The battery's 210mm guns were originally captured Czech naval artillery pieces.
During the D-Day landing, the battery's fire caused the sinking of the USS Corry, a US destroyer.
The site was not captured by ground assault but was eventually abandoned by German forces on June 12, 1944, due to intense naval shelling.
The trenches have been reconstructed to reflect the original camouflage and defensive systems used in 1944.
The site includes a rare, intact example of a heavy ammunition bunker that still retains some original ventilation equipment.
The 210mm guns had a range of approximately 17 kilometers, allowing them to cover the entire Utah Beach sector.
The Crisbecq Battery, also known as WN 09, is an authentic coastal fortification complex built by the German Wehrmacht as part of the Atlantic Wall. Located near Utah Beach, it was the only battery in the sector to open fire on Allied ships on D-Day, June 6, 1944. The site spans over three hectares and features a network of 21 bunkers connected by 1.2 kilometers of trenches. Visitors can explore preserved interiors including a medical bunker, a kitchen, and soldiers' barracks. Unlike many other bunkers in Normandy, this site remains largely untouched by post-war construction, preserving the original layout. The battery was armed with three 210mm guns, one of which has been reconstructed to demonstrate its scale. It played a significant role in the defense against the American 4th Infantry Division landing nearby. Much of the site is underground, offering insight into the living conditions of the occupying troops. It remains an active site for ongoing archaeological and restoration work.
The restored 210mm gun placement, which provides a clear view of the scale of the artillery compared to the surrounding landscape.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes as the trenches and bunker floors can be uneven or muddy.
Bring a light jacket as the underground bunkers remain cool even during hot summer months.
Allocate extra time to read the detailed historical placards at each bunker entrance to fully understand the defensive layout.
Do not attempt to enter areas marked as off-limits or restricted, as some bunker entrances remain structurally unstable.
Closed annually during the winter season; open daily from spring through mid-autumn.
Avoid walking on the roofs of the bunkers to preserve the structural integrity of the concrete and original camouflage earthworks.
