D-Day: The Beaches of Normandy

Taxis to Hell and Back Into the Jaws of Death

An iconic image of men.

Part of Operation Overlord and the Western Front of World War II, the D-Day landings were a pivotal moment in the war. On June 6, 1944, Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy, France, in an attempt to liberate Europe from Nazi occupation. The landings were successful, and the Allies were able to establish a foothold on the continent. However, the cost was high. More than 10,000 Allied soldiers were killed or wounded on D-Day.

The 5 D-Day landing beaches are a must for any trip to Normandy. Their story is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Get the facts on five D-Day beaches—code-named Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword—that changed the course of history.

D-Day and the Battle of Normandy were predominantly fought in the départements of Calvados and Manche.