Merville-Franceville-Plage () is a commune in the Calvados department in the Normandy region in northwestern France.

Geography

Merville-Franceville-Plage, more usually called Franceville, is situated on the Côte Fleurie, 6 km from Cabourg and from Caen. Merville Franceville is located on the east side of the Baie de l'Orne.

The back country is a plain, favourable to cereal cultivation and dairy cattle.

Population

Climate

The commune has a maritime climate : Winters are warm and summers rarely suffer from excessive heat.

Sights

  • Redoute de Merville, fortification edified on Vauban's plans in 1779. Rediscovered by the occupying forces during the Second World War.
  • The Merville Gun Battery (Batterie de Merville) is an historic site situated on the eastern flank of the landing area codenamed Sword. Lieutenant-Colonel Terence Otway, and the 9th Parachute Battalion, neutralized the German battery during the Battle of Merville Gun Battery on 6 June prior to the beach landings.

Tourism

Merville Franceville is attractive for families, thanks to the various beach activities and excursions in the back-country.

This town is famous for being a good spot for kite surfing.

Twin towns

  • Clyst St. Mary, England
  • Merville, British Columbia, Canada

See also

  • Communes of the Calvados department

References

Photos

<gallery>

Image:Mairie de Merville-Franceville.jpg|Town hall

Image:MF01.jpg|seafront

Image:Low tide at Merville-Franceville-Plage.jpg|low tide

Image:MF03.jpg|footpath to the beach

Image:MF04.JPG|miniature golf

Image:Gare de Merville-Franceville 26-06-06.jpg|former railway station now solicitor office

</gallery>

  • (fr-en) Tourist Office Website
  • (fr-en) City council website