The landing on 6 June 1944 was a decisive turning point in World War II, as the Liberation of France and Europe began that day on the beaches of Normandy. On 6 June 1944 and in the days that followed, thousands of young soldiers representing some fifteen nations, along with French members of the Kieffer Commando, landed on the beaches of Normandy to liberate the country. More than 10,000 of them were put out of action, including more than 2,500 on Omaha beach alone.
Today, the D-Day beaches and other sites commemorating the battles of Normandy are part of our common heritage. Discover the essential D-Day sites.
Campsites near the D-Day landing beaches
If you'd like to attend the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings, we've put together a list of 37 campsites located near the D-Day beaches, between the Manche and Calvados regions.
Camping accommodation is an ideal choice to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings and the battles of Normandy, with a pleasant climate, just before the high season and summer holidays, which guarantee more affordable prices and quieter campsites than in July or August.
Campsites near Utah beach
Choose to stay at a campsite in La Manche to enjoy the celebrations: there are around ten campsites near Utah Beach.
We particularly recommend Utah Beach **** campsite in Sainte-Marie-du-Mont, 50m from the sea.
Campsites near Omaha beach
To make the most of the international ceremony in Omaha beach on 6 June, choose a campsite near Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer. Also close to Omaha Beach, choose a campsite near Grandcamp-Maizy.
We recommend the campsite Omaha Beach*** in Vierville-sur-Mer, which overlooks the beach of the same name, or Le Joncal**** campsite in Grandcamp-Maizy, which has direct access to the sea.
Campsites near Gold beach
Located on Gold Beach and very close to Omaha Beach, don't miss the Portland campsite ****, in Port-en-Bessin-Huppain, 9 kms from Arromanches, 5 kms from the American cemetery at Omaha Beach and 9 kms from the medieval town of Bayeux. Fifteen kilometres from the beaches - but never far from the sites of remembrance - you can also choose the Le Clos de Balleroy *** campsite, for a stay in a calm and pleasant setting, or the Château de Martragny **** campsite in Moulins-en-Bessin, to the east of Bayeux.
Campsites near Juno beach and Sword beach
Situated between the two beaches Juno Beach and Sword Beach, choose a campsite around Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer, and in particular Côte de Nacre campsite *****, a magnificent campsite where you can enjoy a water park with a heated indoor swimming pool.
Choose between the La Capricieuse campsite **** in Luc-sur-Mer, located 50 m from Sword Beach and boasting a large pool area with 3 heated indoor and outdoor pools all year round, or the Riva Bella campsite **** in Ouistreham, not far from Caen, the capital of Calvados, where you can visit the famous memorial.
The programme of festivities for the 80th anniversary of D-Day
The international commemoration ceremony on 06 June 2024
The international ceremony will take place at Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer in Calvados, in the American sector, near Omaha Beach, where 2,500 American soldiers lost their lives in June 1944.
This ceremony will be an opportunity to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy in the presence of numerous heads of state and representatives of nations.
The D-Day festival Normandy
The D-Day Festival Normandy will run from Saturday 1 June - with the Freedom Evening - to Sunday 16 June 2024.
The festivities
Throughout 2024, and particularly around 6 June, a number of festivities are planned: fireworks at the major D-Day landing sites, a giant picnic on Omaha Beach, Liberation balls, an international parachute drop of several hundred servicemen over Sainte-Mère-Eglise, and more. Not forgetting a major sound and light show featuring 2,500 drones flying simultaneously over the 5 D-Day landing beaches.
You can consult the calendar of events on the official website for the 80th anniversary celebrations from January 2024.