Villa Andry: historic hotel against Sword Beach, witness to the Normandy landing
A place of charm, memory and sea
Welcome to Villa Andry in Ouistreham , a hotel of character located against Sword Beach , one of the emblematic beaches of the landing in Normandy. Between history and serenity , our villa invites you to a trip over time.
Built in 1867 , this building crossed the centuries and major events, notably the Second World War , when it was occupied by the German army before being one of the first houses released from the Atlantic Wall on June 6, 1944. Today, Villa Andry is a warm hotel , where Mélinda and Julien welcome you for an unforgettable stay by the sea.
Free and unlimited Wi-Fi
Vehicle or electric bike charging station
Secure private parking
Bike park
Breakfast from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Panoramic sea view bar
Terrace / Garden
Souvenir shop, products made in Normandy
A villa born in the dunes (1867)
A family and visionary story
The story of Villa Andry began in 1867 , when Édouard Andry and his wife Thérèse Renault fell in love with Ouistreham and Riva Bella beach and decide to build their second home there. At that time, the Norman coast was still wild, bordered by dunes and sand paths.
Visionaries, the Andry actively participate in the development of the seaside resort of Ouistreham. They had an access from customs through the dunes - today called avenue Andry . For 50 years , their garden was carefully maintained by Baptiste Bonneau , a devoted gardener who contributes to making this villa a real haven of peace.
The Second World War: the villa in the heart of the landing
Sword Beach, June 6, 1944: The first French people landed
During the Second World War , the villa was occupied by the German forces and became a military command post, Marshal Rommel probably made some visits there . On June 6, 1944, on the morning of D-Day , Villa Andry was at the heart of a decisive battle. Located against Sword Beach , still occupied by the German Kommandantur , a strategic command post for the enemy.
But at 7:25 am , the first French soldiers of commando n ° 4 Kieffer (photo opposite), 1st battalion of marine riflers commando, land on the beach at a place called La Brèche in Colleville-sur-Orne (today Colleville-Montgomery). This battalions was created in Great Britain in 1942 by free France (FNFL) and is made up of 177 French , including Léon Gautier , one of the last veterans of the landing deceased on July 3, 2023, and Lieutenant Lofi , who directs the troop 8. Their mission: neutralize the German defenses, the fortification of the casino and liberate Ouistreham.
One of the first houses released from the Atlantic Wall
In the following hours, the fights are raging. The commandos advance along the 2 km of beach , destroying blockhaus, machine gun nests and mines fields. At 11:30 am , they reach Villa Andry and manage to break the last German resistance . The defeated enemy, they continue their progress to join Pegasus Bridge, then Caen and inwards.
This moment marks a historic turning point: Villa Andry becomes one of the first houses freed from the Atlantic Wall. A testimony of this decisive day is still visible on our facade: a commemorative plaque recalls the engagement of these heroes who made freedom to Normandy.
From liberation to hotels
From “family pension” to “Villa Andry”
After the war, Villa Andry turns a new page. In 1953 , she was transformed into a family board , before becoming a hotel under the name of “Le Saint Georges” and acquiring the reputation of a charming hotel an essential address in the Caen region. For decades, she welcomed travelers and lovers of the sea, while keeping her cachet of yesteryear.
A new life since 2017
In 2015 , the hotel resumed its original name, Villa Andry , thus reconnecting with its heritage.
In 2017 , we - Mélinda and Julien - took over Villa Andry for a new professional and family challenge. Let's take the opportunity to introduce us: Mélinda, from Cherbourg, obtained a license in business economy before continuing her career which will lead her in international companies, in Paris, Australia and then in Switzerland where the meeting will be with Julien. Switzerland of origin, training cook, who will then obtain the title of hotelier at the Hotel School in Geneva.
Our goal for Villa Andry, when we arrived, was clear: to preserve his historical soul while offering him a touch of modernity . Our respective experiences allow us to continue to bring this historic building to life and provide you with a quality and warm quality service. We train our teams with traditional hotel customs by emphasizing more sustainable tourism. Each year, we carefully renovate the common rooms and spaces to offer you a comfortable and authentic stay .
Today, Villa Andry is a place where past and present meet , ideal for those who want to live a unique experience in Normandy .
Why stay at Villa Andry?
Faced with Sword Beach, in the footsteps of the liberators
Located in front of the sea , Villa Andry is the ideal address for those who wish to explore the landing beaches .
- A few steps from Sword Beach , where the first French people landed on June 6, 1944.
- 5 minutes from the ferry connecting Portthmooth in England
- 20 minutes from British Normandy Memorial from Ver-sur-Mer
- 20 minutes from Caen and the Pegasus bridge , emblematic sites of D-Day.
- Close to the Museums of the Landing, the Caen Memorial and the essential places of memory.
Comfort, charm and memory
- An authentic hotel : with its historic architecture and renovated rooms, the Villa Andry combines charm of yesteryear and modern comfort .
- A peaceful setting : facing the sea and a flowery garden in the city center, enjoy a serene atmosphere after a day of discovery.
- A warm welcome : Mélinda and Julien, who speak perfectly English, are there to share with you the secrets and anecdotes of Villa Andry and the region.
- The proximity of shops and restaurants within 5 minutes on foot.
Prepare your trip now ...
... and history continues ... with you
To stay at Villa Andry is to walk in the footsteps of the heroes of D-Day , to discover a unique place in memory and enjoy an exceptional stay in Normandy .
We will be happy to welcome you and share with you our passion for history and our love of the region .
Discover our rooms , our services, book your stay now and come and experience history differently.
