The Normandy Victory Museum in Catz – between Isigny-sur-Mer and Carentan – is one of the most popular museums in Normandy and for good reason – it’s packed with incredible exhibits and stories.
Located between the landing beaches and ‘battle of the hedgerows’ areas, the Museum has evolved greatly over the past few years since its inception in 2016, blending over 15,000 original items with modern, interactive displays, special exhibitions, and multi-lingual information boards.
Each section of the museum – there are 27 different areas in total - helps to tell the story of the war in Normandy well, and from many different perspectives.

All the objects, from the smallest pack of chewing gum, ration pack, and sweets to the helmets, uniforms, and the large displays (including a P47 aircraft and many armoured vehicles) are well lit and easy to view. The information provided at each viewing point puts them into context and gives background detail which many other museums miss.
The P-47 – a replica – pays homage to the site itself which was the location of one of the first airfields built by US forces following the D-Day landings.
From the entrance hall with its 1930’s French shop facias you begin your journey at the start of the war, taking in objects associated with the French army which valiantly fought against the German invaders and then through to a small glimpse into life under German rule for the general public.
These are followed by areas giving you insight into the role of the French Resistance, the period of bunker building on the Atlantikwall, the D-Day landings, and the breakouts from the beaches to the bocage country.
The mini cinema – hosted inside a mock-up landing craft - takes you back to D-Day with interviews of veterans and rare film footage.
From here you walk through interactive displays with light and sound effects which put in the middle of the fight for the area and the final capture of towns and villages by advancing American forces. We also get to see what is left in the wake of the fighting with many photographs of local towns and the devastating impact of the battles inflicted on them.
Veterans’ stories are a large part of the museum, and the owners regularly host special exhibitions in their honour with some superb photographic displays and also a special section on the vital role that women played in the war.
Outside there are more gems to discover. Their much-photographed Sherman ‘Rhino’ tank now stands proud on its own plinth and can’t be missed when you’re driving along the N13 motorway. You can also get up close to trucks, a US 90mm anti-aircraft gun, 60inch AA searchlight, a landing craft, and even a section of Bailey Bridge.
The Museum also offers tours aboard vintage military vehicles and an immersive bunker experience activity game for whole families to take part in too.
With plenty of free parking outside for over 300 cars, a restaurant next door, and friendly, knowledgeable staff, it's a must visit for any trip to Normandy.