A Normandy pearl
A trading port since the Middle Ages, fishing still plays a role in local and regional trade, and a fish market on the wharf sells fish and shellfish. It's perhaps not surprising then that Ouistreham's name translates as 'oyster village'. The town's pretty little sandy beach has been enjoyed by bathers for over 100 years but in 1944, upon this very beach, a British commando force landed and, with members of the French Resistance, fought their way to Pegasus Bridge which crosses the Canal de Caen.
WWII
An excellent way to learn more about Ouistreham's role in the last war is to visit Le Bunker, a museum that tells the story behind the Atlantic Wall defences. Built by Nazi forces between 1942 and 1945, this system of coastal forts was designed to stop a predicted Allied attack. The bunker itself was central to this line of defence and has been recreated to give the museum a wartime feel, complete with equipment and uniformed mannequins. You'll also find plenty of documentation, photographs, and maps displayed. Ascend to the upper level from where you'll have the same views of Sword Beach and the Orne estuary that German soldiers had all those years ago.
Also worth a visit is the Musée du Debarquement no. 4 Commando, a museum dedicated to the exploits of No. 4 Commando, the battalion that spearheaded the assault on occupying German forces during the war. You'll see a fascinating film that illustrates events, as well as uniforms, pictures and small-scale models used to illustrate the deployment of troops.
Sands of Time
Close to the port you'll find a lovely sandy beach which, with its cluster of traditional beach huts and grassy verges, is relatively untouched by modernity. Take a walk along the coast to Sword Beach and you'll find memorials to the fallen.
Eating and drinking in Ouistreham
There's a good choice of restaurants, cafés and bistros in the town. Restaurant la table d'Hôtes, Les Cabines and Les Tisons have all proved popular with visitors for their tasteful décor, good service and fine, affordable French cuisine.
Shopping in and around Ouistreham
There is a market in the town on Tuesday and Saturday mornings. You'll find wine and beer shops, supermarkets and a hypermarket. An interesting little shop is Librairie Des Vagues et des Mots (Waves and Words Bookstore) which is popular among locals. It's a small but well-stocked bookshop with knowledgeable staff, handwritten reviews and an ever-changing window display devoted to a particular theme.
