Sword Beach: the landing beach
Located on the Normandy coast, Sword Beach is one of the five landing beaches of June 6, 1944.
This historic site is one of the must-see places steeped in history during your visit to Normandy.
Witness to one of the largest military operations of the Second World War, Sword Beach today attracts many visitors in search of remembrance and discovery.
On June 6, 1944, at the dawn of D-Day, Sword Beach was the scene of a major assault orchestrated by British troops.
Nearly 29,000 soldiers landed on this stretch of coastline, with the goal of advancing quickly towards Caen, a key city in the liberation of Normandy.
Faced with concentrated German resistance around Ouistreham, the Allied soldiers had to overcome numerous obstacles, including machine guns, bunkers, and anti-tank barriers.
The operation was a success by the end of the day. It marked a decisive step forward in the liberation of France.
Visiting Sword Beach is, above all, a journey into history. Several sites and museums provide a better understanding of the events of the D-Day landings:
Sword Beach is located a few kilometers from Caen and is easily accessible by car or public transport, from the towns of Hermanville-sur-Mer, Colleville-Montgomery, and Colleville-sur-Orne.
Numerous guided tours allow you to relive the key moments of the D-Day landings while exploring the region's iconic sites.
Staying in Caen is an excellent option that will allow you to visit other D-Day landing beaches, such as Juno Beach and Gold Beach.
The Best Western Plus Le Moderne welcomes you to its contemporary 4-star hotel in downtown Caen.
Settle into one of our 42 spacious and elegant rooms and wake up to a buffet breakfast.
Also discover all the restaurants near the hotel.
This historic site is one of the must-see places steeped in history during your visit to Normandy.
Witness to one of the largest military operations of the Second World War, Sword Beach today attracts many visitors in search of remembrance and discovery.
Dive into the history of the landings of June 6, 1944
A strategic landing led by British forces
On June 6, 1944, at the dawn of D-Day, Sword Beach was the scene of a major assault orchestrated by British troops.
Nearly 29,000 soldiers landed on this stretch of coastline, with the goal of advancing quickly towards Caen, a key city in the liberation of Normandy.
Faced with concentrated German resistance around Ouistreham, the Allied soldiers had to overcome numerous obstacles, including machine guns, bunkers, and anti-tank barriers.
The operation was a success by the end of the day. It marked a decisive step forward in the liberation of France.
Sword Beach Today: A Place of Remembrance
Visiting Sword Beach is, above all, a journey into history. Several sites and museums provide a better understanding of the events of the D-Day landings:
- The Atlantic Wall Museum in Ouistreham, housed in a former bunker, offers a unique insight into the German defenses;
- The Pegasus Bridge Memorial, located in Ranville, recounts the crucial role of the British airborne troops. Visitors can see a life-size replica of the Horsa glider there.
How to visit Sword Beach?
Sword Beach is located a few kilometers from Caen and is easily accessible by car or public transport, from the towns of Hermanville-sur-Mer, Colleville-Montgomery, and Colleville-sur-Orne.
Numerous guided tours allow you to relive the key moments of the D-Day landings while exploring the region's iconic sites.
For a stay that's as close as possible to history, book your 4-star hotel in Caen.
Staying in Caen is an excellent option that will allow you to visit other D-Day landing beaches, such as Juno Beach and Gold Beach.
The Best Western Plus Le Moderne welcomes you to its contemporary 4-star hotel in downtown Caen.
Settle into one of our 42 spacious and elegant rooms and wake up to a buffet breakfast.
Also discover all the restaurants near the hotel.
