Colleville-Montgomery
Colleville-Montgomery is a commune in the Calvados department in the Normandy region in northern France.
History
The town was known as Colleville-sur-Orne until 13 June 1946 to distinguish it from another town in the department, also in a coastal location, Colleville-sur-Mer; It became Colleville-Montgomery as a tribute to General Bernard Montgomery, commander of the allied land forces during the Battle of Normandy. 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.Sights
- The Church
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.
- Hillman Fortress
Free guided visits are organised during the summer.
- La Redoute