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Port Artificiel d'Arromanches (Mulberry): A Testament to D-Day Ingenuity

Witness the remains of the artificial harbor that helped liberate Europe at Arromanches-les-Bains, a key site of D-Day.

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The Port Artificiel d'Arromanches, also known as Mulberry Harbour, stands as a remarkable feat of engineering from World War II. Constructed off the coast of Arromanches-les-Bains, it facilitated Allied landings after D-Day. Today, the visible remnants serve as a poignant reminder of the battle of Normandy and the logistics that supported it.

A brief summary to Port artificiel d'Arromanches (Mulberry)

  • 6 Pl. du Six Juin 1944, Arromanches-les-Bains, 14117, FR

Local tips

  • Visit at low tide to see more of the Mulberry harbour remains exposed on the beach.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the Musée du Débarquement to fully understand the port's history.
  • Arrive early or late in the day to avoid crowds, especially during peak season.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Arromanches-les-Bains, the Port Artificiel d'Arromanches (Mulberry) is easily accessible on foot. Head towards the beach from Place du 6 Juin 1944. The remains of the Mulberry harbor are visible along the shore. Walking along the beach provides the closest view of the structures.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by bus from Bayeux or Caen, disembark at the Arromanches-les-Bains bus stop. From there, walk towards the beach (about 5 minutes). The harbor remains are visible from the shore. Bus fares from Caen are approximately €6.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available in Arromanches-les-Bains, and ride-sharing services like Uber also operate in the area. A taxi from Bayeux to the Port Artificiel d'Arromanches will cost approximately €40-50. Parking is available near the beach, but it can be limited and may cost around €2 per hour.

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Discover more about Port artificiel d'Arromanches (Mulberry)

The Port Artificiel d'Arromanches (Mulberry) is a testament to the Allied ingenuity during the Second World War. Following the Dieppe raid in 1942, it became clear that capturing a heavily defended port directly would be difficult. The solution was to create an artificial harbor, assembled off the Normandy coast, to supply troops in the days and weeks following the D-Day landings. Arromanches was chosen as the site for the British sector's Mulberry B harbour, also known as Port Winston, named after Winston Churchill. The harbor was constructed from massive concrete caissons, floating breakwaters, and pier roadways that were towed across the English Channel from Britain. These components were then assembled to create a functional port, complete with docks, roadways, and breakwaters. From June 19 to November 19, 1944, the port was operational, facilitating the landing of troops, vehicles, and supplies essential for the Allied advance. Although Mulberry B accounted for only 15 to 20% of the total Allied logistics during that summer, it was still a major achievement. Even after a storm damaged the port shortly after it became operational, it was quickly repaired and continued to be used. Today, visitors to Arromanches can witness the remains of this extraordinary feat of engineering. Sections of the concrete caissons and other harbor structures are still visible in the sea, serving as a tangible link to the events of D-Day. The nearby Musée du Débarquement provides further insight into the harbor's construction, operation, and historical significance.

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