Bayeux, Normandy 14-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrive Paris (CDG)

Arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport after your international flight from Kelowna.

This will be a long journey, so prepare for rest.

Travel to Bayeux

Take a train from Paris (Gare Saint-Lazare) to Bayeux.

The journey typically involves a connection in Caen. Enjoy the scenic French countryside.

Hotel Check-in

Check into your hotel in Bayeux.

Take some time to settle in and refresh after your journey.

Bayeux Evening Stroll

Enjoy a relaxed walk through the charming medieval streets of Bayeux, exploring the local atmosphere and finding a spot for dinner.

Bayeux is an excellent base for exploring the D-Day beaches and offers many dining options.

Juno Beach Centre

Begin your exploration at the Juno Beach Centre, Canada's only museum on the D-Day beaches.

Learn about Canada's role in the Normandy Landings and its contributions during WWII.

The centre is dedicated to preserving the memory of Canadian veterans. It's about a 25-minute drive from Bayeux. Consider local bus (line 30/70) or a taxi to start your walking day, then walk back along the coast.

Walking Juno Beach Coastline

Embark on a significant walk along the Juno Beach coastline, moving from Courseulles-sur-Mer towards Bernières-sur-Mer and St. Aubin-sur-Mer. Explore the beaches, memorials, and remnants of the Atlantic Wall. This covers a good portion of your 20-25 km daily goal.

Wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring water and snacks. You'll pass various Canadian memorials and historical markers along the way.

Dinner in Bayeux

Return to Bayeux and enjoy a well-deserved dinner at one of the local restaurants, reflecting on the day's historical journey.

Visit Canada House

Start your day by returning to Bernières-sur-Mer to see 'Canada House', one of the first houses liberated on D-Day by Canadian troops.

You can walk from St. Aubin-sur-Mer if you ended there yesterday, or take a short taxi/bus if starting from Courseulles.

Walking Inland Battlefields

Take local transport or a pre-arranged taxi to start a long walk inland from the coast, tracing the Canadian advance.

Focus on areas like Tailleville, Basly, and Authie, which saw intense fighting. This route allows for significant walking distance (20-25 km) through the Norman countryside and villages, connecting various memorial plaques and smaller cemeteries.

Bring a detailed map and GPS, as marked trails may be limited. Ensure you have ample water and provisions. Consider booking a partial-day private tour with 'Normandy Excursions & Tours' to drop you at key starting points and pick you up.

Brouay Canadian Cemetery

Visit the Brouay Canadian War Cemetery, a poignant site where many Canadian soldiers from the initial D-Day fighting are laid to rest.

Leisure & Dinner

Enjoy free time back in Bayeux.

Relax or explore more of the town at your own pace before dinner.

Travel to Falaise Sector

Take transport to the area south of Caen, towards the Falaise Pocket, a critical point in the Battle of Normandy where German forces were encircled.

Walking the Falaise Pocket

Dedicate the day to walking through significant areas of the Falaise Pocket, exploring sites of Operation Totalize and Tractable.

This includes walking the 'Corridor of Death' near Chambois and Mont Ormel, where Polish and Canadian forces played crucial roles in closing the gap. This route provides rugged terrain and covers 20-25 km.

This is a demanding walk, often through rural roads and fields. A detailed map, GPS, and prior research are essential. The Mont Ormel Memorial and Museum offers an excellent overview. Be prepared for varying terrain and weather conditions. Booking a specialist guide is highly recommended for context and navigation.

Mont Ormel Memorial

Visit the Mont Ormel Memorial (Coude du Mont Ormel - Polish Memorial), which offers panoramic views of the Falaise Pocket and commemorates the fierce battle that took place here.

Rest & Recuperate

Return to Bayeux.

Given the intensity of the day's walking, take time to rest and enjoy a relaxed dinner.

Bayeux Tapestry Museum

Take a break from WWII history to explore the UNESCO-listed Bayeux Tapestry, depicting the 1066 Norman Conquest of England.

A fascinating historical artifact.

Arrive early to avoid crowds. An audio guide is included and highly recommended.

Bayeux Cathedral

Visit the stunning Bayeux Cathedral, a masterpiece of Norman Romanesque and Gothic architecture, consecrated in 1077.

Bayeux Commonwealth Cemetery

Walk to and visit the Bayeux War Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth cemetery in France, containing over 4,000 burials, many of whom were Canadian.

Reflect on the sacrifices made during the Battle of Normandy.

A powerful and solemn place for quiet reflection. The Bayeux Memorial stands opposite, commemorating Commonwealth forces who died in the Normandy campaign and have no known grave.

Final Bayeux Walk

Enjoy a final leisurely walk around Bayeux, perhaps picking up some souvenirs or enjoying a coffee.

This provides a more relaxed walking day after previous intense days.

Farewell Dinner Bayeux

Indulge in a final Norman dinner in Bayeux before preparing for your journey to the next region tomorrow.

Travel to Dieppe

Take a train from Bayeux to Dieppe.

This typically involves a connection in Rouen. Enjoy the scenic French countryside.

Hotel Check-in & Lunch

Check into your hotel in Dieppe, drop off your luggage, and find a local brasserie for a well-deserved lunch.

Dieppe Raid Eastern Flank Walk

Begin your exploration of the Dieppe Raid by walking the eastern flank.

Focus on Pourville (Green Beach), where the South Saskatchewan Regiment and Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada landed. Continue to the Canadian Cemetery at Hautot-sur-Mer, a solemn place of remembrance. This walk covers varied terrain including beach, cliffs, and rural paths.

Wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring water and snacks. The total walking distance for the afternoon could be around 10-15 km.

Dinner in Dieppe

Enjoy fresh seafood at one of Dieppe's excellent portside restaurants, reflecting on the day's historical insights.

Blue Beach & Main Assault Walk

Embark on a challenging walk covering Blue Beach (Puys), where the Royal Regiment of Canada faced heavy German defenses, and then continue along the cliffs towards the main Dieppe beachfront (Red Beach). This route allows you to visualize the landings and the formidable obstacles faced by the Canadian troops.

This section involves significant walking along the coastline and cliffs, offering a deep understanding of the geography of the raid. Expect 10-12 km walking.

Lunch in Dieppe

Grab a casual lunch near the seafront, perhaps a traditional galette or sandwich.

Dieppe Canadian War Cemetery

Visit the Dieppe Canadian War Cemetery in Janval, the final resting place for many Canadian soldiers who fell during the raid.

Spend time reflecting on their sacrifice.

Château de Dieppe Museum

Explore the Château de Dieppe Museum, which houses a collection dedicated to the Dieppe Raid, providing historical context and artifacts.

Evening Stroll & Relaxation

Enjoy a leisurely evening stroll along Dieppe's promenade or relax at a café after a full day of walking.

Travel to Arras

Take a train from Dieppe to Arras, which will be your base for exploring Vimy Ridge.

This journey typically involves a change in Rouen or Amiens.

Hotel Check-in & Lunch

Check into your hotel in Arras and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the beautiful Grand'Place or Place des Héros.

Canadian National Vimy Memorial

Travel to the Canadian National Vimy Memorial.

Explore the impressive memorial itself, walk through preserved WWI trench systems, and visit the tunnels (guided tours often available from student guides). This is a profound and moving experience, covering 5-10 km of walking within the park.

Public transport to Vimy Ridge is limited; consider a taxi, ride-share, or pre-arranged local tour from Arras. Wear appropriate footwear for uneven terrain. Booking for trench/tunnel tours is not always required but recommended for specific times, check their website.

Dinner in Arras

Dine in Arras, savoring traditional French cuisine in one of its charming squares.

Vimy Ridge Extended Battlefield Walk

Dedicate the morning to an extensive walking tour of the wider Vimy Ridge battlefield.

Explore other sectors of the park beyond the memorial, walking lesser-known trenches and the surrounding areas to fully appreciate the scale of the battle and its terrain. This walk could easily be 10-15 km.

This extended walk requires good stamina and preparation. Consider bringing a packed lunch to maximize time on site.

Lunch in Arras

Return to Arras for a relaxing lunch after your morning's exploration.

Carrière Wellington Museum

Descend into the underground tunnels of the Carrière Wellington in Arras, a former chalk quarry used by Allied forces as an assembly point before the Battle of Arras in 1917.

This offers a unique perspective on trench warfare and the soldiers' lives.

Booking is highly recommended as tours are guided and have limited capacity. The museum is located under the city and accessible by an elevator.

Arras Squares Exploration

Spend the late afternoon exploring the magnificent Grand'Place and Place des Héros in Arras, admiring their Flemish Baroque architecture.

Cabaret Rouge & Canadian Cemeteries Walk

Undertake a significant walking tour (approx.

10-15 km) to visit the Cabaret Rouge British Cemetery near Souchez, which contains a large number of Canadian burials, including an Unknown Soldier. Continue to explore other nearby WWI Commonwealth cemeteries with Canadian connections, reflecting on the scale of losses.

This involves walking through rural areas. Bring a map, water, and snacks. This is a quieter, more reflective walk through the memorials.

Lunch at Arras Market

If it's a market day (Wednesday), enjoy lunch from the local market stalls in the Grand'Place, sampling regional produce.

Otherwise, find a local cafe.

Arras Town Hall & Belfry

Climb the UNESCO-listed Belfry of Arras Town Hall for panoramic views of the city and the surrounding Artois plain, which was a major battlefield during WWI.

Free Time in Arras

Enjoy some free time for souvenir shopping, a final coffee, or further exploration of Arras's underground boves (cellars) beneath the market squares.

Farewell Dinner in Arras

Enjoy a final dinner in Arras, perhaps trying a regional specialty before preparing for the next leg of your journey.

Travel to Passchendaele Area

Travel from your accommodation near Vimy Ridge to the Ypres/Zonnebeke area in Belgium.

Check into your hotel upon arrival.

Passchendaele Museum Visit

Discover and experience the story of the First World War and the Battle of Passchendaele in the interactive design of the museum, including descending into a dugout.

Plan to spend ample time exploring the exhibits. Located in Zonnebeke, central to the battlefield.

Lunch in Zonnebeke

Enjoy a local lunch in Zonnebeke, a town steeped in WWI history.

Passchendaele Canadian Memorial

Visit the monument dedicated to the Canadian soldiers who fought and died during the Battle of Passchendaele.

A poignant site for reflection on Canadian sacrifice. The surrounding area offers opportunities for walking the historical ground.

Passchendaele Battlefield Tour

Embark on a guided battlefield tour with Passchendaele Prints & A Foreign Field Battlefield Tours, exploring key sites and learning about the Great War. This tour will involve significant walking.

An experienced guide will provide historical context. Wear comfortable walking shoes, as this will contribute significantly to your daily walking goal.

Dinner in Zonnebeke

Enjoy a well-deserved dinner after a day of extensive walking and historical exploration.

Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres

Visit the Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing, a memorial to the British and Commonwealth soldiers who were killed in the Ypres Salient and whose graves are unknown.

The Last Post ceremony takes place here nightly at 8 PM; consider attending if your schedule allows, though you will be traveling to Paris today.

Walk around Ypres Town

Explore the reconstructed historic town center of Ypres, walking through the Grote Markt and admiring the Cloth Hall.

Ypres was almost entirely destroyed in WWI and meticulously rebuilt to its medieval glory.

Lunch in Ypres

Enjoy a final Belgian lunch in the charming town of Ypres.

Train Travel to Paris

Board a train from Ypres (via Lille Flandres, Belgium) to Paris Gare du Nord, France.

Enjoy the scenic journey.

Check into Paris Hotel

Arrive in Paris, transfer to your hotel, and check in.

Settle into your accommodation.

Evening Stroll & Dinner in Paris

Take a leisurely evening stroll through a Parisian neighborhood like Le Marais or Saint-Germain-des-Prés, followed by dinner.

Eiffel Tower & Champ de Mars

Visit the iconic Eiffel Tower.

Take photos from the Champ de Mars and consider ascending for panoramic views of Paris. This area offers extensive walking opportunities.

Book tickets online in advance to avoid long queues, especially for ascending the tower.

Seine River Cruise

Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise along the River Seine, offering unique perspectives of Paris landmarks like Notre Dame, the Louvre, and Musée d'Orsay.

Boarding points are available near the Eiffel Tower or Pont Neuf.

Lunch in Latin Quarter

Dine in the vibrant Latin Quarter, known for its intellectual history and bustling eateries.

Notre Dame & Latin Quarter Walk

View the exterior of the Notre Dame Cathedral from Île de la Cité and then take an extensive walk through the charming streets of the Latin Quarter, discovering hidden alleys and historic sites.

The cathedral is undergoing reconstruction, so exterior views are the primary option.

Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur

Travel to the artistic Montmartre district.

Walk up to the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur for stunning city views and explore the Place du Tertre, where artists display their work.

Dinner in Montmartre

Enjoy a memorable dinner in the lively Montmartre area, soaking in the bohemian atmosphere.

Louvre Museum (Exterior) & Tuileries Garden

Take a morning stroll past the iconic Louvre Museum pyramid, admiring its architecture, and then wander through the beautiful Tuileries Garden, perfect for a final Parisian walk.

If time permits and you're interested, a quick entry to see the Mona Lisa is possible, but typically requires more time.

Last-Minute Shopping & Coffee

Enjoy a final Parisian coffee and perhaps pick up some last-minute souvenirs or gifts.

Farewell Parisian Lunch

Savor a final French meal, reflecting on your two-week adventure through WWI and WWII history.

Travel to Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)

Transfer from your hotel to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport for your departure.

Depart from Paris

Check in for your flight and depart from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.