Colleville-Montgomery: Beach, Nature and History

Colleville-Montgomery brings together a beach, nature trails and places with a layered history. When looking for a hotel for your stay, you can first consider whether you want to focus primarily on time by the sea, walks in nature, or cultural and military history. The town’s sights and activities offer a range of ways to explore these interests.

Beach and Water Sports

Colleville-Montgomery’s beach is sandy and used for walking and swimming. A natural dune shapes this stretch of coast; no reinforced sea wall was built in its place. Beach activities and a natural coastline go hand in hand here. If you’re planning your days by the water, you can consider the beach both for a walk and for swimming.

At the beach, Espace Nautique offers courses, lessons and equipment rental. These include stand-up paddleboarding lessons for beginners and advanced participants. The program may vary, so check in advance which courses and rental options are available during your stay. This allows you to make water sports a focus of your trip in its own right, without treating them as the same as other beach activities.

Nature and Trails

Bois du Caprice can be accessed via Chemin des Pèlerins and Chemin du Petit Bonheur. Information boards along the route provide information about the local flora and fauna. Those who pay attention to their surroundings as they walk will find prompts to appreciate the local nature more consciously.

Another named trail starts at Chemin de la Fontaine in Colleville-Montgomery and heads towards Marais de Colleville-Ouistreham. The marshland is just a short walk from the sea. The two route descriptions highlight different features: information boards accompany the walk through Bois du Caprice, while Chemin de la Fontaine leads towards the coastal marsh.

Kentish plovers can once again be found on the shores of Colleville-Montgomery. Sightings are seasonal, and nesting conditions vary. Colleville-Montgomery has also joined the “ILOT DE TRANQUILLITE” charter. This can be considered as a distinct aspect of the commune alongside its nature trails and coastal landscape.

Architectural History, Art and Remembrance

At the Church of Saint-Vigor de Colleville, the Romanesque nave dates from the late 11th century and the choir from the 12th century. Some elements of the church are listed as historic monuments. The different dates provide two points of reference for the building’s history: the nave from the late 11th century and the later choir. Anyone interested in historic architecture can explore these building elements and the monument listing as distinct aspects of the town’s history.

The fortified site Site Fortifié Hillman comprises 18 casemates and underground fortifications built by German troops between 1942 and 1944. It served as the command post for the German defences along the Côte de Nacre. The outdoor area is open year-round; check the current visiting arrangements before your trip. The site offers concrete insights into the fortifications’ design and their military history.

Galerie de la Dune is an art space for art and culture. It opened on 26 June 2026 and hosts artists for one or two weeks at a time. Meet-the-artist sessions and events for all visitor groups are held occasionally; the program may change. If this cultural focus is important to your trip, check the dates for your visit.

Discover more destinations: Épron, Honfleur, Longueville, Deux-Jumeaux, Lasson, Saint-Contest, Manvieux, Pierrefitte-en-Cinglais.

For the wider travel overview: Calvados.