Cafe Gondree

About

Café Gondrée, situated in the picturesque village of Bénouville on the west bank of the Caen Canal, is a charming, family‑friendly coffeehouse steeped in World War II history. The two‑storey red‑brick building served as the first French house liberated during the D‑Day invasion and has since become a living memorial where veterans gather each year to celebrate the anniversary of the Pegasus Bridge capture. Visitors can enjoy freshly brewed coffee, light lunches and traditional French pastries while walking along the canal, taking in the iconic Bénouville Bridge and reflecting on the heroic operations that unfolded in the vicinity. With its historic ambiance and authentic Norman hospitality, Café Gondrée offers both a taste of local cuisine and a poignant reminder of the bravery that shaped the region.

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 1 hour