Sainte-Mère-Église is a place rich in history, particularly from the 1944 D-Day landings. With historical tours and cultural discoveries, the town offers a rewarding experience that blends memory, heritage, and relaxation. Let’s discover 5 activities to do in this city !
1. Scavenger Hunt in Sainte-Mère-Église
With the Landing Zone app, dive into the heart of history by solving puzzles and answering questions about the D-Day landings.
Explore the town and its landmarks at your own pace, with your phone guiding you on an interactive and immersive adventure.
Landing Zone is available for free on Android and iOS.
2. Airborne Museum
Located in Sainte-Mère-Église, the Airborne Museum brings the D-Day experience to life as if you were there.
From the preparation in England to the fight for freedom, explore immersive reconstructions and learn about the American paratroopers who played a key role on June 6, 1944. An essential visit to truly feel the intensity of the landings and gain a deeper understanding of this historic event.
3. Sainte-Mère-Église church
The bell tower of Sainte-Mère-Église is famous for being the spot where paratrooper John Steele became stuck during Operation Albany, at the beginning of the Battle of Normandy.
The story became internationally known after the release of the film The Longest Day in 1962. In response to the numerous questions from tourists, the town decided to install a mannequin named “Big Jim” in tribute to Steele.
4. The Mémorial de la Fière Space
Today, the Mémorial de la Fière Park honors the American airborne troops of the D-Day landings in Normandy.
Among the key sites of June 6, 1944, the Fière Bridge was the scene of a heroic three-day battle, playing a crucial role in the advancement of the Allied forces.
4. Ferme-musée du Cotentin
The Ferme-Musée du Cotentin housed prominent local families during the 17th and 18th centuries.
In the 19th century, it shifted towards dairy farming, contributing to the development of the Norman breed and Norman butter, which had already made Sainte-Mère-Église famous long before the D-Day landings of 1944.
Operated until 1975, it became a museum in 1979, dedicated to the rural and agricultural heritage of Normandy.
5. Sainte-Mère-Église Biscuit Factory
Rooted in the region, the production relies on the expertise and quality of local producers. This helps preserve the authenticity and typical taste of Normandy—truly the essence of artisanal craftsmanship.
Moreover, the wheat from southern La Manche, Normandy butter, and fresh milk from the Ferme des Bouilles de Cauquigny, located just 5 km from the biscuit factory, are all ingredients that contribute to the charm of their homemade ice creams.
