Sainte-Marie-du-Mont is a town in Normandy, located in the department of Manche. Population of about 760 inhabitants, the village is located southeast of the Cotentin Peninsula, just next to Carentan and the famous bay of Veys. Full member of the Regional Natural Park of Cotentin and Bessin village Sainte-Marie-du-Mont is also next to the National Nature Reserve of the Domaine de Beauguillot. Thus, the site boasts an exceptional natural heritage and full of charm.
But it is its beach which is renowned Sainte-Marie-du-Mont worldwide. Indeed, it is here on the beach today named Utah Beach, which landed a part of US troops during the Normandy landings on June 6, 1944. Today, the village claims to be the first French village continental released.
In this quiet town full of charm, historical heritage is not lacking and visitors love to delve into this exciting and glorious past. Sainte-Marie-du-Mont is also a good starting point for exploring all vestiges associated with World War II in Normandy.
Today Sainte-Marie-du-Mont is mainly focused on tourism related to the Second World War and the Normandy landings. However, there are some beautiful architectural monuments reflecting the traditional style of the region.
The Utah Beach Landing Museum traces the Normandy landings, particularly the military operations that took place on the beach Sainte-Marie-du-Mont. Created in 1962, it is located right on the beach and has a large collection of archives, models or objects that belonged to veterans.
Located in a former office of German garrison, the Museum of the Occupation of this amazing murals by German soldiers themselves. Inside, we discover objects related to life under occupation.
The Utah Beach, in heavy violent memories is a beautiful stretch of sand offers the opportunity to make beautiful walks. On site, you can see the terminal No. 0 of the path of Liberty, and a stele in tribute to the sailors of the US Navy who gave their lives for France.
Just opposite the church, the Museum of the Liberation presents a collection of uniforms, weapons, or even American and German vehicles.
First Regional site for ornithological discovery after the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel, Reserve Beauguillot can admire birds throughout the year. Panels and observatories have been installed at various locations to explain the fauna and local flora to visitors.
Classified as an historic monument, the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption was built in the eleventh century and rebuilt between the twelfth and nineteenth centuries. It once housed the marble tomb of Henri-Robert-to-Shoulders.
Around the village, manor houses, farms and other castles abound. May especially enjoy the farm grown with its hipped slate roof, the Sainte-Marie-du-Mont manor, mansion Brécourt which was the scene of one of the most significant feats of the Battle of Normandy, or the manor River sixteenth-century mansion and Mardelle.
All 6 June, the village is the scene of Sainte-Marie-du-Mont commemorations related to the Normandy landings in 1944.
Each August 15, Sainte-Marie-du-Mont hosts its votive festival, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The program for this festive day, a foot race, a ride, a carnival or fireworks.
Oiseaux Nicheurs
- On 26 april 2024
- Réserve Naturelle Nationale du Domaine de Beauguillot
- Accompanied by a member of the Reserve's staff, identify the birds that nest on the Domaine de Beauguillot.
À l'Écoute des Chants d'Oiseaux
- On 28 april 2024
- Réserve Naturelle Nationale du Domaine de Beauguillot
- Accompanied by the reserve manager, identify the songs and calls of the birds that frequent the Domaine de Beauguillot National Nature Reserve.
Plongeon Dans la Mare
- On 3 may 2024
- Réserve naturelle du Domaine de Beauguillot
- Among its many natural habitats, the Domaine de Beauguillot National Nature Reserve boasts a dozen ponds. Accompanied by an agent of the Reserve, plunge into the cold, silent world of this mysterious environment.
À l'Écoute des Chants d'Oiseaux
- On 5 may 2024
- Réserve Naturelle Nationale du Domaine de Beauguillot
- Accompanied by the reserve manager, identify the songs and calls of the birds that frequent the Domaine de Beauguillot National Nature Reserve.
La Plage et les Dunes
- On 17 may 2024
- Réserve Naturelle Nationale du Domaine de Beauguillot
- Discover the beach and dunes of the Domaine de Beauguillot during a walk with a guide from the National Nature Reserve. Explore these environments shaped by the tides and the wind.
Au Royaume des Orchidées
- On 24 may 2024
- Réserve naturelle du Domaine de Beauguillot
- In spring, the meadows of the Domaine de Beauguillot National Nature Reserve are covered with thousands of orchids. Accompanied by an agent of the Reserve, enjoy the spectacle of these rare and colorful plants.
Fête de la Nature - Visite de la Réserve Naturelle Nationale du Domaine de Beauguillot
- On 25 may 2024
- Réserve naturelle du Domaine de Beauguillot
- Take advantage of the Fête de la Nature to discover Normandy's nature reserves. Come and discover the Domaine de Beauguillot National Nature Reserve, in the heart of the Baie des Veys, accompanied by a reserve agent.
Marche Internationale Pour la Paix
- On 1 june 2024
- Musée du Débarquement Utah Beach
- "Transmit Peace". - Every year for the past 18 years, the International March for Peace has brought together between 800 and 1000 people. The march always starts at a historic site, and arrives in Sainte-Mère-Eglise after about twenty kilometers. - Three departures are scheduled : - - Utah Beach at 10am. - - Sainte Marie du Mont. - - Turqueville, where many children are expected for the final stage. - Arrival in Sainte-Mère-Eglise around 5pm.
Embrasement de la Côte à Sainte-Marie-du-Mont
- On 1 june 2024
- Launch of the 80th Anniversary of D-Day with a blaze of fireworks on the D-Day beaches. Twenty or so fireworks displays will take place simultaneously on all the historic beaches. Utah Beach and Saint-Martin-de-Varreville will each host a fireworks display.
Cérémonie au Monument de la Résistance
- On 1 june 2024
- Rue 101ème Airborne
- Ceremony in tribute to the French Resistance
