Atlantic Wall Batteries
A route devoted to the German defences: the twin batteries of Azeville and Crisbecq, long-forgotten Maisy, Longues-sur-Mer with its original guns, Merville stormed at dawn on 6 June, and the Grand Bunker at Ouistreham.
Suggested timings
Indicative timings for a 9:00am start by car, lunch break included. Adjust them to each site's opening hours.
- Drive3 min • 3 km
- Drive26 min • 27 km
- Drive34 min • 35 kmLunch break • 60 min
- Drive46 min • 47 km
- Drive6 min • 6 km
- 1
Stop 01 • Saint-Marcouf09:00 – 09:40Visit 40 minCrisbecq Battery (Saint-Marcouf)
The battery that sank the USS Corry on the morning of 6 June.
Visit → - 2Stop 02 • Azeville09:43 – 10:23Visit 40 minDrive 3 min
Azeville Battery
Four casemates disguised as Norman houses, taken after three days of fighting.
Visit → - 3Stop 03 • Grandcamp-Maisy10:49 – 11:29Visit 40 minDrive 26 min
Maisy Battery
A vast artillery complex forgotten and rediscovered in the 21st century.
Visit → - 4Stop 04 • Longues-sur-Mer13:03 – 13:43Visit 40 minDrive 34 min
Longues-sur-Mer Battery
One of the few intact German batteries, with its original guns still in place.
Visit → - 5Stop 05 • Merville-Franceville-Plage14:29 – 15:09Visit 40 minDrive 46 min
Merville Battery
Objective of Lt. Col. Otway's 9th Parachute Battalion, neutralised at dawn.
Visit → - 6Stop 06 • Ouistreham15:15 – 16:45Visit 1h30Drive 6 min
The Grand Bunker – Atlantic Wall Museum
A 17-metre German fire-control bunker, fully restored inside.
Visit →
Practical tips
Set off around 9:00am: most sites open between 9:00 and 10:00 and crowds are still light early on.
Book museums and guided tours online, especially from June to September and during school holidays.
Walking shoes, a windproof layer and water: much of the route is outdoors and often exposed.
A car is essential between the beaches: public transport is scarce and sites lie 15 to 40 km apart.
Cemeteries and memorials are places of remembrance: dress respectfully, keep quiet, and do not picnic on site.
Check tide times before walking onto Omaha or Utah: at low tide the foreshore extends several hundred metres.
Plan lunch in Sainte-Mère-Église, Arromanches or Port-en-Bessin; there are few options between remote sites.