The Big Red One Assault Museum pays tribute to the 1st American infantry division, Big Red One, and its role in the D-Day landings of June 1944. Visit this place of remembrance and you’ll be transported back in time to the Second World War.
In this article, you’ll find all our useful tips for planning your visit to this museum that brings the past back to life!
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 Big Red One Assault Museum worthwhile?
Yes, it’s worth a visit. Located a stone’s throw fromOmaha Beach, the museum displays authentic military artefacts and battle relics relating to the Big Red One division. This U.S. Army corps is named after its shoulder insignia, which features the number 1 in red. We were touched by this rich collection, which recounts the courageous landing of these men.
It’s one of the museums dedicated to the Second World War battles in Normandy, and an interesting stop-off if you’re visiting the D-Day beaches.
What you can see
A wartime machine gun
Before entering the museum, you’ll see several elements on concrete pedestals outside. Admire old machine guns and weathered metal structures scattered around the courtyard.
Remnants of the boarding boats
At the entrance, we were struck by the authentic debris of the boats on which the division’s soldiers actually stepped when they landed on the beach.
Staging
You can step back in time to 1944 as soldiers prepare for battle.
The assault soldier’s gear
We contemplated the various items of infantry equipment. Helmets, jackets, water bottles, bags and even tin cans testify to what they had when they disembarked.
An array of weapons
You’ll see many of the firearms soldiers used to fight the German army.
Photographs of battalion members
The museum reveals the faces of the members of the Big Red One division through a series of moving black and white portraits.
Touching personal objects
You can imagine yourself in these brave men’s shoes as you observe real personal objects collected by the museum. We were able to read some beautiful letters and admire photographs of military spouses.
Secret documents
Don’t miss the secret reports of the Omaha Beach landings. Several notebooks have been preserved by the museum. We were able to browse through a few pages!
Old weapons and transport crates
Beneath the division’s motto, you’ll find the remains of the crates of equipment destined for the Omaha Beach landings.
A souvenir store
Finish your visit with a visit to the museum store. Why not buy a souvenir?
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Big Red One Assault Museum in Colleville-sur-Mer: how to find us
Where is the museum?
- In the town of Colleville-sur-Mer
- 10min drive from Omaha Beach
- 20min drive from Bayeux
- 45min drive from Caen
Access by car and parking
The museum is accessible by car and has its own parking lot.
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).
- Remember to take outcomprehensive insurance (some roads are winding and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Public transport access
There is a bus network, but you’ll be limited in the times and possibilities of getting to Colleville-sur-Mer. The most comfortable way to get around Normandy is by car. Want to rent one to explore the surrounding area? Read our article on the subject!
Visiting difficulties
There are no particular difficulties for visitors.
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)
Visit the Big Red One Assault Museum: useful tips
Schedules and prices
The museum is open from March to November:
- April to May and September to October/November, 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm daily except Tuesdays.
- From mid-May to mid-September, 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm daily.
Adults pay €5 and children €5.
How long
Allow between 30min and 1h to visit the museum.
Best moment
The Normandy coast is busier in summer. If you plan to visit the museum during this season, we recommend you come in the morning to enjoy a quieter visit.
Direction of visit
The museum doesn’t dictate the direction of your visit, but we recommend that you first take a look at the building’s exterior. The walls feature photographs of the D-Day landings and portraits of soldiers, as well as imposing firearms and metal relics displayed in the courtyard. Then enter the museum and browse the collections, guided by whatever catches your eye.
Visiting with children
The museum and its collections will enable you to project yourself back into history and better understand how the D-Day landings unfolded. Visiting it with children can get them interested in this period, and give them a more embodied view of these great events.
Eating out
For a bite to eat, head for Omaha Beach. Several restaurants line the long beach. You can also venture as far as Bayeux, with its fine restaurants. Read our gourmet list and let yourself be tempted by one of these addresses!
Hotels
Near the museum, you’ll find a range of accommodation options:
- Enjoy an exceptional experience and sleep in a castle! Just 15 minutes from the site, Hôtel Château La Chenevière welcomes you in style.
- Take advantage of the small fishing port of Port-en-Bressin, less than 15 minutes from the museum, and book a charming apartment in the heart of the village.
The museum is close to the town of Bayeux, which is also home to a number of pleasant hotels.
WHERE TO STAY IN Normandy
We particularly appreciate staying in Normandy:
- Bayeux – our hotels selection
- Honfleur – our hotel selection
For more ideas, take a look at our article on the best places to stay in Normandy.
And if you already have an idea, take a look at our selections:
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
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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
