Visit Arromanches-les-Bains in Normandy
If you’re looking for a small coastal town to visit while exploring Normandy that is loaded with history, look no further than Arromanches-Les-Baines. Arromanches is a short 20-minute drive from Bayeux and a 30-minute drive to the American Cemetery. My first visit to Arromanches was in 1998 when I was studying abroad in Caen, France. During my most recent trip, I spent a full day reexploring the town and learning more about what transpired here during the summer of 1944.
Mulberry Harbor
During World War II, Arromanches was the town the allies chose to direct some of their supplies into Normandy. Soon after June 6, 1944, the Allies placed the Mulberry Harbor or artificial floating bridge to bring in supplies to the battle. A total of 9,000 tons of supplies entered Arromanches per day during this time period. Some of the parts of the bridge were too large to move after the war so they were left where they were first placed decades ago.
Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during World War II raised the issue of creating a floating Port in Normandy. He stated, “The problem must be mastered.” Major Allen Beckett, a Civil Engineer answered the challenge by designing the floating roadways, piers, and the Kite anchors that allowed supplies to flow into Normandy. Beckett’s floating port was a key to victory in Normandy.
D-Day Museum
There are several museums in Arromanches, but the two main museums are the D-Day Museum and the Arromanches 360. I will discuss the 360 Cinema later in the post. The D-Day Museum is highly recommended. The museum is where you will learn more about the technical ingenuity of the artificial port. During my visit in October 2021, the museum was being expanded and the work is expected to be completed in 2023.
Town Center
Arromanches’ town center is filled with shops, bars, and restaurants. Therefore, you will have several options to choose from for lunch or dinner. I had lunch at LES BAINS D’ETE. I selected their delicious Charcuterie Board and I was not disappointed.
West Ridge
After lunch, I hiked up the West Ridge to sean an old WWII bunker and to also take some photographs of the remaining Mulberry Bridge. I also encounter some local wildlife during my hike. Once you get to the top of the ridge, you will encounter amazing views of the town and the coastline. If you continue hiking down the trail, you will come to Colleville Sur Mer, where the Normandy American Cemetery is located. The hike should take around 4 hours.
World Travelers Today’s Video on Arromanches-les-Bains
East Ridge
At the top of the East Ridge is the Arromanches 360 Cinema. The cinema’s video has recently been updated since my last visit. It provides viewers with an intense experience of the Battle of Normandy. However, I was extremely disappointed with the last parts of the video. In no way does the music or statement at the end pay respect to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice during World War II. I wrote to the museum and provided them with my opinion.
Near the Arromanches 360 Cinema, you will encounter relatively new sculptures of Britsh Soldiers landing on Gold Beach. The sculptures are powerful and they display the sacrifice British Soldiers endured during the landing.
I hope you have enjoyed this post and that it provides you with enough information about this historical town in Normandy.
If you would like for me to custom-design your trip to Normandy, please contact me to learn more.
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