Graye-sur-Mer

Built in the 12th century, the church of Saint Martin was burnt by the Huguenots before being rebuilt shortly after. Its bell tower also suffered destruction by lightning in the nineteenth century, and by the throes of World War II. One can still admire the remains of the original building like the southern wall of the nave. The porch that is attached to it dates from the Hundred Years War. Inside, do not miss to admire the altarpiece of the fifteenth century classified by the Beaux-Arts or the high altar of the seventeenth century and classical style.

The village of Graye-sur-Mer has several vestiges and other memorials of the Second World War, and more particularly of the D-Day landing. You will discover a British Churchill Avre "One Charlie" or a Lorraine cross commemorating General de Gaulle's return to France in June 1944. At the entrance to the beach, a commemorative plaque pays tribute to the allied forces having landed On 6 June 1944.

The village washhouse, which is part of the general inventory of cultural heritage, dates from the end of the 19th century. Commemorative plaques were attached to it during the fiftieth anniversary of the D-Day landing in 1994.

Nature lovers will find their happiness in the marshes of the lower valley of the Seulles. The latter are classified as an area of ​​ecological, faunistic and floristic interest and allow to appreciate the local fauna and flora. Guided tours are organized regularly.

A popular destination for visitors and water sports enthusiasts, La Grache de Graye Beach is part of the Juno Beach area. This large stretch of fine sand offers a breathtaking view of the Channel Sea and allows you to enjoy many leisure activities.

The village offers a fireworks display at the end of July.

At the beginning of August you will be able to attend a fair at the granaries.

A mid-November meal is available.

• From 1 to 30 june 2024
• Grange aux Dîmes
• As part of the 1944-2024 program : Seulle Terre et Mer se souvient, supported by the Gold Beach tourist office. - Through this exhibition, discover and understand the progression of British and Canadian soldiers through our villages. - Graye sur mer is a village that saw the landing of destroyers and large landing craft at 5:30 am on June 6, firing over the heads of Canadian infantrymen, followed thirty minutes later by British soldiers. - Their objective : to advance as far as Carpiquet airport. 80 years on, this penetration is still visible on the walls of the villages they passed through. The military police marked this passage with an arrow or a blue sign on the stones of our villages. - These markings will be the main theme of this exhibition, featuring before-and-after photos and testimonials from local residents.

• On 1 june 2024
• To mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, the entire Normandy coast will be ablaze as night falls. Starting at 11:30 pm, 21 fireworks displays will highlight the major D-Day sites and pay tribute to the veterans who fought for freedom.