The Normandy American Cemetery sits on a cliff at Colleville-sur-Mer, above Omaha Beach and the English Channel. It is the resting place of American service members who died in the Normandy campaign, and it is cared for by the American Battle Monuments Commission, known as ABMC. Visiting is free. The cemetery is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with admission ending at 4:30 p.m., and it closes only on 25 December and 1 January, with staff on duty in the visitor building while it is open. The visitor centre tells the story of the landings and of individual people, and the grounds are laid out in long, calm rows with a memorial and a chapel at the centre. Many visitors say it is the place that stays with them longest. It is not an attraction in the usual sense. People come to pay their respects, to find a name, or simply to take in the scale of the loss. The A13 motorway from Paris will be partly closed from 16 November 2026 to August 2027, which matters for drivers and coach travellers, so plan the route.
How it works
There is no ticket and no need to book; advance reservations are not currently required, though ABMC says arrangements may change, so check the visit page before you go. Arrive by car, taxi or with a tour, since public transport from Bayeux is limited. Security checks apply at the entrance, and the path from the cemetery to the beach has been closed since 2016, so use the public beach access nearby if you want to walk down to Omaha Beach.
What to expect
A quiet, open site that is exposed to wind and often cold, so dress for the weather. Visitors speak softly, children are welcome but should stay with an adult, and phones should be on silent. The visitor centre is well worth the time and gives context for what you see outside. Allow at least ninety minutes, more if you are looking for a particular grave, which the staff can help you locate.
Making the most of it
Arrive earlier in the day when it is calmer, and combine it with Omaha Beach below and the Overlord Museum a few minutes away. Many guided D-Day days stop here, but you can also visit independently and take your time. Remember that this is a place of remembrance, not a photo stop.
What to expect
The experience
A free self-guided visit to the cemetery, memorial and visitor centre on the cliff above Omaha Beach.
Best time
Earlier in the day, when it is quieter; the cemetery closes at 5 p.m. with last admission at 4:30 p.m.
How long
Ninety minutes to two hours, longer if you are looking for a specific name.
Tips
Dress for wind, keep your voice low, and use the public beach access nearby because the cemetery path to the beach is closed.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants to pay their respects and understand the human cost of the landings.
- Families
- Suitable for older children who can be quiet and respectful; explain the place to them beforehand.
- Couples
- A reflective visit; allow quiet time afterwards, perhaps on the beach below.
- Pair with
- Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc and the Overlord Museum, which is close by.
- Time needed
- Two hours.
Good questions
Is the Normandy American Cemetery free?+
Yes, admission is free and no ticket is needed. Advance reservations are not currently required, but check the ABMC visit page before you travel.
What are the opening hours?+
The cemetery is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission ends at 4:30 p.m. It closes only on 25 December and 1 January.
How do I get there from Bayeux?+
By car, taxi or a guided tour, as there is no convenient public transport. The cemetery is at Colleville-sur-Mer, a short drive from Omaha Beach.
Can I walk from the cemetery down to Omaha Beach?+
Not by the old path, which has been closed since 2016 for security reasons. Public beach access is available nearby.
Is there anything that affects travel in 2026 and 2027?+
A portion of the A13 motorway from Paris will be closed from 16 November 2026 to August 2027. Allow extra time and plan an alternative route or transport.
