After visiting Arromanches for the start of our D-Day Beach tour we then headed to Longues-sur-Mer Gun Battery, which is on the way to the WWII Normandy American Cemetery & Memorial. The Gun Battery is a quick stop and it’s free so it’s worth checking out if your driving to the Cemetery anyways. You’ll find four German casemates and three that still have the guns in them. There is also a large area to picnic in as well if you so desire. Driving info: It’s a 14 min drive from Arromanches, and 25 mins to the Cemetery.
Parking here is free and there is a good amount.
It’s a short walk over to the first casemate which are located 300 yards inland and in the form of a semi-circle. These also are the only original costal artillery guns that are still in place, which is a bonus for the history buffs. You can also continue to walk along the coastal path were you can get a view of Arromanches.
You can walk in the casemates and around the guns of those still in place. Afterwards you can drive down on the road past the parking area to see the beach if you so desire.
While this was a fairly short visit it was worth the stop for 15-20 minutes to walk around and check things out. It was also our first glimpse of the beach past the Arromanches. Then we headed to our next stop the WWII Normandy American Cemetery & Memorial, post coming up soon!
Know Before You Go
What: Longues-sur-Mer Gun Battery, France
How To Get There: It’s about 6 hours 35 mins from Spangdahlem, and 6 hours 50 mins from Ramstein. GPS addy: Site de la Batterie, Rue de la Mer, 14400 Longues-sur-Mer, France
Parking: Parking is free in the parking area to the right as you turn in.
Cost: Free to walk around and is always open.
Traveling with little kids: There is a path and if you have a large wheel stroller it could work but you won’t be able to take it in the casemates. It’s really a short enough visit that it can easily be done without the stroller and would give your little one some time to get some energy out.
How long: Plan on at least 15-20 minutes, more if you plan to picnic in the area.
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