Would you like to enjoy the wide-open spaces of Normandy’s beaches and learn more about the history of D-Day? With the remains of the artificial port Mulberry, created by the Allied forces, and its bunkers, Gold Beach in Arromanches is a must-see. Located between Asnelles and Ver-sur-Mer, on the Côte de Nacre in Calvados, it is surrounded by other major D-Day sites.
Here are some useful tips for planning your visit to Gold Beach in Arromanches.
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 Gold Beach worth it?
Gold Beach in Arromanches is less well known than Omaha Beach. However, it’s well worth a visit. It provides a better understanding of the landings, particularly from the point of view of the British troops. A fantastic opportunity to appreciate the scale of the artificial port of Arromanches (known as Mulberry) and its role in the liberation of France at the end of the Second World War.
Gold Beach is one of our favorite views of D-Day, and we’ve devoted an article to it with all our ideas for things to do at Gold Beach.
Type of beach
Sand or no sand?
Most of the beach is covered at high tide. It’s made of fine golden sand and… damp. Ideal for beach activities such as sand yachting or electric fat bikes. It’s also great for hours of walking or running: the beach stretches for over 10 km!
A few small pebbled areas remain accessible at high tide, at the foot of the cliffs.
Swimming conditions and supervision
The slope is gentle, but the waters of Gold Beach are deep. The tide rises quickly and currents can be strong, although rocks and relics are ideal for snorkeling. During the summer, bathing areas are indicated and supervised by qualified SNSM lifeguards. Each area has its own first-aid post: Ver-sur-Mer, Asnelles, Graye-sur-Mer. Find out more here.
Installations
We visited Gold Beach out of season and didn’t find any beachside showers or toilets. Nevertheless, there are several public toilets in town, including one near the village hall. Find out more here.
On the other hand, many observation points offer binoculars for a better view of the remains of the artificial harbour in the distance, which appear at low tide.
Gold Beach in Arromanches: how to get there
Where is Gold Beach?
- Gold Beach is a large beach stretching from the commune of Asnelles to that of Ver-sur-Mer on the Côte de Nacre.
- Driving time from Rouen: 1h55
- Driving time from Bayeux: 30min
- Driving time from Caen: 40min
- Driving time from Deauville: 1h20
- Driving time from Cherbourg: 1h30
- Driving time from Paris: 3h15
Here is a map to help you find your way:
Access by car and parking
The simplest solution is to come by car. From Paris, take the A13, then the D7.
There are several parking lots in Arromanches. The one on Place du 6 juin, next to the Musée du Débarquement, is ideal for accessing the beach, but has to be paid for.
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.
Access from the city
From the city, access is easy. Several ramps lead down to the four beaches of Arromanches: Plage Centrale, Plage Montgomery, Plage Neptune and Plage Eisenhower. Find out more here.
Public transport access
By public transport, access is difficult: take a train to Bayeux, then the Nomad 121 bus (stop at Arromanches-les-Bains or Asnelles). Find out more here.
Unless you prefer to come on a guided tour:
- From Bayeux – See prices, photos and availability.
- From Caen – See prices, photos and availability.
- From Paris – See prices, photos and availability.
DISCOVER Bayeux
- Best things to do in Bayeux
- Where to sleep in Bayeux: our best hotels
- Rent a car in Bayeux
- Where to eat in Bayeux: our best restaurants
- Visit the Bayeux Tapestry Museum
- Visit the Baron Gérard Museum of Art and History
- Visit the Battle of Normandy Museum
- Discover the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Bayeux
- Discover the British Military Cemetery
Special features
Dog
Dogs are not allowed on the beach all year round. Find out more here.
Reduced mobility access
The access ramps and the hardness of the sand make access possible for people with reduced mobility when accompanied, but we didn’t see any special facilities during our visit.
With children
The slope is gentle and ideal for a visit with children. We enjoyed the wet sand, ideal for building sandcastles, fishing or sand yachting. Find out more here.
But it’sexploring the remains that fascinates young and old alike.
Naturism
It is not possible to practice naturism on this beach.
Eating out
The beach is on the edge of the small town of Arromanches, a seaside resort visited all year round, where we found numerous restaurants, among them:
- 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.
But you may prefer to sleep in the surrounding area. Here are all our recommendations:
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
SHE WROTE THE ARTICLE Claire
