Pegasus Bridge, Normandy Travel Guide

Visit Pegasus Bridge in Normandy: a historic D-Day site, captured by British airborne troops, symbolizing courage and liberation.

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Pegasus Bridge

Pegasus Bridge, originally the Bénouville Bridge, was a crucial objective for British forces during the D-Day landings in Normandy. Captured in the early hours of June 6, 1944, it played a vital role in preventing German counter-attacks and securing the Allied advance. Today, it stands as a war memorial, symbolizing the courage and sacrifice of those who fought to liberate France.

A brief summary to Pegasus Bridge

Ranville, 14860, FR

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Pegasus Bridge.

Visit the Memorial Pegasus museum to see the original bridge and learn about the D-Day operations.
Explore the nearby Ranville Cemetery, where many soldiers who died during the Normandy campaign are buried.
Have a meal or drink at the Café Gondrée, the first house liberated on D-Day.
Check the museum's opening hours, as they vary depending on the season.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Caen city center, take the Line 10 bus towards Ouistreham. The bus journey takes approximately 45 minutes, with buses departing hourly. Get off at the 'Pegasus Bridge' stop, which is a short walk to the bridge and museum. A single bus fare costs around €2.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Caen. A taxi ride from Caen city center to Pegasus Bridge takes approximately 10 minutes, covering a distance of 12.3 km. Expect to pay between €26 and €31 for the trip.
Driving

From Caen, take the D515 towards Ouistreham. Turn off at the D514, signposted for Bénouville. The bridge is just over half a mile along the D514. There is free parking available at the Pegasus Memorial Museum. Be aware that the site can be very busy during the summer months.

Discover more about Pegasus Bridge

Pegasus Bridge, located over the Caen Canal in Bénouville, Normandy, is more than just a bridge; it's a symbol of bravery and a crucial site in the D-Day landings. Originally built in 1934 and known as the Bénouville Bridge, it was renamed Pegasus Bridge in honor of the British airborne forces whose emblem was the flying horse Pegasus.In the early hours of June 6, 1944, as part of Operation Tonga, British soldiers from the 6th Airborne Division, led by Major John Howard, executed a daring glider assault to capture the bridge intact. Their mission was to secure the eastern flank of the landing zone at Sword Beach and prevent German reinforcements from attacking. Landing in near darkness, the troops successfully seized the bridge in a mere ten minutes, a feat that proved critical to the success of the Normandy invasion.The original Pegasus Bridge was replaced in 1994, but it remains on display in the nearby Memorial Pegasus museum. Visitors can walk across the original bridge, see the bullet scars, and reflect on the events of that fateful day. The museum also features a replica of a Horsa glider and exhibits detailing the missions of the 6th Airborne Division.Across the canal, the Café Gondrée, the first house liberated on D-Day, still stands. Today, Pegasus Bridge serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during World War II and the fight for freedom.