Nestled on the Cotentin Peninsula near Saint-Marcouf, just a few kilometers from Utah Beach, stands a haunting relic of World War II: The Crisbecq Battery. This once-formidable German artillery stronghold played a pivotal role in the Battle of Normandy, and today, it invites history lovers, families, and curious explorers to walk in the footsteps of the past.
💣 What Was the Crisbecq Battery?
Constructed between 1941 and 1944 as part of Hitler’s infamous Atlantic Wall, the Crisbecq Battery (sometimes called the Marcouf Battery) was one of the most powerful German coastal defense positions in Normandy. It consisted of over 21 bunkers and casemates, including massive gun emplacements, underground shelters, and command posts.
At its peak, the battery housed three 210 mm Czech-made guns, with a firing range of nearly 30 km (19 miles) — making it a serious threat to any Allied landing on the nearby beaches.
🛡️ D-Day and the Heroic Defense
On June 6, 1944 (D-Day), the battery opened fire on the incoming American forces landing at Utah Beach. Despite relentless air and naval bombardment, the German crew—under the command of Oberleutnant Walter Ohmsen—managed to hold out for three days, even after being completely surrounded.
Their resistance delayed Allied progress and caused significant damage, but ultimately, the battery fell after its guns were destroyed and ammunition supplies depleted. The bravery and intensity of the battle remain legendary, and the ruins today stand as a powerful reminder of the cost of freedom.
🏰 Visit the Crisbecq Battery Today
Today, the Crisbecq Battery has been beautifully restored and transformed into a living history site. Unlike many static museums, this site offers a dramatic, immersive experience. Visitors can explore:
- Over 22 restored bunkers and tunnels 🧱
- A reconstructed German command post 🧭
- Life-size mannequins and recreated battle scenes 👨✈️
- Interactive exhibits and audio guides 🎧
- Panoramic views of the Normandy coastline 🌊
Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a family on a Normandy adventure, the site offers a unique chance to step into a soldier’s boots and witness the enormous scale and intensity of the D-Day conflict.
💡 Why the Crisbecq Battery Matters
The Crisbecq Battery isn’t just about military hardware. It’s about resilience, strategy, and the human cost of war. Walking through the bunkers, you feel the tension of waiting soldiers, the deafening echoes of artillery, and the uncertainty of history being made.
It’s also a place of peace — where the silence today contrasts starkly with the thunder of guns in 1944. Visiting Crisbecq helps keep the stories alive and honors the memory of those who fought and fell here.
📍 Practical Information
- Location: Route de Crisbecq, 50310 Saint-Marcouf
- Opening Times: Open daily from April to November
- Tickets: €12,50 adults, €8,50 children (check official website for updates)
- Nearby: Utah Beach, Sainte-Mère-Église, Airborne Museum
🌟 Final Thoughts
The Crisbecq Battery is one of the most immersive World War II sites in Normandy, offering not just ruins, but a vivid connection to history. Whether you’re retracing the steps of Allied forces or discovering the complex story of the Atlantic Wall, Crisbecq invites you to remember, reflect, and learn. 🕊️
🔗 Official Museum Website
Learn more about the site’s history, visiting hours, and ticket info:
👉 batteriedecrisbecq.fr
🔗 Command Post Museum Website
Explore the German command post and D-Day reenactments:
👉 crisbecq44.fr
