If you’re interested in history and heritage, you’ll be in your element! Explore the architectural, historical and natural heritage of Cœur de Nacre and its museums.
Credit : V. Rustuel
2h30 from Paris, the Cœur de Nacre destination is located in Normandy, on the D-Day beaches of the Canadian Juno and British Sword sectors, close to Caen and Bayeux.
12 communes, from Luc-sur-Mer to Courseulles-sur-Mer via Douvres-la-Délivrande, make Cœur de Nacre a privileged destination for familie s: water sports, large sandy beaches, hiking trails, D-Day memorial sites… not forgetting the architectural and historical nuggets to be discovered while strolling around.
Each commune has a unique identity, with its own unique memorial, architectural and natural heritage.
You’re interested in :
Old stone buildings
As you stroll around, immerse yourself in the picturesque villages built of Caen stone located around Douvres-la-Delivrande. Medieval fortifications, Roman and Gothic churches and Rococo villas, soak up History ! Discover our walking circuits to admire the historical, architectural and natural heritage of the Cote de Nacre seaside resorts and the country villages.
The Second World War
The historic battle of 1944 took place in Normandy. On 6th of June, over 150 000 soldiers landed by sea and air in Normandy to liberate France and then Europe from the grip of the Nazis.
Retrace the steps of the Canadian and British soldiers who liberated us on Juno beach (Canadian sector) and Sword beach (British sector).
Visit the remains of the Atlantic Wall and the museums dedicated to the history of the Second World War, such as the Radar museum in Douvres-la-Délivrande and the Juno Beach Centre in Courseulles-sur-Mer.
Spend some quiet time at the graves of those who gave their lives for our freedom, at the Reviers-Beny Canadian cemetery.
The fashion for sea bathing
Bathing in the sea was fashionable in the 19th century; the railway lines were developed to encourage Parisians to come on holiday in Normandy.
Fishing villages gave way to pretty seaside resorts with parks and gardens along the Côte de Nacre. Some Belle Epoque villas still overlook the sea at Courseulles-sur-Mer, Bernières-sur-Mer, Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer, Langrune-sur-Mer and Luc-sur-Mer.
Excursions and tours
Visit the D-Day beaches with a driver, take a jeep ride to discover the remains of the Atlantic Wall or go to Mont Saint-Michel.
