Merville Battery (Batterie de Merville)
Place du 9ème Bataillon, Merville-Franceville-Plage, Normandy, 14810
Merville Battery (Batterie de Merville) was a coastal fortification built by the Nazis in Merville-Franceville as part of the Atlantic Wall during World War II. Because this particular battery was better fortified than similar installations, it was one of the first to be attacked by Allied forces on D-Day. The on-site museum contains a reconstituted gun chamber and an educational trail explaining the battery's operation.
The basics
British paratroopers successfully captured Merville Battery on June 6, 1944; they mistakenly believed the battery contained heavy-caliber weapons that could threaten the nearby beach landings. But they instead discovered inoffensive World War I vintage guns. The battery comprised four six-foot-thick (1.8-meter), steel-reinforced concrete gun casemates designed to protect mountain guns, a command bunker, dorms, and ammunition magazines.
Follow in the footsteps of World War II soldiers on an all-day guided tour with an itinerary that covers Normandy battlefields, including the battery.
Things to know before you go
There is an admission fee to enter the museum.
A typical visit lasts about 90 minutes.
Most of the site is accessible to those with limited mobility.
Inside the museum, sounds, lights, and smells immerse visitors in the D-Day battle.
How to get there
Merville Battery is located at Place du 9ème Bataillon in Merville-Franceville, just 15.5 miles (25 kilometers) northeast of Caen via routes N814, D515, and D514; it’s about a 25-minute drive. There is also a bus service from Caen to the battery. Guided tours from Paris, Caen, and Bayeux provide roundtrip transportation.
When to get there
The Merville Battery Site and Museum is open between 9:30am and 8:30pm (last admission is at 6:30pm) from March 15 to Sept. 30, and from 10am to 6:30pm (last admission is at 5pm) from Oct. 1 to Nov. 15. Peak season is July and August, as well as the anniversary around D-Day on June 6th.
Sword Beach
It was the easternmost beach of the five landing areas along the Normandy coast during World War II. Visitors will find myriad monuments, museums, and remnants from the war In and around the bordering town of Ouistreham. Nearby, Merville Battery was invaded for British troops to land on Sword Beach.
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