GR®223 - Utah Beach - Sainte-Mère-Eglise

A 15 km stage with sandy paths, earth tracks and asphalt roads on the way to the famous town of Sainte-Mère-Église.
Starting at the Musée du Débarquement, follow the departmental road along the sea, then head off towards the dunes. A stop at the shop “Aux Viviers d’Utah Beach” is a must, to try or take away some of the special Utah Beach oysters. Farmed on the foreshore, they have a delicious characteristic flavour. The company also farms bouchot mussels, which you can see on the stakes in the bay.
After this tasting session, head back to the coastal path; from there you have a striking view of the first beach stormed by the Allies on 6 June 1944. Today, this 5 km long beach is a top spot for sand yachting. If you fancy having a go at this exhilarating activity, contact Utah Mer Loisirs.
Once you get to the Leclerc monument, it’s time to head away from the coast and follow more stable paths through wetland landscapes. This monument commemorates the Allied landings of 6 June, but also the landing of the French 2nd Armoured Division commanded by General Leclerc on 1 August 1944. You can see a Sherman tank, a light armoured vehicle, a half track and the n°1 marker of the Route of the 2nd Armoured Division. Next, leave the memorial behind you as you head towards Saint-Martin-de-Varreville then Turqueville. The spire of the church in Sainte-Mère-Église can be seen in the distance, meaning your destination is close by. To finish this day of walking, head to the brewery in Sainte-Mère-Église and choose from blonde, brown, red, white, or IPA ales, as you sit comfortably in the pub and watch the brewers at work behind the window.