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Omaha Beach / Colleville

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Landmark
—°8
Omaha Beach / Colleville (France)

Weather…

Omaha Beach is synonymous with the bravery and sacrifice of the Allied forces during the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944. This stretch of coast witnessed the most intense combat of the operation. Perched on the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic, the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer serves as a powerful memorial. It covers 172 acres and contains the graves of 9,387 military dead, marked by white marble crosses and Stars of David that stretch across the perfectly manicured landscape. The visitor center provides an emotional context through personal stories and artifacts. Down on the beach, the 'Les Braves' sculpture stands as a tribute to the liberators. Nearby, the Overlord Museum houses an extensive collection of tanks, vehicles, and uniforms, offering a comprehensive look at the Battle of Normandy. Visitors can also explore preserved German bunkers and trenches along the bluffs. Located just a short drive from the historic town of Bayeux, Omaha Beach remains a site of international pilgrimage and deep reflection on the costs of freedom.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C77810131517181614118
Rain mm836861435148485650859898

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Omaha Beach is freely accessible at all times. The Normandy Memorial and American Cemetery have fixed opening hours.
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Typical hours
The Normandy Cemetery is typically open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, holidays may vary. The beach is accessible 24/7.
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Photography
Photography is allowed on the beach and cemetery, but with respect for the memorial. Flash may be prohibited inside the visitor center.
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Time needed
Visiting the beach and cemetery takes about 1 to 2 hours. If you explore the visitor center, allow an extra hour.
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Combine with
Combine Omaha Beach with neighboring landing sectors Utah Beach and Pointe du Hoc. The nearby town of Bayeux with its tapestry is also close.
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Getting there
Omaha Beach is best reached by car via the D514. Free parking is available near the beach and at the cemetery.
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Insider tip
Visit the cemetery in the late afternoon when the sun paints the crosses golden. Walk a stretch along the beach to feel the vastness.

Geography

Coordinates
49.36000, -0.85750

Facts

  • Site of the heaviest D-Day casualties
  • Contains 9,387 graves of American soldiers
  • 'Les Braves' sculpture stands on the beach
  • Cemetery grounds are permanent US territory
  • Visitor center features multimedia exhibits
  • Overlord Museum is located just outside
  • Panoramic views from the bluffs over the beach
  • Only a 20-minute drive from historic Bayeux

Explore nearby

Notable places around

D-Day SträndeD-Day Strände2 km · WExplore →
📍Bayeux14 km · SEExplore →
ArromanchesArromanches17 km · EExplore →
📍Carentan les Marais29 km · WExplore →
📍Thue et Mue30 km · SEExplore →
📍Saint-Lô32 km · SWExplore →
📍Douvres-la-Délivrande35 km · EExplore →
CaenCaen40 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Omaha Beach / Colleville (8)

Mairie de Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer🏺 historical

Town hall of Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer, used as a command post during the D-Day landings.

🕒 Mo-Th 16:00-17:30; We 10:00-12:00; Sa 10:30-12:00♿

Burieux📍 landmark

A landmark on Omaha Beach in Colleville-sur-Mer, part of the D-Day beaches.

Caisson Phoenix🏺 historical

Phoenix caisson, a concrete floating breakwater from the Mulberry harbours off Omaha Beach.

Naval Combat Demolition Units🏺 historical

Historical site commemorating the Naval Combat Demolition Units that cleared obstacles on D-Day at Omaha Beach.

Belvédère🌿 nature

Belvédère features a scenic viewpoint overlooking Omaha Beach / Colleville.

Widerstandsnest 60📍 landmark

Widerstandsnest 60 is a historical military attraction located at Omaha Beach / Colleville.

Visitors Center🏛 museum

Visitor center of the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial overlooking Omaha Beach.

🕒 Mo-Su 09:00-17:45🆓

Église Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption⛪ religious

Église Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption, a church overlooking Omaha Beach in Colleville-sur-Mer.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What happened at Omaha Beach?
It was one of the Allied landing sectors on D-Day (June 6, 1944), where very heavy fighting occurred.
Where is the American Cemetery located?
It is located on a cliff overlooking Omaha Beach in Colleville-sur-Mer and contains over 9,000 graves.
How much is the entrance to the American Cemetery?
Entrance to the cemetery and the visitor center is free of charge.
What is the 'Les Braves' monument?
An impressive sculpture right on the beach at Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer, dedicated to the liberators.
When does the memorial site close?
The cemetery typically closes at 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM depending on the season. The beach is freely accessible.
Omaha Beach / Colleville: where is it located?
Omaha Beach / Colleville is located in Normandie, France.
Omaha Beach / Colleville: what is there to see?
Highlights include Mairie de Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer, Burieux, Caisson Phoenix.
Omaha Beach / Colleville: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Omaha Beach / Colleville: why is it worth visiting?
Omaha Beach is synonymous with the bravery and sacrifice of the Allied forces during the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → Most beautiful beaches → OpenStreetMap →
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