History and relaxation at the heart of the D-Day landing beaches with motorhome.
Cœur de Nacre is the ideal base for a successful motorhome D-Day landing.
Our top arguments for staying in the destination with motorhome
- An ideal geographical location to discover Normandy,
- Historical visits within easy reach on the D-Day landing beaches,
- Local markets and the famous Courseulles-sur-Mer fish market,
- Solutions for staying just a stone’s throw from the sea,
- The bicycle and nothing but the bicycle as the preferred means of transport during the holidays.
Cœur de Nacre: The gateway to do D-Day landing with motorhome
Mont-Saint-Michel, Etretat, Bayeux, Honfleur… so many major stages and routes to discover.
While it’s ambitious, this guide can help you plan a memorable trip, even if you can’t see everything.
A stay between Caen and Bayeux provides easy access to both the historic sites of the Bessin and the seaside charm of the Côte Fleurie.
credit : les valises de sarah calvados attractivité
Cœur de Nacre destination or: how to radiate fully in the heart of the D-Day landing beaches?
Successful motorhome holidays on D-Day landing beaches : tips and advice.
The D-Day beaches are 80 kilometres of coastline to discover, combining vestiges of the past and splendid wild landscapes.
Our day or two-day motorhome tour takes you along the 9 kilometers of coastline (D514).
Follow the footsteps of Canadian liberators from Luc-sur-Mer to Juno Beach.
Later, we’ll highlight key locations to explore at your own pace during your motorhome visit to Cœur de Nacre.
Make way for history and the assault on historic sites…
Base your D-Day trip on Juno Beach in Cœur de Nacre.
This itinerary of remembrance can of course be extended and completed by the discovery of other sectors to the west and east, devoted to mainly American and British troops.
Credit : G. Wait
Stage 1: the seaside resort of Courseulles-sur-Mer
This dynamic family seaside resort has a close link with the sea.
It lives to the rhythm of its fishing and yachting port.
The town becomes a family-friendly seaside resort in summer.
Enjoy local shops and fresh seafood restaurants.
The fish market is the first stop on the route and the DNA of the town.
You’ll breathe in the invigorating iodine of the sea spray, and enjoy the excitement of a fishing trip…
the extra: The commune offers parking and services near Parc de l’édit and free parking on Avenue de la Combattante.
“No middleman, from boat to plate”.
Laëtitia – fisherman
Once you’ve loaded up your shopping bag with seafood and returned it to the camper van, head for the town’s west beach.
Head for the Juno Beach Centre, to pay tribute to Canadian soldiers.
Their history and role during the Second World War are recounted through films, period objects, temporary exhibitions and educational and commemorative events held throughout the year (with the exception of the closing month of January).
And don’t miss the opportunity to take a guided tour of Juno Park, every day from April to October.
Here, in the company of a French-Canadian guide, you’ll discover the remains of the German defensive stronghold built during the Occupation.
If you plan to visit in the morning, you can even enjoy a picnic on the lovely beach in front of the museum.
What could be better?
2nd stage: Head for the countryside, the Douvres-la-Délivrande radar station and the Reviers/Bény-sur-Mer cemetery.
Reviers/Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery
As a first stop on this second day, we recommend a visit to this emotionally-charged site, which will plunge you into the harsh reality of this period and complete your visit to the Juno Beach Center.
- The 1944 Radar Station at Douvres-la-Délivrande
Among the 2,049 graves are 335 soldiers of the 3rd Canadian Division who landed on Juno Beach on June 6, 1944.
Built by the Germans between 1942 and 1944, this station, with its five radars capable of detection up to 400 kilometers away, is one of the most important in the Atlantic Wall air defense chain.
The station was garrisoned by no fewer than 230 Luftwaffe troops.
NB: located just 5 minutes from Courseulles-sur-Mer, cycling is still an option, but be careful: you’ll be using busy roads.
Canadian War Cemetery in Bény-sur-mer/ Reviers
BENY-SUR-MER
It is in this Bény-sur-Mer Reviers Canadian War Cemetery that the 335 soldiers of the 3rd Canadian Division who landed […]
Radar 44 Museum
DOUVRES-LA-DELIVRANDE
The only radar station kept in its originals state of the D-Day Landing beaches. It is located in an authentic […]
Stage 3: The medieval interlude
From the hinterland, you’ll be charmed by the charming limestone villages of Caen and Creully, shaped since the time of William the Conqueror.
Today, we’re off to Fontaine-Henry to visit a “Loire château lost in Normandy”.
Its imprint left its mark on an entire territory, and many of its vestiges are still visible today.
Not to be missed is the Château de Fontaine-Henry, a magnificent Renaissance residence renowned for having the highest roofs in France.
Credit : Sabina Lorkin
Where can I park my motorhome between Luc-sur-Mer and Courseulles-sur-Mer during the 80th anniversary of D-Day?
The Cœur de Nacre destination offers easy parking solutions in the seaside towns.
We invite you to take a look at the different areas or parking lots that will allow you to extend your vacation time with us:
Motorhome park Avenue de la Combattante
COURSEULLES-SUR-MER
Communal motorhome parking area on Avenue de la Combattante. 22 pitches. Tables, satellite dishes and wedges may not be removed. […]
Is it possible to spend the night at a campsite?
Yes, it’s possible. The 5* Camping de la Côte de Nacre in Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer welcomes you from April to September in a complex just a stone’s throw from the sea.
In the commune of Luc-sur-Mer, you’ll be delighted to stay at this 5* family campsite located just 50 meters from shops and the beach.
Campsite la Côte de Nacre – Sandaya
SAINT-AUBIN-SUR-MER
The Camping de la Côte de Nacre, in Saint Aubin sur Mer, welcomes you to a 10-hectare complex with a […]
Campsite la Capricieuse – Yelloh Village
LUC-SUR-MER
Come and discover the 5-star Camping La Capricieuse on the seafront. The campsite is located 50 m from the beach […]
What are the best months for a motorhome trip to the D-Day landing sites?
If you want to make the most of your trip to Normandy in a motorhome, you’ll need to leave in summer.
During the summer months, the coast is packed with festive events and activities.
Enjoy a stroll along the Normandy coast while soaking up the sun and warmth.
Prefer spring or autumn if you want to avoid the tourist crowds.
In low season, you can enjoy your Normandy road trip in a motorhome with complete peace of mind.
And of course this year from the end of May to the end of August, to take advantage of the dday entertainment program.
The Cœur de Nacre destination is also a land of nature and escape…
Did you bring the bikes?
We’ve got everything you need to make the most of it…
Normandy is first and foremost a remarkable coastal landscape, with views of the sea and hilly circuits in the hinterland.
Discover stunning coastal and rural views during your stay.
There is no shortage of places dedicated to cycling:
Choice 1: Explore La Capricieuse, a green haven between Luc-sur-Mer and Douvres-la-Délivrande.
Choice 2: Head for the Côte de Nacre coast and cross the D-Day landing beaches with Vélomaritime.
Made up of shared lanes, cycle paths and other greenways, this cycle route offers breathtaking panoramic views of the sea.
Choice 3: Cycle a 13km D-Day loop from Courseulles-sur-Mer, exploring Canadian history.
