If paying your respects during D-Day anniversary ceremonies is on your bucket list, June is the time to go on Normandy guided tours. It is unforgettable to walk in the footsteps of the brave soldiers who fought on that infamous day during the anniversary month. Just keep in mind that the summer months are also a time for people to flock to the region’s beautiful beaches to soak in the sun, so you may need to contend with bigger crowds.

If you’d still like to uncover the region’s history without the June crowds, tours of Normandy, France, that depart in the spring and fall months are for you. These quieter seasons allow for more reflective moments at Omaha and Juno Beach, and easier access to other historic sites. The winter months are the quietest, and some shops will close in the smaller villages for the season.

For many travelers, uncovering World War II history on our Normandy tours is a highlight. The stops vary depending on which tour you choose, but here are some of the sites, memorials, and museums you should see to learn more about the significant WWII history of the region:

• Omaha Beach, where American troops stormed the shore, and which you can visit on our American WWII History: London to Berlin tour
• The American Cemetery in Colleville
• Pointe du Hoc
• Juno Beach, where Canadian soldiers bravely fought, and which you can visit on our Canadian World War History: Vimy to Juno Beach tour
• The Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial
• The Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery
• The D-Day Museum in seaside town of Arromanches.

Of course, no Normandy group tours are complete without a visit to the fortified island of Mont-Saint-Michel. Here, the UNESCO-listed Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel sits high above the sea, and you can step inside with an expert guide on all of our tours to Normandy, France.

Looking for the historical charm of a French village during your Normandy guided tours? Look no further than the picturesque hamlet of Honfleur, which is renowned for its tall buildings and ancient port.

French cuisine is some of the best in the world, and the specialties you’ll taste on our Normandy group tours are no exception. The region lays claim to miles of coastline and green countryside, where fresh seafood, rich dairy, and famous Normandy apples are sourced to create unforgettable dishes and drinks. Here are some of the can’t-miss specialties to seek out on all trips to Normandy:

• Cheeses like Camembert, Pont-l’Évêque, and Livarot
• Anything made with Normandy butter
• Apple cider
• Calvados, the region’s distinctive apple brandy
• A classic Normandy apple tart
• Any type of seafood, including lobsters, scallops, and famous Normandy oysters
• Marmite dieppoise, a creamy seafood stew made with local cider and crème fraîche
• Meadow-salted lamb, which are naturally salty cuts of meat from lambs that graze on pastures near the ocean

When planning what to pack for tours to the Normandy Coast, keep the region’s location in mind. Its proximity to the English Channel means that there can be impromptu rain showers and mist, so a rain coat, comfortable rain boots, and an umbrella are a good idea. Layers are also a must if the temperature shifts on your tours of Normandy, France.

French people are known to dress in a simple, sophisticated way, so it’s good to put your best foot forward when you’re out and about. But, feel free to remain a bit more casual on small group tours to Normandy—no need to get too dressy in the countryside or on the beach!

Of course, you can never go wrong by doing as the French do and keeping a light scarf on hand on trips to Normandy. It will come in handy when you need to cover up inside churches, or if the temperature changes as you relax at outdoor cafes or explore the famous beaches.