Plizio Visual Lab
Omaha Beach
Omaha Beach was the codename for one of the five Allied landing sectors in Normandy on June 6, 1944, famously known as D-Day. Stretching approximately eight kilometers between Sainte-Honorine-des-Pertes and Vierville-sur-Mer, this sector witnessed the most intense and costly fighting of Operation Overlord. Due to formidable German defenses atop steep bluffs and significant landing mishaps, the U.S. 1st and 29th Infantry Divisions suffered heavy casualties, leading to the grim nickname 'Bloody Omaha.' Despite the near-disastrous start, the courage of the troops allowed them to eventually break through the enemy lines, securing a vital bridgehead for the liberation of Western Europe. Today, the beach serves as a solemn site of remembrance, marked by the monumental 'Les Braves' sculpture on its shores. Overlooking the beach in Colleville-sur-Mer is the Normandy American Cemetery, the final resting place for over 9,000 fallen soldiers. The preserved bunkers and memorials along the coast stand as enduring reminders of the horrors of war and the immense cost of freedom.
- Location: Normandie, France
- Top sights: Château de Vierville · D-Day Omaha Museum · Musée Mémorial d'Omaha Beach
- Nearby: Bayeux (16 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 7 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 18 | 16 | 14 | 11 | 8 |
| Rain mm | 83 | 68 | 61 | 43 | 51 | 48 | 48 | 56 | 50 | 85 | 98 | 98 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- Over 2,400 U.S. troops were killed, wounded, or missing at Omaha Beach on June 6.
- The German defenses were part of the Atlantic Wall, overseen by Erwin Rommel.
- Strong currents caused many landing craft to miss their designated targets by miles.
- The American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer holds 9,387 military graves.
- Two of President Theodore Roosevelt's sons are buried at the Normandy cemetery.
- The opening scenes of 'Saving Private Ryan' realistically depict the Omaha landings.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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Sights in the town Omaha Beach (4)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is the American Cemetery located?
Is swimming allowed at Omaha Beach?
Are there still bunkers visible on the beach?
How far is Omaha Beach from Paris?
What does the sculpture on the beach represent?
Omaha Beach: where is it located?
Omaha Beach: what is there to see?
Omaha Beach: when is the best time to visit?
Omaha Beach: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
