Guided Tours on Gold & Sword Beach
As I’ve mentioned before, visiting the D-Day landing sites with a guide is highly recommended. If there’s one place in Normandy that warrants a guided tour, it’s the landing beaches! I suggest several options based on your budget (as, yes, it does come with a cost) and your level of interest.
It’s advisable to book your tour well in advance, especially for private tours as availability can be limited during the high season.
Group tours typically depart from Bayeux while private guides can arrange to meet you at your accommodation in or around Bayeux. If you’re staying elsewhere or at a greater distance, it’s worth reaching out to the private guides to discuss potential arrangements, as they’re often flexible and accommodating
Tour Companies for Shared Tours From Bayeux
The following companies offer group tours ( = shared tours) in English from Bayeux meaning that you’ll be joining others on the excursion.
- Vehicles typically include 8-seat minivans or mini-buses accommodating 16-20 passengers, ensuring a more intimate experience compared to large buses with 50 people.
- Prices are per person.
- Lunch is not included.
- Some companies may include museum tickets as part of the tour but it’s advisable to check their offerings.
- Departure place in Bayeux for group tours :
– Most companies depart from the same place : place de Quebec in Bayeux city center (close to Villa Lara hotel).
– However, some companies may also provide pick-up services from Bayeux train station for those arriving from Paris. Please consult their websites for specific details when booking.
These companies also offer private tours if you prefer a more personalized experience with your own guide and vehicle, albeit at a higher cost. All relevant information can be found on their respective websites.
All listed companies provide excellent group tours in English, led by knowledgeable guides with expertise in the D-Day beaches.
While group tours are generally available from March/April to October, some may operate year-round.
It’s recommended to check each company’s website for specific availability.
NORMANDY SIGHTSEEING TOURS (NST)
A company with several tour guides.
– Morning and afternoon half-day group tour on Gold Beach and Sword Beach.
– You can book these 2 half-days and you will visit both British sectors in one full day.
Website HERE.
GOLD BEACH COMPANY
A company with several tour guides.
– Half-day shared tour that combines Omaha and Gold Beach sectors.
Website HERE.
Private Tours
From Bayeux or the surrounding area.
If you stay anywhere else, check with the guide.
These tour guides offer private tours if you prefer exclusive access to the guide without other tourists
- Prices quoted by the guides are for the entire tour, not per person, making it a convenient option for personalized exploration
- This allows for tailored experiences and meaningful interactions with your guide, fostering deeper communication since you have their undivided attention.
- A ‘driver-guide’ arrangement means the guide provides both guidance and transportation, as they possess a vehicle and the necessary tourism transportation license. This is particularly beneficial if you don’t have a vehicle or prefer not to drive.
- Some guides may also be able to accompany you in your own vehicle ; it’s best to inquire with them directly.
- While lunch is not typically included, your guide will suggest local restaurants or cafes for meals or you can specify your preferences, including a quick snack. Clients are responsible for covering the cost of lunch on-site.
1- With an independant driver-guide
FRANCOIS DE BOURGOING
FRENCH & ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE
**Transportation and guiding services.**
François was born in Bayeux and is a local figure in the area. He has been a guide for many years now. He can arrange private tours in a regular vehicle, an 8-seat minibus and also in an authentic 1938 Bentley (3 passengers) ! He can also arrange your lunch during the tour in a historic house.
– Full-day tour that combines the British & American sectors.
– Full-day tour combining the British & Canadian sites.
– « A la carte » tours.
Website/contact/ information :
NORMANDY A LA CARTE : Click HERE.
MIKE FROM "ALLIED VICTORY TOURS"
ENGLISH & DUTCH SPEAKING GUIDE
**Transportation and guiding services.**
Mike, originally from the Netherlands, developed a deep interest in World War II from a young age. After serving in the Dutch Army for five years, he pursued a career as a graphic designer before transitioning to become a tour guide at Leeds Castle in England. In 2014, he seized the opportunity to become a D-Day battlefield guide in Normandy, where his passion for the subject flourished. In 2019, he established his own business, turning his lifelong passion into a livelihood.
An avid collector of wartime memorabilia, Mike actively participates in World War II re-enactments, contributes articles, and serves as a historical advisor for films and TV productions. With his wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm, touring with Mike promises an insightful and engaging experience !
Mike offers private tours covering various aspects of World War II history including :
– Tours of the D-Day beaches (all sectors) for half-days or full-days.
– Customized D-Day tours tailored to specific interests.
Mike and his wife Deb, run a charming vintage B&B located in Saint-Clair-sur-l’Elle, a site that witnessed a significant battle for the nearby bridge « Le Pont de la Pierre » in 1944.
Their B&B features two lovely guest rooms housed within a restored home designed to evoke the ambiance of the 1930s and 1940s.
Website/contact/ information :
ALLIED VICTORY TOURS
https://alliedvictorytours.com/
« Le Pont de la Pierre » B&B :
http://www.lepontdelapierre.com/
ANTOINE GUITTENY
FRENCH & ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE
**Transportation and guiding services.**
Antoine traveled the world before becoming a tour guide about ten years ago wanting to meet people and see other cultures. He is passionate about History in general and is happy to make you discover that of Normandy.
His vehicle can accommodate up to 6 passengers but he can also ride in your vehicle.
He suggests (among other tours) :
– Private tours to Gold & Sword Beach sectors.
Website/contact/ information :
NORMANDY TREASURE : Click HERE.
CHRISTOPHE GOSSELIN
FRENCH & ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE
**Transportation and guiding services.**
Christophe has been an independant tour guide for 11 years and is specialized in WW2 and medieval history.
He can arrange any tour on all the landing sectors.
Website/contact/ information :
NORMANDY HERITAGE TOURS : Click HERE.
FRANCOIS GOSSELIN
FRENCH & ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE
**Transportation and guiding services.**
Born and raised in Caen, François spent 17 years in England. His family witnessed the Battle of Normandy and François heard many stories about it at family gatherings. He has always been interested in the military aspect of the landing but now he’s more focused on personal stories of soldiers and civilians.
He suggests (among other tours) :
– Full-day and half-day tours to the British sectors of Gold and Sword Beach.
Website/contact/ information :
DDAY NORMANDY GUIDE : Click HERE.
2- Private Tour with a Tour Company
NORMANDY SIGHTSEEING TOURS (NST)
A company with several tour guides.
Contact them to explain what you wish to visit on the British sector ( or any other sector) according to your interests and they will suggest an itinerary.
Website HERE.
Email : contact@normandy-st.com
GOLD BEACH COMPANY
A company with several tour guides.
– Customized private tours on Gold and Sword Beach and any other sector (please contact them).
– Private jeep tour on the Gold Beach sector : maximum of 3 passengers per jeep.
Website HERE.
Email : booking@goldbeachcompany.com
