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Ranville War Cemetery: A Place of Remembrance

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Reflect on D-Day's cost at Ranville War Cemetery, the final resting place for British and German soldiers in Normandy, France.

Ranville War Cemetery is a poignant reminder of the Allied offensive during the Second World War. It primarily contains the graves of British soldiers, especially from the 6th Airborne Division, who liberated Ranville, the first village freed in France on D-Day. The cemetery also holds German graves, creating a space of reflection on war and peace.

A brief summary to Ranville War Cemetery

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Download the CWGC's 'For Evermore' app for a virtual tour and to scan headstones for individual stories.
  • Combine your visit with the nearby Pegasus Bridge and Memorial to understand the Airborne Division's role.
  • Allow ample time for quiet reflection amidst the rows of headstones and the immaculately kept grounds.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Caen, the most convenient way to reach Ranville War Cemetery is by taking the Réseau Nomad Car line 111 bus. The bus departs from CAEN - Gare Routière (Caen Bus Station) and arrives at RANVILLE - Albert Camus. The journey takes approximately 18-26 minutes, with buses departing every few hours. From the RANVILLE - Albert Camus bus stop, it's a short walk to the cemetery. A single fare costs approximately €2-3.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Caen for direct transport to Ranville War Cemetery. The journey takes around 13 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 11 km. Expect to pay between €23 and €30 for the trip. Taxi services like Uber also operate in the area. Consider pre-booking a taxi, especially during peak tourist season.

  • Driving

    If driving from Caen, take the D513 northeast. After approximately 9 kilometers, turn left at Herouvillette, then north for 1 kilometer, and finally left into Ranville village. The cemetery is located on Rue du Comte Louis de Rohan Chabot. Parking is available in front of the main entrance in a lay-by or in a larger car park across the road behind a stone windmill, about 60 meters from the entrance. There are also two accessible parking bays at the far end of the cemetery.

Discover more about Ranville War Cemetery

Ranville War Cemetery, located in the village of Ranville, Normandy, France, is a testament to the sacrifices made during the Allied offensive in World War II. The cemetery is the final resting place for many soldiers, predominantly British, who fought in the Battle of Normandy. Ranville holds the distinction of being the first village liberated in France, an achievement made possible by the British 6th Airborne Division who captured the Caen Canal bridge in the early hours of D-Day, June 6, 1944. The cemetery contains 2,236 Commonwealth burials from the Second World War, with 90 of those unidentified. Additionally, there are 323 German graves and a few burials of other nationalities. The cemetery stands as a solemn reminder of the human cost of war, with row upon row of white headstones marking the graves of those who gave their lives for freedom. The layout is meticulously maintained, reflecting the Commonwealth War Graves Commission's commitment to honoring the fallen. Visiting Ranville War Cemetery offers a chance to reflect on the events of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy. The cemetery is open to the public and provides a peaceful setting for contemplation. The cemetery includes a Cross of Sacrifice, a signature architectural feature in Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemeteries. The adjacent Ranville Churchyard contains additional war graves, including that of Lieutenant Den Brotheridge, often cited as the first Allied soldier to die on D-Day.

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