The year 2024 is marked by three major events: the passage of the Olympic flame, the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, and the Normandie Impressionism festival.
We’ve put together a selection of not-to-be-missed 2024 events in the Coeur de Nacre region, including festivities, music, culture, art and sport.
Whether you’re with family or friends, there’s no room for boredom! Make way for 2024 major events in the Cœur de Nacre.
Non-exhaustive program, subject to change.
Outdoor exhibition Dans leurs Pas
January-December, 24/7
Courseulles-sur-Mer, Bernières-sur-Mer, Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer, Langrune-sur-Mer, Luc-sur-Mer, Reviers, Douvres-la-Délivrande
Their names are Léonard, Thomas or Françoise, they are Canadian, British or French, soldiers or civilians, and they were present on our Normandy beaches in June 1944.
Some landed on Juno Beach, others lived on the Côte de Nacre and had been waiting for the Allies for many months.
They tell us what they experienced and reveal the images that have stayed with them forever: the fear, the anguish, the noise, the bloody battle, the arrival of the Canadian soldiers with their funny accent, and finally the joy of liberation.
This outdoor exhibition of story kiosks pays tribute to the witnesses to the D-Day landings – soldiers and civilians – through their testimonies and biographies, all illustrated with archive images.
Visit the free web application dansleurspas.com for a wealth of testimonials and stories from those who lived through the Allied landings.
Family-friendly content. Free admission.
Normandy Impressionism Festival
From March to September
Normandie, Cœur de Nacre
In 2024, come and celebrate the 150th anniversary of Impressionism, with a jam-packed program of exhibitions and up-to-the-minute events featuring guest stars from the world of contemporary culture: David Hockney and Bob Wilson.
Discover the Normandie Impressionnisme teaser
Rising to the Challenge exhibition
From 1st March
Juno Beach Centre , Courseulles-sur-Mer
The Juno Beach Centre presents “Rising to the Challenge”, a new temporary exhibition commemorating the Royal Canadian Air Force’s role in the Second World War and celebrating its 100th anniversary.
Between 1939 and 1945 a quarter of a million Canadians served in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Of the 45,000 service members who sacrificed their lives wearing Canadian uniforms, approximately 18,000 perished while serving in the air force. This represents an outstanding and essential part of Canada’s total war effort.
The Second World War was the largest test the RCAF has ever faced. The exhibition explores how the service evolved, became more inclusive, and emerged from the war as an integral part of Canada’s military strategy and identity.
The 80th Anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy
From June 6
On all the D-Day beaches
On June 6, 1944 and in the days that followed, thousands of young men from 15 different nations and 177 French members of the Kieffer Commando landed on the beaches of Normandy to liberate us.
The Battle of Normandy, which was supposed to last just a few weeks, was only completed in September with the capture of Le Havre, 100 days after D-Day.
Numerous commemorative ceremonies and events will be organized in Normandy and, in particular, on the D-Day landing beaches between March 1 and October 15, 2024.
Even as summer draws to a close, let’s continue our list of 2024 major events in the Cœur de Nacre.
European Heritage Days
September 21 and September 22
communes of Cœur de Nacre
For a weekend, castles, museums and churches open their doors to the public.
On guided or self-guided tours, rediscover France’s rich architectural and historical heritage.
Boréales festival
November 21 to 30
Normandy
Every year in November, the Boréales festival returns to Normandy. It showcases Scandinavian and Nordic culture with a varied program:
Exhibitions, concerts, film screenings, meetings with Scandinavian authors…
Don’t hesitate to contact our team to find out about other events in Cœur de Nacre.
Non-exhaustive list. Program subject to change or cancellation without notice.
