Distance (in km)
A place of rest for all those combatants who came so far from home,
A place of remembrance to honor the commitment in which they lost their lives,
A poignant place that immerses you in history and shakes you up,
An exceptional place in its beauty and its atmosphere of recollection and respect,
The sea, in all its majesty, refers to the eternity that now reigns over these places.
This is a visit that will leave a deep and lasting impression on you and your family, whatever their age.
Aerial views: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tsN-w1qs-w
The museum: https://www.musee-memorial-omaha.com/en/
A Benedictine abbey from the 12th century with some beautifully preserved buildings. The choir of the church and in particular its magnificent roof have just been restored and it is not finished, the refectory sees in its turn its roof being rejuvenated! Don't miss this exceptional site, a jewel of Norman heritage.
https://abbayedelongues.fr/?lang=en_GB
Made famous by the movie "The Longest Day", this impressive battery of 4 cannons and their observatory plunges you right into the heart of the recent history of this region. A guaranteed success with your children. https://bayeux-bessin-tourisme.com/en/visits/museums/sites/longues-sur-mer/batterie-allemande-de-longues-sur-mer
A wild and preserved setting. You are almost alone (yes, you have to walk 20 minutes before getting there, and you have to like pebbles, which discourages the less motivated!) You take full advantage of the majesty of the place. Bathing in the sea in sunny weather is the most pleasant at the end of the rising tide, the sea is warmer and you lose your footing very quickly! Take the car (it's only 5 minutes away), park in the battery parking lots and walk 20 minutes down to the sea.
You dream of a sandy beach, you will be served in Asnelles: A beautiful white sand on a wide beach. Even at high tide, there is room for everyone without stepping on each other. Bathing in the sea on a sunny day is most pleasant at the end of the rising tide, as the sea has warmed up on the sand. Good moments to spend with the family. Tip: on the way back, stop at the cookie factory " Les Sablés d'Asnelles ", totally delicious, guaranteed success with the children.
It's a 15-20 minute drive, park behind the pier, you're right on the beach!
The Bayeux Tapestry, a unique document in the world, is an embroidery of wool on a linen canvas made in the eleventh century. Almost 70 meters long and 50 centimeters high, it relates the conquest of England in 1066 by William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy. Remarkably preserved, the Tapestry is a living testimony of history. As you walk through it, listening to the well-made audio guides, you will relive the glorious hours of William as told by his wife Matilda. An adapted version of the audioguides is available for children under 12 years old. https://www.bayeuxmuseum.com/en/the-bayeux-tapestry/
If, like us, you like meringue, buttercream, almonds and nougatine, the Saint-Eve is made for you! Do not hesitate to taste this unique specialty from Bayeux!
Pâtisserie Ordioni
25 rue Saint-Jean
14400 Bayeux
http://www.patisserie-ordioni.fr (website in French only)
A path along the edge of the cliff (observe the warning signs) will lead you from the chaos of Longues to Port en Bessin. You will enjoy a sumptuous view of the sea and the Cotentin coast, the overhang on the inaccessible wild pages is also worth the detour. When you arrive in Port en Bessin, don't forget to have a beer on the terrace of the port! You leave on foot from the gite and reach "le chaos" where you will find the coastal path. Do not forget to ask the one who does not want to walk to come and pick you up by car in Port en Bessin, if you do not want to walk the same way in the opposite direction!
We love caramels ! The temple of the caramel is in the store of the caramels of Isigny. It offers you its famous caramels (in particular those with salted butter) and of course its incomparable camemberts with raw milk. Do not hesitate to plan a morning, which you can use to visit the caramel gallery!
Z.A. Isypole –
rue du 19 mars 1962
14230 Isigny-sur-mer
www.caramels-isigny.com (website in French only)
During the fishing season (from October 1st to May 15th), you will find on the fish market of Port en Bessin the freshly caught shells sold by the fisherman or his family. The shells from the Bay of Seine are always a real treat for us, to be prepared in the pan, in the oven or steamed. We like to accompany this dish of king with a good Chablis.
Fish and seafood market open every morning except for Monday
2 qui Letourneur
14520 Port en Bessin
One of our pleasures is to taste the artisanal ice creams with good Norman milk from the Haizerie farm. You can also find all sorts of pastries made with ice cream or sorbet, a real treat!
Ferme de la Haizerie
La Fosse
14400 Vaux sur Aure
02 31 92 46 44
Amateurs, you are in the right place to taste oysters, shrimps, crab and crabs! The Calvados coasts are full of treasures if you like seafood. You will find your happiness in any season in Port en Bessin or in Asnelles.
Between the sea and the countryside, Port-en-Bessin-Huppain is a picturesque and authentic city located 4 km from the old farm of Marigny. Nestled in a "green setting", the city of Port-en-Bessin-Huppain is a port with a prestigious historical past. Successively a military stronghold, a maritime city, an oil port, a commercial port and now a dynamic "artisanal" fishing port, Port-en-Bessin-Huppain has passed through the centuries, making its mark on history. Today, Port-en-Bessin-Huppain lives to the rhythm of the coming and going of trawlers... Its quays come alive with the tides and the return of the sailors who unload their catch under the auction. If you want to buy fish, shellfish or seafood, plan to come to the fish market in the early morning. If you just want to walk around, park your car at the front of the harbor and walk along the dikes. Thrills guaranteed in the fresh wind! On your way back, stop for a drink in one of the many bistros along the port. Take the opportunity to do some shopping, it's quite nice! https://www.portenbessin-huppain.fr/details/decouverte-de-la-cite-portaise/le-port-de-peche/ (website in French only)
A refined cuisine
When we want to celebrate a special event, for two or with our family, it's at the Angle Saint Laurent that we go. Exquisite and beautifully presented cuisine, a hostess who cares for us, we are never disappointed by this culinary experience. It is truly our favorite.
Every Friday at 11:00 pm, from the end of July to the end of August, a firework display is fired in Port en Bessin from the Vauban tower. A magnificent illumination of the port and the sea is offered to your eyes in a festive and summery atmosphere. We always enjoy this magical moment to share with the family, after having strolled through the stalls of the night market.
It's a pleasure to be so close to Port en Bessin, in 5 minutes by car, you are on the port, at the fish market to buy the products of the fishing of the day before or of the night. The fisherman or his family have their stall there, you will find according to the seasons of the sea bass, mackerel, sole, shells, monkfish, sea bream, brill and so many others!
Even when the fishermen do not go out in case of heavy weather, there are always 1 or 2 traders on site who ensure the sale of fresh fish.
Come early in the morning to take advantage of the largest selection possible!
The covered market is open every morning except for Monday
Dining with a view of the sea
Another place to enjoy seafood is the Hotel de la Marine in Arromanches, which we like for its exceptional view of the artificial port of Arromanches. Here too, remember to book in advance to get a good seat along the window.
https://www.hotel-de-la-marine.fr/language/fr/la-carte/
(menu only available in French on the website)
A dinner with a view of the sea
We love the atmosphere of Port en Bessin and we appreciate the fish. Our choice, the Hotel de la Marine! Think to book in advance to have a place in terrace or room with view on the outer harbor and the sea to attend the return of the fishing boats.
https://hoteldelamarine.fr/language/fr/le-restaurant/
(menu only available in French on the website)
A refined cuisine
We are charmed by the cuisine of 6.3, refined and renewed every year. An original menu for gourmets. Unfortunately, you won't find its menu on the web. Make a reconnaissance on the spot before going there, it is not far!
63 route de Bayeux in Port en Bessin
Tel 02 31 92 17 66
Simple cooking on a budget
When we want a lunch based on home cooking, without lingering too much because the day's schedule is busy, it is the bar de la criée that we choose. It is simple but good.
2 quai Général de Gaulle
Tel 02 31 22 73 84
Throughout history, Bayeux has been a crossroads for the many countries that border this historic town. No wonder everyone meets once a week for the market, which is one of the most important in the region. Not only will you find (among other things) plenty of fresh produce, local dairy products and cheeses, farm poultry, but you will also find all sorts of live farmyard animals, rabbits, chickens, ducks, cats… giving this market a color and animation worthy of the tradition of the markets of the past.
Great market on Saturday morning
Small market on Wednesday mornings
