Normandy D-Day Beaches Private British Sector From Bayeux

Discovering the Normandy D-Day Beaches on a private tour is a poignant journey through history. Focusing on the British sectors of Gold and Sword, visitors will uncover the sacrifices made on those fateful days in June 1944. From Pegasus Bridge to the remains of the Atlantic Wall, this wheelchair-accessible tour provides a deep insight into one of the most significant military operations of the 20th century. As the story unfolds, the past comes alive through firsthand accounts, offering a powerful connection to the events that changed the course of World War II.

Key Points

• Explore the British sectors of Normandy’s D-Day Beaches, including Gold and Sword, on a private 8-hour tour starting from Bayeux.
• Visit key sites like Ranville War Cemetery, Arromanches, and Longues-sur-Mer artillery battery to learn about the Commonwealth’s involvement in the D-Day landings.
• Discover pivotal operations such as Deadstick and Pegasus Bridge at Sword Beach, where the 3rd British Division landed on June 6, 1944.
• Experience the historical ambiance of Café Gondré, a local hotel that provides intimate perspectives on the D-Day invasion.
• Customize the tour for families and disabled guests, with wheelchair accessibility, audio system, and included entry fees.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Details

This private tour of the Normandy D-Day Beaches focuses on the British sectors of Gold and Sword.

The 8-hour tour starts at $807.82 per group (up to 7 participants) with free cancellation available 24 hours in advance. Pickup is included in Bayeux, and the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Highlights include visiting the Ranville War Cemetery, exploring the Atlantic Wall remains, and learning about the involvement of Commonwealth countries.

The itinerary covers key sites like Sword Beach, Café Gondré, Gold Beach, and the Longues-sur-Mer artillery battery.

Audio system, entry fees, and customized tours for families and disabled guests are included.

Tour Highlights

The tour highlights a visit to the Ranville War Cemetery, where over 2,500 soldiers, including Den Brotheridge – the first Allied soldier killed on D-Day, are honored.

Guests will also explore the remnants of the Atlantic Wall and the artificial Mulberry port at Arromanches. Insights into the involvement of Commonwealth countries are provided.

Visitors can explore the remnants of the Atlantic Wall and the artificial Mulberry port at Arromanches, with insights into Commonwealth involvement.

The tour focuses on the British sectors of Gold and Sword, visiting key battlefields and memorials. Participants can learn about pivotal operations like Deadstick and Pegasus Bridge at Sword Beach.

The tour offers a comprehensive look at this historic D-Day region.

Itinerary and Key Stops

The tour begins at the Sword sector, where guests learn about the pivotal Operation Deadstick and the capture of Pegasus Bridge.

Key stops along the itinerary include:

• A visit to the Café Gondré, a historical site with a witness to D-Day events.

• Sword Beach, where the 3rd British Division landed.

• The afternoon at Gold Beach, focusing on the 50th Infantry Division and the artificial port of Arromanches (Mulberry B).

• The Longues-sur-Mer artillery battery, the only site in Normandy with original guns.

First Stop: Sword Sector

As the tour begins, guests are introduced to the Sword sector, the easternmost of the Allied invasion beaches on D-Day. Here, they learn about Operation Deadstick and the capture of Pegasus Bridge, a key objective of the British 6th Airborne Division.

| Operation Deadstick | Pegasus Bridge |

| — | — |

| Glider assault to secure Orne River bridges | Vital crossing captured within minutes |

| Led by Major John Howard | First Allied objective secured on D-Day |

| Crucial to protect eastern flank | Symbol of British resilience |

The tour then visits Café Gondré, a historical site with a witness to the D-Day events, providing an intimate perspective on the invasion.

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Visit to Café Gondré

After learning about the crucial military operations in the Sword sector, the tour makes a stop at Café Gondré, a historical site that provides an intimate perspective on the D-Day invasion.

After exploring the military actions in the Sword sector, the tour visits Café Gondré, offering an intimate view of the D-Day invasion.

The café’s owner, Mme. Gondré, was an eyewitness to the events of June 6, 1944.

Visitors can:

• Hear firsthand accounts of the Allied troops landing on Sword Beach and the ensuing chaos.

• See preserved bullet holes and other remnants that serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made.

• Appreciate the café’s timeless ambiance, which has remained largely unchanged since the war.

The visit to Café Gondré offers a unique opportunity to connect with the human stories behind the D-Day landings.

Exploring Sword Beach

From the historical Café Gondré, the tour continues to Sword Beach, where the 3rd British Division landed on June 6, 1944.

Visitors explore the landing sites and learn about the strategic importance of Sword Beach. The guide shares stories of the brave soldiers who fought to secure this crucial sector.

One can almost feel the tension in the air as you stand on the very ground where the Battle of Normandy unfolded.

The tour then moves on to examine the remains of the Atlantic Wall, a formidable German defense system, providing a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the Allied forces.

Afternoon at Gold Beach

In the afternoon, the tour shifts its focus to Gold Beach, where the 50th Infantry Division landed on D-Day.

Visitors explore the remains of the artificial port of Arromanches, also known as Mulberry B, a remarkable engineering feat that played a crucial role in the Allied invasion.

• Guests learn about the challenges faced by the British troops and the ingenious solutions that were devised to overcome them, such as the construction of the Mulberry harbors.

The tour also includes a visit to the Longues-sur-Mer artillery battery, the only site in Normandy where the original German guns remain, providing a tangible connection to the events of D-Day.

Throughout the afternoon, the guide shares insights into the Commonwealth’s involvement in the battle, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of this pivotal moment in history.

Longues-sur-Mer Artillery Battery

The Longues-sur-Mer artillery battery stands as the only site in Normandy where the original German guns remain, providing a tangible connection to the events of D-Day. Visitors can walk through the heavily fortified concrete bunkers and see the massive 150mm guns that unleashed a barrage of fire on Allied forces on June 6th, 1944. The site offers a haunting reminder of the dangers faced by the invading troops. As part of the tour, guests will have the chance to explore this well-preserved historical landmark and gain insights into the formidable German defenses that had to be overcome.

| Caliber | Barrel Length | Weight (tons) | Effective Range | Traverse Angle |

|———|—————|————–|—————–|—————-|

| 150mm | 17 feet | 6.5 | 13,000 meters | 360 degrees |

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Duration of the Round-Trip Transfer From Bayeux?

The tour duration is 8 hours, which includes the round-trip transfer from Bayeux. This pickup and drop-off service is provided as part of the tour package to ensure a convenient and seamless experience for participants.

Can the Tour Be Customized Based on Personal Interests?

The tour can be customized based on personal interests. The provider offers flexible booking options and accommodates families and disabled guests upon request, allowing for a personalized experience.

Is There an Option to Have a Private Guide for the Tour?

Yes, the tour offers a private guide. The private tour allows flexibility to customize the itinerary based on personal interests and ensures personalized attention from the knowledgeable guide throughout the 8-hour experience.

What Type of Transportation Is Provided During the Tour?

The tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a comfortable and convenient transportation experience throughout the day. Guests don’t need to worry about driving, as the guide handles all the transportation logistics.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Options for the Included Meals?

The tour doesn’t include any meals, so there are no dietary restrictions or options. Travelers can bring their own snacks and refreshments to enjoy during the tour stops.

The Sum Up

This private tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the poignant history of the Normandy D-Day Beaches, focusing on the British sectors of Gold and Sword. Visitors will explore significant sites, hear firsthand accounts, and gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made during this pivotal moment in history. It’s a chance to walk in the footsteps of those who fought for freedom on that fateful day.

You can check availability for your dates here: