Plan your visit to the Normandy American Cemetery with clear information on opening hours, admission, parking, accessibility, and nearby attractions. This guide should help you discover and honour the legacy of D-Day.
How to get to the Normandy American Cemetery and where to park
The Normandy American Cemetery is located in Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France, overlooking Omaha Beach. It contains the graves of 9,389 military servicemen and women.
The cemetery is accessible by car, bus, or guided tours from nearby towns like Bayeux. The nearest railway station is in Bayeux, an 18km taxi ride away.
The easiest way to get to the Normandy American Cemetery, however, is on a full day tour of key sites related to D-Day and the American troops in Normandy.
For those driving, ample free parking is available on-site. The cemetery is situated on a cliffside, so be prepared for some walking. Wheelchair access is available, and the visitor center provides assistance for those needing support.
Opening hours and admission details
The cemetery is open to the public daily, except on December 25 and January 1. Operating hours are:
- April 1 to September 30: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- October 1 to March 31: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Last admission is 30 minutes before closing time. Admission is free, and there is no need to book in advance.
Why book the American D-Day Beaches Full-Day Tour from Bayeux?
- 🚐 Comfortable round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned minivan, with pickup and drop-off in Bayeux
- ⏱ Full-day tour — approximately 9 hours of immersive exploration
- 🏖 Walk the landing beaches at Omaha and Utah Beaches, each rich with poignant history
- 🛡 Discover the dramatic cliffs of Pointe du Hoc and the stories of Rangers who scaled their heights
- 🌿 Pay your respects at the solemn Normandy American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, home to over 9,300 fallen US soldiers
- 🏛 Visit the powerful Utah Beach Museum to explore exhibits about the invasion, with entry included
- ⛪ Stop in the historic town of Sainte-Mère-Église, significant for its airborne invasion history
- 👥 Small-group experience — maximum of 8 travellers, offering a more personal and reflective day
- 🍽 Lunch included or organised at an accessible stop during the tour
What to expect during your visit
The Normandy American Cemetery is the most visited American military cemetery in Europe, honoring 9,388 U.S. servicemen and women who died during the Normandy landings in 1944. The site features:
- White marble headstones arranged in neat rows
- The Wall of the Missing, inscribed with the names of 1,557 soldiers.
- The Chapel, offering a place for reflection.
- The Visitor Center, providing historical context and exhibits.
Best times to visit and nearby attractions
To experience the cemetery with smaller crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring or fall. Early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays are typically less busy.
Nearby attractions include:
- Omaha Beach: The historic landing site.
- Pointe du Hoc Ranger Monument: Commemorating the U.S. Army Rangers.
- Bayeux Tapestry: A UNESCO World Heritage site depicting the Norman Conquest.
These sites can be visited in a day, offering a comprehensive understanding of the D-Day events.
FAQ
Is the cemetery open every day?
Yes, the cemetery is open daily except on December 25 and January 1.
Do I need to book in advance?
No, admission is free, and there is no need to book ahead.
Is the site accessible for those with mobility issues?
Yes, the cemetery offers wheelchair access, and the visitor center provides assistance.
How long should I plan to spend there?
A typical visit lasts between 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on your interest in the exhibits and surroundings.
Are there facilities on-site?
Yes, the visitor center includes restrooms and a gift shop.
All details are correct as of September 2025, but are subject to change in future.
More France travel
Other France travel stories on Planet Whitley include:
- The day I decided to walk to France.
- Can you get next-day tickets for Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey in Normandy?
- Practical information about the Cannes to Ile Ste Marguerite ferry.
- The end of the First World War at the Glade of the Armistice in Compiègne.
- What is the Arromanches 360° Circular Cinema in Normandy?
