Ouistreham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ouistreham
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 Ouistreham
Location in France
Ouistreham
Location in Normandy
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| Country | France | |
| Region | Normandy | |
| Department | Calvados | |
| Arrondissement | Caen | |
| Canton | Ouistreham | |
| Area
1
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9.95 km2 (3.84 sq mi) | |
| Population
(2012)
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9,452 | |
| • Density | 949.9/km2 (2,460.4/sq mi) | |
| Time zone | UTC+01:00 (CET) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+02:00 (CEST) | |
| INSEE/Postal code |
14488 /14150
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| Elevation | 0–32 m (0–105 ft) (avg. 12 m or 39 ft) |
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| 1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries. | ||
Ouistreham is a charming town located in the Calvados department in northwestern France. It is part of the Lower Normandy region. This small town sits right on the coast, where the Orne River meets the English Channel.
Ouistreham is well-known for its busy port. This port is a hub for different kinds of boats. You can see fishing boats bringing in their daily catch. There are also many leisure craft, like sailboats and yachts, enjoying the waters. A very important part of the port is the ferry-harbour. Ferries travel from Ouistreham to places like Portsmouth in England. This makes Ouistreham a key gateway between France and the United Kingdom. It also serves as the main port for the nearby city of Caen.
Contents
Location and Geography
Ouistreham is situated on the northern coast of France. It is about 15 kilometers (9 miles) northeast of Caen. The town's location at the mouth of the Orne River is very strategic. This spot has made it an important port for centuries. The area around Ouistreham is mostly flat. It includes sandy beaches and coastal dunes.
History of Ouistreham
Ouistreham has a long and interesting history. Its name comes from "Oistreham," which means "hamlet of the oysters." This shows that fishing and seafood have been important here for a very long time.
World War II and D-Day
One of the most significant events in Ouistreham's history happened during World War II. On June 6, 1944, it was part of the D-Day landings. This was a massive operation by Allied forces to free France from German control. Ouistreham was located at the eastern end of Sword Beach, one of the five main landing zones.
Brave soldiers landed on the beaches of Ouistreham. They faced strong German defenses. You can still see reminders of this time, like old bunkers. These structures were part of the German Atlantic Wall. They were built to defend the coast. The fighting in Ouistreham was fierce. However, the Allies eventually succeeded in securing the area. This was a crucial step in the liberation of France.
Modern Ouistreham
Today, Ouistreham is a popular seaside resort. Many people visit its sandy beaches, especially during the summer. The town offers a mix of history, port activities, and beach fun.
Tourism and Activities
- Beaches: The long sandy beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles.
- Port: Visitors can watch the fishing boats or see the large ferries arrive and depart.
- Museums: There are museums dedicated to the D-Day landings. They help people learn about the town's role in World War II.
- Lighthouse: Ouistreham has a tall lighthouse. It guides ships safely into the port.
Ouistreham continues to be a lively town. It balances its role as a working port with its appeal as a tourist destination. It is a place where history meets modern life by the sea.
Images for kids
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German bunker in Ouistreham, fitted with the turret of a Renault FT tank.
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The port captain's office in Ouistreham.
See also
In Spanish: Ouistreham para niños
