“Mulberry harbours” were part of the Allied war effort: They were constructed in England and transported across the Channel to assist in mounting a counter-offensive in occupied France, known as D-Day. At Omaha Beach, Mulberry A was destroyed in a storm shortly after D-Day. The remains of more than 30 caissons, parts of Mulberry B, still stand at Arromanches-les-Bains, although the sea is eroding them. Visitors can walk out from the beach to the caissons at low tide. Travelers can visit independently or on guided WWII history tours of the Normandy coast.
If you’re visiting Mulberry Harbour independently, it’s a good idea to read up on the history of D-Day and the engineering that went into the invasion to better appreciate the hunks of concrete you’ll see from the beach.
Active travelers should take advantage of the beach and cliff-top walks from Arromanches.
While wandering around the town and along the coast, look for memorials and plaques that provide more insight into World War II history.
Arromanches is around 6 miles (10 kilometers) northeast of Bayeux, about 23 miles (37 kilometers) northwest of the larger town of Caen, and about 167 miles (270 kilometers) from Paris. Self-driving is the easiest way of getting around unless you’re on a guided World War II-focused tour of the area–some of which depart from as far afield as Paris. You can also take long-distance and local buses if you’re comfortable using French.
Mulberry Harbour at Arromanches can be visited year-round, but if you want to enjoy the beach, cliff-top walks, and the natural environment, visit in the summer. To walk out to the nearest caissons from the beach, visit at low tide.
The D-Day Museum (Musée du Débarquement) on the seafront at Arromanches provides a thorough history of the D-Day landings, the period leading up to them and after, and the remarkable engineering that went into creating the two Mulberry Harbours. Scale models and films bring an interactive element.
