Mémorial de Coudehard-Montormel
Memorial of the Orne department on Hill 262, devoted to the battle of the Falaise-Chambois pocket in August 1944, with an exhibition, a film and a panoramic view.
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About the museum
The Mémorial de Coudehard-Montormel was designed from the outset as a place of remembrance and an interpretation centre for the battle of the Falaise-Chambois pocket, which took place from August 18 to 21, 1944 and ended the Battle of Normandy. It stands on Hill 262, above the Dives valley, at the place where the German army gave way to the Allied forces. The site belongs to the Orne department.
Next to the memorial, a monument pays tribute to the fighting that took place on the hill. Since August 22, 2014, the site has been part of the Voie européenne de la Paix.
The visit presents objects found on the battlefield, which evoke the daily life of soldiers and civilians, a room devoted to the advance of the units with an animated map, and a film of testimonies from veterans. An explanation in front of a large picture window describes the three days of fighting while looking out over the landscape.
Highlights
- Animated map showing the pocket closing in on the “Couloir de la mort”
- Film of testimonies from veterans, in French, English, Polish and German
- Explanation of the battlefield in front of a large picture window
- Objects found on the battlefield
- Marble sculpture “Les Ailes de la paix”
Permanent exhibitions
- Exposition permanente – Objects found on the battlefield, showing the daily life of soldiers and civilians during the fighting.
- Salle de la bataille – An animated map shows the advance of the units and the closing of the pocket.
- Salle des témoignages – Documentary film with archive footage, photographs and accounts from veterans.
- Operated by
- Département de l'Orne
- Visitors per year
- approx. 11,282
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €4Holders of the “Carte du combattant” (€4); visitors arriving through a commercial partnership or promotional operation (€5) |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 15 · Free admission for children under 16. |
| Students & apprentices | €3.50On presentation of a pupil or student card. |
| Groups (15+ people) | €5 per personGroups of 15 or more people; one free place per 20 visitors; accompanying persons and drivers free of charge. |
| Escap'Orne rate (adult) | €4.60Free for children under 16. |
| Saison culturelle C'61 rate (adult) | €10Free for children under 12. |
Free admission for veterans of 1939–1945 and for scheduled free events.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 15 |
Getting there & parking
Address of the memorial: 3 route du Mémorial, 61160 Mont-Ormel. The site lies between Chambois and Vimoutiers.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Bookshop with books on the battle and World War II, comics, games, models and souvenirs.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Each visit ends with a documentary film, offered in French, English, Polish and German. The panoramic explanation is given in French and English. The visit is conducted with a mediator; guided tours of the battlefield and two hiking loops of 3 and 3.4 kilometers are available in the surroundings. |
