The seaside resort of Arromanches-les-Bains is inextricably linked with the liberation of western Europe following D-Day. Along with the staggeringly large concrete blocks remaining from the Mulberry Harbour towed over from Britain in June 1944, war museums bring the massive Allied operations here back to life. Today, Arromanches-les-Bains is a popular seaside resort.
An artificial harbour for the Allied troops
The seaside resort was a priority target for the Allied troops, who wanted to build an artificial port to supply the landed troops with weapons and ammunition. The port was meant to be temporary, lasting maybe three months. It served for some five months. The Mulberry Harbour in Arromanches-les-Bains became known as Port Winston, after British wartime leader Winston Churchill, who was closely involved in its conception. A staggering 2.5 million men, 500,000 vehicles and four million tonnes of supplies arrived via Port Winston. Many mysterious relics litter these beaches, which were so important in the liberation of Europe from the Nazis. Cemeteries, museums and panoramic views have been created to help us understand and appreciate the significance of the D-Day Landings and the Battle of Normandy. But let’s not forget that Arromanches had a history before the Second World War: the first traces of settlement date back to the Iron Age. A fishing and farming village, Arromanches-les-Bains has been a popular holiday resort since the 1870s. Nestled between the cliffs, the town offers visitors peace and tranquillity.
Despite all its somber reminders of the shattering war effort, Arromanches has a good deal of charm, offering wonderful beach and cliff walks. Wandering around the town, you can also spot some intriguing memorials.
What to see and do in Arromanches
- D-Day Museum (Musée du Débarquement): This central museum right on the seafront focuses on the D-Day Landings and the crucial months of Allied action that followed. It goes into fascinating detail about the setting up of the Mulberry Harbour here with the help of various scaled down models. There are also some powerful videos to watch.
- Arromanches 360: Archive footage of the D-Day Landings bombards you from all sides in this circular cinema which opened for the 50th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy. This footage takes you racing through the 100 days of the Battle of Normandy to liberate the region before the Allies moved on to free the rest of Europe from Nazi occupation.
Places to visit in the area
A weekend in Arromanches
Our train trip ideas
Explore Normandy at your own pace and enjoy a more responsible holiday. You’ll also find some of our best addresses: hotels, restaurants and places to visit, all accessible without a car.
