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Cemetery · Bayeux, Normandia
Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial
American military cemetery above Omaha Beach, in Colleville-sur-Mer, with about 9,400 graves of soldiers killed on D-Day and in subsequent operations. Entry is free.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial
O Cemitério Americano da Normandia is located in Colleville-sur-Mer, atop the cliff overlooking Omaha Beach. It occupies the site of the temporary cemetery established by the First United States Army on 8 June 1944, the first American cemetery on European soil in World War II.
There are about 9,400 graves, most of them soldiers killed on D-Day and in the weeks that followed, aligned in white marble crosses and Stars of David. Nearly 1,600 names are inscribed in the Jardim dos Desaparecidos.
The memorial features a semicircular colonnade, maps of the operations and, at the center, the bronze statue O Espírito da Juventude Americana Erguendo-se das Ondas. An orientation table shows the landing as seen from above. The visitor center, opened in 2007, tells the story with photos, objects and personal accounts.
One hour before closing there is the flag-lowering ceremony. The cemetery is administered by the American Battle Monuments Commission and receives more than a million visitors a year.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1.5 to 2 hours, including the visitor center.
Best time
In the late afternoon, to attend the flag ceremony held one hour before closing. The place calls for quiet reflection: speak softly and avoid beachwear. The administration announced mandatory advance reservations starting in the European summer of 2027; check before you go.
How to get there
It's about 20 km from Bayeux by car along the coastal road. There is no practical regular public transport; many tours departing from Bayeux include the cemetery.
Tip
The trail from the cemetery down to the beach is closed to the public. To set foot on Omaha Beach, drive to Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer or Vierville-sur-Mer, which are very close.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial
Is there an admission charge at the American Cemetery?
No. The administration states that their sites remain free of charge.
Do you need to reserve to visit the cemetery?
The administration announced a mandatory pre-booking system for visits starting in the European summer of 2027. Check before you go.
Is it possible to go down from the cemetery to Omaha Beach?
The path from the cemetery to the beach has been closed to the public since 2016. Access to the sand is via the neighboring towns.
How many soldiers are buried there?
About 9,400, and nearly 1,600 names of the missing are engraved on the memorial.