Camping Port-en-Bessin

Do you know Port-en-Bessin?

Port-en-Bessin is a seaside town in Calvados, very close to Bayeux. With its little fishing harbour, its beaches and its architecture that is so characteristic of the Normandy coast, this is a haven of peace which draws lots of visitors year after year.

Tranquillity may not necessarily be the first word that springs to the minds of holidaymakers when they hear about Port-en-Bessin. This, of course, is because the town is mainly renowned for one of the most important events of our past: the Normandy Landings of 6th June 1944 took place partially on the beaches of Port-en-Bessin, which comprised the turning point of the Second World War. It was this that enabled the Allies to recapture occupied territory and change the course of the war.

Since that time, peace has returned. But Port-en-Bessin and the towns & villages around it have been indelibly affected by this event. Evidence of this is all around, with locations commemorating it found all along the seafront.

The D-Day Landings thus helped to transform Port-en-Bessin into a tourist destination. And this status has been shored up since then, as its economy is now principally based around scallop fishing, these shellfish famously being one of the top ingredients of Normandy cookery.

As a result, choosing a campsite in Port-en-Bessin means discovering a genuinely sea-focused and characteristically Norman region! With its history, culture and local produce, Port-en-Bessin is a lovely example of the best that Calvados and the Normandy region have to offer. And all this is in addition to being an excellent departure point for visiting other places of interest in Normandy.

Did you know?

While Vauban Tower is a structure that alone takes centre stage above the sea, things could have been entirely otherwise. Indeed for a long time the engineer from whom it acquired its name had Port-en-Bessin in mind as a possibility for the location of a major military harbour. In the end it was not chosen, as Vauban decided instead to reinforce Cherbourg castle, which lay on the Pointe du Cotentin.

On the menu?

However long your stay in our campsite at Port-en-Bessin, you'll be able to see the town and the amazing places nearby.

Needless to say you'll be paying a visit to the D-Day Landing beaches. The eastern section of Omaha Beach and the western section of Gold Beach extend to Port-en-Bessin. Commemorative monuments have also been installed at the harbour, in homage to the heroes who fell during Operation Overlord.

Continue your tour with a visit to the neighbouring villages, which include Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer, Vierville-sur-Mer, Longues-sur-Mer and Arromanches. You'll come across other monuments and bunkers, as well as museums dedicated to the operation. You certainly shouldn't miss the American cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer.

And after a wander along the shoreline, why not have a stroll through the harbour and the alleyways, where you'll discover what makes Port-en-Bessin such a delightful place. Though it's nice to see the comings-and-goings at the yachting section, the fishing harbour is highly likely to get those taste buds going!

And if you happen to be walking past when the fishing boats are coming in, you may well notice some of the legendary scallops too. If so, then head for the fantastic restaurants that call Port-en-Bessin home and enjoy some of these local specialities. With such a short distance for them to travel, the flavours of the sea stay totally fresh and are just bound to stir your appetite!

And finally, if you're a golf fan, then it's off to the Omaha Beach golf course, where you can come and perfect your technique. Two 18-hole courses nestled in an amazing seaside setting await you, not far from our campsite at Port-en-Bessin.