Ouistreham is in Calvados department on the coast of Normandy at the eastern end of the area of the D-Day beaches.

Understand

L'église Saint-Samson, Ouistreham

These days probably best known for its ferry port and services acting as a gateway between UK and France.

Get in

By ferry

There is a ferry service from Portsmouth operated by Brittany Ferries which takes 6-7 hours (3 departures a day in peak season).

By bicycle

The town lies on the Eurovelo 4 Cycle route.

See

Grand Bunker Museum

• 1 Der Grosse Bunker, 106 avenue de 6 juin, 14150 Ouistreham, ☏ +33 231 97 28 69, museegrandbunker@sfr.fr. A German bunker from World War II that was captured by the British during the D-Day invasion. (updated Jul 2018)
• 2 La Pointe du Siège, Chemin de la pointe du siège. The main protected natural site in Calvados, the Orne estuary offers 350 ha of preserved natural space. This dune cordon is home to 271 recorded species that bear witness to remarkable flora and fauna. You can discover mudflats, dunes, a beach, salt meadows or a wood. In this real ornithological reserve, an observation tower allows you to admire the evolution of the numerous birds on the lagoons. (updated Jul 2023)

Eat

• 1 La Rose des Vents, 2 rue du Marais, ☏ +33 231 97 64 54. Nice fish, pleasant, efficient staff. Sensible pricing. Willing to increase the pace of service if a customer is in a rush. Is opposite the picturesque cinema. Easy parking. (updated Jul 2019)

Go next

• Caen
• Bayeux