The Pointe du Siège and Ouistreham’s historic sites combine coastal landscapes, nature and history.
Anyone wishing to rent a holiday apartment in Ouistreham can find out more about the destination.
Nature
East of Ouistreham’s locks lies the Pointe du Siège, a 1.5-kilometre-long sandspit. Part of this coastal area is protected by the Conservatoire du Littoral.
The Pointe du Siège is home to numerous resident and migratory bird species, including the Kentish plover, little egret and Eurasian curlew. Another protected landscape is the Bois du Caprice, which is designated as an Espace naturel sensible and extends across Ouistreham Riva-Bella, Colleville-Montgomery and Saint-Aubin d’Arquenay. A 2.5-kilometre circular trail passes through this area.
Culture and History
The Église Saint-Samson was built in the 12th century and is a Romanesque building. In the past, it served as a fortified watchpost as well as a beacon, navigation marker and observation post for seafaring; since 1840, it has been classified as a Monument historique. The Grange aux Dîmes is also protected as a Monument historique. It was first mentioned in 1257 and rebuilt in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Ouistreham Riva-Bella is identified with Sword Beach, the only landing beach where French soldiers came ashore. The Grand Bunker also refers to this history: the fully renovated former command post and fire-control bunker has been converted into a museum about the Atlantic Wall in Normandy. Visitors can explore the five levels of the former command post, which illustrate the atmosphere and essential functions of the defence centre on the eve of the landings. The roof offers a complete 360-degree panorama over the mouth of the Orne and the landing beaches.
Experiences
From the 2026 season, land sailing will be permitted on Riva Bella beach in a designated zone east of the central Riva Bella bathing area (S1) up to the dune. When visiting the Phare de Ouistreham, visitors climb 171 spiral-staircase steps to a height of 38 metres and enjoy a 360-degree view of the town and the horizon.
Getting Around
Twisto bus route 12 connects Caen SNCF railway station with Lion-sur-Mer, passing through Ouistreham Riva-Bella, Colleville-Montgomery and Hermanville-sur-Mer. The tourist harbour of Ouistreham Riva-Bella offers three daily ferry services to Portsmouth in England.
More places: Brémoy, Lisores, Livarot, Maisons, Viessoix, Saint-Georges-En-Auge, Bayeux, Saint-Vaast-Sur-Seulles.
