Departure: Caen · 2 stops · Half-day itinerary. The precise order may change depending on opening hours, traffic, weather and operational considerations. Route: 29 km, ≈37 min driving (OSRM).
Eastern flank · British 6th Airborne
Sword Beach & Pegasus Bridge Private Tour
Follow the story of the eastern flank of the D-Day landings, from the British and French troops landing at Sword Beach to the airborne forces securing Pegasus Bridge during the opening hours of June 6, 1944.
This itinerary is particularly convenient from Caen but can also be organised from Bayeux.
It is the eastern half of the day described on our British D-Day Beaches Private Tour Normandy page.
Sword Beach
Sword was the easternmost landing beach of Operation Overlord.
British troops landed along the sector while commandos, including Free French forces, advanced through the area toward Ouistreham.
Ouistreham
The coastal town of Ouistreham formed an important part of the Sword sector.
Remains of the Atlantic Wall and the former German command post help illustrate the defensive system facing Allied forces.
The Grand Bunker museum can be added for visitors wishing to explore the Atlantic Wall in greater detail.
Pegasus Bridge
Pegasus Bridge tells a very different part of the D-Day story.
During the night of June 5–6, British glider troops landed close to the bridges over the Caen Canal and River Orne.
The bridges at Bénouville and Ranville were captured during the opening hours of D-Day, securing a critical position on the eastern flank of the invasion.
Pegasus Memorial
The museum at Ranville explains the role of the British 6th Airborne Division.
The original bridge from 1944 is preserved within the museum grounds.
Extend the Tour to Gold Beach
For a complete British D-Day day, Sword Beach and Pegasus Bridge can be combined with:
- Gold Beach
- Arromanches
- the remains of the Mulberry Harbour
This creates a logical itinerary through the principal British sectors.
Those three stops are covered in detail on our Gold Beach & Arromanches Private Tour.
Private Chauffeur or Licensed D-Day Guide?
Travel with an English-speaking private chauffeur. A licensed professional guide can be arranged on request.
Practical information
- Departure
- Caen / Bayeux
- Recommended duration
- Half day
- Vehicle
- Premium Sedan / Mercedes V-Class
- Guide
- Optional licensed D-Day guide
- Tour
- 100% private
Common questions
FAQ
Yes. Sword Beach and Pegasus Bridge are among the most convenient major D-Day sites to visit from Caen.
A focused half-day can be organised, although additional time is recommended if museums are included.
Yes. The original bridge is preserved at the Pegasus Memorial.
Yes. For this combination we recommend a full day.
Yes. A licensed English-speaking guide can be arranged in advance.
Related itineraries
Based in Caen for a day on the eastern flank?
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Photo credits — Iain Cameron (CC BY 2.0) · RéMineur7 (CC BY-SA 3.0) · René Hourdry (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Patrbe (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Andy Li (CC0). Full photo credits and licences.