Pegasus Bridge, Bénouville

Pegasus Bridge, a historical bascule bridge located in the city of Bénouville, France, is a site of profound World War II significance. This bridge, spanning the Caen Canal near the town of Ranville, played a pivotal role in the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944. It was one of the first sites secured by British airborne forces during the night-time hours ahead of the beach landings, an operation that was crucial in preventing German counterattacks from the east.

For visitors interested in military history and World War II, Pegasus Bridge offers a tangible connection to the events that unfolded during the liberation of France. The bridge itself is named after the emblem of the British airborne forces—the Pegasus. Tourists can explore the bridge and its surroundings, which includes the Pegasus Museum. The museum provides an in-depth look at the operation, known as Operation Deadstick, and the heroics of the soldiers involved in the mission.

The structure itself is a bascule bridge, which means it includes one or more sections that can be raised to allow boat traffic to pass underneath. While the original Pegasus Bridge has been replaced with a newer structure to accommodate modern traffic needs, the historical bridge has been preserved and is now on display at the nearby Pegasus Museum.

Visitors to the site can also participate in guided tours, which provide detailed accounts of the bridge's capture and the broader context of the D-Day landings. The area around the bridge is also a serene place to walk and reflect on the momentous events that took place there.