Colleville Sur Mer is a must-visit for anyone interested in World War II history. This small coastal town in Normandy offers a profound glimpse into D-Day’s pivotal moments, and the tours here stand out for their authenticity and emotional impact. Whether you want a quick, poignant visit or an in-depth exploration, the options range from guided walks to private full-day experiences. One of our favorites is the Diving into D-Day tour, which combines site visits with personal testimonies—a moving way to understand the sacrifices made.
What makes Colleville Sur Mer particularly special is the combination of historic sites like Omaha Beach, the American Cemetery, and Pointe du Hoc, with tours that cater to different interests and schedules. From private guided walks to full-day excursions from Paris, travelers can tailor their experience to fit their time and curiosity. Here, history is not just learned—it’s felt.
Below, you’ll find a carefully curated list of the best tours in Colleville Sur Mer, each offering a distinct perspective on those critical days in June 1944. Whether you prefer a short but meaningful walk or a comprehensive day trip, there’s something here for every history lover.
1. Dive into D-Day: A guided tour of Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery
This 2-hour guided tour offers a heartfelt experience of Omaha Beach and the Normandy American Cemetery. Starting at the iconic Big Red One Monument, your guide will lead you through some of the most strategic areas of the D-Day landings. You’ll see remnants of the Atlantic Wall and hear soldiers’ testimonies that bring the history to life.
What sets this tour apart is its intimate focus on remembrance and storytelling. It includes visits to Omaha Beach itself and the cemetery, where over 9,000 fallen soldiers are honored. The tour is conducted in English and French, making it accessible for international visitors. The guide will help you understand the battlefield’s significance and leave you with a deeper appreciation of the sacrifices made. It’s ideal for those short on time but wanting a meaningful, emotional experience.
The tour’s highlights include viewing Omaha Beach, exploring the Atlantic Wall remnants, and paying respects at the American Cemetery. The meeting point next to the Big Red One Monument makes it easy to join. Expect some walking and comfortable shoes are recommended.
Bottom line: This tour is perfect if you want a well-rounded, emotionally resonant introduction to Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery in just a couple of hours.
2. Normandy American Landing beaches (Utah; Omaha) private tour
For a more personalized experience, the private tour of the Normandy American Landing beaches is hard to beat. Spanning 8 hours, this full-day adventure is designed to immerse you deeply into the history of the June 6, 1944, invasion. The tour starts with pickups from Bayeux or Cherbourg and includes visits to Utah Beach, Pointe du Hoc, and Omaha Beach.
During this trip, you’ll explore the American Airborne targets, see how the Rangers silenced the big guns at Pointe du Hoc, and stand on the beaches where heroes fought. The guide will also take you to sites like the Dead Man’s Corner Museum and Purple Heart Lane, bringing to life stories of individual bravery.
What makes this tour stand out is its flexibility and depth. It covers key battle sites with expert commentary, and the private format means you can ask detailed questions. The itinerary includes visits to multiple museums and memorials, giving a comprehensive picture of the Normandy landings.
Guests describe the experience as “insightful and moving,” and the guide’s expertise adds a personal touch. The price reflects the private, bespoke nature of the trip—at $889 for up to five people, it’s a worthwhile investment for history enthusiasts.
Bottom line: Best for travelers seeking an in-depth, intimate exploration of the landing beaches and battle sites with a private guide.
3. Omaha Beach and Colleville Cemetery Private Walking Tour
This 3-hour private walking tour offers a focused, respectful look at Omaha Beach and the Normandy American Cemetery. Starting at the Visitors Center, you’ll walk through the historic sites with an expert guide who will bring stories to life. The tour includes a visit to the Normandy American Cemetery, where more than 9,000 soldiers are laid to rest, and a walk along Omaha Beach itself.
The intimate setting allows for plenty of questions and personal insights. The guide will highlight the key moments of D-Day, as well as the personal stories of soldiers you encounter along the way. This tour strikes a balance between historical detail and emotional storytelling, making it suitable for those who want a meaningful but not overwhelming experience.
Guests appreciate the “thoughtful, personal approach” and the chance to reflect quietly at the cemetery. The tour’s duration is manageable, making it perfect for travelers with limited time but a strong interest in history.
Bottom line: Ideal for visitors who want a private, in-depth look at Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery without the rush of a larger group.
4. Private Tour of the D-Day Normandy Beaches
This comprehensive day trip from Paris covers all the major D-Day sites, making it a top choice for those short on time but eager to see everything. Starting with a pickup in Paris, you’ll enjoy transportation included, which takes the hassle out of logistics. The tour encompasses a wreath-laying ceremony—an emotional and memorable experience—plus visits to Utah Beach, Omaha Beach, and the Normandy American Cemetery.
During this 13-hour tour, your guide will share vivid stories of valor and sacrifice, walking you past the Atlantic Wall and through key museums like Utah Beach Landing Museum. The itinerary is packed, but it’s designed to give you the most meaningful highlights in a single day.
While it’s on the pricier side at $1,949 per person, the convenience and depth make it worthwhile for first-time visitors or those with limited vacation time. The tour is suitable for active travelers comfortable with a full day of touring, and it offers the unique opportunity to reflect during the wreath-laying ceremony.
Bottom line: Excellent for visitors who want a full, guided experience of Normandy’s D-Day beaches with all logistics taken care of from Paris.
5. Caen: D-Day Discovery – Omaha Secrets
For those based in Caen or nearby, the Caen: D-Day Discovery – Omaha Secrets tour provides a shorter, focused look at Omaha Beach and the Normandy American Cemetery. With a 6.5-hour itinerary, this guided experience is tailored for travelers who want to uncover specific stories and sites without a full-day commitment.
Starting in Caen, the tour visits Pointe du Hoc, where Rangers scaled cliffs under fire, and the Normandy American Cemetery. It also includes stops at the Widerstandsnest 62 (WN 62), a fortified German bunker, adding insight into the defenses faced by Allied troops. The guide shares detailed stories of soldiers and battles, making the experience both educational and impactful.
Rated at 4 out of 5, reviews highlight the “engaging storytelling” and the intimate scale, which allows for questions. The group size—up to 2 people—means a very personalized experience, suitable for couples or small groups looking for depth in a short time.
Bottom line: Well-suited for travelers who want a focused, immersive experience of Omaha Beach and related sites without dedicating an entire day.
How to Choose the Right Tour in Colleville Sur Mer
Choosing the best tour depends on your schedule, budget, and level of interest. If you only have a couple of hours and want a heartfelt introduction, the Dive into D-Day tour offers a balanced mix of site visits and stories. For those craving a more personalized, in-depth experience, the private Normandy American Landing beaches or Omaha Beach and Cemetery walking tour are excellent choices.
Travelers with limited time but a desire to see all key sites might prefer the full-day tour from Paris, which covers everything with ease. Meanwhile, if you’re based in Caen or want a shorter, more intense experience, the Omaha Secrets tour is perfect.
Consider logistics, how much you want to learn, and whether you prefer a private guide or a larger group. Booking early, especially for private or full-day tours, guarantees the best experience and availability.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re after a quick, respectful visit or a detailed exploration of Normandy’s battlefields, Colleville Sur Mer has a tour suited for you. The guided walks, private excursions, and full-day trips all provide meaningful ways to connect with history. For first-timers, the Dive into D-Day offers a poignant introduction, while seasoned history fans might prefer the comprehensive private tour or the full-day trip from Paris.
No matter which you choose, booking early will ensure your spot on these popular tours. Remember, these sites are not just about looking at history—they’re about feeling it. Prepare to be moved.
