Colleville-Montgomery

Colleville-Montgomery (Colleville-sur-Orne) is a commune in the Calvados department in the Normandy region in northern France. It was known as Colleville-sur-Orne until June 13, 1946, to distinguish it from another town in the department, also in a coastal location, Colleville-sur-Mer. The new name honoured the British commander Sir Bernard Montgomery who commanded the invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944. There are two neighbouring towns in Calvados called Sainte-Foy-de-Montgommery and Saint-Germain-de-Montgommery, but they are named for Montgomery's family ancestors. They were part of William the Conqueror's invading army in 1066 and settled in England. The town was featured in the 1962 film, The Longest Day, detailing the French Resistance and their efforts on D-Day.

Colleville-Montgomery
Commune
The church in Colleville-Montgomery
Coat of arms
Location of Colleville-Montgomery
Colleville-Montgomery
Colleville-Montgomery
Coordinates: 49°17′00″N 0°18′00″W
CountryFrance
RegionNormandy
DepartmentCalvados
ArrondissementCaen
CantonOuistreham
IntercommunalityCU Caen la Mer
Government
 • Mayor (2008–2014) Guy Legrand
Area
1
7.74 km2 (2.99 sq mi)
Population
 (2017-01-01)[1]
2,437
 • Density310/km2 (820/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+01:00 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+02:00 (CEST)
INSEE/Postal code
14166 /14880
Elevation3–58 m (9.8–190.3 ft)
(avg. 10 m or 33 ft)
1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.

Sights
  • The Church

Built by Saint-Vigor, Bishop of the city of Bayeux (511-531), during the 11th and 12th centuries, it has two choirs and a Romanesque nave.

The first bay consists in barrel vaults. The other vaults are more recent, built at the same time as the arches which lead to the second choir, from the thirteenth century.

The side tower from the twelfth century for the lower part is of Romanesque design, and from the fifteenth century for the upper part with a terrace on top surrounded by a parapet, and contains three bells. The bell tower, partially destroyed during the liberation of the area, was reconstructed.

The windows were designed in the style of Gothic architecture and their stained glass were restored after World War II.

Built by the German army in 1942, it consists of a complex of bunkers which are being restored since 1990 by an association called "Les Amis du Suffolk Régiment". Free guided visits are organised during the summer.

  • La Redoute

Located at the end of Vauban street, this fortification was built in 1779 according to a design by Vauban. Half of it still remains visible.

Tourism

There is a camping place located about 200 m from the beach.

Population
Historical population
YearPop.±%
1968563—    
1975780+38.5%
19821,430+83.3%
19901,926+34.7%
19991,925−0.1%
20082,191+13.8%

International relations

Colleville-Montgomery is twinned with:

See also

References
  1. "Populations légales 2017". INSEE. Retrieved 6 January 2020.
  • Hillman Batterie Memorial
  • Aspect of the fortification La Redoute


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