Normandy American Cemetery
Colleville-sur-Mer, France
More than 9,000 white marble headstones on the bluff above Omaha Beach. A path leads down to the sand; the visitor centre explains the landings calmly and well.
The Normandy American Cemetery lies on a bluff above Omaha Beach and the English Channel. The grounds cover 69.8 hectares with around 9,390 graves. The semicircular colonnade of limestone from upper Burgundy carries maps and texts about the military operations; at its centre stands the 6.7 m bronze statue “Spirit of American Youth”. The Garden of the Missing bears the names of 1,557 soldiers whose fate was never established.
The visitor centre opened in 2007. According to Wikipedia, the former access from the cemetery to the beach is now closed, whereas a French government page still mentions steps down to the sea; check on the spot (as of October 2026). Allow about two hours for the cemetery and visitor centre; it is often quieter in the morning. Dress and behave in a way that respects the dignity of the place.
- Nearest town
- Colleville-sur-Mer, France
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 49.3597, -0.8521
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- France: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autoroutes; the limit drops to 110 km/h in rain. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- La Ferme du LavoirCampsite4 km from Normandy American Cemetery · 10 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Camping Omaha BeachCampsite5 km from Normandy American CemeteryTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Port'LandCampsite6 km from Normandy American CemeteryTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Sous Les PommiersCampsite7 km from Normandy American Cemetery · 66 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Aire naturelle d'AgyCampsite14 km from Normandy American CemeteryTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersToilets
- Aire de camping-cars communale d'Isigny-sur-MerMotorhome stopover19 km from Normandy American CemeteryMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposalDogs allowedFree
All campsites in France · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Normandy American Cemetery?
Normandy American Cemetery is in Colleville-sur-Mer, France, at GPS 49.3597, -0.8521. It is about 14 km from Bayeux.
Can you camp near Normandy American Cemetery?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Accueil camping-car du Clos Tassin, about 2 km away; within 25 km there are 55 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Normandy American Cemetery?
Normandy American Cemetery is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Normandy’s D-Day beaches.
What is there to see near Normandy American Cemetery?
Places worth a stop nearby: Pointe du Hoc (11 km), Arromanches Mulberry harbour (17 km), Utah Beach Museum (24 km) and Pegasus Bridge (44 km).
When is the best time to visit Normandy American Cemetery?
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)