UTAH BEACH
KEY FACTS
On June 6th, the first soldiers to arrive in Normandy were the American paratroopers of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions on the Utah Beach sector and the British of the 6th British Airborne Division on the Sword Beach sector to the east.
The main objectives of landing on Utah Beach were :
– To establish a bridgehead between Quinéville and Sainte-Marie-du-Mont.
– Join up with the paratroopers of the 82nd and the 101st Airborne Divisions.
– Seize the only deep-water port in the region, that of Cherbourg, which could allow the unloading and supply of troops.
On June 6t, at 6:30am, the American soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division (the Ivy Division) reached the beach but not exactly where it was planned : they landed 2 km further south (because of very strong currents) in an area much less defended and greatly diminished by the previous effective aerial and naval bombardments of the Allies.
The beach was cleared quickly and the landing troops could join the paratroopers during the day.
The landing on Utah Beach was the most successful one of the 5 beaches with around 250 casualties (killed, wounded and missing in action) during that day.
SITES
MY GOOD TIP
Visit some sites of the Utah Beach sector with the free app « D-Day App »
Visit Sainte-Mère Eglise, Utah Beach, La Cambe German cemetery with an audio-guide : very easy to use, you just have to download content and you will get a free guided tour.
Available in French an English HERE.
My suggested itinerary to visit the Utah Beach sector from Bayeux
AN INTERESTING SITE TO VISIT ON THE WAY TO UTAH BEACH FROM BAYEUX
LA CAMBE GERMAN CEMETERY AND ITS INFORMATION CENTER.
– This is the largest one of the six German WWII cemeteries in Normandy.
– 75,000 German soldiers are buried in Normandy.
The cemetery of La Cambe is spread over 17 acres and was inaugurated in September 1961.
Originally, in 1944, American and German soldiers were buried in La Cambe. Then 2/3 of the American bodies were repatriated to the USA at the request of families and 1/3 was transferred to the American cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer overlooking the « bloody » Omaha Beach. It has been German since 1948.
There are today 21,222 German soldiers buried here aged from 16 to 72 years old.
It is the only German cemetery still open to burials in Normandy when new remains of bodies are found.
Before arriving to the cemetery you will drive along a road lined with maples : it is the beginning of the Garden of Peace with 1,200 maple trees planted to symbolize peace, each tree being funded by a donor from different countries. The first one was offered by the Royal British Legion.
In the cemetery, you will see the imposing central Tumulus with its large dark cross in basalt lava of 5 meters high containing 207 unidentified soldiers and 89 identified ones whose names are engraved on plaques. They are buried all together in a mass grave. The statues of a mother and a father overlook their lost kids.
Around this tumulus, you can see 49 plots with up to 400 graves each.
The site is dark and rather austere, recalling the defeat of the Germans.
The cemetery is voluntarily managed by the German War Graves Commission and relies on donations.
Some young people of all nationalities often come here in summer to help with the maintenance of the place : they volunteer during their school holidays and also visit places of memory in Normandy.
THE UTAH BEACH SECTOR
My itinerary suggestion
Duration :
– A full-day to visit 2-3-4-5-6 and 1 museum.
– 2 full-days if you include 1 and 7.
1- Crisbecq German battery
2- Sainte-Mère-Eglise
3- Utah Beach
4- Sainte-Marie-du-Mont
(5- Brécourt Manor)
6- Angoville-au-Plain
7- Carentan-les-Marais
1- Crisbecq / Saint-Marcouf German battery
A unique site definitely worth visiting, featuring underground blockhouses authentically restored to their period conditions. It’s also the spot where the first cannon shot was fired at dawn on June 6, 1944.
Explore a genuine village of 22 blockhouses including an anti-aircraft command post, kitchen, ammunition bunkers, chambers, infirmary, tobruks, casemate and the renowned cannons of Saint-Marcouf, all interconnected by a network of trenches and tunnels.
Interesting facts about this battery-museum :
Prior to 2004, the site lay abandoned and overgrown with bunkers submerged or partially flooded. In 2004, two individuals purchased a significant portion of the land containing the various bunkers. They cleared the approximately twenty blockhouses, restoring some and furnishing them with period-appropriate equipment. By 2016, the battery command post, spanning four stories (including two underground) underwent complete rehabilitation. Today this museum operates as an association dedicated to safeguarding and maintaining the site aiming to conserve the legacy of the Normandy landing battles.
BATTERIE DE CRISBECQ
Route des Manoirs, 50310 Saint-Marcouf-de-l’Isle.
10km north of Sainte-Mère Eglise (10 minutes drive) on the Utah Beach sector.
– Website : http://www.batterie-marcouf.com/fr/
– Time on site : 1 to 2 hours.
Practical information
– Open every day from February to November, 10am-6pm (closes at 7pm in July & August).
– Souvenir shop, snack-bar and outdoor picnic area.
– Some guided night visits are available at certain dates in summer (at 8:30pm): check on the website.
– Self-guided visit with very complete explanatory panels in 6 languages.
– Highly recommended with children (but not with strollers… ).
2- Sainte-Mère Eglise
Sainte-Mère-Église was the first town to be liberated in the early hours of D-Day, June 6th, 1944.
The town was fiercely defended by the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division. It holds the distinction of being the first town liberated by US paratroopers and gained widespread recognition due to the film « The Longest Day » (1962). Red Buttons portrayed John Steele, the soldier whose parachute became entangled on the church steeple, leaving him suspended as he witnessed the intense fighting and loss of life in the town square.
I STRONGLY RECOMMEND
1 – Before coming to Normandy : watch the movie The Longest day (or/and read the great book by Cornelius Ryan) which was partly shot in Sainte-Mère on the square.
2 – Visit the Airborne Museum right in the town center. See below section « Museums ».
3 – Enter the church and admire two stained glass windows :
– The D-Day stained glass window : to the left when entering the church : this stained glass window was made from the drawings of Paul Renaud, the 8-year-old mayor’s son in 1944 : the kid drew all he saw on June 6th and the drawings were given to an association of veterans of the 82nd Airborne Division who decided to make this stained glass window.
– The Paratroopers stained glass window with Saint-Michael Archangel, the patron saint of paratroopers. It was offered by the veterans of the 505th regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division for the 25th anniversary of D-Day.
4 – Visit the « D-Day Collins Museum« at Château de Franquetot (6 minutes by car from Sainte-Mère-Eglise town center).
This new museum on the Normandy landing opened in April 2023 and is truly a gem.
See below in the section « Museums ».
3- Utah Beach
This beach sector was established by General Montgomery (British), who aimed to secure a beachhead directly on the Cotentin Peninsula to expedite the capture of Cherbourg due to its strategic significance as a deep-water harbor with major logistical importance.
By the end of June 6, 1944, on Utah Beach, 1,700 vehicles and nearly 23,250 American soldiers had landed, marking the operation a success. However, casualties totaled 197 killed and 60 missing.
For further details about the Utah Beach landing, you can visit the D-Day Overlord website HERE.
If you have time, consider visiting the UTAH BEACH MUSEUM (refer to my « Museums » section below) : explore independently or opt for guided tours (to book, contact the museum at reservation@utah-beach.com).
For more information, click HERE.
4- Sainte-Marie du Mont
Situated several miles behind Utah Beach and adjacent to Drop Zone C for the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR), 101st Airborne Division, this small village served as the headquarters of the 101st Airborne Division and witnessed significant combat both within the village and its surrounding area.
MY RECOMMENDATIONS
1- Interested in learning about the village’s wartime history ?
Check out this excellent YouTube video (along with many others) created in partnership with The « Gettysburg Museum of History« (Pennsylvania, USA) :
D-Day : Hidden Secrets of St.Marie du Mont / History Traveler Episode 188 : HERE.
2- Explore the church and take a moment to read the informative panel at the entrance detailing the events of June 6th, 1944.
3– Make sure to visit the « Le Holdy Militaria » store located on the church square. Enjoy a drink or browse through their selection of WWII-themed militaria items and products. It’s like stepping into a small museum.
Check out their website HERE.
Click on each image to enlarge
5- Brécourt Manor
For the fans of the « Band of Brothers » series : Episode 2.
BRECOURT MANOR : Easy Company Memorial for the Brécourt Manor Assault
D14 (Le Grand Chemin)
50480 Sainte-Marie-du-Mont.
– Located 1 km north of Sainte-Marie du Mont
– GPS coordinates : UTM 30U 06287 54722.
During D-Day, 1st Lt. Dick Winters led an assault on four German 105mm artillery pieces positioned at Brecourt Manor. These guns threatened the American troops landing at Utah Beach. Winters’ assault, recognized as a textbook maneuver against a fortified position, saved many lives on the beach. His actions earned him the Distinguished Service Cross. Along the D913 road between Utah Beach and Sainte-Marie-d- Mont stands the Memorial to Richard Winters.
My perspective on this site : Brecourt Manor features a large country house and farm buildings with an American flag displayed. However, there isn’t much to see at the site itself.
6- Angoville-au-Plain
The site marks a lesser-known yet significant event of the Normandy campaign.
Angoville is a small hamlet located near Drop Zone D of the 101st Airborne Division. For your information, within the Utah Beach sector, three drop zones (A, C, D) were designated for the 101st Airborne Division, while three others (N, O, T) were assigned to the 82nd Airborne Troops, with each drop zone having a specific objective.
Visiting the church in the village center is essential to learn about the story of two medics, Robert Wright and Kenneth Moore.
A fierce battle raged at Angoville-au-Plain, with the village switching hands multiple times over three days. In the midst of this turmoil, two paramedics from the 101st Airborne Division made a remarkable decision to establish a makeshift aid station in the village’s 12th-century church. They displayed a white flag with a red cross on the church’s front door and tended to the wounds of 80 American and German soldiers, as well as one child, for three days. Their only stipulation was that all who entered must leave their weapons outside the church.
For their extraordinary bravery in the heat of battle, the two medics were awarded the Silver Star.
Inside the church, there are several remarkable things to observe :
– Bloodstains on the pews serve as a poignant reminder of the wounded soldiers who sought refuge there.
– Take a moment to examine the stone floor, where you can still see cracks left by a mortar shell. Remarkably, this shell never detonated, despite landing amidst the chaos !
– Look upwards toward the belfry opening, where you’ll notice holes created by mortar shells, evidence of the intense fighting that took place in and around the church.
Reading recommendation :
To delve deeper into this incredible tale of compassion, I recommend reading the compelling book penned by Paul Woodadge, a great WWII historian, author and tour guide. You can find his book « Angels of Mercy : Two Screaming Eagle Medics in Angoville au Plain on D-Day » available for purchase on Amazon.com.
7- Carentan-les-Marais
To understand the battles to seize Carentan
The Carentan Tourist Office offers a « Historical Itinerary » by car :
Retrace the steps of the 101st Airborne Division for the liberation of Carentan.
Duration of the self-driving tour : about 3 hours.
With your own vehicle and a GPS-enabled map available from the Tourist Office, trace the footsteps of the 101st Airborne Division soldiers and understand their endeavors in seizing the town of Carentan which took 6 days.
The 40-kilometer route around Carentan includes 13 crucial sites of the fierce battle between American paratroopers and German forces that lasted for several days.
Each stop features informative panels with maps and photographs offering insights into the historical events.
Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to explore charming countryside villages along the way.
TOURIST OFFICE OF CARENTAN
In the town center
24 place de la République
50500 Carentan-les-Marais
Website : https://www.ot-baieducotentin.fr/en/
Ph : 02 33 71 23 50
Email : ot.carentan@ccbdc.fr
Open 7/7 July & August (Sunday : closed in the afternoon)
Closed on Sunday in April, May, June and September.
Closed on weekends from October to March.
MY SELECTION OF MUSEUMS
Utah Beach Museum
Airborne Museum in Sainte-Mère-Eglise
D-Day Collins Museum close to Sainte-Mère-Eglise
D-Day Experience in Carentan/Saint-Côme-du-Mont
Normandy Victory Museum in Carentan
Opt for the museum pass to save money !
Follow the itinerary suggested by the
D-Day Normandy Visit
and discover 4 museums (5 in 2025) at reduced prices :
– Crisbecq Battery
– D-Day Experience
– Normandy Victory Museum
– Overlord Museum (on Omaha Beach)
– Tribute to Heroes (will open in 2025)
It’s easy : keep each receipt and present it to the next site to get a discount.
You will discover the essentials of the Battle of Normandy.
Further details HERE.
UTAH BEACH MUSEUM
Duration of visit : 1hr30-2hrs.
Tickets to be bought on site only.
Located exactly where the 4th Infantry Division landed on June 6th, the museum has a gorgeous panoramic view of the beach.
You can visit the museum on your own or opt for a guided tour.
This is a chronological visit that is very well done and thought, easy to follow and understand. Perfect for a family visit.
**2 OPTIONAL GUIDED VISITS** :
(with a small extra cost)
– Option 1 : a 45-minute guided tour of the museum.
– Option 2 : a 1hr30-minute guided tour of the museum + the beach + the monuments
A very attractive museum rich in military objects, uniforms, equipments, photos… with clear and concise explanations.
The movie is excellent. You will also see an authentic B26 bomber « Marauder ».
At the end of the visit, you will have a clear vision of the chronology of the landing and the military strategies established by the Allies for the liberation of Normandy.
UTAH BEACH MUSEUM
La Madeleine, 50480 Sainte-Marie-du-Mont
Website HERE.
Ph : 02 33 71 53 35
Email : musee@utah-beach.com
Opening days :
– Open 7/7
From May to September : 9:30am-7pm
From October to April 10am-6pm ( except from February 1 to March 31 : 10am-5pm)
– Closed
December 1-16, 24, 25 and 31 & January 1
AIRBORNE MUSEUM in Sainte-Mère-Eglise
Duration of visit : about 2 hours.
You can buy your tickets online.
A museum dedicated to the American soldiers who came by gliders and American paratroopers from the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions.
– The visit with the HistoPad tablet will tranport you in 1944.
– Thanks to several immersive spaces, you will be like an American soldier from preparation to landing on June 6th : board an authentic WACO glider, attend a pre-landing briefing with a hologram… Very interesting and realistic.
AIRBORNE MUSEUM
14 rue Eisenhower, 50480 Sainte-Mère-Eglise
Website HERE.
Opening days :
– Open 7/7 :
May to August : 9am-7pm
April & September : 9:30am-6:30pm
October to March : 10am-6pm
– Closed : December and January except during school holidays.
– Closed on December 24th, 25th and 31st and on Januray 1st.
D-DAY COLLINS MUSEUM close to Sainte-Mère Eglise
Duration of visit : 1 hour (or more).
Tickets to be bought on site only.
This chateau boasts a rich historical legacy : serving as General Collins’ command post in July 1944 where he orchestrated Operation Cobra (the American offensive in the Cotentin) alongside Generals Eisenhower, Bradley, and Patton.
Acquired by an avid collector in 2022, the owner transformed the castle into a showcase for his 40-year collection. Preserved just as the Americans left it in 1944, the former command post of General Collins features original furniture and equipment.
D-DAY COLLINS MUSEUM
Château de Franquetot
38 Rue d’Eturville, Carquebut, 50480 Sainte-Mère-Église.
Follow them on Facebook HERE.
Ph : 02 33 20 88 36
Email : ddaycollins@orange.fr
Opening days :
7/7
9am-6pm (check on Facebook)
** Nice guest rooms are also available at the château (see section « Sleep ») **
D-DAY EXPERIENCE in Carentan/Saint-Côme-du-Mont
Duration of visit : depends on what you want to visit : between 45 minutes to 2hr30min.
** It’s strongly recommended to buy and reserve your tickets online during the summer period.**
All the special effects are very realistic and innovative : a very interesting site to live an immersive journey right in the D-Day landing and understand the importance of the battle of Carentan which was according to General Einsenhower « The most vital sector of the Normandy landing ».
Several spaces and options of visits are proposed to visitors :
Museums + flight simulator (1hr30-2hrs) OR Museums + simulator + cinema 3D (2hr30-3hrs) OR Cinema 3D (1 hr).
– two museums : the D-Day Experience, to discover the landing from the American side and the Dead’s Man Corner from the German side.
– a 3-D movie theatre on the D-Day landing and the battle of Carentan.
– a flight simulator : you board a genuine C-47 aircraft for a 7-minute simulated flight as if you were an American paratrooper on June, 6th 1944.
– the « Airborne Wall », a memorial dedicated to airborne troops who fought in the Second World War. The wall consists of commemorative stones in honor of these soldiers. It was inaugurated in June 2014 and has already a hundred stones engraved with the names of some of these men.
You can contribute to erect a stone in honor of the soldier of your choice. More information on the website : dday-experience/en/outdoor-area/
– There is also a military antique shop.
**IMPORTANT** : to access the flight simulator AND the movie theatre, it’s recommended to arrive 3 hours before the ticket office closes.
D-DAY EXPERIENCE
2 Village de l’ Amont, Saint-Côme-du-Mont, 50500 Carentan-le-Marais
Website HERE.
Email : contact@dday-experience.com
Opening days :
– Open 7/7
From April 1 to September 30 : 9:30am-7pm
From October 1 to March 31 : 10am-6pm
NORMANDY VICTORY MUSEUM in Carentan
Duration of visit : 1hr30min (or more…)
You can buy your tickets online.
A museum mainly focused on the Battle of the hedgerows and also the 100 days following the landing of June 6th.
Through 27 very realistic stagings with dummies in period outfits, vehicles, a P47 aircraft… you will discover a wonderful collection of more than 15,000 authentic objects. Also videos and testimonials.
The museum is located right on the temporary A10 Airfield created by the Allies in only 4 days on June 15th, 1944 to allow the troops to continue the battle and seize Cherbourg the only deep water port in the area, which was the major objective of the Americans.
A very interesting museum which is a good complement to the others. You will also learn about the daily life of the civilians during the battle of Normandy and the role of women during the war.
Kids and teenagers will also like this interactive and immersive visit. A very good way for the transmission of history.
**A WORTHWHILE OPTION** :
From March 30 to September 1, go on a Dodge tour of 40 minutes or 1hr15 and follow in the footsteps of the soldiers. Your guide will explain to you why it took the Allies longer than expected to liberate Normandy because of the density of the Norman bocage (hedges).
To book online. More information on the website HERE.
NORMANDY VICTORY MUSEUM
Parc d’activités La Fourchette, Catz, 50500 Carentan-le-Marais
Website HERE.
Ph : 02 33 71 74 94
Opening days :
– Open 7/7
From 9:30am to 7pm
HAVE LUNCH AT THE RESTAURANT OF THE MUSEUM !
Eat at the « A10 Canteen » on site.
See below section « EAT ».
3 ORIGINAL EXPERIENCES
THE HOLDY BATTERY in Sainte-Marie du Mont
– Jeep rides on the Utah Beach sector
– Unique dramatised tour to relive the landing (day & night immersions)
– An immersive guest-house in a historic place
Experience a unique journey to explore the Utah Beach sector away from the usual paths !
Jean, an avid history enthusiast, offers an immersive experience at his guesthouse. He has reconstructed a German gun battery within his property along with a 1940s café-bar. Upon arrival, you’ll be transported back to the 1940s, surrounded by vintage vehicles, the nostalgic tunes of old radios and the welcoming presence of chickens and geese !
Several options available :
➔ a jeep ride (1 hr or 2 hrs or 3 hrs)
➔ a guided night visit with a short immersion
➔ an immersive dramatised tour (night or day) : Jean and his team make you relive the night of June 5 to 6, 1944 : for a few hours, live D-Day, with the paratroopers of the 101st Airborne for the capture of the Holdy Battery.
➔ You can also stay at his Bed & Breakfast for a return to the 1940’s : 2 bedrooms are available.
What was the Holdy Battery during the war ?
The Holdy Battery which defended Utah Beach with 50 German gunners, was located 1 km from the village of Sainte-Marie-du-Mont. It was near Drop Zone C where some paratroopers of the 101st Airborne Division landed on June 6th, and since the dropping of the soldiers did not go as planned, some of them were killed or captured by the Germans. After fierce fightings, the Americans finally seized the battery.
THE HOLDY BATTERY
D329E1, 50480 Sainte-Marie-du-Mont
Website HERE : take a look at the photos and videos. Many French television personalities have already visited the place.
Ph : 02 33 44 81-20 or 06 37 99 08 68
Email : batteryduholdy@laposte.net
BOAT TOUR IN THE MARSHES OF CARENTAN
The marshes of Carentan, their wildlife and their wartime significance await your discovery.
How about embarking on a « Privilege Ride » aboard a small electric boat through the marshes of Carentan?
A knowledgeable guide with a passion for the marshes will lead you on a small boat (8 seats) to explore this preserved environment and its captivating wildlife. You’ll encounter cows, ducks, herons, kingfishers, nutrias, swans, dragonflies, and more.
Additionally, you’ll learn about the significance of the marshes during World War II, as areas that the Germans deliberately flooded, resulting in the tragic drowning of many American paratroopers on D-Day.
« Privilege Rides » are conducted either early in the morning or in the evening with small groups of up to 8 participants.
The evening ride offers a local aperitif during the journey providing a delightful experience and a chance to sample Norman delicacies such as cider, cheeses, and charcuterie.
– Duration : about 2 hours.
– Departure from « Embarcadère du Port Jourdan (Port Jourdan pier) » in Carentan-les-Marais.
– YouTube video HERE.
Many other options are available : commented cruise with or without local meal, aperitif dinner cruise… Further information on the website.
LES BATELIERS DES MARAIS DE CARENTAN
Boat rides from April to end October, on certain dates only.
Please contact the company by email.
Website HERE.
Follow them on Instagram HERE.
Ph : 06 83 60 08 12
Booking & information at : accueil@decouvertemarais.com
Examples of 2024 rates :
Morning privilege boat tour : €25 per adult.
Evening privilege boat tour with local aperitif : €39 per adult.
Commented cruise : €16 per adult.
AEROPLUME FLIGHTS IN ECAUSSEVILLE
Fly while flapping your wings in a blimp : a one-of-a-kind experience in Normandy!
Have you ever dreamt of flying? Then this incredible and unique activity in a WWI-era airship hangar is perfect for you. Magical !
The Aeroplume is a personal airship, filled with helium, enabling you to fly by flapping your wings. During the flight, the pilot is secured in a harness. With the freedom from gravity and equipped with wings, you can take off and navigate through the air simply by moving your arms.
This activity is conducted indoors, protected from outdoor weather conditions.
Additionally, there’s a small museum dedicated to the war and aerostation since the site holds historical significance and is classified as a Historical Monument.
AEROPLUME
La Bazirerie, 50310 Ecausseville (10 km north of Sainte-Mère-Eglise).
– For participants aged 10 years and older, with a weight limit of 85 kg (contact them if you exceed 80 kg).
– Flights start in late June and continue throughout the summer. Please verify exact dates online.
– Duration of the activity : 30 minutes (20 minutes flight + 10 minutes preparation).
– 2024 rates per person : 70 euros (40-85 kg) / 50 euros (-40 kg)
Website HERE.
Watch an interesting video on YouTube HERE.
Ph : 06 41 98 32 97
Booking & information at : ecausseville@aeroplume.fr
EAT
LE BISCUIT DE SAINTE-MERE-EGLISE RESTAURANT
A brasserie, tearoom, cellar with regional products, chocolate shop and local cookie store !
Budget (restaurant) : a good value for money.
5 rue Division Leclerc
50480 Sainte-Mère-Eglise
Ph : 02 33 93 95 06
Email : restaurantbsme@gmail.com
Website HERE.
A brasserie serving good casual and traditional dishes open every day all year round (which is not the case of many other restaurants in the area !) for lunch only.
Try the home-made ice creams : a real delight …!
And don’t leave without buying the traditional Sainte-Mère-Eglise cookies (one of them has the shape of a parachute) : it’s an excellent (and delicious !) souvenir.
Opening days
7/7 all year round
– Lunch : 12pm-3pm
– Tearoom : 9:30am-6:30pm
THE A10 CANTEEN at the Victory Museum in Carentan
Brasserie-pizzeria at the Normandy Victory Museum with correct prices
Parc d’activités, La Fourchette – Catz
50500 Carentan-les-Marais
Ph : 02 33 54 51 83
Email : a10canteen@gmail.com
Website HERE.
Eat good food amidst a vintage 1950s ambiance, offering fresh, high-quality dishes including pizzas, burgers, salads, meats, daily specials, and a weekday lunch set menu, providing excellent value for money.
Opening days
– Tuesday to Thursday : 12pm-2:30pm & 7pm-10pm (10:30pm on Friday & Saturday)
– Sunday ( + Monday in July & August) : 12pm-2:30pm
THE ROOSEVELT on Utah Beach
A casual and traditional restaurant and bar in a historic house (+ a souvenir shop)
Moderate prices.
Rue Utah Beach (next to the beach)
50480 Sainte-Marie-du-Mont
Ph : 02 33 71 53 47
Email : lerooseveltutah@gmail.com
Website : http://www.leroosevelt.fr/
** During high season, this place gets really crowded, so it’s best to dine here during the off-season or simply make a reservation to secure your table ! **
You can eat on the terrace or in a room adorned with numerous artifacts reminiscent of the D-Day landing and the 1940s complete with mannequins dressed in period uniforms. Inside the bunker, there’s a wall adorned with the signatures of veterans. The atmosphere is truly immersive evoking the spirit of liberation !
Why is it considered a historic house ?
This fishermen’s house served as an office for the Todt Organization from 1942 until June 1944. (The Todt Organization was a civil engineering group operating under the Nazi regime, responsible for constructing the Atlantic Wall in occupied territories during WWII).
Attached to the house was a bunker likely utilized as a communication hub for the Germans. Subsequently, from June to November 1944, the American Navy repurposed this bunker as a communication center connecting the fleet with the front lines.
Opening days
– 7/7 during the high season
CREPERIE MONTOISE in Sainte-Marie-du-Mont town center
A good traditional creperie and local specialties restaurant situated in the village square offering good value for money.
52 place de l’Eglise,
50480 Sainte-Marie-du-Mont
Ph : 02 33 71 90 28.
An excellent creperie-restaurant using local products. Enjoy your meal on the terrace during sunny days. With only 22 seats available it’s advisable to book your table during peak season !
Opening days
– 7/7 from April 1st to September 30th : 12pm-2pm & 7pm-8:30pm
CHEZ ARSENE AT DOMAINE DU GRAND HARD in Sainte-Marie-du-Mont
A bistronomic restaurant in a manor farm dating from the 17th and 19th centuries / 3 minutes from Utah Beach
Budget : moderate.
14 La Rivière
50480 Sainte-Marie-du-Mont
Ph : 02 33 71 25 74
Email : contact@domaine-utah-beach.com
Website HERE.
A refined restaurant serving a tasty homemade cuisine prepared with local products.
Brunch on Sunday.
Reservation is recommended (very easy online).
The domain also offers 19 hotel rooms of different categories and 4 cottages that can accommodate from 2 to 5 guests.
Opening days of the restaurant
7/7 from late March to late November.
