Colleville-Montgomery combines a sandy beach with nature trails, as well as architectural and military history. Options range from swimming and walking along the coast to information boards in the Bois du Caprice, the Church of Saint-Vigor and the fortified Site Fortifié Hillman. This gives you different themes to consider when planning your stay: time by the water, nature or cultural history.
Beach and water sports
Colleville-Montgomery beach is sandy and used for walking and swimming. A natural dune is also part of this stretch of coast; no seawall was built there. You can therefore include the beach in your plans for a walk or a swim, while also taking the natural dune into account as a defining feature of the coastline.
The Espace Nautique is also located at the beach. Its offerings include courses, lessons and equipment rentals, including stand-up paddleboarding courses for beginners and advanced participants. The programme may vary. If a particular course is important to you during your trip, check the dates in advance; this will help you decide whether to make water sports a focus or an addition to your time at the beach.
Nature trails and coastal landscape
The Bois du Caprice can be accessed via the Chemin des Pèlerins and the Chemin du Petit Bonheur. Information boards along the trail provide details about local wildlife and plant life. This offers a nature-focused visit in which information about flora and fauna is part of the experience, rather than the trail itself being the only focus.
From the Chemin de la Fontaine in Colleville-Montgomery, a path leads towards the Marais de Colleville-Ouistreham, just a few steps from the sea. The two nature-focused areas therefore offer different points of interest: in the Bois du Caprice, information boards draw attention to wildlife and plant life; for the marsh, the path leading towards it and its proximity to the sea are the key points of reference.
Kentish plovers can once again be found along the shores of Colleville-Montgomery. Sightings are seasonal, and breeding conditions vary.
Architectural and military history
The Church of Saint-Vigor de Colleville offers a glimpse into different periods of construction. The Romanesque nave dates from the late 11th century, and the choir from the 12th century. Some elements of the church are listed as historic monuments. The dates therefore refer to specific parts of the building, rather than to a single date of construction for the entire church.
Site Fortifié Hillman offers a different historical perspective. The site comprises 18 casemates and underground fortifications built by German troops between 1942 and 1944. Site Fortifié Hillman served as the command post for German defences along the Côte de Nacre. The outdoor area is open year-round; check the visiting arrangements before your trip.
Art and culture
The Galerie de la Dune is an art space dedicated to art and culture. Artists stay there for one or two weeks at a time. There are occasional opportunities to meet artists and events for all visitor groups; the programme may change. If you would like to tie your visit to an event, check the dates in advance.
This lets you shape your plans around your own interests, rather than assuming a fixed itinerary in advance.
Discover more destinations: Le Vey, Fervaques, MĂ©zidon-Canon, Longueville, BĂ©ny-Sur-Mer, Tilly-Sur-Seulles, Saint-Laurent-Sur-Mer, Saint-Georges-En-Auge
For the wider travel overview: Calvados.
