Merville-Franceville
OFFICE OF TOURISM
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1 avenue de Paris
14810 Merville-Franceville-Plage
Ph : 02 31 24 23 57
Email : merville-franceville-plage@ncpa-tourisme.fr
Open 7/7 in July and August :
10am-1pm & 2pm-6pm.
Closed on Sunday from September 1st and also on Monday from November 1st.
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Merville-Franceville is the first seaside resort of the Côte Fleurie when you arrive from Caen.
It is located between Ouistreham, the bay of Orne and Cabourg and was created in 1898 (later than Cabourg and Houlgate). But the place developped mainly between the two wars with the beginning of paid holidays.
VISIT
- THE DUNES AND THE COASTAL FORTRESS « La Redoute de Merville« , chemin de la baie.
Park on the Chemin de la Baie car park (located a few kms before arriving at the town of Merville-Plage from Caen or Bénouville/Pegasus Bridge).
From here, you can take a beautiful walk in the dunes at the mouth of the Orne river and discover old German bunkers covered with various graffiti.
You will also come across the Redoubt of Merville along the way.
Dating from 1779, this is an example of the Vauban fortification built on the orders of Louis XVI to strengthen the defences against England.
During WW2, it was part of the Atlantic wall and was used by the Germans as an observation post. It was abandoned without a fight on August 18, 1944.
Listed as a Historic Monument since 1984, the site was restored thanks to an association and the public authorities.
Unfortunately, it can only be visited on certain days in the summer. To know the opening days, write to the Tourist Office of Merville : accueil@merville-franceville.fr
If you’re out hiking in the area, you’ll catch sight of the fortress from the exterior.
To locate it :
– Take Route de Cabourg, then turn onto Chemin de la Baie toward the nautical base and La Réserve Péché Iodé restaurant. Keep going until you spot a bunker with an orientation table on your right.
– Park a bit further at the parking lot and walk back to that bunker. Follow the path for a few meters, and you’ll come across the redoubt.
- THE BEACH OF MERVILLE-PLAGE
Stroll on 7 km of sand and also in the dunes which are classified as a « natural area of ecological fauna and flora interest ».
The beach of Merville is also a kite-surfing spot.
- MARKETS
Traditional market : Thursday morning all year round under the shopping hall and avenue de Paris and Sunday morning only under the shopping hall.
Summer market : Sunday evening 5pm-10pm in July & August. - MERVILLE BATTERY MUSEUM (a few kms inland from Merville-Plage).
See my section D-Day Beaches / Sword beach sector / Sites ( click HERE ) : visit 6 bunkers and attend a sound and light show for a realistic immersion.
Website of the battery HERE.
My 2 good tips
1- On your way to Merville, I advise you to stop at the Bay of Sallenelles
The Bay of Sallenelles, situated at the estuary of the Orne River just 15 km from Caen, is an ideal spot to explore the region’s biodiversity and serves as a sanctuary for migratory birds with over 400 species inhabiting the area.
The House of Nature and the Estuary welcomes visitors for an engaging and interactive experience particularly suited for families. Additionally, the site offers several hiking trails starting from the House of Nature, allowing visitors to observe the rich fauna and flora of this remarkable area. With luck, you may even catch a glimpse of some seals ! It’s a great choice for birdwatching enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Don’t forget to bring along binoculars for a better view.
Hiking trail information is available at the House of Nature with three different itineraries proposed : 40 minutes, 1 hour, or 2 hours.
The House of Nature and the Estuary of the bay of Sallenelles
15 boulevard maritime, 14121 Sallenelles
Ph : 02 31 78 71 06
Email : mne@cpievdo.fr
Website (in French) HERE.
2- The Pottery of Mesnil de Bavent
Located inland, 10-minute drive from Merville-Franceville-Plage.
Visit the « Pottery of Mesnil de Bavent » and the « Village of Craftsmen and Creators » next door.
- A very interesting site to explore authentic local craftsmanship that preserves age-old traditions.
- Established in 1842, this renowned craft company allows visitors to witness the artisanal process firsthand through windows set in traditional Norman buildings dating back over 150 years. Artisans here continue to employ time-honored techniques passed down through generations.
- Specializing in the production of roofing accessories, including finials, as well as various objects such as animals, wall adornments like sundials and medieval cobblestones.
Among their specialties are finials, ornamental roof crowns crafted from enameled or unglazed terracotta. These finials once embellished numerous Belle Époque villas throughout Normandy.
Originally serving a practical function of sealing roofs, finials have evolved over time into exquisite decorative elements shaped as birds, chimeras, or even pineapples. The artisans at Mesnil Pottery meticulously handcraft these finials, adhering to age-old methods. - For a closer look at the pottery, watch a video on YouTube HERE
La Réserve Pêché Iodé
For a breathtaking panoramic view of the Orne estuary, follow the road through the dunes to reach the restaurant.
Chemin de la Baie/Base nautique, 14810 Merville-Franceville-Plage (next to the nautical base)
Ph : 06 08 74 85 98
Email : contact@lareserve-mervillefranceville.com
Website HERE.
Open 7/7 for lunch & dinner.
Lunch formula on weekdays (around 25 and 30 euros).
– A panoramic restaurant located in a Nature Reserve of the Orne estuary : you eat enjoying a wonderful view.
– Local and fresh produce that showcase the cuisine of the Normandy coast : grilled fish and meats, seafood, and grilled lobster…
– You can arrive by boat : 2 rings available but you must reserve in advance.
Au Pied des Marais
A very good gourmet restaurant situated in Varaville between Merville-Franceville and Cabourg.
26 Avenue du Président René Coty, 14390 Varaville
Ph : 02 31 91 27 55
Email : au-pied-des-marais1@orange.fr
Website HERE.
Open for lunch and dinner from Friday to Monday and on certain bank holidays.
Closed on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
– This gastronomic restaurant offers local specialties in a friendly atmopshere.
– Fireplace cooking
– Very nice wine list
– Fine and inventive cuisine in a cozy setting, an excellent recommendation close to Merville and Cabourg.
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