BOOKING
How do I book a tour?
Since guided tours of the site are offered on a first-come-first-served basis, we always recommend booking your tickets online and well ahead of time.
1. To do so, navigate to the top right-hand corner of our webpage and click on the red “Book Tour” button.
2. Navigate to the right-hand corner and click “Access to my space.”
3. Once on that page click on the grey “Sign up here” button on the centre of the screen below the login information.
4. Once you have entered your information, please click the blue “Create your account” button at the bottom of the page. Do not forget to fill out the mandatory fields marked with the red asterisk
5. Once your information has been successfully entered into our system, you will receive an email from Billetterie@madparis.fr.
6. Go to your inbox and click the “Activate my account” link. Once clicked, you will be redirected to our ticket webpage.
7. On your screen it should now say “Your account is activated.” Under that text, click on “Continue purchases.” You will be redirected to our tour options page.
8. Next, select a tour option and click on the blue “Reserve” button. Select a date and time on the calendar, then select your desired number of tickets and ticket type.
9. Lastly, click the blue “Add to cart” button followed by the blue “Pay” button, and wait for your tickets to be emailed to you.
10. On the day of your visit, please arrive at least desk 15 minutes before the start of your visit, to scan your tickets. Please note that reduced rates and free admission are available to those who qualify (click here to see if you qualify). Proof of entitlement will be required on the day of your visit. Tickets purchased online are non-refundable.
What is included in the tour?
There are several ways to visit the Juno Beach Centre. The self-guided tour of the Juno Beach Centre, including the permanent and the temporary exhibition can be done at your own pace, we recommend about an hour and a half to fully view the permanent exhibit and about 45 minutes to view the temporary exhibit. The guided tour of Juno Park and the remains of the Atlantic Wall, which is led by one of our young Canadian guides includes a visit inside two bunkers opposite the museum. You can combine these visits for a discounted price.
Guided tours are available for visitors aged six and over, and last around 45 minutes. A large part of the guided tour takes place outdoors and may be cancelled due to weather conditions.
* If you have site-related questions or concerns, please contact Catherine Quintal at visit@junobeach.org.
What times are in-person tours offered? Are virtual tours offered?
The Juno Beach Centre tours are offered nearly everyday–with the exception of special events–from April, May, June, September, and October at 11:30 AM and 3:30 PM in French and 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM in English. In July and August, tours are offered at 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM, and 5:00 PM in French and at 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM, 4:30 PM in English.
*In some cases, virtual tours may be offered to select groups and individuals. To learn more about group reservations please contact Rebecca Le Savoureux at resa@junobeach.org.
How do I visit the site? Do I need a private tour guide?
Visitors do not require a private tour guide to visit the Juno Beach Centre’s museum and to get a tour of the beach and bunker defences, as it is our own Canadian guides that give these tours. The Juno Beach Centre offers tours in English and French at specific times of the day. Please note that space is limited due capacity limits and the tours being offered on a first-come-first-served basis. We recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment on site. Ultimately, visitors are welcome to explore the Juno Beach Centre and the area around the Centre (including the beach) independently, though a tour operator is always helpful if you wish to visit the other landing sites, memorials, and cemeteries.
TRAVEL
How do I get to the Juno Beach Centre?
From Paris:
Many of our visitors fly into Paris directly from their home country. Alternatively, if you are flying out of London, United Kingdom, you can land at airports in Paris, Le Havre, Deauville-St-Gatien, or Cherbourg-Maupertus in France. Please note that there are NO direct flights to Courseulles-sur-Mer or Caen. Our recommendation is to fly into Paris directly and travel to the Juno Beach Centre from there as that is the optimal starting point.
Travelling around France can be daunting for those unfamiliar with the transport system. Fortunately, there are several options available depending on your time and budget. Usually, the most affordable and efficient way to travel the country is by train, bus, or private vehicle. In the event you are in France and the Centre is open, please call us if you require assistance. If you are outside the country and require assistance, please take time zones into consideration.
By train:
To get to the Juno Beach Centre from Paris you can take the train to either Caen or Bayeux station. Remember that if you are landing at one of the airports in Paris (Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport or Paris-Orly Airport–most popular options), you will have to leave that airport via shuttle, train, or private vehicle to travel to a Paris train station–Saint-Lazare station or Paris Montparnasse station–that can take you directly to Caen or Bayeux. Please note that the Paris airports listed above are usually a thirty-minute plus commute from the city area no matter the transport method.
Once at one of the Paris train stations, you can buy tickets to Caen or Bayeux at SNCF booths or self-service machines–do not be afraid to ask SNCF employees for help. See the train schedules on the SNCF website. We also recommend downloading the SNCF mobile application. Booking directly through the SNCF is always suggested to avoid third party charges. Moreover, given the unresolved labour action in the country it is advisable to have the mobile application with notifications turned on in the event of train cancellations and or delays.
*Tip: Once you arrive at the Juno Beach Centre you can present your SNCF transport ticket at the museum ticket desk and benefit from the Centre’s “low carbon” rate. See conditions in the price list for more information.
Once you arrive in Caen or Bayeux, you will have to find your own way to Courseulles-sur-Mer. You can take a taxi, bus, private vehicle, or use a tour operator. If you wish to take a taxi, you can typically find them outside the train stations. A one-way trip to Courseulles-sur-Mer may cost anywhere between 40€ to 65€–depending on the company and the time of day. If no taxis are readily available near the stations we suggest Googling taxi companies near you and giving one a call. Alternatively, you can also try to order a ride via a ride company such as Uber, Lyft, or Bolt.
*Tip: If you find a taxi driver, make sure to ask for a cost estimate if you want to avoid unpleasant surprises. Ask the driver to drop you off at the Juno Beach Centre in Courseulles-sur-Mer.
By bus:
If you wish to travel to the Juno Beach Centre by bus you can book a FlixBus or BlaBlaBus from Paris Charles de Gaulle to Caen
From Caen, you can calculate your bus fare and view the offered rates by visiting Nomad Car 14.
Option 1: Line 101 from Caen–
– Stop at Courseulles-sur-Mer: Chant des oiseaux, 650m walk (8 min) to the Juno Beach Centre.
Option 2: Line 121 from Bayeux–
– Stop at Courseulles-sur-Mer: Chant des oiseaux, 650m walk (8 min) to the Juno Beach Centre.
Option 2: D-Day Line
– Between Grandcamp-Maisy and Courseulles-sur-Mer, the D-DAY Line enables visitors to travel along Omaha, Gold and Juno Beaches, allowing you to explore the many sites linked to the D-Day Landings and ensuing Battle of Normandy. This shuttle bus service is easy to use and operates daily from 13 May to 30 September 2024, and at regular times between 9:30am and 6pm.
Tip: Present your bus ticket at the museum ticket desk and benefit from the Centre’s “low carbon” rate. See conditions in the price list for more information.
By private vehicle:
The Juno Beach Centre is located at the heart of the D-Day landing beaches in the seaside town of Courseulles-sur-Mer. If you are travelling by car we suggest inserting the following address into your GPS of choice: Centre Juno Beach, Voie des Français Libres, BP 104, 14470 Courseulles-sur-Mer, France. You can also manually enter the GPS coordinates of the Centre into your navigation system: 49°20’11.52”N / 0°27’42.52”W.
*Our parking lot is accessible for cars, camper vans, and buses. Parking is only open during the museum’s operational hours. For those with electric vehicles there are two recharging stations available in the car park–including one for people with reduced mobility.
We recommend using one of the following GPS applications:
Apple maps
Google maps
Mapquest
Mappy
ViaMichelin
Waze
By tour operator:
Some of our visitors choose to travel around France through international and local tour operators. This is a great option for those that may wish to avoid some of the complexities of commuting to the Centre. Depending on the company, you may be picked up by the operator in Paris or you may be required to travel to Caen, Bayeux, Courseulles-sur-Mer, or another nearby town to begin your tour. For a list of affiliated tour operators please visit this link.
From London:
Many of our visitors travel from the Isles. That said, it is possible to take a Eurostar train from St. Pancras International or from Waterloo Station in London to Gare du Nord in Paris and then make your way to Saint-Lazare or Paris Montparnasse station destined for Caen or Bayeux. Please note that travel time is typically under 2.5 hours between London and Paris. You then need to change train stations to take a regional train from Paris, which takes a similar amount of time to arrive at Caen or Bayeux.
By private vehicle:
A car journey via the Eurotunnel to Calais is also possible. Travel time between Calais and Courseulles-sur-Mer is approximately 3.5 hours, depending on traffic.
By ferry:
Some visitors may travel by ferry (LD Lines/ Brittany Ferries). This can be done by taking a ferry from Portsmouth to Cherbourg (approx. 5 hours crossing), from Portsmouth to Caen-Ouistreham (approx. 7 hours crossing), from Portsmouth to Le Havre (approx. 6 hours crossing), or from Dover to Calais which is the shortest crossing. However, you will still need to drive, bus, or take the train from Calais to Courseulles-sur-Mer.
* Please note that to get to Portsmouth from London there are several options: train, bus (National Express), or car rental. Trains from Heathrow and Central London are also quite accessible.
ACCOMODATION
Where can I stay in Normandy?
While we are not partnered or affiliated with any hotels of any sort in Caen, Bayeux, Courseulles-sur-Mer, and Normandy generally, you can contact the tourism office, Coeur de Nancre, for recommendations and more information. Alternatively, you can conduct an independent search for accommodation on Google or using applications such as Airbnb. Booking your accommodations ahead of time is always advisable, especially prior to special events, ceremonies, and high-traffic periods as vacancies are usually limited and fill up rapidly.
OTHER QUESTIONS
Which tour operator should I hire?
Many of our visitors elect to travel around France via international and local tour operators. This is a great option for those who may wish to avoid some of the complexities of commuting to the Centre and navigating the Normandy region. Due to the dozens of tour companies operating out of France, one can usually receive historical interpretation in the language of their choice and delivered by professional historians and tour guides. For a list of affiliated tour operators please visit this link book a tour with a company that visits the Juno Beach Centre.
How do I research my ancestor(s) that participated in the Second World War?
Although the Juno Beach Centre offers a plethora of resources on the Second World War–which are freely available to the public on our website–we ALWAYS recommend getting in contact with Library and Archives Canada. These institutions have an extensive collection of artifacts and materials. As such, they are in the best position to aid you in terms of resources and experts to answer any questions you may have about the Second World War or your ancestor(s). You may also contact Hélène Cavillon, who may be able assist you throughout your research process.
*For any Juno Beach related historical question(s), please contact alex@junobeach.org.
I still have unanswered questions. Who should I contact?
A. If you still have questions, please send us an email–contact@junobeach.org. We typically respond to inquiries within a matter of days.