Juno Beach
D-Day at Juno Beach
June 1944. The Canadian army’s objective was to take the Carpiquet airfield and cut the Caen-Bayeux road axis by landing on Juno Beach, which was well defended by German infantry. On June 6, shortly before 8am, the first Canadian waves arrive.
The Germans resist and Canadian losses are severe. Despite this, and thanks to the arrival of reinforcements, Juno Beach was secured in 2 hours. The Canadians succeed in seizing the German defences, and the vehicles are unloaded. On Juno Beach, 355 Canadian soldiers lost their lives… But the battle continued in the surrounding countryside.
The Canadians captured villages, bridges and roads, but met with considerable German resistance. By the end of the day, the various Canadian brigades had made good progress inland from Normandy. But clashes will continue in the region for several weeks.
Many of the 21400 soldiers of the 8th Canadian Infantry Brigade who landed at Juno Beach were Acadians from New Brunswick, whose French ancestors had taken part in the colonization of the New World. Visiting Juno Beach is possible all year round, and access is free.
What to see around Juno Beach
The Juno Beach Centre at Courseulles-sur-Mer
The Juno Beach Centre is a place of remembrance dedicated to telling the story of those Canadians who fought in the Second World War. Guided tours are available in English and French. You can also visit the German bunkers and observation posts on the beach in Juno Park. The center is open daily from 10am to 6pm. Prices vary according to visit. We recommend visiting at least the center and the park, at a cost of €12 per adult, €10 for concessions.
The Canadian Military Cemetery
Ben-sur-Mer is the final resting place of the soldiers, mostly Canadian, who fell between June 6 and July 1944 at Juno Beach or during the surrounding battles, such as the Battle of Caen, as well as the Canadian POWs killed. Visits to the Canadian War Cemetery are free of charge.
Situated between Sword Beach and Gold Beach, Juno Beach is a place of interest in Normandy located 40km from the 4-star L’Escapade campsite in Cahagnolles, a 43-minute drive.
