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.

Founded in 1063 by William the Conqueror, the Benedictine abbey of Saint Etienne (Saint Stephen) in Caen was consecrated in 1077. The 18th century monastic buildings housing the cloister, the wood-panelled rooms hung with paintings, and the Guardroom are today home to the Caen Town Hall. William the Conqueror is laid to rest in the abbey church. Guided tours : - In French, from October 1st to March 31th from monday to friday at 10:30am and 2:30pm. On Sundays (only during school holidays) at 10:30am, 2:30pm and 4pm. - From July 1st to August 31th : in french, every day at 10am, 11am, 12:30pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm and 5:30pm. In English every day at 11am, 1:30pm and 4pm.

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.

Station Radar 44: another look at D-Day! Enjoy a timeless experience at a unique remembrance site. Housed in the former German "Distelfink" detection station, Station Radar 44 invites you to discover the hidden face of D-Day: that of technology and detection. This unique site on the D-Day landing beaches lifts the veil on a little-known aspect of the Second World War and the decisive importance that electronic warfare had on the course of the conflict. Here, history is explored through authentic installations and a living approach to heritage. Why you'll love the experience: - An exceptional room: the museum presents the history of the site and the radar in the period bunkers. Today, it is the only site in France to display one of the few remaining examples of the giant Würzburg-Riese radar in the world. - Immerse yourself in the original bunkers: push open the doors of the original casemates to discover what went on behind the scenes. This interior tour allows you to imagine the daily life of the operators and how the first detection machines worked in their original environment. - A passionate welcome: The story is shared with you by volunteers whose explanations and mediation make the story captivating and accessible. - Events throughout the year: Exhibitions of military vehicles, "Etonnants Patrimoine" immersive tours for families... The site is suitable for a wide range of visitors: - Looking for fresh air? Stroll along the paths laid out on this 3.5 hectare site overlooking the Normandy countryside. - With your pet? The museum welcomes dogs with special attention (doggie bar), so that no one is left at the door. Maximum 3 dogs on a lead. - A committed visitor? The site has been awarded the "Accueil Vélo" label, and offers a reduced "low-carbon" rate for visitors arriving by soft mobility. Come and discover a living history In a nutshell: Housed in an authentic 1944 German Air Radar Station, the converted underground bunkers give you 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, and its decisive role in the success of D-Day. Tours in French and English. Audioguides 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.

On the night of 14 to 15 January 1885, a 40-tonne, 19-metre whale washed up on the shores of the Côte de Nacre at a place known as the "Brèche du Moulin". Today, the whale is the pride of Luc-sur-mer, where we are lucky enough to be able to approach its immense skeleton in the municipal park, much to the delight of young and old alike. In the same place, come and discover the Maison de la Baleine (Whale House), which tells the incredible story of the whale that washed up in Normandy, as well as the history of this species of cetacean. Inside you'll find an area devoted to stories and anecdotes about whales, a memorandum on whale hunting and protection, a scientific area containing anatomical and physiological data on these mammals, a video room showing a film retracing the history of the Luc whale, a retrospective on the beaching of the elfin whale with documents from the period, and a shop selling souvenirs, postcards, books, etc. The Maison de la Baleine houses the tourist office.

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.