Itinéraire vélo : de Caen à Luc-sur-Mer

Located in the immediate vicinity of the D-Day Landing beaches, the Mémorial de Caen visitor centre is among the must-see sites focusing on the Battle of Normandy and 20th century history. From the origins of World War II to the end of the Cold War, museographical displays tell of these dark pages of 20th century history. Caen, bombarded during the summer of 1944, a liberated yet martyred city, deserved a tribute well worthy of the suffering it endured. Such is the aim of the Mémorial de Caen, but via action with a perpetual perspective - that of reconciliation. Over your visit, you will discover the historic events that marked World War II, from the onslaught of Nazism to the Normandy landings, via the Holocaust. Several films ensure a comprehensive and diversified visit. A museum area is specially devoted to the Cold War and to press illustrations. Constantly renewed for over ten years, the centre is at the heart of current reflection on the place of History in our societies. New film, ‘1944: Saving Europe’. Audio guides are available in French, English, German, Spanish, Italian and Dutch. Guided tours available through the trail focusing on World War II. You can also complete your visit over a guided tour of the D-Day Landing beaches or a city tour of Caen.

The Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Étienne in Caen was founded in 1063 by William the Conqueror. The church dates mainly from the 11th and 13th centuries and houses the tomb of the Duke of Normandy and King of England. The former monastery, which was damaged during the Wars of Religion and rebuilt in the 18th century, is now the seat of Caen City Council. Visitors can explore the cloister and several historical exhibitions there.

Founded around 1060 by Matilda, wife of William the Conqueror, this abbey for Benedictine nuns enjoyed great renown from the 11th century to the French Revolution. Its abbey church - the Holy Trinity church. Its 18th century convent buildings are now home to the Lower Normandy Regional Council. Guided tours every day at 2.30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Visits in both French and English - 1 hour 15 minutes.

Radar Station 44: a different perspective on the D-Day landings! Enjoy a timeless experience at a memorial site that is truly one of a kind. Housed in the former German ‘Distelfink’ detection station, Radar Station 44 invites you to discover the hidden side of the D-Day landings: that of technology and detection. This unique site on the D-Day beaches sheds light on a little-known aspect of the Second World War and the decisive role that electronic warfare played in the course of the conflict. Here, you can explore history through authentic installations and a vivid approach to heritage. Why you’ll love the experience: - An exceptional exhibition: Set within period bunkers, the museum presents the history of the site and of radar. It is now the only site in France to house one of the world’s few remaining examples of the giant Würzburg-Riese radar. - Immersion in the original bunkers: Step inside the period casemates to discover what goes on behind the scenes. This indoor tour allows you to imagine the daily lives of the operators and how the first detection machines worked in their original setting. Do feel free to venture down into the basement of the largest underground bunker in Calvados, the ANTON or L479, which has a floor area of around 400m². - A passionate welcome: The history is brought to life by volunteers whose explanations and guidance make the story both captivating and accessible. - Events throughout the year: Exhibitions of military vehicles, immersive tours for families as part of the ‘Etonnants Patrimoine’ programme… This site is suitable for a wide range of visitors: - Fancy some fresh air? Stroll along the paths laid out across this 3.5-hectare site overlooking the Normandy countryside. - Bringing your pet? The museum welcomes dogs with special care (including a ‘dog bar’), so that no one is left at the door. Maximum of 3 dogs, kept on a lead. - Environmentally conscious visitor? With its ‘Accueil Vélo’ accreditation, the site offers a reduced ‘Low-Carbon’ rate for visitors arriving by sustainable transport. Come and discover history brought to life In brief: Set within an authentic German aerial detection radar station dating from 1944, the converted underground bunkers offer an insight into the daily lives of German soldiers and civilians, the construction of the Atlantic Wall, the history of the station and the radar, as well as its decisive role in the success of the D-Day landings. Tours in French and English. Audio guides in French, English, Dutch, German, Spanish and Italian.

It was completed on the south side of Douvres-la-Délivrande on grounds that belong to the French State. It has been given to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission which is in charge of its maintenance. It is one of the 17 British war cemeteries in Calvados. The cemetery contains 923 British graves, 180 German graves, 11 Canadian graves, 3 Australian graves, 1 Polish grave of an unknown soldier.

Closed for renovation. Scheduled to reopen in 2028 with a new museum space. The Tourist Information Centre will be temporarily relocated to the Salle du Parc, near the municipal police station. On the night of 14–15 January 1885, a 40-tonne whale, 19 metres long, washed up on the shores of the Côte de Nacre at a place known as ‘Brèche du Moulin’. Today, the whale is the pride of Luc-sur-Mer, where we are lucky enough to be able to get up close to its immense skeleton in the Municipal Park, much to the delight of young and old alike. At the same spot, come and discover the Maison de la Baleine, which tells the incredible story of this whale that washed up in Normandy, as well as the history of this species of cetacean. Inside, you’ll find a section on legends and anecdotes about whales, a fact sheet on whaling and whale conservation, a scientific section detailing the anatomical and physiological characteristics of these mammals, a film recounting the story of ‘Luc’s whale’, a retrospective on the stranding of the ‘Lutine’ whale featuring period documents, and finally a shop selling souvenirs, postcards, books and more… The Maison de la Baleine houses the tourist information centre

On the east side of the seawall, the fishermen’s pier is an extension to the Brèche Marais Street. It was brought from Ouistreham’s outer harbour in 1971. It has become a popular fishing spot for anglers.