One of many, many D-Day related museums in this part of France, but this one is vividly brought to life because it so effectively tells its story through human experience and the individual soldiers who were involved. The bond between the museum and those who served is in evidence at all times, and that's the heart of its success, more so than even the bridge itself, the star attraction outside in the memorial gardens. I'd recommend the short journey to Ranville afterwards, where so many who died are buried in the (well signposted) British military cemetery.
If you're on a ww11 history trip kind of holiday then obviously this is going to be on your list of places to go and see. I'm glad I have been. Great cafe and museum nearby. Lots to learn so go for it! Would recommend this!
I came to Benouville hoping the experience would match the book ive read about the Normandy Landings and the role of the Ox and Bucks Regiment and Paras in securing Pegasus and Horas Bridges. It did not disappoint, particularly in the museum where you leave feeling a real sense of pride in what was achieved by so few with such few casualties. I would also add its quite unbelievable how they managed to land 3 Horas gliders so close to the bridge in darkness with no guidance!In the heart of the village is Cafe Gondree and this was my only disappointment. I asked the lady serving ( i assume she is the current Madame Gondree) if there is a commemorative plaque somewhere that mentions Lieutenant Brotheridge's bravery as he crossed the bridge and fell near to the cafe. Although the cafe states 'english spoken' it was one question too many for the lady happy to take 15 euros for a beer and 2 cokes but not willing to stretch her english any further. If its an unreasonable observation to those who know the lady better then i apologise. Saying that, the overall experience in Benouville was fantastic and im glad we travelled there just to relive this historic event.
Good to read about this bridge and watch the films but far better to visit , great museum to visit , great to feel the place and some of the heroic acts that took place here , well worth a few hours to soak up actual meaningful history
A must see when you're in Normandy. Take a minute and visit the museum to get more background information about the units and the men whose mission was to take the bridge.
It is hard to imagine what all the troops went through, very humbled to read some the memorials to past soldiers who have since passed and to know that their valour, determination and in many cases loss of life determined our futures
Pegasus Bridge is an essential part of any D-Day/World War II visit to Normandy. We were staying in Bayeux and started our trip by going to Pegasus Bridge. As we approached the 'new' bridge from the west it opened to allow some boats to pass under it, so we were able to get out of the car and take photos. We then crossed the bridge and went to the museum where the original bridge is located. The museum is fascinating and being able to walk on the original bridge is a highlight. We also had a coffee at the Cafe Gondree, the first house to be liberated in the late hours of 5 June 1944.
On a P&O cruise we did this trip to the British Normandy beaches, Pegasus Bridge, Arromanches and the Longues sur Mer gun battery. A truly thought provoking and inspiring day. What those soldiers went through and how brave they were. Our guide was outstanding and we learnt so much, saw some amazing things, also were able to reflect. Well done the French people you have preserved and recognised so much with your truly fantastic Overlord Experience. The cemetery at Bayeux a tribute to so many fallen one of many in the area including that at La Cambe a German cemetery that remembers that so many of these young men on both sides were just following orders.
Reading of General Howard's assault and the liberation of the area on the simple memorials around the bridge.Worth popping into café/museum standing by the bridge - the first house liberated by the allies' assault.Good to pop in for a few minutes on the way to/from the Caen ferry.
Do not miss the museum. It is somewhat small, but it is one of the best in the area. The bridge has been kept as well as a glider.