Landing Submarine Wrecks Museum

A private initiative, the wrecks museum in Port-en-Bessin, in Calvados, opened its doors in 1990. It exhibits submarines sunk during the landing and retrieved from the sea floor. At the end of the Second World War, a number of wrecks littered the sea bed and jutted out of the sea along the Norman coasts, representing a permanent danger to vessels. All of these wrecks were given up by the allies to the French government which is committed to their removal.

Consequently, contracts and bills of sale were bequeathed by estates to countless companies. Massive demolition yards were set up along the coast and millions of tonnes of scrap iron were extracted from the sea over the 20 years following the landing. In 1970, Jacques Lemonchois was appointed by the State to bring to the surface a number of wrecks that presented a significant danger and obstacle to navigating vessels.

A difficult and perilous operation that became a great feat of performance for Jacques and his team. Through their passion, they managed to save from demolition, and preserve using a special treatment process, all of the wrecks which you can see in the museum today. They are dedicated to the memory of all those men who paid with their lives for the mammoth Operation Neptune.

Musée des épaves sous-marines (Submarine Wrecks Museum)

Route de Bayeux 14520 Commes on the D6 to Bayeux, exit at the town centre.

Tel: +33 (0)2 31 21 17 06

Opening times and days 10 am – 12 pm and 2-6 pm weekends and public holidays in May, 10 am – 12 pm and 2-6 pm June to September

Annual holidays: October to April

Admission: €6; €3 (visitors aged 7-16)

Source: Musée des épaves sous-marines (Submarine Wrecks Museum)