Holdy Battery
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
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploration
Holdy Battery
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploration
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.
"You actually live at a WW2 museum when you stay here."
🗣️ 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:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
WW2 Museum Experience
Live amongst authentic artifacts and feel the history of 1944. A truly immersive historical stay.
Authentic 1944 Breakfast Cafe
Enjoy a delicious French breakfast in a charming, period-accurate setting. Hosts share historical insights.
Historic Jeep Tours
Explore key D-Day sites with a knowledgeable host in a vintage WW2 jeep. An unforgettable historical adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Immerse Yourself in D-Day History
Plan Your Normandy Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗣️ 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:
⏳ Allow ample time
3 days is a minimum to explore the rich history nearby. :clock3:
📸 Capture the details
The museum is packed with artifacts; take your time to appreciate them. :camera:
Tips
from all over the internet
🗣️ 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:
⏳ Allow ample time
3 days is a minimum to explore the rich history nearby. :clock3:
📸 Capture the details
The museum is packed with artifacts; take your time to appreciate them. :camera:
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
Public transport to Holdy Battery is not straightforward. It's advisable to have your own vehicle or consider pre-booking private transfers for convenience.
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.
Yes, there are parking facilities available for guests at Holdy Battery, making it convenient for those arriving by car.
The closest major airport is Caen-Carpiquet Airport (CFR), which is about a 40-minute drive from Holdy Battery.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
Holdy Battery operates as a Bed & Breakfast. Accommodation bookings grant access to the historical immersion and museum elements.
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.
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.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The atmosphere is deeply immersive, transporting you back to 1944 with authentic artifacts and historical narratives. Hosts are passionate about WW2 history.
Expect a vast collection of WW2 memorabilia, including uniforms, weapons, documents, and personal items from the D-Day landings.
Absolutely! The hosts, particularly Jean, are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about WW2 history, offering fascinating insights and stories.
While children can appreciate the historical aspect, the immersive nature and detailed exhibits might be more engaging for older children and adults.
It's a charming breakfast room designed to resemble a cafe from 1944, complete with period decor and a truly French breakfast experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Breakfast is a highlight, described as delicious and served in a mock-up 1944 style cafe, offering a truly French breakfast experience.
Yes, there are dining options in the surrounding towns and villages. Your hosts can likely provide recommendations for local restaurants.
It's best to inquire directly with the hosts about accommodating dietary restrictions when booking your stay.
Holdy Battery primarily offers breakfast as part of the B&B service. Evening meals are not typically provided.
Expect a traditional French breakfast, often including fresh bread, pastries, jams, coffee, and juice, served in a unique historical setting.
📸 📸 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.
The entire B&B is a photo opportunity, from the museum artifacts to the 1944-style breakfast cafe and the vintage Jeep.
Drone usage is subject to local regulations and may require permission. It's advisable to check current rules before flying.
The museum lighting is designed to preserve artifacts, so it might be atmospheric rather than bright. The breakfast cafe often has good natural light.
Yes, photos with the vintage Jeep are encouraged, especially if you opt for the Jeep tour experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key Recommendations:
* Opt for the Jeep tour for an interactive historical adventure.
* Focus on the visual aspects of the artifacts to keep younger children engaged.
* Consider the intensity of the historical content and discuss it appropriately with your children.
🤓 History Buffs & Enthusiasts
Don't Miss:
* The detailed historical narratives from the hosts.
* The opportunity to learn about specific battles and units.
* The chance to stay in an authentic 1944-themed environment.
🚗 Road Trippers & Explorers
Tips for Road Trippers:
* Use Holdy Battery as your base for 2-3 days of exploration.
* Take advantage of the Jeep tours to efficiently cover key historical areas.
* 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
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.
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.
Navigating Normandy: Beyond Holdy Battery
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.
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.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit