Omaha Beach, a place steeped in history

Originally

8 kilometres of fine sand, symbolising for all eternity the fight for freedom and fraternity between peoples. Divided into four sectors by the names of Charlie, Dog, Easy, and Fox, this beach is the most renowned of the D-Day landing sites, spanning from Vierville-sur-Mer to Colleville-sur-Mer. More than 34,000 young soldiers left their imprint here, many of them stepping onto French soil for the first time.

Throughout the centuries

Operation Neptune stands as a pivotal moment in human history, notably documented by some of the most celebrated figures in both written and photographic journalism. From the iconic imagery of Robert Capa to the poignant prose of Ernest Hemingway, and the firsthand accounts of Walter Cronkite, it remains a vivid memory that transcends the shores of the Côte de Nacre. Its legacy lives on through the relentless veterans of this pivotal conflict, making Normandy including the coast of Calvados a prominent destination for remembrance tourism, with over five million annual visitors.

Nowadays

The iconic scenes of Omaha Beach and the D-Day landing sites have served as inspiration for artists of the past and continue to fuel the creativity of modern creators. From the classic film The Longest Day, starring iconic English, American, and French actors of its era, including Bourvil and Arletty, to video games such as Call of Duty and the unforgettable Saving Private Ryan, the beaches of the Bessin region remain firmly etched in our collective consciousness. So much so, it is the most talked-about French coastline across social media platforms!

Did you know?

• The American cemetery of “Bloody Omaha” commemorates the thousand American soldiers who fell during the assault on this beach, totaling 9,387 combat casualties.

• Three municipalities for one beach: Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer, Colleville-sur-Mer, and Vierville-sur-Mer all border Omaha Beach, constituting the epicentre of the Normandy landings on June 6, 1944. The eight kilometres of landing zone extend along the western coast of Calvados, from Sainte-Honorine-des-Pertes in the east to Vierville-sur-Mer in the west.

• "The Longest Day," an epic three-hour film from 1962, was the first to portray the D-Day landing, over fifteen years after the event. Four international directors helmed an extensive cast featuring Bourvil and Arletty alongside Richard Burton and Henry Fonda. This cinematic endeavour was produced by the legendary Darryl F. Zanuck. Over 2,000 soldiers were specially enlisted for the production.

• Monuments for history: Situated seaside, the Signal Monument commemorates the landing. Inaugurated on June 6, 1957, it is part of a series of similar monuments bearing the same title in other coastal towns. A more unique monument, titled "Les Braves," created by Anilore Banon, stands on Omaha Beach since 2004.

• Remembrance tourism: 94 memorial sites and places of interest linked to the Second World War can be discovered in Normandy, making it the region's leading theme for visits.

• The Overlord Museum chronicles the history of the six armies engaged in the Normandy battle, from the landing to the liberation of Paris. Curated over 40 years, the collection includes over 10,000 pièces, mostly objects and vehicles, presented through reconstruction scenes, including some at human scale and with dioramas.

• "Swim and run": Crossing the five D-Day beaches is a sports challenge - more of a tribute than a competition - in honour of the soldiers. It is open to firefighters and licensed triathletes, covering a 72-kilometre running and 13-kilometre swimming course. One option is to choose a specific beach section for the race.

• Best of D-Day by bike is a unique cycling experience that combines culture, exploration of historical sites, and the beauty of Normandy landscapes. Two loops starting from Bayeux make up the route, with one centred on Omaha Beach. It involves a ride through fields, green alleys, and beaches from Vierville-sur-Mer to Sainte-Honorine-des-Pertes.

• A great sandcastle competition: Beach’Art is the sandcastle competition in Vierville-sur-Mer, held annually at the end of July. Accompanied by a beach clean-up in a friendly atmosphere, the sand drawings can be seen from hundreds of metres away.