Bénouville is a town of Calvados, Normandy region, 10 km northeast of Caen.
Its territory 5 km² located on the left bank of the Orne and the Caen canal to the sea, the latter having been opened to navigation in 1857 as a substitute in the Orne was silted.
Already occupied by fishermen during prehistory, the site of Bénouville appreciated since ancient times when a ferry on the Orne allows passage of a Roman road linking Pont-Audemer in Bayeux.
Later, the village that lives off agriculture and fishing is famous for its castle restored in the eighteenth century by the famous architect Claude-Nicolas Ledoux: the field remains the heritage jewel of Bénouville.
In June 1944, the bridge Bénouville and the neighboring town of Ranville are subject to a daring airborne operation in the early hours of D-Day Allied armies will hold heroically these strategic crossing points and the cafe adjoining the bridge remains in history as the first home have been released after the landing.
With now just over 2,000 inhabitants, Bénouville highlights its heritage and history, near Caen Ouistreham and beaches where hundreds of thousands of Allied soldiers landed. A step even more interesting and fun than the environment of the town is charming.
In terms of heritage, despite the struggles of liberation, the village has preserved ancient heritage elements.
This is the case of the Church of Our Lady, listed on the Inventory, the choir dating from the late twelfth century has pointed arches while the nave is later (XVI, XVII). At the chorus, frescoes Louis Chifflet (completed in 1895) are to see, evoking the childhood of Christ, and we note elsewhere in the nave a headstone from 1768 on behalf of Antoine Gillain, Marquis de Bénouville. The family coat of arms are highlighted. In addition, two wooden statues are preserved: one of St. Eutropius, the other representing Our Lady of the Port. The tabernacle (Eucharistic reserve) polychrome stone, consisting of two cylindrical floors topped by a dove is also worth a glance.
More modest, two old wash of which has been lovingly restored can be seen near the canal.
The Bénouville jewel is its castle on the foundations of a medieval building, it has been completely redesigned between 1769 and 1780 by the architect Claude-Nicolas Ledoux. The French neo-classical style is sublimated there. The audacity of the monumental staircase, the majesty of the railing bordering the terrace, the facades are among the most remarkable elements, besides a perfectly preserved interior. Ownership of the General Council from 1927, historical monument, the castle and its 11 hectare park home once an institution dedicated to mothers in difficulty, and a maternity and children of public assistance. Restored in 1985, the castle was then the headquarters of the Regional Chamber of Accounts. It is now occupied by the European Institute of Gardens and Landscapes. Events (conferences, seminars) are organized and open to the public occasionally visits scheduled. Information at +33 2 31 95 53 23.
It is then necessary to discover the sites related to the fighting in June 1944. Such Gondré the coffee, first released building (it is now included in the Inventory), and the site of the "Pegasus Bridge", which seized the soldiers of an Allied commando in the night of June 5 to 6, an operation initiated somehow landing. The original bridge is now kept in a museum in the nearby town of Ranville. He was replaced to cross the channel with a new bridge in 2000.
The Signal, inaugurated in 1954, appears to share a monument funded after the war by selling Landing wrecks. Finally, along the canal, we see the bust of Major John Howard, who celebrates the memory of one who distinguished himself at the head of the commando operation Pegasus.
If history in the twentieth century, especially World War II, have made the channel a river staked memorial sites, it also remains a pleasant walking destination. Its banks allow to understand a preserved natural environment. Frequented by now leisure craft (after an axis of economic development linking Caen to the coast), the channel is suitable for fishing and hiking. Loops and courses include the ability to reach Ouistreham and the sea.
Maps and information +33 2 31 27 14 14.
The last Saturday of June, feast of St. John with parade, kindling and concerts.
Every Wednesday morning, the market showcases local produce and the sea.
Midnight Ceremony
- From 5 to 6 june 2024
- Esplanade du Major Howard, stèle du Major Howard (près du Pegasus Bridge)
- Ceremony to honor Major Howard, in the presence of his daughter.
Concert d'Accueil des Familles et Amis des Vétérans du Major Howard
- On 5 june 2024
- Esplanade ouest de la salle polyvalente, Rue du Grand Clos
- Concert by ? The Massed Band of the Pegasus Memorial, British orchestra on the west esplanade of the multi-purpose hall.
Feu d'Artifice Musical de la Midnight Ceremony
- On 5 june 2024
- Avenue du Commando Kieffer, Pegasus Bridge
- After the ceremony in memory of Major Howard, B.O.W.U International's pipers and drummers will play on the Pegasus Bridge at the same time as the fireworks display from the banks of the Caen Canal. - 12 minutes of entertainment. - To round off this moment of remembrance, the pipes & drums will parade between Café Gondrée and Les Trois Planneurs.
Défilé des Enfants de Bénouville et Fleurissement des Tombes Anglaises au Cimetière
- On 6 june 2024
- Cimetière de Bénouville, Place du 4 Commando
- Parade of Bénouville children from the town hall to the cemetery, and flowering of English soldiers' graves in the cemetery.
D-Day Normandy Cup & Concerts Celtiques
- On 6 june 2024
- Avenue du Commando Kieffer, Bénouville, Pegasus Bridge
- A unique, festive and cultural event to celebrate the 80th D-Day. Over 70 artists from more than 12 different nations will perform all day and evening, just a stone's throw from the legendary Pegasus Bridge. The bagpipes will sound for freedom and peace between peoples ! - PROGRAM - Evening concerts & Mass Band - Catering & Pub - Remembrance activities & youth area - Liberation village & Celtic crafts - International bagpipe and Scottish drum competition - free concerts - Part I : The Spoon O'Porridge - Part II : Calum STEWART Trio & Sophie Stephenson - Part III : Celtica Pipes Rock - Part IV : Grand Mass Band de la libération - le village - Cider and whisky producers, kilts & leather accessories, WWII comic book writers and artists, military surplus, association stands, souvenir stores…
Cérémonie au Monument du 7ème Bataillon de Parachutistes
- On 6 june 2024
- Mairie de Bénouville, Place de la Libération
- Ceremony at the 7th Parachute Battalion monument in front of the town hall. - Families and friends of veterans of the 7th Parachute Battalion were present. - Speeches and wreath-laying.
Défilé Mairie – Pegasus Bridge
- On 6 june 2024
- Mairie de Bénouville, Place de la Libération
- Town Hall parade ? Pegasus Bridge with : - The Massed Band of the Pegasus Memorial ? - The Bagpipers of the World United International Association ? - Families and friends of Major Howard "Ox and Bucks" veterans in attendance. - Followed by a ceremony at the Signal monument, Major Howard esplanade, with the presence of families and friends of veterans of Major Howard "Ox and Bucks".