Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery
The Basics
This historic cemetery is one of a handful of Canadian Second World War sites in Normandy, where more than 14,000 Canadian soldiers arrived for D-Day alone. It’s an included stop on some tours of D-Day sites in the area, which range from half-day trips to full-day excursions. On these tours, the Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery is frequently combined with other Canadian-specific sites, which include Ardenne Abbey, Juno Beach, and Canada House.
Things to Know Before You Go
- If you’re visiting Normandy war sites at a busy time, this is a great place to avoid crowds, as the cemetery tends to be quiet.
- This isn’t the only Canadian war cemetery in Normandy; the other is located at Bretteville-Sur-Laize, roughly 30 minutes away by car.
- Most of the memorials are open-air, so plan to bring an umbrella if rain is in the forecast.
How to Get There
The Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery is located on D35, .6 miles (1 kilometer) east of Reviers, Normandy. Most visitors come as part of a tour or with their own vehicle, as public transit is limited. To reach the cemetery from Bayeux, a 14.3-mile (23-kilometer) trip, follow D613 southeast from the city, then turn north onto D35 through Creully, Amblie, and Reviers. From Caen, it’s 11.2 miles (18 kilometers): Follow D7 to D404 and D35.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
Normandy is a popular destination in the sunny months between June and August, when warm weather brings crowds to beautiful beaches. But while the D-Day sites in Normandy can be visited year round, it’s a moving experience to travel here in early June, when D-Day memorial celebrations are held at the cemetery and across the region.
What to do Near Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery
Though the cemetery is in a less-visited part of Normandy, there’s plenty to explore within half an hour. On the Caen Canal is the Pegasus Memorial, which marks the first objective of airborne troops arriving on D-Day. In Caen itself, find the atmospheric ruins of Caen Castle, plus the Musee des Beaux-Arts de Caen, whose holdings go from 16th-century paintings to sculpture. The city is also home to Ardenne Abbey, another important Canadian Second World War landmark and the site of a wartime tragedy.
- Juno Beach Centre (Centre Juno Beach)
- Mulberry Harbour
- Ardenne Abbey (Abbey d'Ardenne)
- Sword Beach
- Longues-sur-Mer
- Bayeux Tapestry (Tapisserie de Bayeux)
- Lace Conservatory (Conservatoire de la Dentelle)
- Baron Gérard Museum of Art and History (MAHB)
- Bayeux Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Bayeux)
- Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy (Musée Mémorial de la Bataille de Normandie)
- Bayeux War Cemetery
- Merville Battery (Batterie de Merville)
- Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial
- Omaha Beach
- Omaha Beach Memorial Museum (Musée Mémorial d’Omaha Beach)