Gold Beach

Located between Asnelles and Ver-sur-Mer to the west of Juno Beach, Gold Beach is one of the 5 D-Day beaches near the campsite that are a must for Normandy tourists. Around 25,000 men landed there on June 6, 1944.

Landing at Gold Beach

After a successful bombardment, notably of the Mont-Fleury and Longues-sur-Mer batteries, the first British troops landed on Gold Beach at 7.25am. The objectives were to recapture Arromanches, then Port-en-Bessin and Bayeux, and to link up with Omaha Beach to the west and the Canadian army at Juno Beach to the east.

The first waves come under German fire. Because of the heavy swell, amphibious tanks arrive late, get bogged down or are destroyed by mines. But there was no stopping the British army as it pushed on against the German defenses.

By the end of the day, Arromanches was completely secured, the road between Bayeux and Caen was taken and contact was made with the Canadian forces at Juno. Faced with Allied air superiority, the Germans were routed despite counter-attack attempts.

The next morning, British troops captured Bayeux and Port-en-Bessin. On June 9, an artificial harbour was set up at Arromanches, enabling vehicles and equipment to be unloaded quickly. Access to the beach was free. You can visit Gold Beach all year round.

What to see around Gold Beach

The D-Day Landing Museum at Arromanches-les-Bains

Located on theformer artificial harbour, this museum has been commemorating D-Day and the Battle of Normandy since it opened in 1954. You’ll learn how the artificial harbour worked and its importance during the war. Adults pay €8.20. Minors and students pay €6. In summer, the museum is open from 09:30 to 12:30 and from 13:30 to 18:30.

The D-Day Underwater Wreck Museum at Commes-Port-en-Bessin

This original museum showcases many relics of the Second World War found on the seabed, including vehicles. Adults pay €7.50, children (aged 7 to 16) €4.50. In summer, the museum is open from 10am to 1pm and from 2pm to 7pm.

Also to be seen near Gold Beach

Depending on how much time you have, you can visit the Longues-sur-Mer battery and the circular cinema at Arromanches. Also not to be missed is the America Gold Beach museum in Ver-sur-Mer, part of which retraces the preparations for D-Day.

Gold Beach is 31km north of the 4-star L’Escapade campsite in Cahagnolles. You can combine a visit to Gold Beach with Juno Beach and Sword Beach during your camping holiday in Calvados.