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Holdy Battery

4.8
·130 reviews·Sainte-Marie-du-Mont, France

Step back in time at Holdy Battery, a unique B&B and museum immersing you in 1944 Normandy with authentic artifacts and passionate hosts.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant weather for exploration

CrowdLow
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Holdy Battery - Image 1

Holdy Battery

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant weather for exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step back in time at Holdy Battery, a unique B&B and museum immersing you in 1944 Normandy with authentic artifacts and passionate hosts.

4.8
(130 reviews)

"You actually live at a WW2 museum when you stay here."

Vertical photo
TIP

🗣️ Brush up on French

A little French goes a long way with the hosts and locals. :speech_balloon:

🚗 Book the Jeep Tour!

Highly recommended for an immersive historical experience with expert guides. :jeep:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

WW2 Museum Experience

WW2 Museum Experience

Live amongst authentic artifacts and feel the history of 1944. A truly immersive historical stay.

Authentic 1944 Breakfast Cafe

Authentic 1944 Breakfast Cafe

Enjoy a delicious French breakfast in a charming, period-accurate setting. Hosts share historical insights.

Historic Jeep Tours

Historic Jeep Tours

Explore key D-Day sites with a knowledgeable host in a vintage WW2 jeep. An unforgettable historical adventure.

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Planning Your Visit

Immerse Yourself in D-Day History

Holdy Battery offers a unique B&B experience deeply rooted in WW2 history. Expect to be transported back to 1944 with authentic artifacts and knowledgeable hosts. A little French can enhance interactions, but enthusiasm for history is key.

Plan Your Normandy Exploration

This location is a prime base for exploring D-Day landing sites, especially Utah Beach. Consider a 3-day stay to truly appreciate the local history and attractions. The hosts offer guided Jeep tours for an immersive experience.

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall mornings
Why
Pleasant weather for exploration
Crowd
Low
When
D-Day Anniversary (June 6th)
Why
Commemorative events and atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#bullethole #ww2 #normandy #dday #101stairborne #paratroopers #america #church #saintemariedumont #usa #neverforget
@ww2_video
15.2K likes • 696.5K views

🗣️ Brush up on French

A little French goes a long way with the hosts and locals. :speech_balloon: Reddit

🚗 Book the Jeep Tour!

Highly recommended for an immersive historical experience with expert guides. :jeep: Reddit

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125 likes • 2.2K views
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willieford4u
2 likes • 51 views

⏳ Allow ample time

3 days is a minimum to explore the rich history nearby. :clock3: Reddit

📸 Capture the details

The museum is packed with artifacts; take your time to appreciate them. :camera: TikTok

Holy Hill at golden hour 🌅 • I got lucky and caught the last 20 minutes of sunlight. As I arrived it had clouded over. I popped up anyway because some content is better then no content. After the first battery was almost dead. I was returning to home and the sun broke out from underneath the clouds. I brought the drone back as quickly as possible so I could swap out nd filters and battery. Got th...
ovjphotography
733 likes • 16.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🗣️ Brush up on French

A little French goes a long way with the hosts and locals. :speech_balloon: Reddit

🚗 Book the Jeep Tour!

Highly recommended for an immersive historical experience with expert guides. :jeep: Reddit

⏳ Allow ample time

3 days is a minimum to explore the rich history nearby. :clock3: Reddit

📸 Capture the details

The museum is packed with artifacts; take your time to appreciate them. :camera: TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.8
(130 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Guests consistently praise Holdy Battery for its deeply immersive WW2 historical experience, highlighting the incredible artifact collection and the passionate, knowledgeable hosts. The unique 1944-themed breakfast and the highly recommended Jeep tours are frequently mentioned as standout features. While some mention a need for basic French, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many eager to return.

"Fantastic B and B for WW2 history enthusiasts. Lovely hosts. You get immersed in 1944. Really close to Utah beach and so many things to see locally. Too many for our 3 day stay.
Really good value, basic but clean room, really good shower, lovely breakfast with hosts in mock up 1944 style cafe. Amazing collection of artefacts. A bit of French language knowledge is useful tbh. Will definitely go back."

Juliette Baylis

"This place is incredible and the hosts are very friendly. We hope to come here again. We had the most amazing experience in this place. They also have an old jeep from the war times and the host will ride it with you for a fee and show you important places in the city during the war, with info for you to read and some videos, it was really fun. I really recommend. Also, the breakfast is delicious! Very special people and very special place ❤️"

Sarah Corrêa (smüller)

"A fantastic place, with great service from fantastic hosts. Here you are in the middle of the D-Day landings area, and the landlord, Jean, knows all about the historic facts. Stay here, take the Jeep tour and get educated. You actually live at a WW2 museum when you stay here.
I'm back for the D-day 80th Anniversary, and looking so much forward to it."

Bård Arve Havneraas

What People Like

Immersive WW2 atmosphere
Extensive artifact collection
Knowledgeable and friendly hosts

What People Dislike

Basic French helpful

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Holdy Battery is best reached by car from Caen, approximately a 45-minute drive. Public transport options are limited in this area, so renting a car is highly recommended for exploring Normandy. Reddit

Public transport to Holdy Battery is not straightforward. It's advisable to have your own vehicle or consider pre-booking private transfers for convenience. Reddit

Having a car is ideal for exploring the numerous D-Day sites scattered across Normandy. The Jeep tours offered by the hosts are also an excellent way to see local points of interest. Reddit

Yes, there are parking facilities available for guests at Holdy Battery, making it convenient for those arriving by car. Reddit

The closest major airport is Caen-Carpiquet Airport (CFR), which is about a 40-minute drive from Holdy Battery. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season or around the D-Day anniversary, as it's a popular B&B. Reddit

The museum is part of the B&B experience. Access is typically available to guests during their stay. It's best to confirm hours with the hosts upon booking. Reddit

Holdy Battery operates as a Bed & Breakfast. Accommodation bookings grant access to the historical immersion and museum elements. Reddit

The hosts offer a highly recommended historic Jeep tour that takes you to significant local sites. This is an additional service that can be booked. Reddit

Holdy Battery is primarily a B&B. While you might be able to arrange a visit to see the museum or take a tour, overnight stays are the main way to experience it fully. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The atmosphere is deeply immersive, transporting you back to 1944 with authentic artifacts and historical narratives. Hosts are passionate about WW2 history. Reddit

Expect a vast collection of WW2 memorabilia, including uniforms, weapons, documents, and personal items from the D-Day landings. TikTokReddit

Absolutely! The hosts, particularly Jean, are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about WW2 history, offering fascinating insights and stories. Reddit

While children can appreciate the historical aspect, the immersive nature and detailed exhibits might be more engaging for older children and adults. Reddit

It's a charming breakfast room designed to resemble a cafe from 1944, complete with period decor and a truly French breakfast experience. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Breakfast is a highlight, described as delicious and served in a mock-up 1944 style cafe, offering a truly French breakfast experience. Reddit

Yes, there are dining options in the surrounding towns and villages. Your hosts can likely provide recommendations for local restaurants. Reddit

It's best to inquire directly with the hosts about accommodating dietary restrictions when booking your stay. Reddit

Holdy Battery primarily offers breakfast as part of the B&B service. Evening meals are not typically provided. Reddit

Expect a traditional French breakfast, often including fresh bread, pastries, jams, coffee, and juice, served in a unique historical setting. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but it's always a good idea to check with the hosts to ensure no restrictions apply to specific exhibits. TikTok

The entire B&B is a photo opportunity, from the museum artifacts to the 1944-style breakfast cafe and the vintage Jeep. TikTokInstagram

Drone usage is subject to local regulations and may require permission. It's advisable to check current rules before flying. Instagram

The museum lighting is designed to preserve artifacts, so it might be atmospheric rather than bright. The breakfast cafe often has good natural light. Instagram

Yes, photos with the vintage Jeep are encouraged, especially if you opt for the Jeep tour experience. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Holdy Battery offers a unique, hands-on history lesson that can be fascinating for families. The immersive museum and the vintage Jeep tours are particularly engaging for children who have an interest in military history. Reddit While the historical details can be intense, the hosts are passionate and can tailor their explanations.

Key Recommendations:
* Opt for the Jeep tour for an interactive historical adventure. Reddit
* Focus on the visual aspects of the artifacts to keep younger children engaged. TikTok
* Consider the intensity of the historical content and discuss it appropriately with your children.

🤓 History Buffs & Enthusiasts

This is your ultimate destination. Holdy Battery is a living museum curated by passionate experts. The extensive collection of artifacts and the hosts' deep knowledge of WW2 history provide an unparalleled experience. Reddit The Jeep tours are a must-do, offering guided exploration of critical D-Day sites with expert commentary. Reddit

Don't Miss:
* The detailed historical narratives from the hosts. Reddit
* The opportunity to learn about specific battles and units. TikTok
* The chance to stay in an authentic 1944-themed environment.

🚗 Road Trippers & Explorers

Holdy Battery serves as an ideal hub for exploring the D-Day landing beaches and the wider Normandy region. Its location offers easy access to Utah Beach and other significant historical sites. Reddit The availability of on-site parking and the hosts' local knowledge make it a convenient stop for those on a road trip. Reddit

Tips for Road Trippers:
* Use Holdy Battery as your base for 2-3 days of exploration. Reddit
* Take advantage of the Jeep tours to efficiently cover key historical areas. Reddit
* Be prepared for driving on rural roads and potential traffic around popular sites.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Living History: The Holdy Battery Experience

Holdy Battery isn't just a place to stay; it's a portal to 1944. Guests consistently rave about the immersive atmosphere created by the hosts, Pascal and Jean. The B&B is filled with an amazing collection of artifacts from the D-Day landings, making every corner a potential discovery. You're not just visiting a museum; you're living within one for the duration of your stay. Reddit

This dedication to historical accuracy extends to the dining experience. The mock-up 1944 style cafe provides a unique setting for a delicious French breakfast. It’s these details, combined with the hosts' passion and knowledge, that make Holdy Battery a standout destination for WW2 history enthusiasts. Reddit

The Iconic Jeep Tours



A significant draw is the opportunity to take a historic Jeep tour with one of the hosts. This isn't just a scenic drive; it's an educational journey through the actual landing sites and key locations of the D-Day operations. The hosts share detailed information, videos, and personal anecdotes, offering a profound connection to the events of 1944. Reddit

Navigating Normandy: Beyond Holdy Battery

Holdy Battery's strategic location makes it an excellent base for exploring the wider Normandy region. Its proximity to Utah Beach is a major advantage for those focused on the American sector of the D-Day landings. Reddit Visitors often find that a three-day stay is barely enough to scratch the surface of the numerous historical sites in the vicinity. Reddit

Beyond Utah Beach, consider visiting other significant D-Day locations such as Pointe du Hoc, Sainte-Mère-Église, and the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer. The historical Jeep tours offered by Holdy Battery can provide an excellent guided introduction to these sites, saving you the hassle of planning complex routes. Reddit

Travel Tip: While the area is rich in history, it's quite spread out. Having your own vehicle is highly recommended for maximum flexibility. If not, pre-booking tours or private transport is essential to make the most of your time exploring the D-Day landing beaches and their surrounding historical landmarks. Reddit

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