Your Gentleman Sider (guide/driver) will meet you with his vintage sidecar at the pickup location of your choice, or at the parking lot of the Bayeux Battle of Normandy Museum, or at the Bayeux bus station. He will help you gear up with helmets, gloves, and vintage goggles before getting you comfortably settled in. There will, of course, be stops along the way to take breaks and capture photos.
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 Mulberry B, a temporary artificial harbor designed to allow the rapid unloading of heavy equipment and supplies without having to wait for the capture of deep-water ports such as Le Havre or Cherbourg. Although Arromanches was located at the heart of the Gold Beach landing sector, it was largely spared from the heaviest fighting on D-Day. To ensure that the artificial harbor could be installed and become operational as quickly as possible, it was essential to avoid damaging the beach and to preserve the surrounding roads and communication routes. For this reason, British troops landed further east, between Asnelles and Ver-sur-Mer, and liberated Arromanches from inland later on the evening of June 6. As a result, Mulberry B Harbor became operational on June 14, 1944.
The Longues-sur-Mer Battery is one of the artillery batteries of the Atlantic Wall, located in the coastal village of Longues-sur-Mer in Normandy. The site originally consisted of four long-range 150 mm naval guns, each protected by a reinforced concrete casemate, along with various installations used to operate and defend the battery. Positioned between the Allied landing beaches of Omaha Beach and Gold Beach, the battery occupied a strategic location within the Normandy invasion area. Prior to and during D-Day, it was subjected to intense aerial and naval bombardments, which prevented it from fully carrying out its mission. The position was captured by British forces on June 7, 1944, the day after the landings. Today, the battery is a protected historic monument and remains remarkably well preserved. The site has been developed for visitors and is one of the most popular stops on tours of the Normandy D-Day landing sites.
*This stop may be omitted if your guide determines that there is not enough time remaining during the tour.* Liberated on June 8, 1944, by the 47th Royal Marine Commando during Operation Overlord, Port-en-Bessin quickly became a vital logistical hub for the Allied forces. From June 16, 1944, the town served as the main distribution point for a network of pipelines stretching approximately 120 km (75 miles), designed to supply Allied armies with the fuel needed to continue their advance across France. In late August 1944, this system was further expanded through Operation PLUTO (Pipeline Under The Ocean), which involved laying undersea fuel pipelines between the Isle of Wight in England and Querqueville, near Cherbourg, ensuring a continuous flow of fuel from Britain to the European mainland.
*This stop may be omitted if your guide determines that there is not enough time remaining during the tour.* Omaha Beach remains one of the most iconic D-Day landing sites and holds a place of profound historical significance. Here, you will stand on the very sands where thousands of American soldiers courageously came ashore under intense enemy fire and relentless artillery bombardment on June 6, 1944. Your guide will share the powerful story of the challenges faced by the troops during this fierce and decisive battle, bringing to life the events that unfolded on these shores. As you walk along the beach, take a moment to reflect at the memorials and pay tribute to the courage, determination, and sacrifice of the men who fought here in the pursuit of freedom.
The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, perched on a bluff overlooking Omaha Beach, stands as a moving and deeply meaningful tribute to the soldiers who gave their lives during the Normandy campaign. As you walk 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 made the ultimate sacrifice in the cause of freedom. Your guide will share stories of some of the men laid to rest here and provide insight into the lasting impact their sacrifices had on the course of history and the liberation of Europe. *During the low season, the cemetery closes early. As a result, tours starting at 4:00 PM cannot include a visit to the cemetery.* *Please note that, starting in 2026, access to and visitation of the Normandy American Cemetery cannot be guaranteed.*
On our way back, a stop in Bayeux will reveal the medieval charm of this town, highlighted by its impressive 11th-century cathedral. This Gothic masterpiece stands as a fascinating witness to the region’s rich history. Take a moment to admire the picturesque streets of Bayeux, lined with half-timbered houses, offering a captivating glimpse of its timeless beauty as our adventure comes to an end.
We had the most incredible experience seeing the D-Day landing beaches with Phillip. The sidecar made it extra special and our driver and guide was so knowledgeable and really added to the day. Worth every penny and would do it 10x over! Thanks again for a amazing day Phillip!
What a fantastic experience! In September, we did the 3.5-hour private vintage sidecar tour of the D-Day Landing Beaches with our guide, Remy, and it was definitely one of the highlights of our stay in Normandy. We were picked up at our hotel in Bayeux and from the very beginning everything felt personal and relaxed. What makes this tour so special is that the route and the stories are adapted to your own interests. It really feels like you’re exploring Normandy with someone who is sharing his passion and knowledge with you, rather than simply following a standard tour. And travelling in a vintage sidecar makes such a difference! You experience the landscape in a completely different way than you would from a car or minibus. You are much more connected to your surroundings, and somehow the history feels much closer and more real. Remy was absolutely brilliant. He is extremely knowledgeable, has a great sense of humour and, most importantly, has a genuine passion for the history of D-Day and Normandy. We learned so much from him, but there was also plenty of laughter along the way. His stories and explanations really brought the places we visited to life. We would 100% recommend this tour to anyone visiting Normandy. If you want to see part of the D-Day beaches, learn about the history and experience the beautiful Normandy countryside in a unique and memorable way, this is absolutely the way to do it. And one final tip: book directly with Rétro-Tour Normandy. We would definitely choose them again! 🇫🇷🏍️❤️
Just have a little knowledge of what happened on 6 JUNE 1944 know the names of the beaches and who landed where
We and another couple took the half day tour of Normandy with RetroTours. It was the highlight of our trip! We all wished we had booked the full day! I mean it was Really fun with these four, well informed guys! Jon, Rimmy, and two more super entertaining guides. We ordered 4 bikes, because all of us wanted our own sidecar. Good decision! Comfy, cozy, and educational tour. I highly recommend! Would do it again in a heartbeat! Thank you to RetroTours Normandy for hiring such a fine team of talented young men. Excellent, safe drivers!
Our guide Remi was excellent- so knowledgeable and fun. Would totally recommend this adventure 👍😀
We Started off with our tour guide john picking us up at exactly the time stated at our hotel in bayeux. He then said the tours for 3.5 hours then asked me what i wanted from the tour and where i wanted to go which caught me by Suprise as i thought it was a set tour but i got to choose what i wanted from it within the time frame which was great, So we went to arromanches 360 then to gold beach see the mulberry harbour then the sherman tank then we went onto the gun batterie and longues sur mer, we then went to the port en bessin and From there we went to omaha beach and the bunker then finished the tour off at the omaha American war cemetery. All in was a great trip john was very knowledgeable talking me and my daughter through the history and pointing sights out and showing us pictures . The bike was a great feature to the trip really made us feel like we were soldiers zipping down the country lanes, johns a great rider and we never felt unsafe or in danger at anytime The trip made things I've seen in films and books come to life it was great i would do it again in a heartbeat if i ever go anywhere that retro tours operate in the future il be sure To book a tour with them Thank you for a memorable trip john
Wow! This was one of the best tours we have been on. Riding around in the sidecar around Normandy with such a knowledgeable guide was such a great way to spend the day. Remi was a fun and experienced guide. We highly recommend this tour! Thanks for a memorable day.
My family and I had an amazing experience on this tour! Our tour guides were incredibly intelligent, fun to be around, and overall great hosts. Highly recommend this tour for anyone looking to explore the beaches of Normandy in a fun, insightful, unique way!
John was a great guide Really interesting stories and very safety oriented on the bike Best way to do a d-day tour
Awesome way to see the history of the D-day invasion. Wish we had done a longer tour! We day tripped in from Paris. Quite easy to do if you’re an early riser. Remy was punctual and full of history and perspective. We felt safe on his bike as we zipped around.
Tremendous experience with a young family. Guides were both wonderful with our group and inquired about our ideal sights to see and remained mindful of our children’s experience as we went along. Motorcycle rides through the country were quite a treat and served to break up the tour nicely. Truly a great experience we will not forget.
A unique experience with friendly and knowledgeable guides. Visited sites along the landing beaches which we would never have found ourselves.
Great experience, with Remi, our enthusiastic, totally-knowledgeable, and fun-to-be-with driver and guide! Remi clearly loves his work and this era of history of this area where he grew up. He knew every detail to answer my questions (and I've read a lot of WWII history). One kind of treat was Remi's stopping briefly in a tiny village on the back roads we drove to get from site to site, to learn what life was like before D-day and after. Another was a short-cut drive via a particularly-beautiful small country road in this area where Remi grew up. And of course all the 'basics' were dramatic and fascinating, including Omaha Beach landing complexity, and building the gigantically-ambitious artificial harbor at Gold. The American cemetery was especially beautiful and moving, including being at the daily 4pm ceremony. And my wife totally loved the sidecar experience and driving in the open air!
Wonderfully Delightful Adventure. We booked the motorcycle with sidecar excursion on a last minute whim. We were on a British Isle Cruise and wanted something different. Frankly, it was the best of decisions! We sure lucked out when our driver/guide Remi showed up on time, with as much enthusiasm as his two elderly passengers. After explaining the day and fitting us with comfortable helmets we set off for the 40 minute ride to Honfleur in the Calvados Region of France. Remi expertly navigated the traffic taking us over a very steep highway bridge. Scary at first but his motorcycle skills quickly put us at ease. Once in Honfleur, we set off for a walking tour of the popular tourist destination. We could tell at once that Remi enjoyed showing us the city he loves. Taking us to unusual spots explaining the history and architecture. Remi was witty, friendly and downright hilarious with a vast knowledge that he freely shared. Once we left town, he took us to his favorite bakery to pick up a couple of French baguette sandwiches before heading to a 4Th generation Cidery. There we enjoyed the landscape as Mary Anna shared her expertise in the cider and Calvados making process while offering us tastes! Next it was off to Notre Dame, the seafaring Catholic Church, complete with working artists capturing the landscape on canvas. We road along country roads to then get to the spot that overlooked beautiful Honfleur. I could go on and on. But suffice it to say that Remi made the day what it was! An adventure that we will never forget. Thank You!
This tour is a wonderful way to get around all the important sites. Your guide will point out details you will not see otherwise. Our guides Remy and Thomas were knowledgeable, entertaining, and brought the historic events to life. We couldn’t imagine our time in Normandy without them!
Remi did a wonderful job giving Carlene and I a great tour of the D Day beaches and countryside high points. He provided in depth information on several interesting details in and around the people who fought at D Day on both sides. He pointed out numerous landmarks from the time he picked us up at the Chateau Della Bellafontsine until out tour ended 4 hours later. His motorcycle driving skills are superb and his personality exodes high energy and excitement. He lives the history of the area and WWII to the point I asked him if he was a college histiry professor. Great job Remi and a joy to have met you. Warmest Regards, John M Piotti piottijm@cox.net
This experience is not to miss. We have a family of nine with us, so we rented 5 sidecars. Phillip along with John lead the history parts of the tour. They were amazing! Great information, attention to details and excellent presenters. ALL five drivers were so entertaining and fun. We all, young and old did not want it to end. Thank you, What an incredible memory.
Fantastic way to experience the D- day landings. These guys are very knowledgeable- a definite must .
Amazing experience with my sons and husband. Far from gimmicky this is the real deal. These guys know the routes and all the historical facts and will transport you to places the more touristic operations won't take you. Like the vantage point above Omaha beach. Their historical knowledge is second to none, their sense of fun puts the kids into a great frame of mind and the retro experience a brilliant way to do this. Could not recommend it enough
We had Remi and Philip take our family of 4 on the half-day tour. This was well worth it. We did it in October, with fresh and drizzly weather, but we were never cold or soaked. They provided great wind and rain proof jackets and bottoms and the rides were super fun. Our teenage sons absolutely loved it and the history was surely retold by both Remi and Philip. Highly recommend you take this tour for an unforgettable moment with your family. Both our guides were friendly, funny and above all very knowledgeable. Go do it!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Fantastic Sidecar Tour of Normandy! We had an excellent time on our sidecar tour through Normandy! The experience was not only fun and unique but also incredibly informative. Our guides shared fascinating history and local insights while making the ride comfortable and enjoyable. A perfect blend of adventure and learning — highly recommended for anyone visiting the area!
The gents were a blast and the history profound. Very accommodating and a highlight of our time in Normandy. Highly recommend!! The only authentic was to see the sights!!
Great way to see the beaches of Normandy! The guide Philip was excellent and really knew his stuff! H
Riding through the Normandy region visiting historical sites was an educational experience we will not soon forget. Being on a motorcycle with Remi at the controls made the experience exhilarating and so much fun. He was very knowledgeable and dynamic. My wife and I had a blast. Seeing this region on a motorcycle is definitely the best way to experience this tour. To Remi “manifique”!!!!!
Third time to Normandy and this was the most interactive and fun adventure l have had in this region
The most unique way to visit WW2 sites with great guides. Philip and Remi made the experience amazing. So far, it's the highlight of our vacation.
It’s an authentic, exciting way to experience the sobering Normandie D-Day sites with a very knowledgeable guide.
Remy and Philippe led a great tour. Very informative and engaging. Would do it again and have been recommending them already.
Phillipe, was our historian, affable experienced rider and WW2 renactor, Remey our sociable, knowlegeable second rider. They we super nice to our 12 year old granddaughter who experienced her first motorcycle ride. We would do this ride again. The tour adds a lot of perspective to ones knowledge, the views as a result, even more breathtaking, and the bikes almost allow one to see in the minds eye the e ents that unfolded there. Our rider/guides the perfect topping! We've taken tours at all the other major spots we have visited in France. This one I think we'll remember and talk about the most. If we could make it a six star review due to Phillpe and Remey, we would! (Remy, we already visited two of the places you suggested on the way home, merci!) We've already recommended to a friend and family member that they need to do this!
Most exciting way to tour the beaches. The travel between sites is an adventure you will enjoy and remember. You have a personal guide that will customize your tour. It is a GREAT experience.
Wonderful experience with Remi! He was cordial, punctual, and most of all knowledgeable. Remi had a great sense of humor and went out of his way to be friendly and helpful to everyone we encountered.
Truely different and wonderful experience. The whole trip from start to finish was an adventure of the D-Day landing sites. Philip who was so friendly and informative and made our time with him so much fun. If ever you have the chance to travel Normandy war sites on motorbike and sidecar, just do it!!
My family of four did the 3 1/2 hour tour with Philipp and Florent. We went in December, it was cold, but it was 100% worth it! I had read in the reviews to do the longer tour option and I'm so glad we did. Our drives were extremely kind, professional & educational. My 17 year old son said it was way better than he thought it was going to be! He really enjoyed listening to Philipp and Florent's stories. We are now home and still thinking about the tour. Such an incredible experience and I'm so glad we did it! Thank you Philipp and Florent!
An incredible, unforgettable experience!! I brought my 8 year old son on a round trip from Paris by train in one day, in December. I was nervous it would be a long cold day, but no! Every minute was engaging, adventurous and compelling. Our tour guide was so knowledgeable and passionate about the history and spoke excellent English. The gear they provided kept us warm and comfortable the entire time. We were never bored and we learned so much. I’m so glad we took a precious day away from Paris to experience the sites of D Day and the amazing history. We will never forget it!
We had the best time on this tour! My three teenagers loved the motorcycles and side cars and our guides were so personable and knowledgeable. 10 out of 10!!
We couldn’t have asked for a better experience in our time at Bayeux. Philipe and Remy were the most wonderful guides. Knowledgeable, funny and brilliant drivers. Our experience visiting Normandy will never be forgotten, nor will the soldiers who sacrificed so much. Thank you Philipe and Remy.
Thank you Philippe and Rémi for such a great experience touring the main sites of D-Day. The kids and adults had a fantastic time and our trip to Normandy wouldn’t have been the same without it. Don’t hesitate, book with them for a great tour and experience!
Great experience. Aside from the fun of the sidecar, Remi was a fabulous guide and full of fascinating stories and facts.
An amazing tour. Philippe is skilled driver and knowledgeable. You must be in decent shape to ride the motorcycle at least on the back seat. Sidecar no issue. My wife rode there. He was flexible and took us places where the crowds do not go. Saw Omaha beach from a very different perspective and was able to go down the the docks in port Bassin. A great complimentary tour to our all day band of brothers tour. This was fun adventurous and informative. Highly recommend taking a chance. You will not be disappointed. A great life experience!
Our guides Phillip and Thomas were fantastic. Full of knowledge of the day and were great at answering any of our questions. The ride was amazing and I enjoyed every minute of it. I would highly recommend. We chose the 4 hour tour and it was perfect.
We had such a wonderful time. Remy, our tour guide was amazing. He is very knowledgeable and fun. Although it’s raing but did not make our tour any less enjoyable. Remy provided all the riding gears and rain gears. So rain or shine would be just fine. Great memory for the trip.
Had a wonderful time . Really informative a great day out touring the D Day landing beaches . Our tour guide made it fun and informative Would recommend
U S Memorial Cemetery, history stories, easy to hear and understand. A good way to see the area and better understand the obstacles the soldiers faced.
There was just the 2 of us on our trip, with Thomas as our guide. Thomas was excellent. We had a lot of fun, whilst also learning a lot and seeing some very moving memorials. Highly recommend this trip! One hint - it does get cold on the bike so take some layers of clothing.
What a lot of fun! Whizzing about on a motorbike and side car seeing all the sights. Our guide Thomas was excellent, he was very friendly and knowledgeable. He showed respect where it was due but also made it hugely enjoyable. This tour is on the expensive side but worth it for the private experience. Highly recommended.
This was an exciting way to experience the history of Normandy. Our "pilots" were very nice and extremely knowledgable. They took the time to explain each location thoroughly. It was an incredible experience that I would recommend to others to do. The reason I did not give it 5 stars was due to the fact I wish we could have had more time to explore on our own the museum at the American Cemetery, and would have preferred our driver take the turns a little easier (he was quite aggressive at the turns, causing the sidecar to lift off the ground a few times which was a little unnerving). Also, as a recommendation, a microphone and in helmet speakers would have been nice for the times they were explaining things we were passing as the vehicles are loud so it was a little hard to hear clearly. Overall great time!
The trip was excellent. Saw Omaha and gold beaches with the bunkers and guns still intact in some. The guides were very informative and loved the trip in the sidecars. It was just a great trip and well worth going.
Fantastic experience . I would recommend this - it was 10/10 experience . Family of 5 with a 6 year old . We all enjoyed it very much !! Our guided were amazing !
What a wonderful tour! We had four motorcycles + side cars for a seven person tour - ages 15 to 70. Everyone had an absolute blast. The guides were extremely friendly, attentive to our safety and comfort (it was a little chilly that day!), and proud of their beautiful region. They are also extremely knowledgeable. We learned so much about the Normandy invasion, including stories that we had never heard of before. Cannot recommend highly enough!
I highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to see Normandy in the most unique and fun way! Our tour guide was knowledgeable about the sites we were visiting and made it fun for the whole group. We visited during the D-Day celebrations and parades, and this was hands-down, the best way to get around and see the things we were wanting to see. Tim was a fantastic pilot, was very kind and drove us around safely.
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