Day trip by sidecar to the landing beaches

Your Gentleman Sider (Guide/Driver) will meet you with his retro sidecar at the pickup location of your choice, or at the Bayeux Tourist Office, or at the Bayeux Bus Station. He will assist you in equipping helmets, gloves, and retro goggles before settling you in. There will, of course, be stops along the way for breaks and photo opportunities.

Your pilot will take you to Arromanches-les-Bains. It was on this beach that, during the Battle of Normandy, immediately after D-Day on June 6, 1944, the Allies established Port Mulberry B, a temporary artificial harbor to facilitate the landing of heavy equipment, without having to wait for the conquest of deep-water ports such as those of Le Havre or Cherbourg (Cherbourg-en-Cotentin since 2016). Although located in the center of the Gold Beach landing zone, Arromanches was spared the brunt of the fighting on D-Day. In order to facilitate the installation and operation of a port as quickly as possible, it was essential not to damage the beach and to preserve the surrounding communication routes. Therefore, the British troops landed further east, between Asnelles and Ver-sur-Mer, and liberated Arromanches by land on the evening of June 6. The port was thus operational by June 14.

The Longues-sur-Mer Battery is one of the coastal artillery batteries of the Atlantic Wall, situated in the coastal town of Longues-sur-Mer in Calvados, Normandy. The site consisted of four 150 mm long-range naval guns, each protected by a reinforced concrete casemate, along with various installations to serve and defend them. Located in the Allied landing zone in Normandy, between Omaha Beach and Gold Beach, the battery faced intense aerial and naval bombardments on D-Day, preventing it from fully engaging, and was captured by British troops the following day. Classified as a Historic Monument, it is in good condition. The site is well-preserved and has become a popular stop for visitors touring the D-Day landing sites.

Liberated on June 8, 1944, by the 47th Royal Marines Commando during Operation Overlord, Port-en-Bessin quickly became the hub for a network of pipelines stretching approximately 120 km, intended to supply fuel to the Allied armies. By June 16, it was operational. By late August 1944, this system was augmented by Operation PLUTO, which involved the laying of pipelines between the Isle of Wight and Querqueville near Cherbourg.

Omaha Beach remains one of the most iconic landing sites of D-Day, holding undeniable historical significance. Standing here, you'll be on the same sands where thousands of American soldiers courageously landed amidst intense gunfire and artillery barrage. Your guide will emotionally narrate the challenges faced by the soldiers during this fierce battle. As you walk along the beach, take a moment to pay tribute to the memorials and reflect on the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought here.

The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, perched on a cliff overlooking Omaha Beach, stands as a poignant and deeply moving tribute to the fallen soldiers. As you stroll among the rows of white marble crosses and Stars of David, you will be filled with a profound sense of gratitude and respect for those who sacrificed their lives for freedom. Your guide will share stories about the individuals laid to rest here and provide insightful perspectives on the significant impact of their sacrifices on the course of history.

Pointe du Hoc emerged as a crucial strategic theater during the Allied D-Day landing operation in Normandy on June 6, 1944. Nestled between Utah Beach to the west and Omaha Beach to the east, this promontory was fiercely fortified by the Germans (WN 751). Allied aerial reconnaissance revealed the presence of formidable long-range artillery pieces, threatening the adjacent beaches. The swift neutralization of these cannons was deemed crucial to the success of the landing. Explore with fascination this historic site where bravery and strategy played a pivotal role in liberation.