Things to do in Sainte-Mere-Eglise

Top Things to Do in Sainte-Mere-Eglise

Things to Do in Sainte-Mere-Eglise


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Sainte-Mere-Eglise.


Top Attractions in Sainte-Mere-Eglise

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.

Other Top Attractions around Sainte-Mere-Eglise

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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
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What travellers are saying

  • Jnjtiger
    New Jersey527 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    There are many museums on D-Day in greater Normandy area. Senior area tour operators recommended this museum as their top choice - “if you visit just one…” This museum focuses on the American airborne assault on Normandy, starting the night of June 5. It also provides excellent background historical presentations on events leading up to D-Day. These really help put the Normandy invasion and airborne assault in perspective. Museum has three buildings. Visit them all. Realistic presentation of gliders and C-47s used to carry airborne troops. Of course, St. Mere Eglise the first town captured by US airborne troops, and town certainly worth an additional visit - tour. You can see a mannequin of Private John Steele on one of the church gargoyles, where his parachute got caught the night of June 5. Strong recommendation to do some research before visiting Normandy area. “Longest Day” book or movie. “Band of Brothers”, “Saving Private Ryan”. Stephen Ambrose books. Even selected YouTube videos. If coming this far, helpful to know the history of what you are seeing. This was an incredible undertaking and it merits at least some pre-work.
    Written 18 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kevin
    Mendocino, CA167 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A town steeped in history. They respectfully honor the allied troops who lost their lives
    It is a lovely town with kind gracious residents. If you spend some time there you can start to feel the history, I know that may sound odd but for me it was true. You can almost see the paratroopers coming down and being shot at by the German ground forces. It is very moving.
    BTW, take the time to visit the Airborne Museum while you are there.
    Written 19 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 2Ready2Retire
    North Carolina127 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great - there is NOTHING hilarious about this. It is a honorary tribute to a young man who volunteered to help the world stay free.
    Written 20 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Traveler O
    Washington DC, DC1,068 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Important site that many today are unaware of. The Airborne troops made an important stand here against a vicious German counterattack - holding off tanks and troops attempting to retake the bridge and slam into gathering U.S. forces. The bridge and inlet looks virtually the same today as it did then. Almost zero cover and nowhere to conceal yourself if faced with the enemy these young Americans stopped. At the Airborne museum, you'll have the chance to read about this battle more in depth. Also, be sure to visit the Iron Mike statute and monument on the hill. Sizeable parking lot on site- all free. Just be mindful when driving in and out as it's a country road.
    Written 3 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • W4711NL
    New London, NH30 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Well worth 1-2 hours on a very unique/interesting exhibit. The 250 year + Farm Chateau architecture is worth a visit on its own. Its place in WW2 history is well thought out with some excellent dioramas and artifacts displayed by people who know their history. Just a few miles (3) from the superb Airborne Museum in Saint-Mere-Eglise. Over the last 5 years and multiple visits I have every museum and D Day historical site, this is definitely worth my short list of Top 5 must see D Day sites.
    Written 19 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • telletubby
    Roquecor, France28 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was clearly a sizeable farm and there is much to see. First, the farm buildings themselves which give a very good idea of the solidity of these buildings in windy, wet Normandy. Second the exhibits, which are well laid out and interesting. Thirdly, the outside areas with various animals and activities.
    But don't expect a sizeable zoo. The animals here are more to give you the feel of the sort of activities a Normandy farm might have had.
    Written 11 July 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BT Anderson
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aces High always has great military art in stock!

    Prices are reasonable and the staff have outstanding customer relations!
    Written 28 July 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • tueypoling
    United States54 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    As craft beer drinkers from the USA, we were craving good beer. The beers at this brewery were very good! We especially enjoyed the IPA and the smoked ale. We also ate lunch which was delicious. The atmosphere was excellent. I would love to go back there some day.
    Written 15 April 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Destination Everywhere
    Columbia, SC57 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment Monument stands as an enduring testament to the indomitable spirit and precision of the 505th PIR during the pivotal hours of June 5 to 6, 1944. As you approach the memorial, a solemn aura envelops the site, echoing the courage and sacrifice that unfolded on the historic Drop Zone O.

    The monument serves as a poignant reminder of the 505th's mission: the liberation of Sainte-Mère-Église, a strategic crossroads nestled between Montebourg and Carentan. The 3rd Battalion, led by Lieutenant Colonel Edward Krause, executed one of the most precise drops of that fateful night. Around 2 a.m., the paratroopers touched down, swiftly forming two companies to embark on the perilous journey toward their objective.

    In the heart of Sainte-Mère-Église, chaos ensued as the alarm sounded, planes roared overhead at low altitudes, and parachutes gracefully descended. The Germans, in a desperate attempt, shot down several paratroopers, but after a fierce skirmish, they evacuated the town by 3 a.m. The resilient 505th, under Lieutenant Colonel Krause's leadership, silently secured the city from the north before dawn, taking control of the strategic location by 6 a.m.

    The stele at the memorial bears witness to the unit's distinctive insignia—an emblematic black panther with the motto "Ready – ready." The badge, a post-World War II iteration, serves as a symbol of the enduring legacy of the 505th PIR. Names of the support units from the 82nd US Airborne Division, instrumental in the success of the operation, are etched on the panel, adding depth to the narrative of collaboration and camaraderie.

    On June 6, 1994, during the poignant 50th-anniversary ceremony, the stele was inaugurated, becoming a timeless tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought for freedom. Visiting this memorial is not just a journey through history; it is an immersive experience that honors the gallant souls of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment and their pivotal role in shaping the course of liberation.
    Written 30 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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