Ouistreham can be explored through a range of themes: coastal landscapes, beach history and maritime landmarks. East of the locks lies Pointe du Siège, a 1.5-kilometre-long sand spit. Ouistreham’s Riva Bella beach is associated with Sword Beach; the destination also has protected natural areas and landmarks with a long history.

Coastal Landscapes and Nature

Part of Pointe du Siège is protected by the Conservatoire du Littoral. The sand spit is home to resident and migratory bird species. The species mentioned include Kentish plovers, little egrets and Eurasian curlews. This makes Pointe du Siège a distinct nature-focused attraction within the destination.

Bois du Caprice is protected as an Espace naturel sensible and extends across Ouistreham Riva-Bella, Colleville-Montgomery and Saint-Aubin d’Arquenay. There is a 2.5-kilometre circular trail there. The two nature areas differ in the details described: the focus at Pointe du Siège is on bird species, while the length of the circular trail is given for Bois du Caprice.

Riva Bella and Beach History

Ouistreham Riva-Bella is identified with Sword Beach, the only landing beach where French soldiers came ashore. This gives the beach a specific historical connection. A separate location is designated for another kind of beach visit: from the 2026 season, land sailing is permitted in a designated zone east of the central Riva Bella bathing area (S1), extending to the dune. The permission applies to this specified zone.

Church and Historic Landmarks

Église Saint-Samson was built in the 12th century and is a Romanesque building. It has been listed as a Monument historique since 1840. In the past, it served as a fortified lookout post, a beacon and a sea mark, as well as an observation post for maritime traffic. Its architecture and former functions reveal different aspects of its history.

Grange aux Dîmes also offers a glimpse into several periods: it was first mentioned in 1257 and rebuilt in the 15th and 16th centuries. It has been protected as a Monument historique since 1971. The dates distinguish the first recorded mention from the later rebuilding and protected status.

Grand Bunker and Lighthouse

Grand Bunker is a fully renovated former command post and fire-control bunker, converted into a museum about the Atlantic Wall in Normandy. Visitors can explore the five levels of the former command post. They convey the atmosphere and essential functions of the defence centre on the eve of the landings. From the roof, there is a full 360-degree panorama over the Orne estuary and the landing beaches.

Phare de Ouistreham offers a different view of the surroundings: visitors climb 171 spiral steps to a height of 38 metres. From there, the 360-degree view stretches across the town and the horizon. The lighthouse combines a climb with a panorama, while Grand Bunker focuses instead on military history and its five levels.

Getting Here and Finding Accommodation

Twisto line 12 connects Caen SNCF railway station with Lion-sur-Mer and runs via Ouistreham Riva-Bella, Colleville-Montgomery and Hermanville-sur-Mer. As routes and timetables may change, check the latest information before travelling.

The tourist port of Ouistreham Riva-Bella offers three daily ferry services to Portsmouth, England. Frequency and journey times may change, so check the latest information with the operator before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Putot-en-Auge, Saint-Julien-le-Faucon, Osmanville, Vendeuvre, Grangues, Grimbosq, Saint-Pierre-Canivet, Russy.

For the broader travel overview: Calvados.