There are fabulous views

There are fabulous views from Ouistreham Lighthouse if you climb the 171 granite steps to the top. Look over Ouistreham’s bijou ferry port and on a clear day you can see as far as Mont-Saint-Michel. You’ll also have panoramic views over the coastline and historic Sword Beach, the most easterly of the D-Day landing beaches and the only beach where French forces took part on 6 June 1944, forces, led by Commando Philippe Keifer, took part on 4 June 1944. . Traces of the past can be seen in many places in and around Ouistreham, with the famous Pegasus Bridge just 10 minutes away by car. Memorials abound, including one in honour of Piper Bill Millin, the soldier who landed on Sword Beach playing the bagpipes. Le Grand Bunker, a former German command post is now a fascinating museum and listed historic monument. The Musée du Debarquement no. 4 (No. 4 Commando Museum) preserves the memory of the 1st Battalion of Naval Fusiliers, set up by Commander Philippe Kieffer which, incorporated in the British No 4 Commando, was the only French unit to take part in the Normandy landings. The Hillman Site was one of the biggest German command posts during WWII and in the summer months, ‘Friends of the Suffolk Regiment’ Association are on site to tell stories of the past. Take an audio guided tour called La Délicate – Ouistreham an unusual format as the guide is contained in an umbrella! The tour takes in the beaches and streets of Ouistreham and tells the history of the town through stories and memories of those who lived here. Or take a bike ride! There are several cycle routes including along the canal to Caen, and the route of the Vélo Francette which begins in La Rochelle and ends in Ouistreham. A daily fish market is held in Ouistreham. Friendly stall holders pile up the day's haul including the most delicious scallops – which this area is famous for. Enjoy the freshest fish dishes in the many restaurants and brasseries, washed down with local cider and finish with salted caramel. Try La Table d’Hôtes where Chef Yoann serves creative, seasonal dishes, or push the boat out at La Voile Blanche overlooking the sea. This is also a great area for nature lovers. To the east of Ouistreham Riva-Bella, is the Pointe du Siège and Orne estuary, the largest nature area in Calvados. Dunes, marshes, salt meadows and forests are home to many wild birds and seals. Info: Tourist office website How to get there: Caen ferry port is in Ouistreham (15km from Caen) and ferries run from/to Portsmouth. The nearest train station is Caen and buses run regularly between the two towns. 42 | The Good Life France The Good Life France | 43