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 charming hotel located opposite Sword Beach, one of the iconic D-Day landing beaches in Normandy. Between history and serenity, our villa invites you on a journey through time.
Built in 1867, this building has survived centuries and major events, including the Second World War, when it was occupied by the German army before being one of the first houses liberated from the Atlantic Wall on June 6, 1944. Today, Villa Andry is a warm hotel, where Melinda 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 begins in 1867, when Édouard Andry and his wife Thérèse Renault fell under the spell of Ouistreham and Riva Bella beach and decided to build their holiday home there. At that time, the Normandy coast was still wild, bordered by dunes and sandy paths.
Visionaries, the Andrys actively participated in the development of the seaside resort of Ouistreham. They had a path opened from the customs house through the dunes – now called Avenue Andry. For 50 years, their garden was meticulously tended by Baptiste Bonneau, a dedicated gardener who helped make this villa a true haven of peace.
The D-Day Landing Beaches, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Since July 26, 2026, the Normandy Landing Beaches, including Sword Beach at Ouistreham Riva-Bella, have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This international recognition distinguishes their outstanding universal value and serves as a reminder that these places are much more than just beaches: they bear witness to an event that profoundly marked the history of the 20th century and carried a message of freedom, peace, and reconciliation for future generations.
This inscription resonates particularly strongly at Villa Andry. Built in 1867, the villa was requisitioned by the German Kommandantur during the Occupation. On June 6, 1944, during the liberation of Ouistreham Riva-Bella by the 177 marines of the Kieffer Commando, it was among the first private villas liberated on D-Day. For over 150 years, it has been a privileged witness to the history of Sword Beach and continues today to welcome visitors from all over the world who come to discover these places of remembrance.
Staying at Villa Andry means living in the heart of a site now recognized by UNESCO, facing Sword Beach, and taking the time to discover a heritage whose significance extends beyond the borders of Normandy. Here, history is contemplated, understood, and passed on.
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, Villa Andry was requisitioned by German forces and became a command post (Kommandantur). Archives and testimonies report that Field Marshal Erwin Rommel regularly visited the Normandy coast to inspect the Atlantic Wall, particularly in the Ouistreham sector. On the morning of D-Day, Villa Andry found itself at the heart of a decisive battle. Located opposite Sword Beach, still occupied by the German Kommandantur, it was a strategic command post for the enemy.
But at 7:25 a.m., the first French soldiers of Commando No. 4 Kieffer (photo opposite), 1st Battalion of Marine Commandos, landed on the beach at a place called La Brèche in Colleville-sur-Orne (now Colleville-Montgomery). This battalion was created in Great Britain in 1942 by Free France (FNFL) and was composed of 177 Frenchmen, including Léon Gautier, one of the last surviving D-Day veterans, who died on July 3, 2023, and Lieutenant Lofi, who led Troop 8. Their mission: to neutralize the German defenses, the fortifications of the casino , and liberate Ouistreham.
One of the first houses released from the Atlantic Wall
In the hours that followed, fierce fighting raged. The commandos advanced along the 2 km of beach, destroying bunkers, machine-gun nests, and minefields. At 11:30 a.m., they reached Villa Andry and managed to break through the last German resistance. With the enemy defeated, they continued their advance to Pegasus Bridge, then Caen, and inland.
This moment marked a historic turning point: Villa Andry became one of the first houses liberated from the Atlantic Wall. A testament to this decisive day is still visible on our facade: a commemorative plaque recalls the commitment of these heroes who brought freedom back to Normandy.
From liberation to hotels
From “family pension” to “Villa Andry”
After the war, Villa Andry turned a new page. In 1953, it was transformed into a guesthouse, before becoming a hotel under the name “Le Saint Georges” and acquiring a reputation as a charming hotel, a must-visit address in the Caen region. For decades, it welcomed travelers and sea lovers, while retaining its old-world charm.
A new life since 2017
In 2015, the hotel reverted to 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 this opportunity to introduce ourselves: Mélinda, originally from Cherbourg, earned a degree in business administration before pursuing a career that took her to international companies in Paris, Australia, and then Switzerland, where she met Julien. A Swiss native and trained chef, he later earned a hotel management degree from the Geneva Hotel Management School.
Our goal for Villa Andry, when we arrived, was clear: to preserve its historic soul while giving it a touch of modernity. Our respective experiences allow us to continue to bring this historic building to life and to offer you quality service and a warm, friendly welcome. We train our teams in the traditions of hospitality, with an emphasis on more sustainable tourism. Each year, we carefully renovate the rooms and common areas 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 experience something unique in Normandy. We continue this story with the same commitment: to preserve the heritage of this iconic villa, to welcome each traveler with authenticity, and to share the history of the place with those who walk through our doors.
Melinda and Julien
Did you know that?
• Built in 1867
• Facing Sword Beach
• Requisitioned by the German Kommandantur
• Liberated on June 6, 1944 by the Kieffer Commando
• Today located opposite a UNESCO World Heritage
Why stay at Villa Andry?
Faced with Sword Beach, in the footsteps of the liberators
Located facing the sea, Villa Andry is the ideal address for those wishing to explore the D-Day landing beaches.
- A short walk from Sword Beach, where the first French landed on June 6, 1944.
- 5 minutes from the ferry to Porthmooth, England
- 20 minutes from the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer
- 20 minutes from Caen and Pegasus Bridge, iconic D-Day sites.
- Close to the D-Day museums, the Caen Memorial and other essential memorial sites.
Comfort, charm and memory
- An authentic hotel : with its historic architecture and renovated rooms, the Villa Andry combines old-world charm and modern comfort.
- A peaceful setting : facing the sea and a flower garden in the city centre, enjoy a serene atmosphere after a day of discovery.
- A warm welcome : Melinda and Julien, who speak perfect English, are there to share with you the secrets and anecdotes of Villa Andry and the region.
- Shops and restaurants are within a 5-minute walk.
Prepare your trip now ...
... and history continues ... with you
Staying at Villa Andrymeans walking in the footsteps of the D-Day heroes, discovering a unique place steeped in history and enjoying an exceptional stay in Normandy.
We will be happy to welcome you and share with you our passion for history and our love for the region.
Discover our rooms, our services, book your stay now and come experience history in a different way.
