Colleville-sur-Mer

Colleville-sur-Mer is the village above the eastern end of Omaha Beach, and the ground it sits on carries more weight than its size suggests: the Normandy American Cemetery lies within the commune, on the bluff the U.S. 1st Infantry Division fought up on June 6, 1944.

What Happened Here

The Colleville draw, exit E-3, was one of the fortified routes off Omaha Beach, covered by German strongpoints including WN62 on the bluff, one of the most lethal positions of the morning. Troops of the 1st Infantry Division fought through the draw and took the village during June 6. Two days later, the U.S. First Army opened its temporary cemetery on the plateau above the beach, the ground that became the permanent Normandy American Cemetery.

Visiting Colleville Today

The cemetery is the reason visitors come, and the village around it stays quiet. The remains of WN62 sit on the bluff between the cemetery and the beach, marked and walkable. At the cemetery access roundabout, the Overlord Museum holds the region’s best armor collection; our Overlord Museum guide on NormandyDDayTours.com covers hours and prices. Beach access at the base of the bluff puts you on the sand of the Easy Red and Fox Green sectors.

Getting There

Colleville-sur-Mer sits 20 minutes from Bayeux on the D514 coastal road, with free parking at the cemetery visitor center. Our Tours to Omaha Beach page compares the guided and self-drive ways to build the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Colleville-sur-Mer known for?
The Normandy American Cemetery stands within the commune, on the bluff above the eastern end of Omaha Beach where the U.S. 1st Infantry Division fought ashore on June 6, 1944.

Can you walk from the cemetery to Omaha Beach?
A path descends the bluff from the cemetery overlook toward the beach; check current access at the visitor center, as sections close at times. The sand below is the Easy Red and Fox Green sector of the landing.

What was WN62?
Widerstandsnest 62 was the German strongpoint on the Colleville bluff covering the E-3 draw, one of the deadliest positions above Omaha Beach on June 6. Its remains sit between the cemetery and the beach and can be walked today.