We are planning this long awaited day trip this year from Paris- (will train to Bayeux early a.m.). We have opted to definitely do a full day tour and both of the above (as do many others) look great. Any opinions/experience with either of these companies specifically in recent years? Or any other standouts?
I'm guessing most are comparable- just would like to book it so that I can reserve the day in what will be a busy time in June .
thanks much-

I used Normandy Sightseeing Tours and they were excellent. But if you've seen all the others, you've probably dismissed them for your reasons, as well as Overlord which is wellknown.

I'm curious why you picked Bayeux Shuttle as a finalist. They cost more and their group size is double that of Normandy Sightseeing or Victory Tours, for example.

Actually this was based on my review on TA which I know can be somewhat challenging to unravel. It was highly rated and specific reviews looked amazing, very personal and overall raves. It also seemed their tours were limited to 11 people, but I may have misread.

Victory seems very very good, and yes small, which is why I'm considering it- was highly recommended last summer and I was not able to schedule it. I need to take another look at Overlord-. I would prefer a small group (8ish). Thanks for the feedback and will check out Normandy Sightseeing as well.

Some tours start early in the a.m. so be sure you can get an early enough train from Paris; the ride takes a couple of hours at least.

Bayeux Shuttle says in their description that there are up to 15 passengers, I don't see 11 mentioned, and the cost is 110 euro. I presume this is the one you are asking about
http://www.bayeuxshuttle.com/d-daygr...r-american.htm

Victory tours has a max of 8 people and costs 85 euro. Normandy Sightseeing also has a max of 8 people and costs 100 euro. Overlord costs 100 euro also but I don't think discloses the size of their groups on their website.

Bayeux Shuttle may be fine, I just wondered why they would be better given those facts, I think half the group size would be good. I really enjoyed mine and it was only about 6-8 people, double the size might not matter, though, just might be a little harder to get personal attention from the leader or hear his or her lectures if you are on the fringe. We were left alone for a bit at the American cemetery anyway, to do our own thing.

All of the full day tours start early, as they are about 7-8 hours in time. I might be wrong, but I think the only ones that have a tour with a later start (about 9:30) to accommodate train schedules is Normandy Sightseeing and Victory Tours, Bayeux Shuttle starts at 8:15 and so does Overlord. There is no train from Paris that will get you there that early. There is a train that gets there around 9:20 but only on weekdays, from Paris.

So if one plans to do this by arriving from Paris the same day, I think the only choices are Victory and Normandy Sightseeing, and it will have to be a weekday.

Hi Christine- thank you for this! I actually came to this thread with the hope that you were still on it,! You are obviously totally correct about Overlord- I inquired and they noted that the bus could be up to 19 people (or 16, or 8) depending on the demand. I came to the same conclusion regarding the two options - Victory and Normandy Sightseeing and as well that with NS I would have to be on the tour that starts at 9:30

Probably overthinking this because they both look wonderful. I know that Victory is a one person operation and that he's been doing this for quite a while Otoh, the tour guides a NS appear to get great reviews - it may come down to a coin toss although doing a side by side comparison. Assume both minivans are of equal comfort for a long day - , it seems that Victiry doesn't stop at Sainte Mere Eglise. Your insights have been very helpful- any other thought welcome and appreciated!