SWORD BEACH
KEY FACTS
Sword Beach spans 8 km (5 miles) extending from Ouistreham in the east to Saint-Aubin in the west. However, the landing occurred on a narrow front in Hermanville-sur-Mer and Colleville-Montgomery (known as Colleville-sur-Orne in 1944), as the defenses in Ouistreham were too formidable for a direct assault.
Sword Beach was divided into four sectors from west to east : Oboe, Peter, Queen, and Roger.
The 3rd British Infantry Division led by Major-General Rennie and supported by the 27th Armoured Brigade landed in front of Hermanville.
At each end of the Hermanville beach, two Special Commando Brigades had specific missions :
– At the eastern end (in Colleville-Montgomery), the 1st Brigade commanded by Lord Lovat was tasked with seizing Ouistreham from the rear and then linking up with the paratroopers in Bénouville and Ranville. This operation involved 177 French marines, known as The Green Berets, under the command of Lieutenant Kieffer.
– At the western end, the 4th Commando Brigade aimed to capture Lion-sur-Mer and Luc-sur-Mer by land and link up with the Canadians at Juno Beach.
The sector of Sword Beach was defended by the 716th German Infantry Division comprising 29 companies, 500 machine guns, 50 mortars and 90 other guns of various calibres.
On June 6, a total of 28,845 British soldiers landed on Sword Beach, resulting in 630 casualties. Among them, 10 of the 177 French soldiers of the Kieffer Commando were killed (including 2 officers and 8 commandos).
OBJECTIVES OF THE LANDING ON SWORD BEACH
The Airborne troops had the following objectives :
– Capture the two bridges at Bénouville and Ranville intact (Operation Deadstick), crucial crossing points over the Orne river and the Caen canal.
– Neutralize the German battery at Merville.
The landing troops aimed to :
– Establish a bridgehead.
– Link up with the 6th Airborne Division (parachuted units).
– Seize Ouistreham.
– Establish a junction with the Canadians at Juno Beach.
– Advance towards Caen and capture the city (Sword Beach being the closest sector to Caen).
THE ASSAULT ON JUNE 6TH
– 12:16am : the first gliders and paratroopers landed above Bénouville Bridge (codenamed « Pegasus bridge »). The assault was brief and successful: the bridge was quickly seized, along with the one at Ranville to the east.
– From 3am : aerial and naval bombardments targeted German coastal defenses and artillery sites.
– 7:25am : the landing occurred as scheduled in front of Hermanville, supported by special tanks that cleared access to the beach 20 minutes before the troops landed.
– 9:30am : British soldiers made significant progress despite strong German resistance. Engineers cleared several beach exits, facilitating inland movement.
– By noon, the beach was completely cleared of obstacles.
– In Ouistreham
Tough German resistance was encountered by the British and French soldiers. The Grand Bunker Museum, which served as a German Observation Post in 1944 and commanded the defenses of the mouth of the Orne and the Caen canal resisted until the morning of June 10th
–In Lion sur Mer
The German resistance remained fierce until June 7th.
ON THE EVENING OF JUNE 6TH
– A bridgehead approximately 8 kilometers deep was established to the west of the Orne river, extending up to the village of Biéville-Beuville, which is 5 kilometers from Caen.
– To the east of the Orne river, the 6th Airborne Division paratroopers continued to face resistance from the Germans around Franceville and Varaville.
– The junction with the Airborne Division was achieved at 1:30 PM but not with the Canadian soldiers who landed on Juno Beach, as British troops were still engaged in combat in Lion-sur-Mer. The junction with the Canadians was only established on the evening of June 7th.
– Caen remained uncaptured and was not taken until July 20th.
For further details on the Sword Beach landing and to explore captivating period photographs, you can visit the « D-DAY Overlord » website HERE.
SITES
Below is a suggested itinerary to explore the key sites on the Sword Beach sector and its vicinity :
1- Lion-sur-Mer & Hermanville
2- The British war cemetery of Hermanville
3- Colleville-Montgomery : the Hillman fortress and the beach
4- Ouistreham Riva-Bella
5- Pegasus Bridge in Bénouville
6- Ranville British war cemetery
Other interesting sites close to Sword Beach :
7- Merville German gun battery
8- The radar station in Douvres-la-Délivrande
MY GOOD TIP
Explore key sites of the Sword Beach sector using the free « D-Day App » !
Embark on a guided tour of Pegasus Bridge, Sword Beach and the Hillman Strongpoint with the convenience of an audio-guide. Simply download the content from the app and enjoy a complimentary guided experience.
Accessible in both French and English, the « D-Day App » offers an immersive way to delve into the history and significance of these historic locations.
Access the app via this link to begin your journey HERE.
1- LION-SUR-MER & HERMANVILLE
1- Take a stroll along the promenade connecting Lion-sur-Mer to Hermanville-sur-Mer and explore the coastline dotted with seaside villas dating back to the 19th century :
- In Lion-sur-Mer, Castel Louis (4 rue Joseph Pasquet) was once the town’s casino. Originally built in 1864 with just a ground floor, it was later expanded in 1903 to include a second floor, transforming it into a residential villa. The sea-facing facade’s loggia features ceramic decorations inspired by marine life. Rumor has it that Edith Piaf and Marcel Cerdan would visit incognito to spend romantic weekends in the « pink room, » possibly inspiring Piaf’s iconic song « La Vie en rose. »
Today, the villa operates as a guesthouse, « La Villa Louis, » offering four double rooms. It boasts a unique blend of Art Nouveau architecture and eclectic decor.
For more information, visit villa-louis.com
Check out an interesting YouTube video about Villa Louis and the seafront HERE. - In Hermanville : the 19th century saw a surge in villa construction due to the popularity of sea bathing. Approximately 30 seaside villas grace Hermanville’s landscape, each with its own story.
Some notable ones include:
– Villa Bluette ( 272 rue du Pré-de-l’Île) : This villa constructed in 1899 by renowned Art Nouveau architect Hector Guimard for a Parisian lawyer, is the most famous in Hermanville. Its distinctive curved wooden frame, adorned with shells and pebbles exudes a coastal charm. Classified as a Historic Monument, it’s a must-see.
– Villa La Tour : Built in 1883 for a doctor practicing in Paris and Caen, this imposing villa features a half-timbered facade and a stone staircase tower. Its architectural style mimics 15th and 16th-century Norman design, making it a rare gem.
– Villa Genissieu (later named La Horde) : Constructed in 1867 for Louis Auguste Paul Genissieu, this picturesque villa showcases a blend of architectural styles. From wooden balconies reminiscent of Swiss chalets to Norman-style brick, stone and half-timbered wood elements and neo-Gothic windows, it’s a fascinating sight. Remarkably, on June 6, 1944, a bomb dropped by a plane pierced through the house without detonating !
2- Head to La Brèche d’Hermanville, a small square adorned with several commemorative monuments.
Just across the road on « Avenue Madame Coty, » you’ll discover the Chapel of La Brèche. Constructed between 1954 and 1955, this chapel stands as a memorial to the landing’s victims. Its entrance boasts a remarkable stained glass window depicting the events of the Hermanville landing.
La Brèche was a significant German stronghold (Wn20) equipped with six anti-tank guns, including an 88 mm gun and an 81 mm mortar. Despite heavy losses, the British managed to capture the houses along the seafront here. Liberation came on June 6, 1944, at 10 am, marking the end of German control over La Brèche d’Hermanville.
Seaside villas in Lion-sur-Mer and Hermanville
2- BRITISH WAR CEMETERY OF HERMANVILLE
2- BRITISH WAR CEMETERY OF HERMANVILLE
Located away from the city center in a serene setting, this cemetery is a place of quiet reflection. It is the final resting place for 1,005 soldiers, predominantly British with a smaller number of Canadian, Australian, and French soldiers. The majority lost their lives on June 6 or in the days immediately following the landing. As with all military cemeteries, it is a profoundly moving place
Hermanville War Cemetery
6129 Rue du Cimetière Anglais, 14880 Hermanville-sur-Mer
Free access, 7/7.
3- COLLEVILLE-MONTGOMERY
a- VISIT THE HILLMAN FORTRESS (located inland)
My opinion : definitely worth a visit !
– Permanent & free access to the site and some of the bunkers all year round.
– Well-made audio-guides in French and English with QR codes to scan at each bunker.
– The Memorial bunker and museum is only open in July & August, every day except Sunday, from 10am to 12pm and from 2pm to 6:30pm.
HILLMAN SITE
7 Rue Suffolk Régiment, 14880 Colleville-Montgomery.
Website : www.amis-du-suffolk-rgt.com/en/
This German fortress (WN 17) was a bunker complex and command post. It controlled the fires of the Wn 16, known to the British as the « Morris battery ».
Perched on high ground at an elevation of 61 meters (200 feet) above sea level, it overlooked the landing sector of Sword Beach and the mouth of the Orne River.
The 1st Battalion Suffolk Regiment (8th Infantry Brigade of the 3rd British Infantry Division), commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Goodwin, assaulted the site on June 6th after landing on Sword Beach at 8:30 am. The fortress finally surrendered on the morning of June 7th after fierce German resistance and significant British losses.
The Hillman fortress comprises :
– 18 casemates and underground fortifications built between 1942 and 1944.
– Site managed by an association of passionate individuals, “The Friends of the Suffolk Regiment”.
– Donations are welcomed.
Visit sheet HERE.
Additional historical details about this battery : www.dday-overlord.com/en/d-day/atlantic-wall/strongpoints/stp-17-hillman
b- ON THE BEACH OF COLLEVILLE-MONTGOMERY, you will see the Memorial to the bagpiper Bill Millin who accompanied Lord Lovat and the soldiers to the sound of his bagpipes even during the fighting. His bagpipe can be seen at the Pegasus Memorial Museum.
Bill Millin Statue
Boulevard Maritime
14880 Colleville-Montgomery
Information about the city of Colleville Montgomery in 1944 : www.dday-overlord.com/en/battle-of-normandy/cities/colleville-montgomery
4- OUISTREHAM RIVA-BELLA
Today, Ouistreham is a charming seaside resort boasting a large sandy beach, a casino, numerous restaurants, bars and shops lining the main street. Visitors can enjoy activities such as go-karting, mini-golf and horse riding on the beach offered by the local equestrian center. Additionally, Ouistreham serves as the departure point for the ferry to Portsmouth, England.
Exploring the city’s historic heart is highly recommended, featuring an authentic Romanesque church and a tithe barn, both designated as Historic Monuments.
During World War II, the Ouistreham-Riva Bella area was fortified with around 40 armed points, defended by minefields, anti-tank ditches, barbed wire and beach obstacles, making it a heavily defended site.
On June 6, Ouistreham witnessed fierce fighting before its liberation on the night of June 9-10, culminating in the capture of the Great Bunker and its garrison of 53 German soldiers who had held out inside the tower since the early hours of June 6.
TO EXPLORE OUISTREHAM, I RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING PLACES :
1- WWII Sites :
– « La Flamme » Memorial : Boulevard Aristide Briand, 14150 Ouistreham (near the Thalazur thalassotherapy center).
This monument honors the 177 French soldiers of the Kieffer commando who participated in the landing. It stands on a German bunker seized by these soldiers. Their names are engraved on the metal of a flame, with ten small steles bearing the names of the ten French soldiers who died on Sword Beach on June 6. The monument has seven steps, symbolizing the seven French soldiers who died between the monument and the casino on D-Day. Another monument is dedicated to Lieutenant Philippe Kieffer.
– Museums : Visit Le Grand Bunker and N°4 Commando Museum ( see « Museums » section below).
– The belvedere and Orientation Table : Climb to the top of the belvedere to enjoy a stunning view of the beach and the city. This belvedere was once atop a German blockhouse equipped with a 20 mm anti-aircraft gun. On June 6, a German sniper shot Paul Rollin from this promontory, a soldier of the Kieffer commando who had just landed on the beach of Colleville-on-Orne (now Colleville-Montgomery) to capture the casino.
2- Places Unrelated to World War II :
– Stroll along the beautiful long beach : Take a leisurely walk along the expansive beach, extending all the way to the ferry terminal. It’s a delightful route to explore.
– The fish market : Located at the port, the fish market operates every morning from 8 am to 1 pm. If you’re an early riser, arrive at 7 am to witness the trawlers returning with their nets brimming with fresh fish and seafood. Immerse yourself in the authentic and local atmosphere !
– La Pointe du Siège : Nature enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the « Pointe du Siège » !
Embark on a 30-minute looped walk to discover a Protected Nature Reserve in the Orne estuary. Traverse dunes, beaches, salt meadows and woods. From the observation tower, enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the estuary and observe a variety of bird species.
Park your vehicle at the free parking lot of La Pointe du Siège : Chemin de la Pointe du Siège, 14150 Ouistreham.
Note that the road leading there may have some potholes but you’re on the right track !
Check out a captivating video on Facebook : HERE.
5- PEGASUS BRIDGE
Free access to the site.
I like : Enjoy a self-guided tour with the free Kairos Guide application.
You can explore a 3D simulation highlighting several locations in the city related to the Battle of Normandy. Simply scan the QR codes on the 8 panels at the site.
Available in French and English.
A successful mission on D-Day !
The Bénouville and Ranville bridges were captured in the early hours of June 6, 1944 by the 6th British Airborne Division. Their emblem was Pegasus and in tribute to the liberators, the Bénouville bridge was named Pegasus Bridge.
The Ranville bridge, also known as the Horsa Bridge, was located 200 meters further downstream.
The original Pegasus bridge is now housed at the Pegasus Memorial Museum, having been replaced by a new bridge in 1993.
Want more details ? Click on the following link : https://www.dday-overlord.com/en/d-day/air-operations/commonwealth/pegasus-bridge
TAKE A LOOK AT THE MYTHICAL CAFE GONDREE
Café Gondrée, situated directly across from the Bridge holds the distinction of being the first house in France to be liberated. On June 6th, it was in front of this café that the British troops, arriving by sea, linked up with the paratroopers.
Operated by Thérèse and George Gondrée at the time of the liberation, it was later repurposed into a hospital where Thérèse provided care for soldiers arriving from Sword Beach.
This Norman house characterized by its red brick exterior, proudly displays flags fluttering in front. Inside, numerous photographs of the family and soldiers adorn the walls.
Presently, Arlette Gondrée, who was 4 years old in 1944, manages the establishment. She remains dedicated to preserving the café’s original decor, as visitors seek to experience the place exactly as it was on the historic day of June 6th, 1944.
The Gondrée café holds the prestigious classification of a Historic Monument.
Pegasus Bridge Café
12 avenue du Commandant-Kieffer
14970 Bénouville
Open every day from 9 am to 6pm (closed at low season).
And don’t forget to visit the PEGASUS BRIDGE MEMORIAL MUSEUM ( see « Museums » section below).
6- RANVILLE BRITISH CEMETERY
Free access.
This cemetery is maintained by the Commowealth War Graves Commission (CWGC).
Ranville was the first village to be liberated in France when the bridge over the Caen Canal was captured intact in the early hours of June 6th by the 6th British Airborne Division.
This cemetery contains 2,564 graves of soldiers, primarily from the 6th British Airborne Division, but also includes some French, Belgian, German, and soldiers of other nationalities.
While in Ranville, don’t miss the unique Notre-Dame church near the British cemetery. It is notable for its separate bell tower (dating back to the 13th century), which is the only remaining vestige of the old church from the Middle Ages.
The old church, deemed too small and in poor condition, was replaced by the current one in 1860. However, the bells from the original church were preserved, which is why there is no bell tower on the new structure. During World War II, the bell tower served as an observation post for the Germans.
Be sure to explore the interior of the church, which boasts magnificent cross vaults and a beautiful choir.
OTHER INTERESTING SITES TO VISIT IN THE AREA
7- MERVILLE BATTERY
This battery was a prime target for the Allies on D-Day due to its significant threat to the landing. It was ultimately neutralized by the British 9th Parachute Battalion, albeit with heavy casualties.
– Visitors can follow an educational trail around the bunkers which have been converted into museums.
– An authentic Douglas C-47 that participated in the airborne operations is on display.
– Every 20 minutes, a sound and light show transports visitors back to the moments leading up to the battery’s neutralization.
Merville Gun Battery
Place du 9ème Bataillon, 14810 Merville-Franceville-Plage.
Duration of visit : 1hr30.
Free parking.
Website HERE.
Open from mid-March to mid-November.
Information about Merville battery : www.dday-overlord.com/en/d-day/air-operations/commonwealth/merville-battery
8- THE RADAR STATION in Douvres-la-Délivrande
Douvres is situated between Juno and Sword Beaches. Liberated by the 48th Royal Marine Commando (British soldiers) who landed on Juno Beach, the town and its Radar station offer an interesting visit for those exploring either of these two sectors. That’s why I also mention it in the Juno Beach section.
The Radar Station
– Nestled within an authentic German radar station constructed between 1942 and 1944, it was a crucial air defense outpost of the Atlantic Wall, equipped with 5 radars capable of detecting targets up to 400 km away !
– Today, it stands as the sole site in France showcasing one of the 5 remaining examples worldwide of the Würzburg radar.
– Museum spaces within 2 bunkers exhibit the station’s history, daily life and the local community, along with the radar’s significance.
Station Radar
Route de Bény – D83, 14440 Douvres-la-D.
Self-guided visit : 50 minutes
Adult : 6.50 euros
Website (only in French) HERE.
Download a free app (in 5 languages) and enjoy an audioguided tour with your smartphone.
– Closed from November 6 to March (check online)
– Closed on Monday except on July & August.
6 THINGS NOT TO BE MISSED WHILE IN DOUVRES
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1- The British War Cemetery (Route de Caen, 14440 Douvres la D.) with its 1,123 graves : 923 British, 11 Canadian, 3 Australian, 1 Polish, 180 German, 1 unidentified soldier.
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2- The Lalique Chapel (Congrégation Notre-Dame-de-Fidélité, 40 rue du Bout Varin, 14440 Douvres-la-D.) : a remarkable liturgical ensemble which is a real gem signed and decorated by master glassmaker René Lalique from 1931 to 1933.
Classified as a Historic Monument in 1988.
Open every day, 2pm-6pm.
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3- The Black Virgin in Notre-Dame de la Délivrande basilica (the only church in the area with two bell towers which served as a landmark for the Allies in 1944) : each year in August, a pilgrimage with a procession that attracts hundreds of Christians takes place in the village.
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4- The beautiful facade of the Lesage pharmacy (in the main street of General De Gaulle) built in 1901 in the Art Nouveau style.
The interior is also very beautiful.
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5- Eat at the Bons Vivants restaurant (see my restaurant recommendations below).
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6- Stroll around the beautiful Barony and its park whose main building dates from 14 th and 15th centuries (can be seen from the outside only).
La Baronnie, 13 rue de la Baronnie, 14440 Douvres la D.
MY SELECTION OF MUSEUMS
PEGASUS BRIDGE MEMORIAL in Ranville
Duration of visit : about 1hr30.
– Tickets to be purchased on site only (reservation only for groups).
A museum dedicated to the men of the 6th British Airborne Division who were the first liberators to to touch down in Normandy on the night of June 5 to 6, 1944.
Opened in June 2000, the museum was inaugurated by Prince Charles of England.
On display is the original « Pegasus Bridge, » along with numerous other artifacts and equipment such as a Horsa glider replica and vehicles.
The explanations provided are thorough and clear, making it a must-visit museum in the area.
What I like :
– Visitors have the option to explore the museum independently or join a guided tour both at the same price (available in French and English).
– Use the QR codes on panels with your smartphone for free access to explanations in 10 languages.
PEGASUS BRIDGE MEMORIAL MUSEUM
1 Avenue du Major Howard, 14860 Ranville.
Parking on site.
Website HERE.
Opening days :
– Open every day from February to mid-December . Check opening times online.
– Closed from mid- December to 31st January.
LE GRAND BUNKER in Ouistreham
Duration of visit : about 1 hour.
– Tickets to be purchased on site only (reservation only for groups).
– My recommendation : visit the bunker early to avoid crowds, especially in summer when it can get quite hot inside.
This large and impressive German bunker standing 17 meters high and featuring 5 levels served as a former Command and Fire Direction Post. The Grand Bunker oversaw several batteries involved in defending the Orne estuary and the beaches that would later become those of the D-Day landing. Fully renovated, it now houses a museum dedicated to the Atlantic Wall in Normandy.
What I like :
– It offers a remarkably realistic immersion into the last visible vestige of the sector’s most formidable German coastal battery, making it a truly unique museum experience.
– Outside the museum, visitors can observe the landing craft used in the movie « Saving Private Ryan. »
– The rooftop offers a breathtaking view.
Avenue du 6 juin, 14150 Ouistreham.
Paid and free parkings nearby.
Website HERE.
Opening days :
– Open 7/7 except from mid-November to mid-December, open only on weekends .
Check opening times on the website as they vary according to the seasons.
– Closed on December 25 and 31 and January 3-February 4.
N°4 COMMANDO MUSEUM in Ouistreham
Duration of visit : 1 hour.
– Tickets to be purchased on site only (reservation only for groups).
This museum commemorates the Franco-British commandos, including the 177 French soldiers led by Philippe Kieffer, who landed at Colleville-sur-Orne (now Colleville-Montgomery) on June 6, 1944. Their mission was to liberate Ouistreham and then rendezvous with the British paratroopers who had captured Pegasus Bridge in Bénouville.
Visitors will encounter numerous authentic artifacts generously donated by British and French veterans and their families.
A highlight for me :
The video featuring Léon Gautier, the last surviving member of the 177 French commandos who passed away in July 2023. In the video, Léon Gautier recounts the harrowing first hours of the landing. At 100 years old, Gautier was laid to rest in Ouistreham.
MUSEE N°4 COMMANDO
Place Alfred Thomas,
14150 Ouistreham
Website HERE.
Opening days :
– Open 7/7 , 10am-1pm & 2pm-6:30pm.
– Closed from mid-November to early April.
MUST-SEE : Just a 4-minute walk from this museum, make sure to visit the Sword Beach Memorial, known as « the Flame » and the Memorial to Kieffer’s French commando.
Don’t forget to climb the 7 steps symbolizing the 7 soldiers who fell between the beach and the casino—it’s a poignant reminder of their sacrifice.
EAT
LA FABRIQUE in Lion-sur-Mer : restaurant and bar.
2 Boulevard du Calvados, 14780 Lion-sur-Mer.
Ph : 02 31 36 86 64
Website HERE.
Budget : reasonable.
Enjoy lunch, dinner or just have a drink with a wide selection of cocktails, in a cozy seaside atmosphere with a spacious terrace overlooking the sea.
They offer a variety of good traditional dishes including fish, fish & chips, mussels, oysters, salads, burgers…
Musical entertainment in summer.
It’s the summer beachside bar-restaurant in Lion-sur-Mer !
Opening days
– During the high season : open 7/7, 10am-1pm.
– From September : closed on Sunday evening (10am-7pm) and on Monday.
LA FERME SAINT-HUBERT in Colleville-Montgomery
3, rue de la mer, 14880 Colleville-Montgomery
Ph : 02 31 96 35 41
Reservation only by phone.
Website HERE.
Budget : a good value for money : there is a menu for all budgets from 21 euros during the week.
An excellent traditional and gourmet restaurant in a typical Norman house with an elegant contemprary setting. Fireplace, beautiful veranda with a view of a nice garden.
All is homemade with fresh and seasonal local products.
Several menus for every budget from 21 to 46 euros (menus available on the website).
Friendly welcome.
Free large car park on site.
An excellent address just a few minutes drive from the beaches !
Opening days
– From Wednesday lunchtime to Sunday lunchtime.
– 12pm-1:15pm (1:30pm on Sunday) & 7:30pm-9pm.
LA TABLE D' HOTES in Ouistreham
An excellent gourmet restaurant not to be missed in Ouistreham !
10 avenue Général Leclerc, 14150 Ouistreham.
Ph : 02 31 97 18 44
Email : latabledhotes@orange.fr
Website HERE.
Budget : moderate/high. Lunch menus during the week at 29 and 39 euros.
The Chef offers delicious, creative and tasty seasonal cuisine while respecting the traditions of the region.
In my opinion, this restaurant is a real gem !
Opening days
– Open for lunch and dinner : Monday, Thursday Friday and Saturday.
– Open only for lunch : Tuesday & Sunday.
– Closed on Wednesday.
– 12pm-1:30pm & 7:30pm-9pm
LA GLYCINE in Bénouville
A gourmet restaurant close to Pegasus Bridge (10 minutes by foot)
11, place du Commando n°4, 14970 Bénouville.
Ph : 02 31 44 61 94
Email : la.glycine14@gmail.com
Website HERE.
Budget : moderate.
A good restaurant offering seasonal cuisine in an air-conditioned dining room.
Several menus at different prices which gives you the choice.
The lobster is very good.
Opening days
– Open from Monday evening to Saturday evening.
– Lunch 12pm-1:30pm / Dinner 7pm-9pm
– Closed on Sunday and Monday lunchtime.
BONS VIVANTS RESTAURANT in Douvres-la-Délivrande
A super choice for exquisite and inventive cuisine in a delightful atmosphere..
75 rue du Général de Gaulle, 14440 Douvres-la-Délivrande
Ph : 02 31 77 06 57
Email : bonjour@bonsvivants-douvres.com
Website HERE.
Budget : moderate.
For lunch (excluding Saturday lunchtime), they offer a 3-course menu (32 euros) featuring dishes crafted from seasonal, fresh and local ingredients (starter, main course and dessert).
In the evenings, savor their « blind » menu, a unique concept that promises delightful surprises. Prepare to be impressed by the wonderful flavor combinations expertly presented.
Their wine selection is top-notch.
Plus, the young and friendly owners ensure a warm welcome.
Opening days
– From Tuesday evening to Saturday evening for lunch & dinner.
– Open from 12pm for lunch & 7:30pm for dinner.
– Reservation recommended as there are only 30 seats (can be done online up to 6 guests / by phone beyond 6 people).
SLEEP
MANOIR D'HASTINGS in Bénouville
A charming authentic place to stay very close to Pegasus bridge.
18 avenue de la Côte de Nacre, 14970 Bénouville.
Ph : 02 31 44 62 43
Email : accueil@manoirdhastings.fr
Website HERE.
Budget : moderate.
– This 3-star hotel offers 13 charming rooms, tastefully decorated in a 17th-century building, with a lovely view of the garden.
– Parking is available on the premises and outside.
– The restaurant is open for dinner only and exclusively for hotel guests.
LE CLOS DES MARRONNIERS in Douvres-la-Délivrande
A guest house and 2 cottages set within a beautifully renovated and tastefully decorated old property.
16 rue du Chemin du Bord, 14440 Douvres la D.
Ph : 07 81 08 60 52
Email : closdesmarronniers@icloud.com
Website : bookable on Booking.com
Budget : moderate.
The accommodation includes :
– 5 comfortable rooms,one of which is a family suite.
– 2 fully equipped cottages with private terraces, located in a separate 19th-century building (suitable for 2 adults + 2 children).
– Guests can enjoy an excellent breakfast featuring many homemade products amidst a beautiful park.
– The hosts are very welcoming.
– There is free parking available on the premises.
The property is ideally located for visiting the Juno and Sword Beach sectors.
LES PIEDS DANS L'EAU B&B in Merville-Franceville (east of Sword Beach on the coast)
A delightful and charming bed and breakfast nestled in a peaceful and relaxing location close to the beach, just a 5-minute drive from the Merville Battery.
Chemin du bout du Home, 14810 Merville-Franceville-Plage.
Bookable on Booking.com
Budget : good value for money.
– 3 rooms for 2 people each (with one room capable of accommodating a third person under 15).
– Each room has a terrace.
– Excellent breakfast.
– Situated just 50 meters from the stunning Merville beach and 2.5 kilometers from the German Battery of Merville, the property is conveniently located only a 5-minute drive from Cabourg.
– Free parking is available on-site.
Click HERE to see « Merville-Franceville » section.
CHATEAU DE MERVILLE B&B
Stay in an authentic castle dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, located in a 13th-century hamlet near the Merville Battery Museum and only 2 km from the beach (Franceville-Plage).
Hameau d’Escanneville, 32 avenue Alexandre de Lavergne, 14810 Merville-Franceville-Plage
Website HERE.
Bookable on Chambres-Hotes.fr HERE.
– 5 pretty rooms
– Breakfast included
– Beautiful park
– 2 km from Merville-Franceville-Plage
Click HERE to see « Merville-Franceville » section.
