Musée du Débarquement

D-Day Beaches


Down in Arromanches itself and right on the beach, the Musée du Débarquement makes for a very informative stop before visiting the beaches. Dioramas, models and two films explain the logistics and importance of the artificial harbour of Port Winston. Guided tours are available in English, French and German. At the time of writing, the museum was preparing for a June 2019 relaunch, to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day; new features will include a model of Port Winston.

The museum was also being expanded in size.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby D-Day Beaches attractions

1. Mulberry Harbours Caissons

0.14 MILES

The harbour established at Omaha was completely destroyed by a ferocious gale (the worst storm to lash the Normandy coast in four decades) just two weeks…

2. Arromanches 360° Circular Cinema

0.17 MILES

The best view of Port Winston and nearby Gold Beach is from the hill east of town, site of the popular Arromanches 360° Circular Cinema, which screens…

3. Longues-sur-Mer Battery

3.3 MILES

These mammoth German artillery pieces remain in their colossal concrete emplacements – the only in-situ large-calibre weapons in Normandy. The first…

4. Bayeux Tapestry

5.81 MILES

The world’s most celebrated embroidery depicts the conquest of England by William the Conqueror in 1066 from an unashamedly Norman perspective…

6. Conservatoire de la Dentelle

5.84 MILES

Lacemaking (dentellerie), brought to Bayeux by nuns in 1678, once employed 5000 people. The industry is sadly long gone, but at the Conservatoire you can…

7. Cathédrale Notre Dame

5.84 MILES

Most of Bayeux’ spectacular Norman Gothic cathedral dates from the 13th century, though the crypt (take the stairs on the north side of the choir), the…