Saint Lazare Train Station

Normandy-bound Paris daytrippers will begin their journey here at a time of their choosing [Mon-Fri]. We recommend taking the earliest train between 06:00 & 07:00am (and spending the morning visiting beautiful medieval Bayeux).

There is a fast-food outlet adjacent to the platform, as well as a several booths selling coffee & snacks. cafe nearby for passengers who wish a quick coffee prior to departure.

The train trip is comfortable, fast – just over 2 hours 20 mins – and affordable. It is also a far more relaxing option than hiring a car in Paris for a Bayeux daytrip!

NB: Please make sure you take the direct train; it often stops in Caen 15 minutes outside of Bayeux. So, unless otherwise indicated on your ticket, please stay on the train until Bayeux…(if unsure just ask the ticket inspector).

Tip: See our ‘Helpful Info’ menu for ticket info & links.

Bayeux Train Station

Bayeux Train Station is situated just a 12-15 minute stroll from The Bayeux Tourist Information Office & Place de Québec.

On other tours (e.g. on Private Tours, or Group Tours), we usually pick up Paris daytrippers  here at the station [Mon – Fri] at 09:35 for a 09:45 departure.

On this Group tour however – departing Mon / Wed / Fri (2023) at 13:00 from central Bayeux – clients are free to arrive in Bayeux at a time of their choosing, and simply make their way to Place de Québec by 12:50.

There are toilet facilities outside the station, as well as a cafe nearby for passengers who wish a quick coffee, or lunch, prior to heading down to Place de Québec.

*Please refer to our ‘Pick-up Locations’ on the ‘Helpful Info’ menu for directions.

Tip: Parking for hire cars is also available at Bayeux Station: If parked directly outside the station, the carpark is visible over to the right, just across the road, and past the underpass exit, and then it’s the next exit – a sharp right turn before the grayish Pôle Emploi (Job Centre) building.

However, although parking here is free, clients must still enter their registration number into the parking meter and place the printed ticket in their windscreen!

Place de Québec

Place de Québec is situated just around the corner from The Bayeux Tourist Information Office.

On this 5-hr extended half-day tour, we pick up here in 2023 [Mon / Wed / Fri] at 12:50, for a 13:00 departure.

There are toilet facilities at Place de Québec, as well as at the nearby cafe ‘Le Garde Manger’. If passengers wish a quick coffee, or lunch prior to departure. Please be sure to board the correct company’s vehicle – it is a busy place!

(Tip: Paid parking is available here and also nearby at Place aux Pommes).

1. Pointe-du-Hoc

Pointe-du-Hoc, a 100ft promontory cliff overlooking the English Channel on the coast of Normandy in northern France was heavily fortified with concrete casemates and gun pits and protected by the German 352nd Infantry Division. On D-Day the United States Army Ranger Assault Group under lieutenant colonel James E. Rudder assaulted and captured Pointe du Hoc after scaling the cliffs. Disabling the six 155mm guns there was crucial to the successful completion of the Allied Land Invasion. There was however a cruel surprise in store for Colonel Rudder’s men…

2. Vierville-sur-Mer {Saving Private Ryan}

On D-Day at 06:30, the U.S. Army’s 116th Infantry Regiment of the 29th Infantry Division, along with units of the 2nd and 5th Ranger Battalions,  landed on Omaha Beach, below Vierville-sur-Mer. The 29th Division & The Rangers suffered extremely heavy losses in the very first few minutes. On this stop you’ll find out how the courageous soldiers persevered on ‘Bloody Omaha’, and how in the face of all odds and at the prospect of certain death, they finally cut through the formidable German defenses.

3. (Passing thru) Saint Laurent-sur-Mer – Omaha Beach

Omaha Beach, was the code name for one of the five sectors of the Allied invasion of German-occupied France in the Normandy landings on June 6, 1944. Taking Omaha was to be the responsibility of United States Army troops of the First Division nicknamed ‘The Big Red One’. However faced with the 12,020 experienced combat troops of the German 352nd Infantry Division, the battle-hardened 1st Infantry Division had its work cut out. During this memorable visit you’ll find out why nothing here went according to plan on D-Day. Thus we shall discover how ‘Bloody Omaha’ earned its name…

4. Normandy Colleville American Cemetery

On June 8, 1944, the U.S. First Army established the temporary cemetery, the first American cemetery on European soil in World War II. After the war, the present-day cemetery was established a short distance to the east of the original site. Come and honour the graves of our fallen Heroes, discover the gold-embossed gravestones of the three Medal of Honour recipients – listen to some stories from their lives – and peruse the wall of the missing upon which are engraved the names of 1557 servicemen never recovered…

5. The Overlord Museum

Located a very short distance from “Omaha Beach”, facing the round-a-bout that provides access to the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, The Overlord Museum chronicles the period of the Allied landing until the liberation of Paris. The collection was collected by someone who was both a witness to the conflict and involved in the reconstruction of Normandy. Personal items from individual soldiers and armoured fighting vehicles from the six armies in Normandy are presented as a series of reconstructions showing over 35 vehicles, tanks and guns.

OnTour: [T5] Overlord Museum visit – option #1

6. The US Cemetery Visitor Centre

One-third of the building’s 30,000 square feet is dedicated exhibit space.

Using personal stories of participants and a mix of narrative text, photos, films, interactive displays and artifacts, exhibits portray the competence, courage and sacrifice of Allied forces.

The visitor center is designed to complement and enhance the experience of visiting the cemetery. By relating the global significance and meaning of Operation Overlord, the center pays tribute to the values and sacrifices of the World War II generation. After experiencing the cemetery and the center, visitors will have a greater appreciation of those participating in the Normandy invasion, the achievement of America and her Allies in conducting the greatest amphibious invasion in history and the importance of honoring our war dead.

In honoring the brave Americans who lie far from home, as well as those who survived the battle, the center will inspire future generations to explore, understand and emulate the values for which they gallantly fought.

It also conveys a sense of remembrance and provides visitors an opportunity to reflect upon a pivotal moment in World War II and realize how dramatically it affected the course of world history.

ONTour [T5]: The US Cemetery multimedia Visitor Centre [Option #2]

Bayeux Train Station 18:00

As we will have clients on board the bus who are Paris-bound on the 18:35 (appx) Mon-Fri Bayeux to Paris train, it is absolutely imperative that we depart our last stop on schedule at 17:30 and so we ask all clients to be mindful of this when regrouping at the end of the final site visit. During our relaxing drive back to the station you will have 25 minutes to reflect on the day’s touring and have a casual chat with your Guide. We always appreciate feedback about your D-Day experience and welcome any last-minute questions. Please do not hesitate to let your driver know if we can be of any further assistance. Thank you for choosing NormandyONtour.

18:35 (appx) departure from Bayeux Train Station

This train arrives back at Paris St. Lazare Station at 20:45 (appx). A relaxing way to end an unforgettable day…