Nestled in the Normandy countryside, the British Military Cemetery at Douvres-la-Délivrande is an essential place of remembrance linked to the Allied landings of 1944. We enjoyed strolling along its peaceful pathways, winding between 1,123 graves of soldiers who fell in this decisive battle of WW2. Here you can see the famous Cross of Sacrifice.
Here are some useful tips for planning your visit to Douvres-la-Délivrande British Military Cemetery, located in the Sword Beach area of 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 Military Cemetery at Douvres-la-Délivrande worthwhile?
Absolutely! The British Military Cemetery at Douvres-la-Délivrande is an important place of remembrance linked to the Normandy Landings. It houses the graves of soldiers who fell mainly during the Battle of Normandy and the operations that followed D-Day. It is unique in that it contains the graves of German soldiers. Like all the main D-Day Cemeteries, this place of rest and commemoration has left a deep impression on us.
It’s one of the most important sites in the Sword Beach area, to be visited on the80th anniversary of D-Day, for example.
What you can see
The graves of 1123 soldiers
We learned that this cemetery contains the graves of 1,123 soldiers who fell during the D-Day landings. They include:
We noticed that each stele indicates the soldier’s rank and age. His regimental insignia is also reproduced. We’d love to be able to put names and stories to each of the fighters resting here. This gave us a real sense of honouring each and every one of the men buried in the British Military Cemetery at Douvres-la-Délivrande.
The Cross of Sacrifice
In the center of the cemetery, we noticed the large Cross of Sacrifice. Planted among the headstones, it honors the Christians buried in the Douvres-la-Délivrande cemetery. This symbol is common in Commonwealth war cemeteries. Indeed, it can also be found in the Bény-sur-Mer Canadian Cemetery. The Cross of Sacrifice pays tribute to the sacrifices of fallen soldiers. It is the centerpiece of this commemorative site.
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.
The square reception building
As soon as you arrive, you’ll notice the buildings at the entrance to the cemetery. Through its arcades, at the end of the central aisle, you can see the Cross of Sacrifice.
We liked their sober, elegant architecture, which contributes to the memorial character of the place. The central building features an attractive stone roof with four slopes.. It is surrounded on either side by 4 stone pergolas, symbolizing the transition between the interior and exterior of this place of remembrance.
The register
We noticed that the small square building at the entrance to the cemetery houses the cemetery register. This document contains a complete list of the names of the soldiers buried in the cemetery, with their regiments, ranks, dates of birth and death. It immortalizes the names of those who lost their lives during the Normandy landings, and enables visitors to find the exact location of a particular grave. It’s an essential tool for paying tribute to a specific soldier.
Operations map
At the entrance to the cemetery, we discovered a metal plaque describing the Normandy landings and the operations to liberate France in 1944.. It reminded us of the explanatory diagrams we so enjoyed at the Utah Beach Landing Museum.
Lawns and paths
Take a stroll down the aisles and remember the brave deeds of the soldiers who gave their lives for Freedom. We enjoyed walking the lawns, quietly, honouring the memory of all those who lie there.
WHERE TO STAY IN Caen
Option 1: in the old town center
We recommend..:
- Hotel Best Western Plus Le moderne not far from the castle – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel La Fontaine also near the castle – see prices, photos and availability
- B&B Les Chambres de L’Abbaye, near Abbaye-aux-Hommes – see prices, photos and availability
Option 2: to Ouistreham
To sleep more in the countryside or near the beach (15 to 20min from Rouen). We recommend..:
- Hotel Manoir Hastings and its stone houses – see prices, photos and availability.
- Hotel La Mare Ô Poissons and its swimming pool – see prices, photos and availability
Option 3: near the port or station
We recommend..:
- Campanile hotel next to the station – see prices, photos and availability.
British Military Cemetery at Douvres-la-Délivrande: access
Where is the British Military Cemetery?
- In the village of Douvres-la-Délivrande (14400), in the Calvados department
- Along the D7 departmental road
- 17min drive from Sword Beach
- Bayeux to Douvres-la-Délivrande British Military Cemetery = 35min drive
- From Caen to Douvres-la-Délivrande British Military Cemetery = 20min drive
Here’s a map to help you find your way around:
Access by car and parking
This cemetery is easily accessible by car, but there is no parking at the entrance. Parking is available along one of the site’s coastlines. Parking du Cimetière is indicated on the road. It is located in the Rue de la Fossette.
Public transport access
There is a bus network in the area, but you’ll be limited in terms of times and possibilities to reach Bény-sur-Mer Cemetery. We recommend renting a car to explore the D-Day landing sites.
Visiting difficulties
There are no particular difficulties to be expected, but we advise you to wear comfortable shoes, as the grass may be uneven. Make sure you’re equipped for the rain, as the Normandy sky is capricious! Of course, if you’re planning a visit in summer, don’t forget to bring a hat and sun cream if necessary.
BEFORE OUR TIPS + PHOTOS
HERE ARE OUR favorites
Our favorite car rental platform with great offers: DiscoverCars
Our favorite places to stay:
Hotel Domain de Bayeux, elegant and central – see photos and availability
Hotel Domaine d’Utah Beach, for the north – see photos and availability
Hôtel Ferme de la Rançonnière, the charm of the countryside – view photos and availability
Visit the British Military Cemetery at Douvres-la-Délivrande: useful tips
Schedules and prices
Visits to the cemetery are free and open to all, 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
How long
We recommend that you allow 45 minutes to 1 hour for your visit, depending on your interest in the cemetery’s various features.
Best moment
For a cool, quiet visit, we recommend that you visit the cemetery in the morning or early evening on weekdays.
Direction of visit
Of course, there’s no set direction, but we recommend that you start by visiting the reception building and the operations map. Then take an emotional stroll through the cemetery, passing by the Cross of Sacrifice.
Eating out
You can’t eat inside the cemetery. As soon as you’re feeling hungry, we recommend taking the car to Caen. It’s the nearest big city and home to some excellent restaurants. Here are our favorites:
- Restaurant L’Aromate: Axel de Caseneuve and Inès de Saint Jores’ bistronomic table is a real invitation to travel, and we were transported!
- Salon de thé L’Okara: this organic and ethical vegetarian canteen will add color to your plates. A variety of flavours and textures are also on offer, all in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
- Bar-restaurant Moon & Sons: this subdued pub inspired by the world of Harry Potter offers a 100% plant-based menu (dishes, pastries and snacks).
Find out more about the above establishments and our complete selection of the city’s best restaurants in our our article on where to eat in Caen.
On the other hand, if you want to spend a day exploring the various D-Day sites, we recommend eating in Bayeux. Indeed, the city is a central point for discovering them with ease.
Hotels
For your visit to the D-Day landing sites, why not spend the night in Bayeux? It’s a central point for navigating between all the sites. Here’s our selection of accommodation in and around the city:
WHERE TO STAY IN Bayeux
Option 1: Central and close to downtown
Within 5 to 10 minutes’ walk of the historic center, you’ll find beautiful mansions transformed into welcoming hotels and B&Bs. We recommend..:
- Hotel Domaine de Bayeux installed in an 18th century mansion – see prices, photos and availability.
- Hôtel le Lion d’Or in a former 18th-century post office building – see prices, photos, availability.
Option 2: in the countryside
The Normandy countryside is very green and inspiring. At the bend in the forest or in the fields, pretty villages with beautiful buildings transport you to another world, or even another era.
- Hotel Domaine de la Rançonnière, only 20 minutes from Bayeux – see prices, photos and availability.
Option 3: By the sea
The seaside is just 15 minutes drive from Bayeux. Breathe the sea air while enjoying easy access to Bayeux and the D-Day beaches.
- Hotel Villas d’Arromanches – see prices, photos and availability.
MORE ABOUT THE D-Day sites
- The best landing sites to visit
- Visit the 5 D-Day landing beaches
- Where to stay – best hotels near the beach
- The best D-Day museums in Normandy
- German batteries to visit
- Car rental tips: Caen – Roissy-CDG – Orly – Beauvais
- Visit Omaha Beach
- Visit Utah Beach
- Visit Gold Beach
- Visit Sword Beach
- Visit Juno Beach (coming soon)
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
