Lion-sur-Mer

Listed as a Historic Monument, the Saint-Pierre church reveals a bell tower dating from the first half of the 12th century. The original building was built in the 11th century, on the remains of a necropolis with a sarcophagus from the 4th century. Transformed many times, it now reveals a mixed and varied style, as evidenced in particular by the Henry-de-Blagny chapel built in the 19th century and in neo-Gothic style. The primitive Romanesque nave was destroyed and replaced by a larger one at the beginning of the 20th century due to the influx of tourists in the town.

A former casino from the second half of the 19th century, the Villa Louis is now listed as a Historic Monument for its remodeled Art Nouveau facade. Villa Bella Vista, listed in the general inventory of cultural heritage, is not lacking in interest either. Built in the middle of the 19th century, it presents an architecture typical of the seaside villas of this period.

The fine sandy beach in the center of Lion-sur-Mer is surely the site that attracts the most visitors. It is notably bordered by cliffs, those of the Confessionals. They owe their name to the fact that there are shallow caves that once served as places for amorous rendezvous.

Not far from the beach, a Liberty monument has been erected in memory of the 41st Royal Marine Commando who landed here on June 6, 1944.

Today closed to the public as private property, the former castle of Lion-sur-Mer nevertheless stands proudly. You can admire its exteriors as well as its partly classified outbuildings and listed as Historic Monuments.

The Lion-sur-Mer market takes place on Thursday morning. Every Thursday in summer, a night market is offered. Flea markets are regularly organized throughout the year.

In July and August, the town offers its summer dancing terraces, free concerts.

In summer, the city hosts book unpackings with many exhibitors.

The antiquarian book fair takes place in November, April and early August.

• From 19 to 25 april 2024
• Gallerie Trianon, Place du 18 juin 1940
• Immerse yourself in the captivating world of photography with AGLAE - les Amis de la Galerie de Lion Art et Essais - as we present the remarkable work of distinguished photographer Yvon Bosquet. Discover the subtle art of capturing the moment, freezing the beauty of the world in striking images. Let yourself be transported through Bosquet's lenses, exploring dazzling landscapes, evocative portraits and poetic scenes of everyday life. A must-see exhibition for all visual art lovers and photography enthusiasts.

• On 1 may 2024
• Mairie de Lion-sur-mer, Place du 18 juin 1940 et du 41ème Royal Commando, rue Gallieni
• Explore the May 1st braderie organized by the Gym Volontaire de Lion-sur-Mer ! Immerse yourself in a friendly atmosphere and discover a multitude of stalls offering a variety of items. For exhibitors, space is available at 5 ? per linear m, with a minimum of 5 m for one car.

• From 18 may to 16 june 2024
• 30 rue Galliéni, Mairie de Lion-sur-Mer
• Immerse yourself in history with a captivating photo exhibition of 10 interactive portraits of wartime witnesses, presented on the gates of the Lion-sur-Mer town hall. These striking images take you on a journey through time, revealing the poignant faces and stories of those who lived through historic moments. - Each portrait is accompanied by an immersive narrative, offering viewers a moving, interactive experience. These vivid testimonies remind us of the sacrifices and challenges faced by those involved in the conflicts of the past. - Whether you're a history buff or simply curious about the human stories behind historical events, this exhibition offers a unique opportunity to learn more and pay tribute to those who lived through these tumultuous times. Don't miss this immersive experience that promises to touch your heart.

• On 18 may 2024
• Château de Lion-sur-mer
• A 20-minute concert (guitar and vocals) repeated every half-hour in the chapel of the illuminated Château de Lion.

• From 18 may to 15 june 2024
• Lion-sur-mer, boulevard du Calvados
• The association Les Amis de la Villa Louis is organizing the third edition of the Swing D-Day festival in Lion-sur-Mer and Sword Beach to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, from June 4 to 9,2024. - The aim of this festival is to pass on and perpetuate the duty of remembrance by offering free events open to all. It also aims to promote the historic and immutable links between France and the United Kingdom at Sword Beach, on the very spot where the French and British landed almost 80 years ago. - Our festival is accredited by the Region and the Ministry of the Armed Forces, and is also supported by the Département, France Bleu Normandie and France 3 Normandie. - The 2024 program : - -Aircraft : an exceptional exhibition of 3 Spitfires, emblematic aircraft of the Royal Air Force on Sword Beach (a Mark II and a Mark IX will be on display at Lion-sur-Mer and a Mark II at Colleville Montgomery). - -Sport : with sporting and memorial swimming challenges, on the eve of the 2024 Olympics : Portsmouth-Lion-sur-Mer Channel crossing by British soldiers from the Royal Engineers, - -Remembrance : a photo exhibition of war witnesses, lectures on the D-Day, historical films at the cinema, documentaries and archive footage, - -Music : 3 pre-war swing balls, - -Vintage vehicles : military vehicle exhibition on the seawall, - -Gastronomy : a market of regional Franco-British products on the Lion-sur-Mer seawall, - -Chance : a large tombola for retailers and partners. - The program is available on our website : - http://www.festivalswingdday.com - Don't hesitate to follow us on our social networks too : - Instagram : festivalswingdday - Facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095041825105 - Facebook group : https://www.facebook.com/groups/1156786721900148 - Youtube channel : https://youtu.be/7F9Luhdklls?si=9i4CF1uBHFr1z-I2

• On 18 may 2024
• Eglise Saint-Pierre, Place des victimes du 2 juillet 1944
• Arthur Glo (24) on classical guitar and Cléopâtre Boidin (25) on transverse flute are the guests of the Association pour la Sauvegarde de l'église de Lion sur mer, on the occasion of Pierres en lumières. - They met while studying at the Pont Supérieur de Rennes, one of France ? S fifteen higher education establishments for live performance. - Their shared desire to explore the repertoire for flute and guitar, from Baroque to contemporary and traditional music, soon led them to form a duo. - Their program for Pierres en lumières features original pieces and transcriptions of music with Latin and South American influences. Cleopatra and Arthur bridge the gap between classical culture and traditional Latin music, performing major pieces from the Argentine, Spanish and Cuban repertoires on flute and classical guitar. With a repertoire that evokes life, love and hope, from Astor Piazzolla to Carlos Aguirre, via Antonio Ruiz Pipo and Laurent Boutros, they invite us on a journey to the heart of the musical crossbreeding that links South America to Europe, where the influences of Stravinsky and Bartók (Antonio Ruiz Pipo), and Nadia Boulanger (Astor Piazzolla) are never far away. - ProgramAmasia, Laurent Boutros (Argentina) Jarcias, Antonio Ruiz Pipo (Spain) Histoire du Tango : plusieurs pièces de Astor Piazzolla (Argentina) From Within, Michel Camilo (Cuba) Milonga Gris, Carlos Aguirre (Argentina) - Volunteers from the association will welcome the public from 8:30 p.m. for a free tour of the church before the concert at 9:00 p.m.

• 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.

• From 5 to 9 june 2024
• 30 rue Galliéni, Parking face à la mairie
• In conjunction with the Swing D-Day festival organized by the association Les Amis de la Villa Louis, a real Spitfire will be on display facing the sea at Lion-sur-Mer. - The display of a Spitfire transports you to the heights of history and aviation. Come and discover this famous World War II fighter, a symbol of courage and resilience. This captivating event offers aviation enthusiasts a unique opportunity to admire this iconic aircraft up close. - Dive into the past and explore the fascinating details of this legendary aircraft, which played a crucial role in the defense of freedom. Passionate guides will be on hand to share anecdotes and historical facts, helping you to better understand the importance of this aircraft in aviation history. - Whether you're an aviation enthusiast or simply curious to discover a piece of history, don't miss this exceptional exhibition, which promises to transport you to the skies of the Second World War.

• From 6 to 12 june 2024
• Galerie Trianon, Place du 18 Juin 1940
• Dive behind the scenes of the German Occupation in this captivating exhibition, highlighting two essential aspects of daily life : access to food and clothing. Explore the challenges and strategies adopted by people under occupation to meet their basic needs, despite the restrictions and shortages imposed by the German authorities.