Batterie de Crisbecq
Second World War historic site near Utah Beach: 22 blockhouses of a German coastal artillery battery, to be visited independently.
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About the museum
The Batterie de Crisbecq, also called the Batterie de Saint-Marcouf, was built by the German navy as part of the Atlantic Wall. It had four 210 mm guns and posed a serious threat to ships bringing American troops to Utah Beach. It was bombed by Allied aircraft in spring 1944 and during the night of June 5 to 6.
On the morning of June 6, 1944, the battery opened fire on the Allied fleet. An artillery duel followed, which the ships quickly won. The Germans then turned the guns still in working order towards the beach. On June 7, American soldiers of the 22nd Infantry Regiment tried in vain to take the position, which was defended by about 400 men. The garrison withdrew during the night of June 11.
A museum has been open on the site since 2004. The signposted route links 22 blockhouses furnished with period furniture: bunkrooms, ammunition stores, kitchen, infirmary, anti-aircraft command post. The guns have disappeared, but weapons, uniforms and other objects show the living conditions of the garrison before the Landings.
Highlights
- 22 blockhouses furnished with period furniture
- Trenches and tunnels linking bunkrooms, kitchen, infirmary and ammunition stores
- Anti-aircraft command post
- D-Day short film on motion seats (12 minutes)
- Information panels in six languages
Permanent exhibitions
- Parcours des 22 blockhaus – A self-guided route through the trenches and the furnished blockhouses: bunkrooms, kitchen, infirmary, ammunition stores and the command post.
- Court-métrage du Jour J – A 12-minute film on motion seats, following a French resistance fighter, the battery commander and an American soldier on the morning of June 6, 1944.
- Founded
- 2004
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €12.50 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €11.50Under 18s, military personnel and people with disabilities, on proof |
| Children & teens | €8.50free up to age 5 · Rate for children aged 6 to 14. Free for children under 6; the simulator is not possible for them. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €11.50On presentation of proof. |
| Groups | –Rate for adult groups on request, depending on size; €4.50 per pupil for primary and collège school groups. |
| Group guided visit supplement | €2Per person, by reservation for groups of 10 or more. |
Full and reduced rates include access to the film simulator. Payment methods: cash, bank card (except American Express), Chèques-Vacances and cheques.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The site is hard to access for people with reduced mobility, as each blockhouse has steps. Animals are allowed on the site on a lead, but not in the simulator.
Kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 75 min |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
- Stroller-friendly: not available
The site advises against pushchairs because of the steps at each blockhouse and recommends a baby carrier. Children remain the responsibility of their parents.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Regular buses run between Carentan and Saint-Marcouf, with a stop near the site. The nearest SNCF station is Carentan, about 15 minutes by car.
By car
Free parking
Free parking at the entrance to the site, for cars and coaches, with a bicycle park.
The site is about 10 km from Sainte-Mère-Église, 40 minutes from Cherbourg and 1 hour from Caen. From Carentan (15 minutes), take the D901 towards Saint-Marcouf; from Cherbourg, the A13 and then the D700.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Souvenir shop on site.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Self-guided visit on a signposted 22-point route with panels in six languages (French, English, German, Dutch, Italian, Spanish). Guided visits are only possible for groups of 10 or more, by reservation. The short film lasts 12 minutes, with 8 seats and a screening every 15 minutes, and is not allowed for children under 6. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. |
