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Normandy D-Day Tour from Paris

with Juno Beach & Canadian Cemetery

Small Group Tour

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• Description •
• Tour Highlights •

Discover Juno Beach in Normandy

Retrace the footsteps of the Canadian troops who fought for the liberation of France on this small group day trip to Juno Beach and the D-Day sites of Normandy. On this tour you’ll walk the sands of Juno Beach, explore inside German bunkers, visit the Juno Beach Center, and pay your respects to those who sacrificed everything at the Bény-Sur-Mer Canadian Cemetery.

On June 6th, 1944 the largest seaborne invasion ever attempted in history took place. The Allied troops waged an extremely difficult attack on the German forces who were entrenched in bunkers along the coast of Normandy. More than 14,000 Canadian soldiers landed or parachuted into France on that day. Though the soldiers knew that they were fighting against the odds they carried on with courage and helped to win the battle for Normandy.

Whether you’re a great admirer of military history or someone who is just curious about how the events really played out on D-Day, this tour will help you to better appreciate the remarkable acts of courage and bravery that took place on Juno Beach. For they are well worth learning about and being remembered by all free folk today.

Juno Beach & Juno Beach Center

Meet up in the morning with your guide close to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and head off in a small group of 8 people to retrace the amazing events of D-Day and the Normandy Invasion. Juno Beach is only 2 hours away from Paris! You’ll enjoy the ride through the beautiful French countryside in our luxury van with leather seats and A/C.

Arriving in Normandy you’ll get right to the point by following your guide down onto the sands of Juno Beach. Using detailed maps and pictures your guide will explain how the landings unfolded. You’ll even see the famous “Canada House” said to be the first house liberated by the Allied Troops on D-Day.

Then you’ll visit the Juno Beach Center in Courseulles-sur-Mer. It is the most comprehensive museum detailing the Canadian operations in Normandy. After your visit of the Museum is over you’ll follow one of the official Juno Beach Center guides into two of the original German bunkers that had been part of the Atlantic Wall. These bunkers, normally closed off to the public, are a real treat to be able to explore!

Canadian Cemetery, Hell’s Corner and Ardenne Abbey

When you’re done exploring the German bunkers it will be lunch time. The guide will take you to a nearby restaurant that has many local specialties, all very reasonably priced. You’ll be able to choose whatever your taste and budget allows directly off of their menu. It has fresh seafood, salads, and meat dishes as well as savory and sweet crepes. You’ll have one hour to rest and enjoy your lunch.

You will then visit the Canadian Cemetery in Beny-sur-Mer and learn the personal stories of some of the more than 2000 Canadian men who are buried there. Afterwards your guide will take you to Hell’s Corner, the furthest point reached by Canadian troops on D-Day. Hell’s Corner is located only 5km from the city of Caen, which was the actual objective for the Canadian troops on D-Day.

Due to the ferocious defenses of the Germans it took the Allied troops another 30 days to reach Caen itself. During the battle for Normandy 156 Canadians were captured and then executed in cold blood by a group of fanatics trained as “Hitler Youth”. At the Ardenne Abbey you’ll pay your respects to some of these men who died unjustly during the Ardenne Abbey Masacre.

Atlantic Wall Museum

Afterwards you’ll have free time to explore inside of The Grand Bunker: Atlantic Wall Museum. This museum is inside of the 5 story tall former Shooting Command of the German forces and has an amazing panoramic view over the English Channel. It’s collection details the Atlantic Wall’s impressive defenses and also has individual soldiers gear, landing craft, and an M3A3 Stuart light tank!

The ride back to Paris will take a little over 2 hours long and will include a stop for you to use the restroom and stretch your legs. You’ll arrive back in Paris at about 8pm and say goodbye to your guide next to the Arc de Triomphe.

Good to Know:

• Our meeting point is right next to the Arc de Triomphe. The exact address will be in your booking confirmation email.
• Restrooms are available at most stops we make on the tour. Plus we always make a rest stop during the 2 hour drive to and from Normandy.
• Your lunch is not included in our tour price. We will stop for a 1 hour lunch break at a great local restaurant, but you can bring a cold lunch if you prefer.
• Gratuities aka "tips" are not included but welcomed by our guides.

Max. 8 pers. per tour

All day Back in Paris around 8PM

What's Included

• Transportation by luxury A/C minibus
• Knowledgeable & friendly guide
• All entrance tickets

All of our tours are commented in English

Dates & Times

All year round 7AM

Meeting point

12 Avenue des Ternes

Click here for picture Reservation required

For the D-Day Beaches of Normandy Day Trip from Paris you will meet with your driver-guide outside of 12 Avenue des Ternes in Paris.

Tour Highlights

Juno Beach Center

Visit the Juno Beach Center, the most comprehensive museum about the Canadian landings in Normandy.

Walk on the sands of Juno Beach in Normandy just like the Canadian troops did in June 1944.

Visit 2 bunkers on Juno Beach

Join an official Juno Beach Center guide and enter 2 (closed off to the public) German bunkers on Juno Beach.

Canada House

See the famous “Canada House” on Juno Beach, said to be the first house liberated in Normandy.

Canadian Cemetery in Beny-sur-Mer

Pay your respects to the fallen Canadian soldiers at the Canadian Cemetery.

Lunch in Courseulles-sur-Mer

Enjoy 1hr of free time in Courseulles-sur-Mer for lunch (lunch not included in tour price)

Hell’s Corner

The furthest advance inland taken by Canadian troops on D-Day, 5 miles from the city of Caen.

Abbey d’Ardenne

On June 1944, 20 Canadian soldiers were illegally executed at the abbey by members of the “Hitler Youth”.

Visit the command center for the German defenses and discover all kinds of objects/tanks/landing craft used during the Normandy Campaign.

Paris largest and most celebrated Church, built in a true Gothic fashion it has the most beautiful Rose windows and flying buttresses.

Once the Royal Palace, now the largest and most visited museum in the world. The Louvre is home to the mysterious Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and the famous glass Pyramid.

The Musée d’Orsay

Home to some of the most beautiful paintings in the world, the Musée d’Orsay has several works of Monet, Renoir and Van Gogh.

Rue Cler market

Parisians have been coming to rue Cler market street since 1826! Taste some of the best of Paris here when you stop for the 30 minute break.

Seine River banks

The banks of the Seine River, in Paris, are so enchanting that they have become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll ride along them and behold the beauty of the river life.

Place de la Concorde

Place de la Concorde is the place where Marie-Antoinette lost her head! Today is has a 2,000 year old Egyptian Obelisk at its center.

The Grand Palais

Constructed for the 1900 World’s Fair, the Grand Palais is a magnificent architectural feat with its glass, iron and steel beautifully combined.

Champs-Elysées

Known to many as « The most beautiful avenue in the world » you'll have a wonderful view all the way up this avenue to the famous Arc de Triomphe.

Invalides (Napoleon’s Tomb)

Les Invalides was once a hospital for wounded soldiers, and is currently a military museum that is home to the tomb of Napoléon Bonaparte.

Frequently Asked Questions

We accept children that are at least 7 years old on this tour. While this tour’s content was not planned out with kids in mind we do allow children that are aged at least 7 years old to join it with one of their parents. Kids younger than 7 years cannot join this tour as we do NOT have the suitable baby/child seats for them to ride in that are required by European law.

There is no legal drinking age in France for minors who drink under the supervision of a parent. It is illegal to allow a minor to become inebriated (drunk). The legal age to buy alcohol is 18.

No, sorry we cannot do this on one of our public small group tours. The other tour participants are expecting us to keep our word and run the tour in the way it has been advertised on our website.

We can create a custom made tour just for you if you decide to book a private tour. If you are interested in taking a private tour to Normandy, with one of our guides then please send us an email with your travel dates and how many people are in your party. We’ll get back to you right away with our guides availability.

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Planning on booking multiple tours with us? Contact us to receive a 10% discount . Discount only apply when booking 2, 3 or 4 tours on different dates.

Free Cancellation

We understand that unexpected events can change your travel plans; for this reason Blue Fox Travel offers a full refund, for any reason, if you cancel more than 24hrs before your reserved tour is scheduled to start.

Small Groups

Small Group = Better Experience

We keep our groups small to ensure a more personal and higher quality experience for you.

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These are the Terms & Conditions that apply to any tour run by BLUE FOX TRAVEL in France under the brands BLUE BIKE TOURS or BLUE FOX TRAVEL. In this document, BLUE BIKE TOURS might be abbreviated as BBT and BLUE FOX TRAVEL as BFT.

BLUE FOX TRAVEL is a registered SARL (Société à Responsabilité Limitée - Limited Liability Company) at the Paris Chamber of Commerce under the number : 534 151 576 BLUE FOX TRAVEL is a registered French Travel Operator under the licence : IM075160040 BLUE FOX TRAVEL is a registered Public Service Vehicle Operator under the Licence : 2016/11/0007784 Because BLUE FOX TRAVEL is a registered French company, and all of our tours take place in France, only the French Law will apply in the case of any conflict. Last updated : January 2019. Valid until : the end of the world.

I - Cancellation Policy

BFT offers a 100% refund if a reservation is cancelled more than 24 hours before the scheduled start of the tour. The notification must be made by email. No refunds are given for ANY reason once within the 24 hrs prior to the scheduled tour. All of our tours run Rain or Shine. We do not issue refunds if you choose to skip your tour because the weather doesn’t suit you. You can always wait until the last minute to book your tour to ensure the weather suits you that day. BFT reserves the right to cancel any of its tours last minute in case of an Act of God or crazy act from a large group of people. Flooding, hail, dangerous weather conditions, riots, etc. In such instances full refunds will be given to anyone who had their tour cancelled.

II - Satisfaction Guarantee Policy

If the tour you took with us didn’t live up to what we promised you on our website and failed to meet your expectations, we will be heartbroken. We will also give you a 100% refund so long as you do all of these things: You remember that we we are in no way responsible for the weather and that our guides actually have to give 110% of themselves to you on days when the weather is not as nice in order to help you enjoy the tour. You participate in the entire tour from: being on time at the meeting point until the “goodbyes” at the very end of the tour. You can’t leave a tour half-way and ask for your money back. At the end of the tour you tell your guide, in person, that you were not satisfied with the tour you took. You provide your tour guide with the reasons you were not satisfied with the tour itself.

III - Payment Policy

A valid credit card is required to secure your booking. All reservations must be prepaid online prior to the tour. We accept Visa, Mastercard. None of your personal credit card or billing information is stored by BFT.

IV - Privacy Policy

We are committed to protecting your privacy. Your personal informations will never be disclosed to any third parties.

V - Child Policy

All reservations made for children under the age of 18 years old must be made by an adult and we must be informed at the time of booking exactly how many children are in your party and their ages. This is vital information as it allows our guide to prepare the proper child sized equipments for the bike tours and the booster seats for all day trips/excursions that use one of our vans. All reservations made for a minor under the age of 18 years old must also include the reservation for an adult who will be 100% solely responsible for the safety and well being of the child while on the tour. Every child, under the age of 12 years old, partaking in a bicycle tour will be required to wear a helmet and a reflective vest as per French Law. The adult who accompanies the child agrees to the responsibility of choosing a properly sized helmet, adjusting the helmet, and keeping the helmet on the head of the child during the whole tour. Blue Fox Travel has helmets in multiple sizes for you to choose from at no cost. Don't forget: Children who will be riding in a baby/child seat, on a tandem attachment bike, or in a booster seat in one of our vans absolutely MUST have their seat reserved beforehand. We NEED to know exactly what your child will need before they show up. Please make it clear in the “Special Requirements” section of our booking form.

VI- Child Bike Policy

Children who will be riding on their own may be subject to a very short test run before the tour starts in which they will be expected to demonstrate: that they are well suited for their bike’s size and settings, that they know how to brake properly and that they are, in general, good cyclists who can be trusted to follow their tour guide in a safe manner. We own 20” and 24” kids bikes (size of the wheel). Adult bikes are 26”. If the guide, or manager, finds that the child is not, for any reason, a good enough cyclist then the guide, or manager, has the right to refuse to let the child follow the tour on a personal bike. This means they will either be asked to ride on one of our ‘tandem attachments’ which is attached to the back of a parents bike OR asked to ride in a child seat attached to the back of a parents bike. If the child refuses the change, then the guide or manager has the right to cancel the reservation, and not allow you and your child on the bike tour. Refunds will not be issued if your reservation is cancelled because of your child not being able to cycle and their refusal to ride attached to you. Baby seats are for kids that are between the ages of 1 and 3 years old (max weight 22 kg (48 lbs)). We also have some cool Burley™ tandem attachment bikes that are suitable for little kids who are too big for the baby seat but too small to cycle on their own (max weight 38 kg (85 lbs) - max height 137 cm (4 ft 6 in)).

VII - Damages to Blue Fox Travel Property

If you or anyone in your party damages a vehicle, a Blue Bike™, a vehicle, a child's bike, a helmet, a baby/child seat, a tandem attachment bike, any bike attachments, or a booster seat in such a way that it becomes badly disfigured, broken, or unusable, then BFT reserves the right to claim a fee of up to the cost of repair of the damaged bike/vehicle or object.

VIII - Miscellaneous

Juno Beach Centre Hours

May - August

9:30 am — 7:00 pm

Voie des Français Libres, BP 104 14470 Courseulles-sur-Mer, France

Canada in the Second World War

Make a donation.

Donations have made the dream of the Juno Beach centre a reality. Anyone can show their appreciation by contributing to the museum and dynamic place of learning that is the Juno Beach Centre.

Juno Park Guided Tour

Located just in front of the Juno Beach Centre, Juno Park contains the remnants of a German defensive strongpoint built in the early 1940s as part of the Atlantic Wall.

The German Command Post and the Observation bunker are only accessible as part of the guided tour offered by the Juno Beach Centre. The Park itself is open access to anyone that wishes to visit and pay their respects on this historic site. A series of informative panels explain not only the historical significance of the area, but also the modern-day geography and wildlife.

Click here for more information about the restoration of this site and the evolution of Juno Park.

FOR GROUPS Tours are available all year round except for the month January and December 25. More information about adult group visits  here .

FOR INDIVIDUAL VISITORS

Attention: Due to the Canadian ceremony, the Juno Beach centre will be closed all day on June 6 and likely June 5.  On June 4 and 7, guided visits of the bunkers on Juno Park will not be maintained. However, 2 bunkers will be accessible for a short self-guided visit.

Tour in english, tour in french.

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A World War II Travel Blog

Visit Juno Beach, Normandy: 7+ Great Sites for Canadian D-Day History

Last Updated: January 19, 2024 //  by  Ashley Smith Leave a Comment

Juno Beach Normandy was the landing site of Canadian troops on D-Day, flanked by British troops on both sides ( Gold Beach to the west and Sword Beach to the east). Like the other four Normandy landing beaches , Juno Beach offers a number of great museums and memorials to visit.

Table of Contents

What happened at Juno Beach on D-Day?

Landing troops at Juno Beach Normandy faced an opponent beyond that of the German armies—the natural offshore reefs. Hindered by these natural obstacles, troops landing on Juno Beach landed later than planned and incurred heavy losses in the first wave.

Regardless, they still managed to take control of the area from the Germans by the end of the day. Here are some quick Juno Beach Normandy facts:

Juno Beach objective

The objectives of Canadian troops landing at Juno Beach were to:

• Cut the Caen-Bayeux road
• Seize the Carpiquet Airfield
• And link together the two British landing sectors at Gold and Sword

Juno Beach Casualties

Of the more than 21,000 Canadian troops that landed on Juno Beach, casualties are estimated at 1,200.

Which units landed on Juno Beach?

The Canadian landings on Juno Beach Normandy were the work of:

• 3 rd Infantry Division
• 2 nd Armoured Brigade

Juno Beach outcome

The storming of Juno Beach resulted in Allied victory and is considered (along with the landings at Utah Beach ) one of the most strategically successful of the D-Day beach landings.

Though Canadian troops got a late start on their beach landing, they ended their day ahead of the American and British divisions on the four other beaches.

If you only have one day in Normandy, make the most of it–check out this post on the best D-Day sites to visit if you’re short on time. And don’t miss this post on How to Choose the Best D-Day Beach to Visit .

Visiting Juno Beach Normandy today

Today, visiting Juno Beach Normandy is a great way to take in the area’s D-Day history in a quaint, still undeveloped setting.

The Juno Beach/Canadian sector offers a lot fewer museums and monuments than the other Normandy beaches. It’s also not as well known as some of the others, like Omaha Beach . But, if Canadian World War II history specifically interests you, head to Juno Beach Normandy.

Along the beach you can still see the ruins of German bunkers and some of the original D-Day beach obstacles. For more interesting ways to take in Juno Beach D-Day history today, check out this great video of where to find battle scars in the Juno Beach sector. For all the best Juno Beach museums and monuments, check out these 7+ sites.

Also check out: 10 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Normandy’s D-Day Sites

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Also read: World War II Sites in Paris for the most fascinating museums, memorials, and more.

Juno Beach Normandy Museums & Memorials

Though there aren’t a ton of museums in this landing sector, the area’s biggest is one of the best Normandy museums for WWII buffs .

1. Juno Beach Center

The Juno Beach Center is Normandy’s only museum dedicated to the Canadian contribution to the D-Day invasions. Located in Courseulles-sur-Mer, you can find it just off the beach itself.

The museum covers the actions of Canadian troops on D-Day but doesn’t stop there. The Juno Beach Center also covers Canada’s contribution to the whole of World War II, Canadian values and cultures, and insight into what life was like in Canada at this time.

The museum utilizes historical artifacts and information, powerful films, as well as interactive exhibits. Ride an amphibious landing craft onto Juno Beach to get a feeling of what Canadian troops experienced on the morning of June 6 th , 1944.

Additionally, the grounds around the Juno Beach Center (known as Juno Park) are also full of D-Day history. At the beaches around here you can view old German bunkers and other remains of the Atlantic Wall, beach obstacles, and more. Take a walk around and keep your eyes peeled for the remnants of Operation Overlord.

2. 1944 Radar Museum / Musée Fraco-Allemand du Radar

Located just a few miles from the beach itself in the town of Douvres-la-Délivrande is the 1944 Radar Museum, located at the spot of the area’s German radar station.

This radar station was one of Germany’s most crucial air defense systems along the Atlantic Wall. It consisted of five radar systems designed to identify bomber aircraft course, speed, elevation, then direct this information to intercepting Luftwaffe fighters.

Today, you can visit the station in its original state having been kept intact since 1944. You can explore two refurbished bunkers and learn all about the station’s history and use during the Battle of Normandy (as well as what life was like for the soldiers who manned it).

Check out the Radar Museum website for more visitor information and this page for more on the Battle of Douvres to take the radar station.

3. Canada House

One of the most popular D-Day sites in the Juno Beach area is actually a private home known as Canada House. It was the first home to be liberated by Canadian troops following their beach landings when it was taken over by the The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada army regiment.

This grand home sits alone facing Juno Beach. It can be seen in many historical D-Day photos and films produced since. Because of its large size and location, it became a sort of landmark to Canadian troops since it could be seen by every man who landed on Juno.

Since then it has become its own kind of memorial. Visitors stop by to pay their respects to the Canadian troops that contributed to the Allied victory on D-Day.

4. Canadian War Cemetery

The Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery is located in the commune of Bény-sur-Mer and serves as the resting place for Canadian soldiers who lost their lives during the Battle of Normandy.

While many of the graves belong to those who died on D-Day, the large majority of them belong to those killed in July in the Battle for Caen, near where the cemetery is located.

As is typical of the Normandy war cemeteries, the Canadian War Cemetery is impeccably kept and a beautiful place to pay your respects.

5. Juno Beach Memorial Markers

In the area surrounding the Juno Beach Center, you’ll find a number of memorial markers dedicated to various Canadian fighting forces. Here are some to look for:

Royal Canadian Navy Memorial Marker

Under the flying flags of France and Canada with the ocean as its backdrop is the Royal Canadian Navy Memorial marker. Dedicated in 2009 it reads:

In honour of all those who died or disappeared while serving in the Royal Canadian Navy during the conflict of 1939-1945 and in Operation Overlord June 1944 Thank you

It is one of the many moving memorials dedicated to Canada’s D-Day contributions around the Juno Beach Center.

Fourth Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment

This memorial marker consists of a 40-mm Bofors gun and is “dedicated to the memory of the men of the 4 th Light Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment who landed at Courseulles-sur-Mer late in the afternoon of June 6, 1944 to provide air defense to Canadian troops who had started fighting for the liberation of Europe from Juno Beach.”

The marker also details the meanings behind the colors on the cannon and some more interesting information surrounding the events. (But I won’t spoil it for you so you’ll have to check it out for yourself.)

Memorial to Canadian Gunners

The Memorial to Canadian Gunners is also a gun memorial. It is dedicated to the “memory of the Canadian artillerymen who from there on June 6, 1944 began the fight to liberate France and to pay homage to those fallen in action who sacrificed everything for freedom.”

The Juno Beach markers

The Juno Beach memorial markers are a set of several vertical pillars and horizontal benches throughout this same area. In both French and English, these markers explain valuable information on the historical events of Juno Beach on topics such as:

• The bunkers
• The Atlantic Wall
• An hour-by-hour account of D-Day’s events
• The Canadian beach landing
• Some personal stories of the soldiers
• The battle order of invading Canadian forces on D-Day
• Illustrative depiction of Canada’s Juno Beach landing
• Information on the different sectors within the Juno landing beach
• And many more

The Historical Marker Database is a wealth of information if you’d like to get more information on these memorials.

6. The Cross of Lorraine

The Cross of Lorraine is a monument in honor of French General Charles de Gaulle. It’s located where he first set foot on French land for the first time since his exile four years prior.

This monument is a large shining Lorraine Cross situated between the towns of Graye-sur-Mer and Courseulles-sur-Mer where he landed on Juno Beach after crossing the English Channel.

7. Brèche le Bisson

On the far eastern end of Juno Beach is Brèche le Bisson and the ruins of an Atlantic Wall bunker. Here on the beach you’ll find the crumbled remains of a German bunker that met its end in the face of a Sherman tank.

There’s not a whole lot to see, but I still find it interesting to step into such structures and imagine the events that happened on D-Day. And if you’re in the area, it’s worth checking out. (The fact that it’s still there after almost 80 years is impressive, no?)

Visit Juno Beach Normandy

The 7+ sites listed above are some of the “best” to visit in Juno Beach, Normandy, but they aren’t the complete list. All around Juno Beach you’ll find tanks and guns, various other memorials, and more (so keep your eyes peeled).

To visit Juno Beach Normandy is the best way to learn about the Canadian contributions to D-Day, the Battle of Normandy, and World War II in general. Add a visit to Juno Beach to your D-Day/Normandy trip to round out your experience.

Hotels near Juno Beach Normandy

If the Juno Beach area is where you’d like to stay on your trip to the D-Day landing beaches of Normandy, start your search here with these great hotel options:

Ferme de la Rançonniére

This relaxing hotel is just 2 miles from the coast and is located on such a beautiful property. This place is pure French countryside bliss. They have an on-site restaurant and a beautiful garden and terrace.

The location is perfect and the Ferme de la Rançonniére has an “Awesome” 9/10 rating. Reviewers absolutely loved their stays here. Check out the stunning pictures and read reviews at the link below.

Book your stay here : Ferme de la Rançonniére

Le Manoir de Mathan

You may notice a theme here—hotels in Normandy are stunning! Here’s another in the same convenient location with more fabulous French farmhouse feels.

Le Manoir de Mathan , on such a beautiful, garden-y property reminds me a lot of Monet’s house in Giverny (another great day trip if you’re in the Paris area ).

This is another with an “Awesome” rating (I never recommend anything less than Excellent) and reviewers love the location, the restaurant and breakfast, and the large, comfortable rooms. Check out this gorgeous property and more reviews at the link below.

Book your stay here : Le Manoir de Mathan

La Cremaillere

And if it’s on the beach you want, you’ll want to check out La Cremaillere . This French modern hotel is located directly on the beach of Courseulles-sur-Mer (Juno Beach).

This oceanfront property couldn’t be in a better location for exploring all that the Juno Beach has to offer.

This hotel’s location is a favorite among those who’ve stayed here. Reviewers also love the breakfast, the comfortable rooms, and the excellent sea views. Check out some of the lovely photos and more reviews at the link below.

Book your stay here: La Cremaillere

More info for your visit to Juno Beach, Normandy

• Want more hotel options? Check out Juno Beach hotels on Booking.com. ( Expedia and Hotels.com often have good deals too.)
• Need a rental car? Check out the best local deals here .
• Pick up this Normandy guidebook for more great area information.
• Be sure to watch Saving Private Ryan and Band of Brothers before your visit!
• What else have I covered in France? Check out my France archives .

Like this post? Have questions about visiting Juno Beach? Let me know below in the comments. Have a great time in Normandy!

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About Ashley Smith

Ashley is a World War II historian and travel expert who has visited 33 countries. She specializes in quick trips throughout Europe and the Americas with a focus on World War II museums, memorials, battlefields, and other sites of interest. Originally from Memphis, TN, she currently lives in Boston with her husband and two feline commanders.

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Normandie Lovers

To awaken your senses in Normandy - Claire et Manu’s Blog

5 best things to do in Juno Beach (Normandy) + photos

by Claire ROBINSON , Region Lovers | September 14, 2023 | no intrusive ads, no sponsored content, just some affiliate links - if you use them, we get a small commission (read more)

Passing through Normandy? Don’t forget to visit Juno Beach , one of the 5 D-Day landing beaches during WW2. On June 6, 1944, Allied soldiers of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division landed on Juno Beach, one of 3 strategic invasion areas for Commonwealth forces.

On this French beach, you’ll discover some of the scars of the D-Day landings. The nearby museum and military cemetery also add a solemn dimension to the site.

In this article, you’ll find our 5 ideas for things to do in Juno Beach , as well as practical tips and image reviews to help you get started.

BEFORE OUR TIPS + PHOTOS HERE ARE OUR favorites

Our favorite car rental platform with great offers: DiscoverCars

Must-See : Book your tickets for the Caen Memorial Museum Excursion : Visit the D-Day landing beaches from Paris

Our favorite places to stay: Hotel Domain de Bayeux , elegant and central – see photos and availability Hotel Domaine d’Utah Beach , for the north – see photos and availability Hôtel Ferme de la Rançonnière , the charm of the countryside – view photos and availability

This opinion is completely independent , based on our experiences. We visited the area anonymously, making our own choices, and paying all our bills in full.

D-Day at Juno Beach – introduction

D-day and the role of juno beach.

Juno Beach is one of the 5 D-Day landing beaches and a major site of the Second World War. More than 14,000 Canadian soldiers landed there by sea or parachute on June 6, 1944. The Royal Canadian Air Force and 10,000 sailors from the Royal Canadian Navy played a crucial role, supporting the invasion both from the air and from the English Channel.

Juno Beach is the stretch of coastline assigned to Canadian forces, when British soldiers landed at Sword Beach and Gold Beach, and the American army at Utah Beach and Omaha Beach. In all, 45,000 Canadian soldiers lost their lives to save Europe from this major conflict of the 20th century.

What’s on Juno Beach?

To reach Juno Beach, you’ll have to climb a small dune of white sand. You’ll see that the beach stretches as far as the eye can see, especially at low tide. On this famous shoreline, flags and permanent displays adorn the 10km stretch from Bernières-sur-Mer to Courseulles-sur-Mer.

In this article, you’ll discover our list of 5 ideas for things to see on this D-Day beach. We’ll be sharing a short video on must-do activities in Juno Beach very soon.

Practical tips and map: Juno Beach, Normandy, France

Where is juno beach.

Juno Beach is the Canadian landing sector, from Bernières-sur-Mer to Courseulles-sur-Mer (14) in Normandy (France), north of Caen.

• Driving time from Rouen: 1h45min.
• Driving time from Evreux: 2h.
• Driving time from Caen: 30min.
• Driving time from Alençon: 1h45min.
• Driving time from Cherbourg: 1h30min.

Here is a map to help you find your way:

How to get there

Juno Beach is not easily accessible by public transport. There are 2 main ways to get there:

• By car : access is easier whether you’re coming from Caen, Bayeux, Sword Beach or Gold Beach. Traffic is also easy, so check out our tips for renting a car in France , Caen or Bayeux .
• Organized tours from Paris , Bayeux or Caen . Tours can include other D-Day sites such as cemeteries, museums or military batteries – find out all about tour options here .
• If you’d still prefer to travel by public transport, even if access is difficult, you can take the train to Bayeux or Caen – see the timetable on the SNCF website here . There are also buses from these 2 stations. See the itineraries and schedules here .

OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Normandy

• Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
• Choose a car that is comfortable enough (distances can be long) but compact (some parking lots and villages are narrow).
• Think of the complete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
• There is a lot of demand, book it early .

What can you do in Juno Beach if you only spend half a day or a whole day there?

If you have time constraints, we’ll give you priority:

• discover Juno Beach, with its stretch of white sand, bunkers, representations of soldiers and tanks,
• go to the site of the Croix de Lorraine, where General De Gaulle landed for the 1st time in the Battle of Normandy,
• visit the Juno Beach Centre , Canada’s only museum of the D-Day landings.

A visit to Juno Beach at low tide will allow you to make the most of all the relics of the D-Day landings and, why not, of the surrounding seaside resort. If you manage to free up more time, don’t hesitate to explore the other sites listed in this article for a complete D-Day experience.

Discover Juno Beach’s D-Day themed tours.

1. Take a walk on Juno Beach

Why take a walk on juno beach.

During the Normandy landings in 1944, Juno Beach was one of the strategic invasion areas for Commonwealth forces. It is one of the major Canadian D-Day sites. Beyond the stigma of D-Day and its proximity to 2 military cemeteries, Juno Beach is also surrounded by a pleasant seaside resort. Its white sand dunes will make you want to bury your feet in them to connect with the soul of this beach. The Courseulles-sur-Mer marina is also a great place for a stroll, with its sandy beach away from the road.

What you will see

We recommend visiting the beach at low tide. After climbing the white sand dunes, you’ll see reproductions of soldiers, tanks and bunker remnants at Juno Beach. Imagine Allied soldiers bravely advancing through the sand and dawn mist to take possession of the beach. They had few places under cover to advance towards the German enemy.

The main beach at Courseulles-sur-Mer is a sandy one, and you can walk along the promenade. The walk is very pleasant, and we enjoyed finding several shops and places to eat. A path is cut through the sand between the tall grasses to climb the dunes.

• Practical advice

Access to the beach is free. Remember to check the weather forecast before scheduling your visit, so you can take advantage of mild weather when you’re outside.

As Juno Beach is both a major D-Day site and a seaside resort, it can be quite busy. If you prefer to avoid the tourist crowds and, above all, put yourself in the same conditions as on June 6, 1944, opt for a visit at dawn with low tide and misty skies.

As well as stores and restaurants, there are public toilets and free parking near Juno Beach.

STAYING NEAR THE D-Day beaches

Option 1: Bayeux

The most practical option, in our opinion, is to base ourselves in the town of Bayeux. We recommend..:

• Hotel Domaine de Bayeux in an 18th century mansion – see prices, photos and availability
• see all top rated accommodations in Bayeux

Option 2: in the countryside

In the countryside around the D-Day beaches, you will find beautiful buildings with a lot of charm: farms, manors…

• Hotel Domaine d’Utah Beach – prices, pictures and availability
• Hotel Ferme de la Rançonnière – prices, pictures and availability

Option 3: next to one of the beaches

If you’re looking for a seaside holiday or are fascinated by one of the beaches, you can choose a more specific hotel:

• Hotel Villas d’Arromanches in Gold Beach Beach – prices, pictures and availability
• Hotel La Sapinière in Omaha Beach Beach – prices, pictures and availability

See all our advice on where to stay to visit the beaches

2. Discover the stigma of D-Day

Why visit the d-day relics at juno beach.

Juno Beach was one of the strategic landing points for Commonwealth forces, along with Sword Beach and Gold Beach, where British forces docked. From Bernières-sur-Mer to Courseulles-sur-Mer, 14,000 Canadian soldiers set foot on the Normandy coast on D-Day to support the Allied offensive Operation Overlord in June 1944. You’ll see that some remnants of the fighting have been preserved here, and it’s also an ideal location for a Canadian tour dedicated to the Normandy Landings.

Take a stroll along the beach between its many preserved relics of the 2nd World War. For example, you’ll be able to clearly see the Cross of Lorraine. It was installed here to commemorate the place where General De Gaulle landed for the 1st time after his exile, an important turning point in the Battle of Normandy.

On the beach, not far from the Juno Beach Center Museum, you can also see bunkers, tanks and representations of soldiers. As we approached these imposing stone buildings, we were both impressed and moved as we imagined the battle scenes of that era. These bunkers reconnect us to a historic moment in the last century, and we enjoyed witnessing it.

The route along the beach is educational and well-documented, with tributes to D-Day heroes such as Canadian Sergeant Léo Gariepy. The path that leads to the Juno Beach Center is lined with information panels on Juno Beach Park and its flora and fauna. Can you tell a mobile sand dune from a fixed one?

You’ll also discover a perfectly preserved vestige of this era: the Maison des Canadiens in the Bernières-sur-Mer area, which has become part of our collective memory at the entrance to the beach. You can visit by appointment to discover its neo-Norman seaside architecture dating from 1928. It belongs to Léon Enault, director of the Louvre department stores, the Hôtel Crillon and the Hôtel Terminus in Paris.

In addition to the practical advice given in the previous section, we suggest that you refer to the Juno Park map once you’ve arrived to plan your visit. Take the time to read each panel to learn more about this Normandy beach, its history, its role in the Allied Liberation and its natural ecosystem!

Information is mainly in French and English.

You can park your car next to the sailing school if you start your visit at the beach, the Croix de Lorraine and the open-air museum.

MORE ABOUT THE D-Day sites

• The best landing sites to visit
• Visit the 5 D-Day landing beaches
• Where to stay – best hotels near the beach
• The best D-Day museums in Normandy
• German batteries to visit
• Car rental tips: Caen – Roissy-CDG – Orly – Beauvais
• Visit Omaha Beach
• Visit Utah Beach
• Visit Gold Beach
• Visit Sword Beach
• Visit Juno Beach (coming soon)

In our opinion, the Juno Beach Centre is an excellent D-Day museum. This historic site pays tribute to the 45,000 Canadians who lost their lives during the Second World War, including the 381 soldiers who fell on June 6, 1944. It’s particularly interesting if you’re planning a Canadian tour with a D-Day theme.

First, take the time to observe it from the outside. The building’s distinctive feature is its pentagon-shaped structure, reminiscent of a maple leaf. Did you know that the 5 dots also refer to the 5 D-Day beaches: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword?

On the esplanade outside, how could we fail to notice the iconic sculpture “Remembrance Rekindled” commissioned by the Juno Beach Centre Association from Canadian artist Colin Gibson? Can you make out the 5 soldiers gathered together, looking off into the distance? Vigor, vivacity, bravery and determination are what the Ontario-born artist intended to express in this intriguing and striking sculpture.

Compared with other museums on this theme, you’ll see fewer weapons, clothes and objects that once belonged to soldiers. But its museography is highly interactive, with maps, screens and trays that require visitors to intervene to reveal information, as well as films and archive images. We noticed that the pace of content evolution from room to room was well balanced. Our interest was maintained throughout!

Juno Park is also a must-see, with its bunkers and equipment outside the museum, for an almost total immersion in the atmosphere of D-Day. Last but not least, the museum is also famous for its souvenir store, where you’ll find a wide range of Canadian products, for a gourmet stopover as if you were there!

The museum is open every day of the year, closed in January, and its ticket office closes 45 minutes before closing time. Toilets are located in the entrance hall.

There are 2 parking areas around the museum:

• official parking reserved for museum visitors (camping prohibited),
• free parking with several charging stations.

You can also park before arriving at the sailing school if you prefer to start at the beach, the Croix de Lorraine and the open-air museum. Information is mainly in French and English.

To avoid the crowds, we recommend scheduling your visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Finally, you can also see bunkers and equipment outside around the museum. If this is your 1st visit, we suggest you visit the museum first, to get a better understanding and more context.

Discover our article dedicated to the Juno Beach Center.

4. Pay your respects at Bény-sur-Mer Military Cemetery

Why visit the bény-sur-mer canadian war cemetery.

The Beny-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery is a must-see if you opt for a WW2-themed Canadian tour . It houses the graves of Canadian soldiers who fell mainly during the Battle of Normandy and the operations that followed D-Day. This place of rest and remembrance has left a deep impression on us. We became aware of the commitment of these young foreign fighters, ready to sacrifice their lives for freedom.

More than 2,000 soldiers and airmen are buried in this military cemetery, the majority of them Canadian, including some of British and French nationality. You’ll see all these lined-up graves, which have aroused a great deal of emotion in our country. Most of these soldiers were killed in June and July 1944 during the Battle of Caen and during the D-Day landings on the beach.

In the center of the cemetery, the imposing cross makes the place even more solemn.

On all the headstones, you can see all the Canadian military chevron icons that fascinated us!

Access to the cemetery is free and open all year round. Parking is available nearby.

Discover our tour options including Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery.

Coming soon, our article dedicated to the Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery.

USE OUR GUIDE TO PLAN A DREAM TRIP TO Normandy

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5. Visit the Normandy British Memorial

Why stop off at the normandy british memorial.

The British Normandy Memorial is a must-see if you’re a history buff, just a 10-minute drive from Juno Beach heading west towards Gold Beach. It pays tribute to the 22,442 Commonwealth soldiers who lost their lives during the D-Day landings on June 6 1944 and the Battle of Normandy. Every stage of the operations led by British General Montgomery is recorded on this almost ceremonial site.

We were gripped by both the architecture and the soul of the place, borne by over 22,000 names of Commonwealth servicemen who died in the line of duty in 1944. During our visit, flags fluttered in the wind and the sun shone through the memorial’s aisles, an image we won’t forget.

Along the path to the memorial, several stone steles retrace the history of the D-Day landings and the Battle of Normandy in chronological order. Walking through this tree-lined alley, discovering historical details, was both intriguing and enjoyable. Explanations are in English and French.

We then arrive at the majestic memorial. These interconnected arches stand like a hedge of honor, paying tribute to the combatants. If you come closer, you can clearly make out the names of all those brave soldiers who lost their lives to bring freedom to Europe. You can search for a particular name by downloading the free “British Normandy Memorial visitor app”.

Inscriptions in the stone celebrate the exploits of these Commonwealth soldiers, and a statue of 3 soldiers advancing towards the enemy immerses us in the conditions of battle.

Pay parking is available nearby for €3. The funds raised when you pay for parking are used to maintain the memorial. Toilets are accessible, with a baby-changing area.

From the parking lot it’s a 10-minute walk to the Normandy Memorial. The ground can be slippery, especially in rainy weather, but paths are provided. It is, of course, forbidden to attach any object whatsoever to the monument, as it is to ride a bicycle, horse, motorcycle or scooter. Dogs and drones are not allowed.

Self-guided tours are free of charge. Guided tours are available:

• adult fare: €5,
• child rate: €3,
• free for children under 6.

Our article dedicated to the British Normandy Memorial will soon be available.

What to do near Juno Beach

Remains of the port of mulberry.

To transport the equipment needed for the success of Operation Overlord in the summer of 1944, only 2 Normandy ports, Le Havre and Cherbourg, were accessible, but far from the landing zones. To remedy the situation, the Allied forces set up an artificial harbor called Mulberry. Ships brought weapons, ammunition, fuel, foodstuffs and equipment to build field hospitals and headquarters for armies on the ground. From Ver-sur-Mer to Arromanches-les-Bains, the remains of Mulberry’s artificial harbor are still visible on Gold Beach. Just imagine, in 100 days, 400,000 soldiers landed, along with 4 million tons of equipment and 500,000 vehicles to carry out this monumental operation!

Ardenne Abbey, just outside Caen

Ardenne Abbey, northwest of Caen , was built in the 12th century. Between the Middle Ages and the 20th century, the surrounding agricultural land was farmed for many years. Fariners also worked here for several decades. Attached to the Order of Prémontrés, canons regular, it witnessed dramatic scenes of confrontation during the 2nd World War. Did you know that the German Army set up camp there the day after the D-Day landings in 1944, and stayed there for a month to confront the Allies? It was also the site of the interrogation of Canadian prisoners and the execution of 27 of them.

The war left its mark on this place of worship, leaving the building in ruins. After several years of restoration, the abbey has been home to the Institut Mémoires de l’Édition Contemporaine since 1996.

We recommend an organized tour that includes the Abbaye d’Ardenne to understand its major role in the first days after D-Day. See program and book .

Radar Station 44

Located in Douvres-la-Délivrande, this museum offers a unique approach to the D-Day landings, focusing on radar equipment. We learned about the different types of radar equipment, their performance, their role in the war, and the lives of German soldiers in the bunkers. The museum is housed in the former German detection station, which played a major role during the war.

Our article dedicated to Radar Station 44 will soon be available.

Château de Creully and the BBC Museum

An ancient medieval fortified castle, Château de Creully is just a 15-minute drive from downtown Bayeux. You can easily access its wooded, flower-filled grounds to admire the Château from the outside. Guided tours are organized in this mythical feudal site, where we were lucky enough to visit some of the rooms.

This beautiful building also played a role in the success of the D-Day landings and the Liberation. Indeed, in June 1944, the British channel BBC broadcast from the square tower of the Château de Creully to provide news of the Battle of Normandy during the Second World War. In short, a visit is a must if you love history, castles and large parks!

Bayeux, medieval town at the gateway to the D-Day landing beaches

The town of Bayeux is full of resources: cultural, gastronomic, historical, botanical… There are many possibilities for you, whether you spend just a day, a weekend or several days!

Whether you’re a lover of art and history, gastronomy or long walks, you’ll find a plethora of things to do here . From the famous Bayeux Tapestry to the Botanical Gardens and the narrow streets of Old Bayeux, you’ll discover a town in Normandy that we particularly appreciate for its charm, its peace and quiet, its gourmet restaurants and its human scale.

Bayeux is also famous for being the 1st town liberated by the British army during the Normandy Landings in the Second World War. It is home to one of the largest British military cemeteries in France .

Discover Caen, city of a hundred steeples

Caen, capital of Basse-Normandie, is a lively city, ideally located 2 hours from Paris, close to the Côte Fleurie and the D-Day beaches. Known for its memorial and château, Caen is home to architectural treasures spared by the Allied bombing raids of 1944. The city of William the Conqueror surprised us with its artistic heritage, its half-timbered houses, its port, but also with its nightlife and its many green spaces!

You’ll discover impressive buildings such as the Abbaye-aux-Hommes and the Mémorial de Caen or Mémorial pour la Paix. Did you know that it is one of Europe’s leading memorial sites, welcoming an average of 400,000 visitors a year? Also discover our fine restaurants featuring Normandy specialities, our charming hotels and our 12 ideas for must-do activities if you’re ever in Normandy!

PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Normandy

Inspiration destinations

• Deciding where to go in Normandy – the best destinations
• Our weekend ideas: best-of , romantic , unusual , seaside , luxury , family
• 16 seaside hotels in Normandy
• The most beautiful charming hotels in Normandy

• Best things to do in Normandy
• Best cities in Normandy
• Most beautiful beaches of Normandy
• Most beautiful villages of Normandy
• Best castles of Normandy
• Best abbeys of Normandy
• Read our complete guide to visit the Mont-Saint-Michel
• Discover the D-Day sites

• Where to stay in Normandy – best places and hotels
• See our tips for renting a car at CDG airport , Orly airport , Beauvais airport , Caen , Rouen , Bayeux …

Visit the other D-Day beaches: Omaha, Gold, Sword, Utah

After seeing Juno Beach, would you like to discover the other D-Day beaches? Take a look at our article on the 5 D-Day landing beaches , and our article on the best sites , and decide on your next destination. They’re all must-sees on a trip to Normandy. Their story is both heartbreaking and inspiring.

• What to do in Omaha Beach,
• What to do in Gold Beach,
• What to do in Utah Beach ,
• What to do in Sword Beach.

Frequently asked questions

Is juno beach worth a visit.

Juno Beach, near Courseulles-sur-Mer, is one of the emblematic sites of the D-Day landings in 1944. It’s one of the D-Day beaches that’s easy to visit. In fact, the beach and the museum are right next door to each other, so you can kill two birds with one stone! In fact, it’s the only Canadian museum on one of the D-Day beaches.

Which was the deadliest beach at D-Day?

Losses on Omaha Beach were the worst on D-Day. American troops lost more than 2,400 soldiers, killed, wounded or taken prisoner.

Which is the best D-Day museum?

If you’re a history buff like us, it’s hard to choose! Several sites are devoted to the subject of D-Day and the Second World War. We’ve put together a list of ideas and tips to help you choose from among these 25 iconic locations!

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Can we take sand from the beaches of Normandy?

No. As in many other countries, it is illegal to take sand or pebbles from French beaches.

Which films were shot on the Normandy landing beaches?

Le Jour Le Plus Long (The Longest Day – 1962) A very realistic account of the landing at Omaha Beach. Take a look at it before your visit, to better contextualize everything you are about to see.

Saving Private Ryan (1998) War movie directed by Steven Spielberg with Tom Hanks and Matt Damon. It was inspired by the true story of the Niland brothers, American soldiers killed during the Second World War. In this fiction, the hero goes in search of the last survivor to bring him back to his mother.

Overlord (1975) Black and white film by Stuart Cooper. The story of a young recruit and his training before D-Day.

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