Normandy Beach Race

The spirit of American beach races in Normandy

Created in 2019 by three enthusiasts from the Paris region — Thomas Hervé, Jean-Marc Lazzari, and Marc Félix — who were regulars at sand races in England, Denmark, and the United States, the Normandy Beach Race is the first event of its kind in France. On the Riva-Bella beach in Ouistreham, the historic Sword Beach of the 1944 D-Day landings, pre-1947 motorcycles and cars launch down a 200-meter (one-eighth mile) track for standing start speed demonstrations.

Exceptional machines

The event brings together vintage motorcycles and automobiles from before 1947: Harley-Davidson, Indian, Triumph, Ford, Chevrolet, and many other legendary brands. Riders participate in friendly, untimed duels where only style counts. The spectacle of vintage engines roaring on the sand attracts enthusiasts from all over Europe.

A popular phenomenon

In just a few editions, the Normandy Beach Race has become a popular phenomenon: the 2023 edition broke all records with 120,000 visitors over three days, including 30,000 paying spectators on the beach. The event did not take place in 2024 but returned for its 5th edition in September 2025.

More than a race: a festival

Beyond the races, the Normandy Beach Race is a true cultural festival: rock'n'roll and rockabilly concerts, a vintage stand village, food stalls, vehicle exhibitions, and a retro atmosphere of the 1940s-1950s. The event celebrates a motorcycle and automotive culture steeped in nostalgia and passion.