Above Juno Beach in Normandy, the British Memorial pays tribute to the British soldiers who fell during the Normandy landings in 1944. Its sober, imposing architecture overlooks the sea, recalling the courage and sacrifice of those who fought for freedom.
Here are our tips for planning your visit to the British Memorial at Juno Beach in Normandy.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is a visit to the British Normandy Memorial at Juno Beach worthwhile?
Yes, the memorial is well worth a visit. It’s a must-see if you’re a history buff, just a 10-minute drive from Juno Beach heading west towards Gold Beach. It pays tribute to the 22,442 Commonwealth soldiers who lost their lives during the D-Day landings on June 6 1944 and the Battle of Normandy. Every stage of the operations led by British General Montgomery is recorded on this almost ceremonial site.
This is one of the best things to do in Juno Beach.
What you can see
The steles of the Chemin de Mémoire
Right at the start of our visit, we discovered the Chemin de Mémoire steles, standing proudly at the edge of the driveway. Each is dedicated to the D-Day landings, from June 6, 1944 to August 31. It’s a time to take the time to read and understand this historic operation.
The last 2 steles
At the very end of the Chemin de Mémoire, we noticed two additional, more imposing steles. They are framed by the French and British flags. These summarize D-Day, in English on the left, in French on the right.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Normandy
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is comfortable enough (distances can be long) but compact (some parking lots and villages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
A pergola with stone columns
Around us, a wooden pergola supported by square stone pillars unfurled. This structure lends a pleasing architectural touch to the memorial. It creates a soothing zone for strolling and meditation, like a jewel box.
Engraved soldiers’ names
As we walked along, we noticed the names engraved on the stone pillars. These are those of fallen soldiers. They make up an impressive list, and serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made in the name of freedom. It was a moment of recollection that deeply marked us.
The D-Day Wall
The D-Day Wall caught our eye. This is the most imposing part of the site. It symbolizes the role of this memorial in sealing the common destiny of France and the United Kingdom during the tragic events that liberated Europe.
Poppy wreaths
At the foot of the wall, we could see several wreaths of poppies. These symbolic flowers, carefully placed by visitors and associations, break the monotony of the stone. We found this colorful touch particularly moving, contrasting with the memorial as a whole. It’s a constant reminder of the tribute paid to the fallen.
The shield and crown
As we stood on the esplanade, facing the wall on the landward side, we rounded a large shield encircled by a laurel wreath. It is the work of 2 French sculptors. The shield symbolizes the soldiers’ fortitude, and the laurels, the glory they deserve.
The D-Day sculpture
On the seaward side of the wall stands the D-Day sculpture. It depicts soldiers on the move. We liked the way this statue combines dynamism and sobriety. This statue is a focal point symbolizing the determination of the soldiers during the D-Day landings.
View of the D-Day landing beaches
Beyond the statue, the site offers a panoramic view of the D-Day landing beaches. This viewpoint connects the memorial directly to the history of June 6, 1944. We found this visual link particularly poignant, as it anchors us in the geographical reality of the place. It invites us to take a moment to observe the landscape and imagine the past.
The Civilian Victims Memorial
Finally, on our left, the Civilian Victims Memorial is a space dedicated to those who suffered the repercussions of the conflict. This monument is a reminder that wars wreak havoc beyond the front lines. We appreciated this focus on civilians, often forgotten in war stories. It adds an extra human dimension to the whole site, prompting reflection on the global consequences of war.
STAYING NEAR THE D-Day beaches
Option 1: Bayeux
The most practical option, in our opinion, is to base ourselves in the town of Bayeux. We recommend..:
- Hotel Domaine de Bayeux in an 18th century mansion – see prices, photos and availability
- see all top rated accommodations in Bayeux
Option 2: in the countryside
In the countryside around the D-Day beaches, you will find beautiful buildings with a lot of charm: farms, manors…
- Hotel Domaine d’Utah Beach – prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Ferme de la Rançonnière – prices, pictures and availability
Option 3: next to one of the beaches
If you’re looking for a seaside holiday or are fascinated by one of the beaches, you can choose a more specific hotel:
- Hotel Villas d’Arromanches in Gold Beach Beach – prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel La Sapinière in Omaha Beach Beach – prices, pictures and availability
British Memorial at Juno Beach: how to get there
Where to find the British Memorial
- In Ver-sur-Mer, between Juno Beach and Gold Beach
- From Bayeux: 30min drive
- From Caen: 40min drive
Access by car and parking
Access is easy, whether you’re coming from Caen, Bayeux, Sword Beach or Gold Beach. Traffic is also easy, so check out our tips for renting a car in France, Caen or Bayeux.
- The memorial hasa large pay parkinglot
- 3€ per day.
- The money raised from parking is used to maintain the site and “commemorate those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms”.
There is also on-site bicycle parking.
Public transport access
Access is difficult by public transport, but you can take the train to Bayeux or Caen. More info here. There are also buses from these 2 stations. See the itineraries and schedules here.
Visiting difficulties
- The official website says it’s accessible to PRMs, but there are no on-site mobility aids.
- There is a dedicated parking area for PRMs near the toilets.
- It’s about a 10-minute walk from the parking lot to the memorial. The ground can be slippery, especially in the rain. Compacted gravel paths have been laid. They are suitable for wheelchairs and walking aids.
- Bicycles, horses, motorcycles and scooters are not permitted on the site.
- Dogs and drones are not allowed.
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities in Normandy
- Helicopter flight over the cliffs of the Côte d’Albâtre
- Book your time to visit Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey
- Take a microlight flight over Mont-Saint-Michel
- Climb the Via Ferrata in Switzerland Normandy
Useful tips for visiting the British Memorial
Schedules and prices
The British Memorial is open all year round. Schedules may vary according to season and special events. See the latest news on the official website here.
Admission to the memorial is free, but donations are welcome.
How long
Depending on your interest, you should allow 30 minutes to 1 hour to visit the British Memorial.
Best moment
- If you want to avoid the crowds, don’t plan your visit in June, during the commemoration ceremonies.
- For our visit, we had chosen to be early and were able to enjoy the site on our own. It made the moment even more solemn.
- In any case, check the weather forecast and try to avoid rain, as the tour is outdoors.
Direction of visit
There’s no set direction for the tour. Traffic flows naturally from the entrance to the memorial to the sea, ending at the Memorial to Civilian Victims. You then retrace your steps and take the Chemin de Mémoire in the opposite direction.
If there are several of you (up to 7 people), why not visit the memorial and other D-Day sites, accompanied by a World War II historian? See prices, photos and availability.
Eating out
The memorial is less than 20min from the small town of Arromanches, a seaside resort visited all year round, where we found numerous restaurants, including..:
- The Fish & Co Restaurant, where you can enjoy the famous fish & chips,
- The more chic Restaurant de l’Hôtel La Marine serves fish and seafood,
- Restaurant Recto Verso, ideal for children to enjoy a crêpe.
Hotels
The town of Arromanches-les-Bains offers a number of accommodation options, including theHôtel Les Villas d’Arromanches, where we stayed. See prices, photos and availability.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Normandy
Inspiration destinations
- Deciding where to go in Normandy – the best destinations
- Our weekend ideas: best-of, romantic, unusual, seaside, luxury, family
- 16 seaside hotels in Normandy
- The most beautiful charming hotels in Normandy
Best of
Practice
- Where to stay in Normandy – best places and hotels
- See our tips for renting a car at CDG airport, Orly airport, Beauvais airport, Caen, Rouen, Bayeux…
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
