Location: Ouistreham
Top Things to do in Ouistreham
- 1. Le Grand Bunker Musee du Mur de l'Atlantique
- 2. Pegasus Memorial (Memorial Pegasus)
- 3. Musee de la Batterie de Merville
- 4. Girafou
- 5. Hillman Site
- 6. Maison de la Nature Et de L'estuaire de L'orne
- 7. Christophe Rault Private Tours
- 8. Golf miniature
- 9. Des Vagues Et des Mots Librairie
- 10. Ranville War Cemetery
The 10 Best Things to Do in Ouistreham, France
Ouistreham in France, from Europe region, is best know for Specialty Museums. Discover best things to do in Ouistreham with beautiful photos and great reviews from traveller around the world here!
Restaurants in Ouistreham
1. Le Grand Bunker Musee du Mur de l'Atlantique
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 600 reviews
The bunker was built in 1943/44, on a special design. I fact, as the coast was very low, the Organization Todt had to erect the 17 meters tower to increase the range finder’s range. This was the Fire Control post of the defenses of the river Orne estuary and the canal entrance. These consisted in six 150 mm french guns, on the beach of Riva-Bella, served by men of the 1st Battery, 1260th Coastal Artillery Batallion and four 150 mm french guns, near the water-tower, served by gunners of the 4th Battery, 1716th Artillery Regiment, 716th Infantry Division. On june, 6th , it received a lucky direct hit, fired from a 380 mm gun of the H.M.S. Frobisher battle cruiser which made the Bunker unoperational. During the morning, british troops of the n° 4 Commando were intrigued by this unforeseen concrete tower. They made two attempts to get inside without success. They were content to withdraw with their wounded men.The Bunker was finally captured by the lieutnant Bob Orrell who took 53 prisonners, on june, 9 th. He was promoted captain the next day.
Reviewed By Chris S - Market Harborough, United Kingdom
Came here with the 3 children who loved exploring the different floors. Lots of displays and mannequins showing the cramped living quarters. The top floor shows the observation port and you can imagine the damage a few snipers or mg42's would have caused. Story of the bunker and its role on d-day is well told. There was one mannequin with the mad smile which scared my daughter - i had to put a photo of him in.
2. Pegasus Memorial (Memorial Pegasus)
Overall Ratings
5 based on 783 reviews
A memorial to the first British soldiers to arrive in Normandy who captured the Pegasus Bridge from the Nazis.
Reviewed By Amelia M - Boston, MA
Learn the story of the remarkable British Airborne soldiers who captured a vital bridge, and held it - insuring D-Day was a success. The museum features articles and weapons used by the British soldiers. It tells the story piece by piece and also includes an excellent video featuring HRH Prince Charles. On the grounds, you will find a Horsa glider, a tank, and a few wheeled artillery pieces. But it is the original bridge that drew me there. It sits perfectly positioned, inviting you to walk on the deck and remember the courageous men who fought and died there on June 6, 1944. Go to the Pegasus Memorial and Bridge, "Learn the Stories - Don't Let Their Glory Fade" - you will be glad you did.
3. Musee de la Batterie de Merville
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 531 reviews
Reviewed By nabman11 - Port Saint Lucie, Florida
This is a preserved site of a German gun emplacement that was assaulted by British paratroopers on June 5th. Each casement has it's on story about some aspect of the battle. There is also a light and sound exhibit that recreates what it was like during the battle. They gave us an English guide to help explain things. There is also an airplane that actually dropped paratroopers and has it's own interesting history. The British started with 750 men for the Mission and because of conditions encountered wound up with only 150 available and still carried out their Mission. When you see the barbed wire, mine emplacements and obstacles, it' s hard to believe they succeeded. Free parking and a small gift shop.
4. Girafou
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 102 reviews
Reviewed By Keelcrazy
Visited while on holiday in nearby Deauville which lacks anything to do with kids when it rains. It's a very clean, bright and spacious facility with lots to entertain kids. Good coffee and snacks for the parents including crepes. Also had lots of magazines for parents and free wifi. Very impressed and the kids were ecstatic.
5. Hillman Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63 reviews
Hillman was the Command Post for the coastal defence, commanded by Colonel Krug and Major Hoff, where infantry and artillery were stationed. In this complex of fortifications, about sixty soldiers from the 736 Grenadier Regiment lived and worked within the bunkers, buried under 3 meters (9 ft' 10ins) of concrete. Some of these bunkers consisted of armoured cupolas with a thickness of approximately 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 inches), used for observation and gun emplacements/tobruks, containing rotating machine guns to defend the site. The bunkers were well equipped, with mechanical ventilation systems and central heating. Outside, a complex network of trenches linked the different underground positions, consisting of the headquarters, signal center, radio room, mess rooms and bathrooms. Every position was connected with each other through a network of telephone lines buried 2 or 3m (6' - 10') deep in the ground. Built at 61m (200 feet) above sea level, the complex offered a strategic position, with direct views of the landing Beaches, as well as the mouth of the river Orne. The field of fire or killing zone extended 600 m (2000 ft) and more in several directions. Hillman was therefore a fortress comparable with some parts of the Maginot Line.
Reviewed By perle369 - Malaga, Spain
We visited on 5th June when the celebrations were in full swing. There was a 'wartime army camp' on site which is a thing that is done every year. Jeeps, tents, wartime music, people in uniforms etc. Great atmosphere.
The site itself is the work of the Friends of the Suffolk Regiment who liberated the bunkers on D Day 1944. Inside the main bunker is the office of the Colonel Krug who was in charge, his desk, maps, telephones, photographs of his family are there on the desk. The sleeping quarters are interesting and are other things like the water tank, the radio system, air ducting and the turret.
Further across the field is the cookhouse which is all set up and one can welll imagine the hussle and bustle in there. There is another bunker at the entrance of the site with various memorabilia. The staff are very knowledgeable and are volunteers. There is no charge to enter the bunkers but they do ask for a donation. As the excavation of the bunkers only started some 8 years ago, I think they have done a marvelous job just with donations. There are other bunkers which they have yet to get at but will start once they have the money.
This site is a MUST on everyone's schedule just because it is not commercialised. You can really get the feel of the place as there are no crowds.
6. Maison de la Nature Et de L'estuaire de L'orne
Overall Ratings
3 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Vino1979 - Paris, France
la maison de la nature semble plutôt destinée aux groupes scolaires mais elle vaut une petite visite (30 a 45 min) pour les 4/5 salles qui permettent de découvrir l estuaire de l orne.
un estuaire a visiter a travers de belles balades autour de l estuaire pour observer le paysage et les "habitants" des lieux.
7. Christophe Rault Private Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 63 reviews
Reviewed By hepadoc - New York City, New York
We enjoyed two full days of touring both inland and beach sites of D-Day history with Christophe. His knowledge is encyclopedic, his passion and story-telling superb, and he was highly responsive to our preferences. We felt lucky that he was our guide for this deeply inspiring trip.
8. Golf miniature
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 127 reviews
Reviewed By AnnaCM - Cambridge, United Kingdom
This is a great mini-golf, next to the beach in Cabourg. The 'selling point' are recreations of a variety of world landmarks (Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, Statue of Liberty etc...) which form the obstacles on this mini-golf course. The holes provide enough of a challenge for all the family to while away a good hour or so. The staff are friendly.
9. Des Vagues Et des Mots Librairie
Overall Ratings
5 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By Vino1979 - Paris, France
les bons libraires sont rares et c est encore plus vrai en bord de mer ou l on place les primes et mes polars.
ici on trouve de tout et de bons conseils.
10. Ranville War Cemetery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 142 reviews
Reviewed By Alan P - Aylesbury, United Kingdom
We visited here just after visiting the excellent nearby Pegasus Bridge museum. What a beautiful and emotional spot this is. The graves are all so immaculately cared for, and the location is so peaceful. Nowhere near the crowds you get at the US cemetery, in fact we were the onlynones there. A must see for any D Day tour to pay your respects to these brave men.
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