Ouistreham: Coast, Nature and History

Ouistreham brings together a distinctive coastal landscape, natural areas and places that highlight its architectural and military history. Those looking for a hotel in Ouistreham can plan their trip around these themes: Pointe du Siège and Bois du Caprice offer different ways to experience nature, while Église Saint-Samson, Grange aux Dîmes and Grand Bunker explore different historical topics. Bus and ferry connections are also relevant when planning your journey.

Coast and Nature in Ouistreham

East of Ouistreham’s locks lies Pointe du Siège, a 1.5-kilometre-long sandspit. Part of it is protected by the Conservatoire du Littoral. Pointe du Siège is home to numerous resident and migratory bird species, including the Kentish plover, the little egret and the Eurasian curlew. Its coastal landscape and birdlife give this place a different character from the woodland of Bois du Caprice.

Bois du Caprice is protected as an Espace naturel sensible and extends across Ouistreham Riva-Bella, Colleville-Montgomery and Saint-Aubin d’Arquenay. A 2.5-kilometre circular trail runs through this natural area, which spans three municipalities. The two nature areas are therefore distinct in their character: Pointe du Siège is defined by its sandspit and bird species, while Bois du Caprice is known for its protected natural environment and circular trail.

Buildings and History

Église Saint-Samson was built in the 12th century and is a Romanesque building. It has been listed as a Monument historique since 1840. Its former role extended beyond that of a church: in the past, it served as a fortified watch post, a beacon and nautical marker, and a lookout post for seafaring. Architecture and maritime history come together in this building.

Grange aux Dîmes also has a long history. It was first mentioned in 1257 and rebuilt in the 15th and 16th centuries. It has been protected as a Monument historique since 1971. These dates clearly distinguish between its first mention, its later rebuilding and its protected status.

Grand Bunker is a fully renovated former command post and fire-control bunker, converted into a museum about the Atlantic Wall in Normandy. Visitors can explore the five levels of the former defence centre. They illustrate its main functions and the atmosphere on the eve of the landings. From the roof, there is a full 360-degree panorama over the mouth of the Orne and the landing beaches.

Another viewpoint is the Phare de Ouistreham: a visit involves climbing 171 spiral steps to a height of 38 metres. From there, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree view of the town and the horizon. The staircase and panoramic view offer a different way to explore the town’s history from the exhibitions at Grand Bunker.

Beach and Getting There

Ouistreham Riva-Bella is associated with Sword Beach. It was the only landing beach where French soldiers came ashore. A specific local rule applies to another beach activity: from the 2026 season, land sailing is permitted in a designated area on Riva-Bella Beach. It lies east of the central Riva Bella bathing area (S1) and extends to the dune.

For bus travel, Twisto line 12 connects Caen SNCF railway station with Lion-sur-Mer. The route passes through Ouistreham Riva-Bella, Colleville-Montgomery and Hermanville-sur-Mer. As routes and service patterns can change, check the current route before travelling. The tourist harbour of Ouistreham Riva-Bella offers three daily ferry crossings to Portsmouth, England. Frequency and timetables may change, so check the current schedule with the operator before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Castilly, Genneville, Saint-Louet-Sur-Seulles, Saint-Martin-des-Besaces, Ablon, Ouffières, Saint-Arnoult, Saint-Pierre-Azif.

For the overview of the wider area: Calvados.