The most famous of the D-Day landing beaches, Omaha Beach was the site of the deadliest Allied assault on 6 June 1944. The adjacent Normandy American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer contains 9,388 white marble crosses and Stars of David, set on a bluff overlooking the beach. The visitor center tells the stories of the soldiers who fought and fell here. One of the most moving sites in all of France.
Omaha Beach at Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer and Colleville-sur-Mer in Normandy was the deadliest of the five Allied landing zones on 6 June 1944. American forces of the 1st and 29th Infantry Divisions faced devastating fire from German fortifications on the surrounding bluffs; nearly 2,000 Americans were killed or wounded in the first hours of the assault. Today the sandy beach stretches for several kilometres between rocky headlands, with surviving German bunkers and gun emplacements still visible on the bluffs above. The Normandy American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, administered by the American Battle Monuments Commission, occupies a 70-acre clifftop site directly above the beach. Nine thousand three hundred and eighty-eight white Lasa marble crosses and Stars of David stand in perfect rows facing west, towards the United States. A reflective pool flanks the approach to the memorial chapel, inside which a mosaic map depicts the full military operation. The visitor centre, opened in 2007, contains extensive interactive exhibits on individual soldiers and the broader D-Day operation, with original equipment, oral histories, and film footage. The rear terrace overlooks the ordered headstones with the beach and English Channel visible beyond. Visiting both the beach and cemetery together takes two to four hours. The beach is accessible year-round and costs nothing; the cemetery and visitor centre are also free. Respectful attire is expected throughout. The June 6 anniversary ceremony draws thousands of visitors and is the most profoundly moving day to attend.
Good to know
- Best time
- Early morning for reflection; June 6 anniversary ceremonies
Location
Route de la Pointe du Hoc, Colleville-sur-Mer 14710
Highlights
- Nine thousand three hundred and eighty-eight white marble crosses and Stars of David on the clifftop
- Original German bunkers and gun emplacements preserved on the bluffs above the beach
- The 2007 visitor centre with interactive oral histories, equipment, and operational maps
- Memorial chapel with mosaic ceiling and reflective pool approach
- View from the cemetery's rear terrace over the full sweep of Omaha Beach
Tips for visiting
- Combine with Pointe du Hoc and the nearby museum
- The visitor center has excellent audio-visual exhibits
- Dress respectfully — this is a place of remembrance
When to visit
Early morning from April through October is ideal, before organised tour groups arrive around 10:00. Overcast days have an appropriate solemnity. Avoid the busiest midday period in July and August.
Accessibility
The cemetery grounds are paved and largely flat, with accessible pathways throughout and a lift in the visitor centre. The beach below requires descending a path with steps, though an alternative accessible route exists. Disabled parking bays are available on site.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Normandy American Cemetery free to visit?
Yes, the cemetery and visitor centre are entirely free to visit. The nearby Omaha Beach Memorial Museum charges €9 for adults.
How long should visitors spend at Omaha Beach and the cemetery?
Allow two to four hours to visit both the beach and the cemetery with its visitor centre. Combining with Pointe du Hoc (20 minutes by car) adds another 90 minutes.
Is photography permitted in the cemetery?
Photography of the grounds and memorial is permitted and widely practised. Respectful, quiet conduct is expected throughout the site at all times.
What is the significance of visiting on June 6?
The D-Day anniversary sees official commemorations and is the most visited day of the year. Arriving very early is essential as crowds are large, but the ceremonies are deeply moving.