Arromanches

A few miles north of Bayeux sits the once-sleepy seaside town of Arromanches that became a base for the Allied Force’s British units virtually overnight. There are two museums describing this time and stunning views of what’s left of Churchill’s amazing feat of engineering at Sword Beach. Ask a local or concierge about tide times so you can be sure to see the remains of Mulberry Harbor, as it is also known when the water is low.

The first of two great spots to take in the view is just outside of the Musée du Débarquement, which provides a survey of the remains of the pre-fabricated harbor. Depending on the weather, the area can be either bathed in sunlight or spotted with the clouds of a coming storm, a beautiful setting for locals to walk their dogs. Stand outside of the 360 Museum to see a sweeping vista including the surrounding dramatic cliffs, farmland and countryside, the beautiful chateaus on the hill below and the little town leading into the harbor.