D-Day beaches: a 2-day itinerary from Courseulles-sur-Mer

Many of our guests — especially from Canada — come to Normandy to walk the D-Day beaches. Courseulles-sur-Mer is the perfect base: Juno Beach is right here, and the main memorial sites are within easy reach. Here's a simple, unhurried two-day plan.

Day 1 — Juno Beach, on foot from Courseulles

Start where the history happened. The Juno Beach Centre, right past the harbour, is the only Canadian D-Day museum in Normandy. Created by Canadian veterans and their families, it tells the story of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division that landed on this very beach on 6 June 1944.

• Allow about two hours for the visit. The two preserved Atlantic Wall bunkers outside are worth the extra ticket.
• Then walk the beach itself — the same sand the soldiers crossed. That's when it hits you.
• Lunch at the harbour (Courseulles scallops are AOP-rated), and browse the market if it's a Tuesday or Friday morning.

From our rentals Courseulles Just Like Home and Le Patio, the centre is a 10–15 minute walk along the quays.

Day 2 — The Caen Memorial and the city

On day two, drive to the Caen Memorial (about 20 minutes). It's one of the great museums of the 20th century, covering the Second World War, D-Day, the Battle of Normandy and the Cold War.

• Plan at least 3 to 4 hours — it's vast and dense. Don't miss the underground General Richter bunker.
• Opening hours: daily, roughly 9 am–7 pm April to September, shorter in winter. Ticket around €20.
• To avoid the crowds, arrive on a weekday morning. There's a restaurant and an excellent bookshop on site.

Afterwards, take time to explore Caen itself — its castle, the two abbeys, and the old town make a fine afternoon.

Extend the trip

If you have a third day, follow the coast to Arromanches and its artificial harbour (25 min), or the American sector further west. Ask us — we know the area and we'll help you plan.

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