Centre Historique des Parachutistes du Jour-J

The Centre Historique des Parachutistes du Jour-J (Historical Center of D-Day Paratroopers) is a museum in Saint-Côme-du-Mont, Normandy, France, dedicated to the history of airborne operations during the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944. Located in the heart of the Cotentin Peninsula, this museum offers a vivid portrayal of the role played by American and Allied paratroopers in the liberation of France during World War II.

Centre Historique des Parachutistes du Jour-J

D-Day Experience – Dead Man’s Corner Museum

2 Vierge de l’Amont

50500 Saint Côme-du-Mont

France

www.paratrooper-museum.org

+33 2 33 23 61 95

Daily 09:30 – 18:00

Closed: December 24 and 25 – December 31 and January 1

Admission fee

Gift shop

Aircraft collection

Douglas Dakota IV 224319
224319

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Douglas Dakota IV (fuselage)

Waco CG-4A (cockpit)

Key Highlights Centre Historique des Parachutistes du Jour-J

Exhibits

  1. Paratrooper Equipment and Artifacts:
    • Authentic uniforms, parachutes, weapons, and personal items used by American paratroopers, particularly from the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions.
    • Detailed recreations of airborne drops and their associated challenges.
  2. Historical Displays:
    • Maps, documents, and multimedia presentations illustrating the planning, execution, and aftermath of D-Day airborne operations.
    • Stories of individual soldiers, including their experiences and sacrifices.
  3. Aircraft and Vehicles:
    • Displays of period aircraft, such as parts of C-47 transport planes, used to deliver paratroopers behind enemy lines.
    • Jeeps and other military vehicles used by the paratroopers during the campaign.
  4. Operation Overlord Context:
    • Information on how the airborne operations fit into the broader D-Day invasion and the Allied strategy to liberate Europe.

Immersive Experiences

  • “Dead Man’s Corner”:
    • The Centre Historique des Parachutistes du Jour-J incorporates the famous Dead Man’s Corner, a historical site tied to the D-Day battles. It was named after a tank commander who was killed in action.
    • The site provides a powerful connection to the events of June 1944.
  • Interactive Exhibits:
    • Virtual reality experiences that allow visitors to relive the paratrooper drops and missions.
    • Life-sized dioramas recreate moments from the Normandy landings with meticulous attention to detail.