Visit Arromanches, one of the beaches of the d day landing in Normandy

Hi there! I’m taking you to Arromanches les Bains today! It’s difficult to imagine that it was a battlefield 70 years ago only as nature has taken back its right and children are having fun on the beach. If Normandy is the second most famous region in the world it’s also for its history. I’m not going to talk to you about Vikings, nor William the Conqueror, in this article but about the d day landing in Normandy during the Second World War. I don’t know about you but every time I see the remains of the artificial Mulberry harbour, I get this feeling of freedom and I cannot stop but feeling thankful for the ones who fought for it.

Admiring Arromanches and the d day landing beach from the top

The best way to start visiting Arromanches les Bains is via its cliff (plus, it is easier to park over there!). On one side you can admire the panorama over the town of Arromanches and the remains of the artificial harbour. On the other side, you can see part of the Gold Beach coast and admire its cliffs.

Why do we call this part of Normandy the Gold Beach? It was simply a code name during the landing in Normandy of June 6, 1944. There was five areas and Gold Beach is located in the center of them from Port-en-Bessin to La Rivière. In the West part of this area, the Americans have liberated Utah Beach and Omaha Beach. In the East, the Canadians fought at Juno Beach, and the English liberated Sword Beach, just like Gold Beach.

Arromanches 360: an attraction about the history of the landing in Normandy

Arromanches 360 is a ​​cinema, which has been equipped with 9 screens and describes the liberation of Normandy. The film projected here, called ‘The 100 Days of Normandy’ shows to visitors the history of the Battle of Normandy and the landing of June 6, 1944 with archive footage from around the world. It’s a unique attraction that I really recommend you to do especially since it only cost € 6.50. Also, the movie only last 19 minutes which gives you plenty of time to enjoy the rest of your day and visit the town centre and the surrounding area. Arromanches 360 is a popular attraction for tourists in Normandy, so I advise you to book your tickets in advance on the link below.

Arromanches 360 tickets available here

Wandering in town, visiting the D-Day Museum, and  walking on the beach

Arromanches: hotels et restaurants

For a take away treat, the coffee shop Creation Gourmande is a really good option. This shop is located on the main square. If like me, you fall for homemade waffles with a generous amount of chestnut cream on top, it’s the place to go!

I haven’t had the opportunity to stay in an hotel in Arromanches les bains, however you can find plenty as you can see on the list below:

• Hôtel de la Marine: you cannot be any closer from the beach and the museum;
• Les Villas d’Arromanches: to stay in an elegant building from the 19th century;
• La Pommetier: a B&B in a pretty house fro the 1750s and its private garden;
• D-Day aviators: a guesthouse with a unique decoration that will amaze aviation’s fans;
• Hôtel Normandie: elegant and simple; 
• Hôtel et Restaurant le Mulberry: a modern and welcoming hotel;
• If you visit Arromanches with your family you also have different options such as gîtes la Villa Madeleine, or this three bedroom flat appartement 3 pièces en bord de mer;

Check hotel prices in Arromanches

Other attractions and d day landing in Normandy nearby 

• Utah Beach and the batteries of Azeville and Crisbecq
• Omaha Beach Cemetery
• Pointe du Hoc for its cliffs and needle
• Ouistreham Beach and the famous Pegasus Bridge
• Caen and his WW2 Memorial

Have you ever visited one of the landing beaches? Do you have any memories to share? Do you have any questions about the place? Please let me know in the comment section below

Boujou (the Norman way to say XOXO)

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