people minimum and 8 maximum.
    – At least 14 years old.
    – Departure from Eolia Bike Café
    – Bookable at any time throughout the year (at low tide) subject to availability.
    – By prior reservation at least 48 hours before the tour.
    – The tour is bilingual in French and English.

EOLIA BIKE CAFE
Close to the monument « The Braves »
12 Rue Bernard Anquetil
14170 Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer
Website HERE.

Reservation by phone : 06 52 01 45 91
Or by email : velomaha@gmail.com

PRIVATE JEEP TOUR WITH GOLD BEACH COMPANY

Explore the historic sites of Omaha and Gold Beach in an authentic WW2 Willy’s jeep! It’s a unique way to tour the area.

The Classic WW2 jeep tour is a half-day guided tour with a private driver-guide ccommodating a maximum of 3 passengers per jeep.
You’ll be picked you up and dropped you off at your accommodation in Bayeux or the surrounding areas.
During the tour, you’ll stop to visit the following sites :
– Arromanches artificial harbour
– Longues-sur-Mer German battery
– The American cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer on Omaha Beach
– WN 60 on Omaha Beach

GOLD BEACH COMPANY
Website HERE.

Ph : 0967 820 514

Booking & information at : booking@goldbeachcompany.com
2024 rate :
480 euros the private half-day tour in a WW2 Willys Jeep from 1 to 3 people (the price is not per person but up to 3 passengers).

E-BIKE TOURS WITH HUGO

Why not discover the Omaha Beach sector riding an electric bike with a friendly passionate local guide ? A great experience in a region perfect for cycling !

Hugo from Petite Reine Normandie is a native Norman guide from Bayeux who has been offering  bike tours since 2016, showcasing his beloved Normandy. With him, you’ll explore the Omaha Beach sector and visit the American cemetery. Cycling along scenic roads and paths, you’ll learn about D-Day in a unique way.

Hugo’s bike tours are private and the price includes:
– His guidance from Bayeux,
– Premium electric bike rentals and helmets.

Two options on Omaha Beach :
– D-Day Omaha : Half-day : 5 hours.
– D-Day Overlord : Full-day : 7 hours.
Hugo offers many other tours : on Utah Beach, in Mont-Saint-Michel, Food-tour, Special Tours… All the details on his website.

PETITE REINE NORMANDIE
You can contact Hugo by phone or by email or send a request via the contact form on the website.
Website HERE.

Ph : 06 80 87 87 37
Email : hugo@petitereinenormandie.fr

HELICOPTER FLIGHT OVER THE D-DAY BEACHES WITH HELIEVENEMENTS

Why not discover the D-Day beaches from the sky ? An awesome and unforgettable  experience !

Héli Evénements, a French helicopter company founded by Olivier (the pilot) and his wife Axelle in 2004, specializes in flights over Normandy. They offer various flight options suitable for all budgets, allowing you to soar above the region’s most stunning landmarks. Additionally, Olivier and Axelle can tailor private flights according to your preferences (and budget !) upon request.

Experience a thrilling tourist flight over Omaha Beach, featuring a 10-minute excursion over Pointe du Hoc and the American cemetery :
– Price : 90 euros per person.
– This flight is available from May 28th to June 5th, 2024 and from July 21st to August 11th, 2024.
– Explore additional flight options on the website.

HELI EVENEMENT
Caen-Deauville-Rouen
Website HERE.
Ph : 02 46 65 60 99
Email : axelle@helievenements.com

EAT

MY RECOMMENDATION
Especially during July and August, beachside restaurants tend to be quite crowded. To avoid long queues during lunchtime, I highly recommend packing a picnic beforehand. You can purchase supplies in the morning before setting out, perhaps in Bayeux, to make sure your mealtime is easy and stress-free. However, I have a few good recommendations if you’d like to eat out.

L'EMBUSQUE in Vierville-sur-Mer

Grab a quality fast-food lunch from a food truck housed in an English double-decker bus – a unique setting for a quick and tasty meal !
Route de Grandcamp
14710 Vierville sur Mer ( Omaha Beach), on the site of the D-Day Omaha Museum.
Follow them on Facebook HERE.

Situated between Pointe du Hoc and the American cemetery, this establishment offers fresh, homemade dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients by a skilled chef. Their menu features standout items like genuine beef burgers and exceptional fries, along with options like croque-monsieur and salads. Guests can also indulge in delightful homemade ice cream sourced from the nearby farm. The service is quick and efficient.

** I appreciate the freshness of the ingredients, the quality of the burgers and fries, the excellent local cider and beers and the overall ambiance of the place – everything is good, in fact ! The establishment boasts a pleasant terrace and offers reasonable prices.**

Open from April to September
– April, May, September : 11am-6pm
– June : open only on weekends (10am-8pm)
– July & August : 10am-8pm

If you want to eat at one of these restaurants during the high season, book your table !

LA CREMAILLERE in Saint Laurent-sur-Mer

A bar and brasserie with simple and traditional cuisine offering a lot of choices at very decent prices.
1 route de Formigny
14710 Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer
Ph :
02 31 22 44 22
Email : lacremaillere14@orange.fr
Follow them on Facebook HERE
Opening days 
7/7 during the high season

Catering to all tastes, they offer meat dishes, pizzas, salads, buffet and provide a warm welcome. Enjoy their summer terrace !
Good value for money.

LA SAPINIERE in Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer

A very good traditional restaurant just 100 meters from Omaha Beach (Easy Red sector).
100 rue de la 2ème Division US
14170 Saint-Laurent-Sur-Mer
Ph :
02 31 92 71 72
Email : sci-thierry@wanadoo.fr
Website HERE.
Open from mid-March to early November
7/7 and 12pm-2pm & 7pm-10pm

They offer a menu to suit every budget and taste. Honestly, I’ve never heard anyone dissatisfied with this restaurant.
Exceptional cuisine and a welcoming team.


** In my opinion, a great choice at Omaha Beach.**

MY GOOD TIP :
– If you eat at this restaurant, be sure to check out WN65 at Le Ruquet Valley, right nearby. The bunker is in excellent condition and still houses a 50 mm anti-tank gun.

Le Ruquet, the first open road inland on D-Day on Omaha Beach
Don’t miss the road named « Bernard Dargols » who was the sole Frenchman to land on Omaha Beach as an American GI on June 8th, 1944.