The kids want a beach day, the parents want to explore WWII history.
Why not both?
Normandy may be on France's northern coast, but the D-Day beaches are easily accessible by rail from Paris and even London. Make an introduction to the Paris St-Lazare train station and it’ll rush you off to the Normandy train stations near the D-Day beaches in about three hours.
Here’s what you need to know about visiting Normandy’s D-Day beaches by train.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Chris McLaughlin. Image Location: Juno Beach, Saint Aubin Sur Mer, Normandy, France.
How to visit Normandy’s D-Day beaches by train
How do I get to Normandy without a car?
Although many travelers rent a car in Paris to explore Normandy, France’s extensive train network gives you the flexibility to explore the region with the comfort and convenience of a relaxed ride and zero worries about parking. Take the train from Paris and depart at coastal cities like Bayeux train station or Caen train station then head down to the D-Day beaches.
Is there a high-speed train from Paris to Normandy?
There are multiple direct trains leaving from Paris and arriving in cities like Bayeux and Caen. These journeys take as little as 2h 20m. There are also train routes that include changes, but your journey will still likely last between two to three hours.
How do I get from Paris to Omaha Beach?
You can get from Paris to Omaha Beach easily by train. First, you’ll have to go to Paris’ Gare St-Lazare, which is in the 8th Arrondissement. The metro lines M3, M12, M13, and M14 all connect at this station. Take the train to Gare de Bayeux on either a direct route or one with connections. Once you arrive in Bayeux, you’ll need to take a cab, bus, rideshare, or rental bike up to Omaha Beach.
Image Credit: Getty Images, pixinoo. Image Location: Gare St Lazare, Paris, France.
How do I get to Normandy from the UK by train?
Getting to Normandy from the UK by train is easy thanks to the Eurostar direct route that connects London to Paris. These trains are much faster than spending more time getting to and from the airports for a short-haul flight that’s hardly as long. Once in Paris, you can connect to cities throughout Normandy with ease.
How do I get from London to the D-Day beaches?
Don’t let the English Channel stand in your way from getting to Normandy. You can catch a train from London that passes beneath the water (known as the Chunnel) and arrives in Paris. First, you’ll need to catch a train from London St Pancras International that’ll get you to Paris’ Gare du Nord train station in just over 2 hours. Then, take the Métro to Paris St-Lazare where you can catch a train to Normandy cities like Caen and Bayeux near the D-Day beaches.
Does the train stop at Normandy D-Day beaches?
No, you can’t take a train from Paris directly onto Normandy’s D-Day beaches, but you can get quite close. Bayeux train station and Caen train station are within a 20 min drive to the beach. Public buses are available, as well as guided tours, but who are we kidding, you’ll hop in a rideshare and be there in a flash.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Franz Marc Frei. Image Location: Bayeux War Cemetery, Bayeux, Normandy, France.
What to know about London, Paris, and Normandy train stations
London St Pancras International
London St Pancras International is a large station beside King’s Cross. It’s the home of the Eurostar route that connects London and Paris with a direct train. Tons of shopping, dining, and lodging are in and around the station. Arrive early for your Eurostar check-in.
Paris Gare du Nord
Gare du Nord is the main Eurostar train station in Paris and has connections throughout France, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. It’s one of the largest and busiest train stations on the continent so while there’s plenty to see, do, and eat, be sure to keep an eye on the clock so you don’t miss your train.
Paris St-Lazare
Gare St-Lazare is the second busiest train station in Paris behind Gare du Nord. Cafés, bars, and shops fill this large station. For future reference, make a note that Paris St-Lazare connects not only to Normandy’s D-Day beaches, but also travels directly to other major cities in Normandy like Rouen, Cherbourg and Le Havre, if you’re looking for other great day trips from Paris.
Gare de Bayeux
This small regional station is one of two main stops to get to Normandy’s D-Day beaches. Gare de Bayeux is in the center of Bayeux so you’re only footsteps away from a bite to eat or a convenience store. History buffs may want to stop at the Museum of the Battle of Normandy before heading down to the beaches.
Gare de Caen
Before you stop at Bayeux, Gare de Caen is your first opportunity to get off to go to Normandy’s D-Day beaches. Caen’s station has a single shop and a single restaurant, but like Bayeux, you won’t have to walk far beyond the station to get what you need. While you’re walking, visit the Mémorial de Caen war museum.
See one of the critical battle sites of WWII; download the Trainline app and get your train tickets to Normandy’s D-Day beaches today.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, ueuaphotos.