The American Sector
A memorial itinerary centred on Omaha Beach, the Normandy American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, and Pointe du Hoc.
Suggested timings
Indicative timings for a 9:00am start by car, lunch break included. Adjust them to each site's opening hours.
- Drive2 min • 2 km
- Drive13 min • 14 km
- 1
Stop 01 • Colleville-sur-Mer09:00 – 09:45Visit 45 minOmaha Beach
The deadliest landing beach, now overlooked by the American Cemetery.
Visit → - 2
Stop 02 • Colleville-sur-Mer09:47 – 10:37Visit 50 minDrive 2 minNormandy American Cemetery
9,388 white headstones overlooking Omaha Beach — an essential place of remembrance.
Visit → - 3
Stop 03 • Cricqueville-en-Bessin10:50 – 11:30Visit 40 minDrive 13 minPointe du Hoc
The cliff stormed by Colonel Rudder's Rangers.
Visit →
Practical tips
Set off around 9:00am: most sites open between 9:00 and 10:00 and crowds are still light early on.
Book museums and guided tours online, especially from June to September and during school holidays.
Walking shoes, a windproof layer and water: much of the route is outdoors and often exposed.
A car is essential between the beaches: public transport is scarce and sites lie 15 to 40 km apart.
Cemeteries and memorials are places of remembrance: dress respectfully, keep quiet, and do not picnic on site.
Check tide times before walking onto Omaha or Utah: at low tide the foreshore extends several hundred metres.
Plan lunch in Sainte-Mère-Église, Arromanches or Port-en-Bessin; there are few options between remote sites.