Beaches in Normandy

Iconic Beaches & Cliffs

Normandy’s coastline features a diverse mix of World War II historical sites and natural geological formations. The D-Day landing beaches—Omaha, Sword, and Juno—serve as significant memorials to the Allied invasion of 1944. Further west on the Cotentin Peninsula, the landscape shifts to the dramatic Nez de Jobourg, which stands as one of Europe’s highest cliffs. The region also offers expansive sandy stretches like Montmartin-sur-Mer and the rock-studded Plage de la Vieille-Église, known for its high dunes and tidal variations.

Iconic Beaches & Cliffs — Map

A

Omaha Beach

One of the five Allied landing sectors during the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944. This five-mile stretch of coastline is home to memorials and the Normandy American Cemetery.

Evans, J L (Capt), No 5 Army Film &… / Public domain

B

Sword Beach

Sword, commonly known as Sword Beach, was the code name given to one of the five main landing areas along the Normandy coast during the…

UnknownUnknown author / Public domain

C

Juno Beach

Juno or Juno Beach was one of five beaches of the Allied invasion of German-occupied France in the Normandy landings on 6 June 1944 during…

D

Montmartin-sur-Mer Beach

Broad sandy coastline on the English Channel characterized by a large tidal range and protected dune systems.

E

Nez de Jobourg

Coastal promontory on the Cotentin Peninsula reaching 128 meters in height. These cliffs are among the oldest geological formations in the Armorican Massif, overlooking the Channel Islands.

Draezhenn / CC BY-SA 3.0

F

Plage de la Vieille-Église

Sandy beach in the Hatainville dunes area featuring rock formations and a designated section for naturism.

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