Canadian D-Day Tour

On this full day tour of Juno, the Canadian sector on D-Day, we will visit Arromanches, Graye-sur-Mer, Courseulles-sur-Mer, Bernières-sur-Mer, St Aubin-sur-Mer, ALG B-4, Canadian War Cemetery at Bény-Reviers, Abbey d’Ardenne.

On route, as well as on location, throughout the day you will learn about the planning and preparations involved to get the largest military operation in history organised, which units were involved, what their objectives were, and how victory was achieved.

I will share with you many stories of the men and women who fought to free Europe of Nazi occupation.

At each of these site there will be some free time for you to take photos, use restrooms or grab a coffee.

LOCATIONS WE WILL VISIT ON THIS DAY:

1) Arromanches/Mulberry Harbour

Here we will see the remains of the artificial harbour, known as Mulberry. This amazing invention became the most important port for the Allied in North-West Europe until December 1944.

2) Graye-sur-Mer and Courseulles-sur-Mer

The western flank of Juno sector where Canadian forces landed on D-Day. Here you will learn about the planning and preparations by the Canadian 3rd Infantry Division to land elements of the Canadian Scottish and Royal Winnipeg Rifles regiments against one of the best prepared German coastal defences in this area.

At a small extra fee visit the highly acclaimed Juno Centre.

3) Bernières-sur-Mer

At this beach the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada and La Régiment de la Chaudière landed. Hear stories of the initial struggles to break through the German defences. We will also be able to visit the world famous Canada House and the train station that are featured in many D-Day photos.

4) Lunch

Lunch is normally stopping for a sandwich or other quick snack (not included in the price of the tour) and we will have a break for about 45 minutes.

5) St Aubin-sur-Mer

St Aubin is the eastern landing area for the Canadians on D-Day. This was to be assaulted by the North Shore New Brunswick Regiment and British Commandos. We will the spot where German bunkers overlooked the beach from a commanding position, and learn about the way tanks from the Fort Garry Horse regiment broke the stalemate.

6) ALG B-4

The involvement of the 2nd Tactical Air Force, and specifically RCAF Squadrons, is generally overlooked, but certainly played a crucial role in the support and success of Canadian’s ground forces on D-Day and the Normandy campaign. You will learn about the creation of Advanced Landing Grounds (temporary airfields) by the Allies, the use of SMT and the missions of the RCAF.

7) Canadian War Cemetery at Bény-Reviers

Time for reflection at the Canadian War Cemetery, the final resting place and memorial for 2048 mostly Canadian soldiers.

8) Abbey d’Ardenne

Canadian POWs were murdered here by the 12th SS “Hitler Youth” Division. Hear the emotional stories of the men involved and the War Crimes trials against the SS-troops who were held responsible.

IN A NUT SHELL

Tour title: Canadian D-Day tour

Tour price (not per person) from July 2023: €620.

Start: 8.30am

Finish: 5.30pm

Duration: 9 hours

Pick-up/drop-off location: your accommodation in or near Bayeux; other pick-up locations can be arranged

Capacity: this private tour accommodates 1 to 8 people

Lunch: includes 1 hour lunch break, price not included

Request a tour here

Please see the Info page for further details

David V

13 December 2023

Perfect tour! Wonderful tour! Mike was perfect. Extremely knowledgeable and friendly. This was our first trip to Normandy and he ensured it was exceptional in every way. Highly recommended!

Brian H

American D-Day tour from Paris Took train from Paris and Mike met us at the Bayeux station. After brief introduction he got right into historical facts of the WWII context. He has a speaker in his van so was easy to hear/understand his comments while on the road. Having two teenagers he kept them engaged with various questions. Definitely recommend Mike as his English is crystal clear and he is passionate about the subject matter.

Willia W

10 December 2023

Book Mike, Allied Victory Tours, for the most informative Normandy battlefield tours. We traveled with another couple and stayed at Mike and Deborah's B & B. Each couple had a well-appointed room with a private bath. Each morning, we were treated to a delicious breakfast including fresh breads and fresh eggs from their hens. Each evening, they recommended local restaurants for us and called and made our reservations. Mike was with us for a full day. His tour allowed us to stand on the beaches and other sites where the battles and significant events occurred with full discussion of how the attacks were planned and how they actually occurred and why the differences. Mike made sure that we arrived at the American cemetery in time for the daily playing of Taps and lowering of the flags. Allied Victory Tours, Mike, had been recommended to us by our neighbors who had toured with him previously. We, likewise, would highly recommend touring with Mike, Allied Victory Tours, if you're looking for a thorough, educational tour of Normandy. A special treat was a tour of Deborah's private Women of Valour WW 2 Museum. It is an incredible collection of over 200 Allied women's uniforms. She started her collection to honor the Sweetwater, Texas, all women pilots. This was very special to us as we had lived in Sweetwater, Texas, and were well aware of these fearless women's training.

Harry K

7 December 2023

Amazing D-Day Tour Guide Mike was outstanding from beginning to end. He was right on time at our hotel in Bayeux. His English is perfect. During our tour Mike provided us with information that not only told the big picture of the D-Day, but many smaller, less know facts and sights. He has amazing knowledge of the entire invasion. I can highly recommend him.

Andover Traveler

6 December 2023

Mike at Allied Victory Tours is THE BEST! Received a recommendation on FB to contact Mike at Allied Victory Tours and I am so glad I did. Don’t be intimidated about getting out to Bayeux on your own. Buying train tickets is easy. Set up a private day-long American D-day tour for my family and we had a fabulous day with Mike— so much better than sitting on a bus with 50 other people. My teenage son who is a huge history buff (like me) could not believe he was seeing where all this amazing history took place. It’s not every can you step back in time and walk through a WWII German bunker or walk along Utah and Omaha Beach. Mike was wonderful—easy to communicate with in setting up the tour, prompt in picking us up at the Bayeux train station and so very knowledgeable about D-day! Highly recommended Mike and Allied Victory Tours. You will not be disappointed.

Anne C

4 December 2023

Most powerful and meaningful tour This was an absolutely FANTASTIC tour! Mike was the most enthusiastic, knowledgeable tour guide we have EVER met. You know you’re in good hands with someone who has studied WW2 since he was young, is a WW2 reenactor and even has a WW2 museum at his house! Mike can easily accommodate those who prefer a general overview to those who want to “nerd out” on all the details, which we did. As proprietor of his touring company, Mike kindly customized the tour according to our interests. When he found out we were big fans of HBO’s Band of Brothers, he purposely took time to take us to places mentioned in that series. He is an educator like no one else and painted a picture for us of how things unfolded at different points on D-Day, connecting the dots as the day went on. We were kept engaged in the story with his leading questions like, “Why do you think…?” Mike was easy-going with all our questions and didn’t mind repeating things when we needed a recap of details to make sure we understood. This was hands-down one of the most powerful and meaningful tours we’ve ever been on. Definitely ask for Mike van den Dobbelsteen with Allied Victory Tours as your guide.

Mark G

27 November 2023

Incredible D-day full-day immersion tour with prepared and very knowledgeable guide Mike gave us an amazing day making history come alive! His deep knowledge of WWII allowed us to immerse ourselves in D-Day as it unfolded, from drop zones to rendezvous points to beaches and bunkers, and finally to the cemetery for the solemn flag ceremony. He was friendly, fun and so informative, giving background to what we saw over the course of the day. Mike easily accommodated the diverse interests of our 3 couples in his comfortable private van, and had a great lunch stop with food options for everyone. He was flexible in picking us up at our rental--right near a drop zone! We very highly recommend Mike and his day-long private tour and have already given his name to friends. When we are back in the area, we will certainly take another tour with him!

Callie G

21 November 2023

Wonderful experience Mike was an incredible guide! Very knowledgeable on all WW2 subjects and enthusiastic to share the history.

Stuart G

The Perfect Tour Guide From the moment we stepped off the train to the time we had to go back on, Mike was simply a perfect tour guide. Extremely knowledgeable on everything WWII related and at each stop of our tour he gave us the right amount of history to not overload us. Super friendly, speaks clearly and very personable, everything to make your day long tour memorable. Thank you Mike for such a great day!!!

Renae C

17 November 2023

Highlight of our entire trip to France! You absolutely will not regret booking a private guided tour with Mike! My husband and I spent 8 days in France, with several days in Normandy and exploring the beaches as our main objective for our trip. My husband is military and a big WW2 history buff, and I have enough interest/knowledge to get by. We booked the American D-day tour. We both agreed this was our favorite day of the entire trip! Mike is an amazing tour guide, and our experience went so far beyond the highlights of the area most people experience in large group or self-guided tours. We learned incredible stories and details surrounding the people and battles of the entire area. Armed with his notebook filled with fascinating pictures and maps to bring details alive, Mike really made the tour so much more meaningful than I would have expected. He made some minor adjustments based on our interests, including a couple detours that wouldn't have even been on my radar otherwise, that we really enjoyed. We experienced a full, meaningful day without feeling rushed whatsoever. His tour van was very clean and comfy. Don't miss this opportunity if you're planning to explore the D-day beaches!