Arromanches-les-Bains is the best place to understand how the Allies solved a problem that could have stopped the invasion: how to land supplies without a port. After D-Day they towed prefabricated sections across the Channel and assembled an artificial harbour, code-named Mulberry, in the bay at Arromanches. Its concrete caissons still sit in the water off the beach and are visible at low tide, which makes the story easy to grasp on the spot. On the clifftop above, Arromanches 360 is a circular cinema where nine screens surround the audience with archive footage of the Battle of Normandy. The film puts the landings in context with the destruction of Normandy's towns, and visitors usually leave quiet. The venue is on Rue du Calvaire. According to the current schedule it is closed on Mondays, open from 10:00 to 17:00 Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday, and from 10:00 to 17:30 on Friday and Saturday. Combine it with the small D-Day museum on the seafront, a walk on the beach and lunch in the village.
How it works
Tickets are for timed entry to the circular cinema, and booking ahead is useful on school holidays and in summer, when queues grow. Arromanches is about ten kilometres from Bayeux, so a car, taxi or a tour is the easy way to reach it, and there is parking above the village. A combined ticket with the Caen Memorial is also sold, which suits visitors who plan both on separate days.
What to expect
A standing film in a dark circular room that uses archive imagery, including scenes of destruction, so it may be unsettling for small children. Outside, the caissons of the Mulberry harbour stand in the bay, and a low tide brings more of them into view. Wear sturdy shoes if you walk on the beach and check tide times if you want to see the remains clearly. The wind can be strong and the cliff path is exposed.
Making the most of it
Begin at the viewpoint above the village, watch the film, then walk down to the beach and look at the caissons from the sand. Visit the museum on the seafront for models of how the harbour worked, then eat in the village before heading on to Gold Beach, Longues-sur-Mer or Bayeux. This is a good half-day stop on a day built around the British and Canadian sectors.
What to expect
The experience
A standing film shown on nine screens in a circular cinema, followed by a look at the Mulberry harbour remains from the cliff or the beach.
Best time
Late morning on a Tuesday to Sunday; check the tide for the clearest view of the caissons.
How long
About an hour for the cinema and a short walk, or two hours with the museum and lunch.
Tips
The cinema is closed on Mondays, and the film includes archive scenes of destruction, so think twice before bringing small children.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants to understand how the Allies landed supplies and how the battle unfolded.
- Families
- Fine for older children; the archive footage can be hard for young ones.
- Couples
- Walk the beach at low tide, then lunch in the village.
- Pair with
- The Overlord Museum and the Normandy American Cemetery, or a British and Canadian sector tour.
- Time needed
- Half a day with lunch.
Good questions
When is Arromanches 360 open?+
According to the current schedule it is closed on Mondays, open 10:00 to 17:00 Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday, and 10:00 to 17:30 Friday and Saturday. Check before you travel, as hours can change in winter.
What is the Mulberry harbour?+
It was a temporary artificial harbour built by the Allies after D-Day so that troops and supplies could be landed. The remains of its concrete caissons are still in the bay at Arromanches.
How far is Arromanches from Bayeux?+
About ten kilometres, a short drive. Public transport is limited, so a car, taxi or tour is easiest.
Is the film suitable for children?+
It uses archive footage from the Battle of Normandy, including scenes of destruction, so it suits older children better than young ones. Parents may want to preview the content.
Can I combine it with the Caen Memorial?+
Yes, a combined ticket is sold for Arromanches 360 and the Caen Memorial. They are in different towns, so most visitors do them on separate days.
