Saint-Laurent-Sur-Mer at Omaha Beach

Saint-Laurent-Sur-Mer is closely connected with Omaha Beach and the history of the landings. The museum, memorial sites, coastal scenery and various sporting activities offer different ways to spend your stay. If you are looking for a hotel for your trip, you can weigh these options and decide whether to focus mainly on historical context or also make time for outdoor activities. Individual activities have their own requirements: some are seasonal, while others require a reservation or prior arrangement.

Museum and memorial sites

The Omaha Beach Memorial Museum can be visited on a self-guided tour. It is located 200 metres from Omaha Beach and covers an area of 1,400 m². The exhibition includes personal items from the period, uniforms, weapons, vehicles, photographs and archival documents. It also features a 25-minute documentary film with veterans recounting their experiences. The exhibition may change in the future.

The beach’s historical name also helps put the area in context: because of the heavy losses suffered by the U.S. V Corps, Omaha Beach became known in history as Bloody Omaha, or Omaha la sanglante. Les Braves on the beach at Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer consists of three groups of sculptures. The memorial honours the courage of the soldiers who came to liberate France and, beyond it, the world. Les Braves is accessible free of charge all year round; check local access conditions before your visit.

The Maison de la Libération was the first house liberated by U.S. troops who landed at Omaha Beach. It recreates the setting of 1944 using original materials from the 1940s, sourced from families in the Omaha Beach area. Evening gatherings featuring accounts from veterans, members of the Resistance and civilians take place by arrangement. This programme may change; if you plan to attend one of these gatherings, confirm the arrangements in advance.

Beach, scenery and activities

Omaha Beach is home to a variety of natural habitats. Their characteristics depend on the distance from the sea, the orientation and the nature of the ground. After passing the American cemetery, the GR®223 reaches the beach at Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer. As trail conditions can change, it is advisable to check the current situation before setting out.

Omaha Beach is also suitable for water-based and other sporting activities; availability may vary seasonally. The Eolia Normandie base is located in Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer, on Rue B. Anquetil. Its programme includes coastal water walking, Nordic walking, trail running, hiking and fat biking. Providers and programmes may change, so check current availability. A guided E-Fatbike tour in Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer follows Omaha Beach and passes Les Braves. The tour requires a reservation, and its availability may also change.

The Ruquet car park is on the eastern edge of Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer, in the direction of the Sapinière restaurant. Check local parking conditions before your arrival.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Victot-Pontfol, Fourneville, Bernières-le-Patry, Fontaine-Le-Pin, La Folie, Surville, Trévières, Troarn

For the main travel guide: Calvados.