In the heart of the D-Day Beaches, you can enjoy many pleasures of the coastline while visiting historical sites; all this with seaside parking solutions in several seaside resorts of the destination. Cœur de Nacre is the ideal base for a successful motorhome holiday.
Our top arguments for staying in the destination
- 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 Normandy!
credit : les valises de sarah calvados attractivité
Mont-Saint-Michel, Etretat, Bayeux, Honfleur… so many major stages and routes to discover.
Let’s be honest with you right away, it will be difficult for you to get through all of them in one visit, but if you try it and you are not afraid of the miles, this article will certainly help you to get organised from our destination.
Staying between Caen and Bayeux on the Côte de Nacre, it will be easy for you to travel between the destinations of the Bessin (Bayeux, Arromanches) and the Côte Fleurie (Cabourg, Deauville, Trouville).
Successful motorhome holidays in the Cœur de Nacre: tips and advice.
Cœur de Nacre destination or: how to radiate fully in the heart of the D-Day landing beaches?
The D-Day beaches are 80 kilometres of coastline to discover, combining vestiges of the past and splendid wild landscapes.
credit : APN
Our day or two-day motorhome tour will take you along the 9 kilometres of coastline (D514) from the commune of Luc-sur-Mer to the beach at Courseulles-sur-Mer where you will find the famous Juno Beach Centre, the museum dedicated to the prominent role of the Canadians in the liberation of the Juno sector.
We will of course detail below what we consider to be the essential stops to make at your own pace during your stay in a motorhome in our tourist destination Cœur de Nacre.
Make way for history and the assault on historical sites…
Your visit to the Cœur de Nacre will allow you to set up your base camp on the prestigious Canadian sector of Juno Beach.
This remembrance itinerary can of course be extended and completed by the discovery of other sectors further to the west and east, devoted to the mainly American and British troops.
The D-Day sectors
- Sword beach – British sector
- Juno beach – Canadian sector
- Gold beach – British sector
- Omaha beach – American sector
- Utah beach – American sector
Credit : G. Wait
1st step: the seaside resort of Courseulles-sur-Mer
- the big plus: the municipality has a parking and service area near the Parc de l’édit (on the eastern side of the town) as well as a free parking area with several dozen spaces on the Avenue de la Combattante, located one street from the sea front.
This dynamic family seaside resort has a close link with the sea. It lives to the rhythm of its fishing and yachting port.
It is during the peak summer period that the town takes on its family atmosphere and village spirit.
You will also find all the necessary local shops as well as a wide choice of restaurants where you can enjoy a varied cuisine with many fish specialities straight from the stalls.
The fish market is indeed the first stop and the DNA of the town.
You will breathe the iodized and invigorating air of the sea spray, and you will certainly take advantage of it to live the effervescence of a fishing return…
“No middleman, from boat to plate“
Once you’ve loaded your shopping bag with good seafood and returned it to the camper van, head for the city’s West Beach.
Head for the Juno Beach Centre, to pay tribute to the Canadian soldiers.
Their history and their role during the Second World War are recounted through films, period objects, temporary exhibitions and educational and commemorative activities offered throughout the year (except for the month of January when the centre is closed).
In addition, don’t miss the opportunity to follow the guided tours of Juno Park, every day from April to October.
There, in the company of a French-Canadian guide, you will discover the remains of the German defence base built during the Occupation.
If you visit in the morning, you can even have a picnic on the beautiful beach in front of the museum. What could be better?
2nd step: Head for the countryside, towards the radar station of Douvres-la-Délivrande and the cemetery of Reviers/Bény-sur-Mer
- Reviers/Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery
As a first stop on this second day, we recommend a stop at this emotional place which will immerse you in the harsh reality of this period and complete your visit to the Juno Beach Centre.
The 335 soldiers of the 3rd Canadian Division who landed on 6 June 1944 in the Juno Beach area are buried in 2,049 graves.
- The 1944 Radar Station at Douvres-la-Délivrande
This station was built by the Germans between 1942 and 1944, with its five radars allowing a detection up to 400 kilometres, it is one of the most important of the air defence chain of the Atlantic Wall.
No less than 230 Luftwaffe men manned the station.
NB: located a few 5 minutes from Courseulles-sur-Mer, the cycling option is still possible but be careful, you will be using very 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 […]
3rd step: The medieval parenthesis
From the hinterland you will be charmed by our charming little limestone villages of Caen and Creully shaped since the time of William the Conqueror.
His imprint has left its mark on a whole territory, the numerous remains of which are for the most part still present.
In the visits not to be missed, we will count of course the castle of Fontaine-Henry magnificent Renaissance residence known to have the characteristic to have the highest roofs of France.
credit : Sabina Lorkin
Where can I park my motorhome between Luc-sur-Mer and Courseulles-sur-Mer?
Cœur de Nacre destination has easy solutions for parking without hindrance in the seaside towns. We invite you to take a look at the various parking areas or car parks that will allow you to extend your holiday time here:
Is it possible to spend the night in a campsite?
Yes it is possible, on the town of Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer the Camping de la Côte de Nacre 5* welcomes you from April to September in a complex a few steps from the sea.
In the commune of Luc-sur-Mer, you will be delighted to evolve and stay in this 5* family campsite located just 50 meters from the shops and the beach.
Camping de la Côte de Nacre
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 […]
Camping La Capricieuse
LUC-SUR-MER
Venez découvrir le Camping La Capricieuse 5 étoiles situé en bord de mer. Le camping est localisé à 50 m […]
What is the best time to travel by motorhome in Normandy?
If you want to make the most of your trip to Normandy in a motorhome, you’ll have to go in the summer. During the summer months, the coastline is full of activities and festive events.
You can go for a walk along the Normandy coast while enjoying the sun and warmth.
If you want to avoid the tourist crowds, spring or autumn is best.
In the low season, you can enjoy your road-trip in Normandy in a motorhome in complete peace.
Cœur de Nacre destination is also a land of nature and escape…
Did you bring the bikes? We have something for you to enjoy…
Normandy is above all a remarkable coastal landscape with views of the sea and hilly routes in its hinterland.
During your stay with us, you will have the luxury of appreciating this diversity of preserved panoramas between sea and countryside offered by the territory.
There is no shortage of places to cycle:
Choice 1: Immersion in nature with the discovery of the green lung of the destination, the Capricieuse, extending between the communes of Luc-sur-Mer and Douvres-la-Délivrande.
Choice 2: Head for the Côte de Nacre coastline and cross the D-Day landing beaches with the Vélomaritime. This cycle route, made up of shared lanes, cycle paths and other greenways, will provide you with its share of beautiful seaside panoramas.
Choice 3: From the town of Courseulles-sur-Mer and the Canadian sector of Juno Beach, there is a 13km cycling loop on the theme of the Allied landings of 6 June 1944.
All along the route, historical panels will help you to go through the door of history on the advance of the Canadian troops.
For other practical questions and to help organise your stay:
VAN Night: the new mobile application for vans
To meet the growing demand from van owners and drivers looking for parking, CAMPING-CAR PARK is launching a new application: VAN Night.
Entirely free of charge, VAN Night is an application that lists 90 areas and campsites suitable for tourists travelling by van.
The advantages of this application :
- Search filters to select the criteria of your choice
- Real-time availability of locations,
- Reservation in advance or for the same day.
Vehicles allowed on the spots listed on VAN Night :
- Year-round access to autonomous vehicles
- Access during the opening period of the sanitary facilities for non-autonomous vehicles
