Sainte-Mère-Église Church (Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption), Sainte-Mère-Église
Plan your visit
D-Day Heritage Day in Sainte-Mère-Église
3 attractions · 4h 28min · transit route
Tickets ~€16.5
Step-by-step route with transport options and cost breakdown
About Sainte-Mère-Église Church
This 12th-13th century Norman church gained worldwide fame during D-Day when American paratrooper John Steele's parachute caught on the bell tower, leaving him suspended 12 meters above the ground for two hours. A mannequin named "Big Jim" now hangs from the steeple to commemorate this event, visible from the town square. Inside, visitors can see two memorial stained glass windows by master glassmaker Gabriel Loire: one from 1947 depicting the Virgin Mary with paratroopers, and the 1969 Paratroopers' Window featuring Saint Michael, gifted by 505th Regiment veterans.
Combine with 2 nearby attractions for a full day
From €16.5 / person — all tickets and transport included — transit route with total cost breakdown
John Steele pretended to be dead while hanging from the church steeple for two hours. A barn was burning below him, and German soldiers were fighting in the streets. He was eventually captured but escaped when the 3rd Battalion of the 505th Regiment liberated the town later that day, capturing 30 Germans and killing 11.
Travel Plans for Sainte-Mère-Église Church (Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption)
Explore a city in one day
- Step-by-step walking route through the city
- Transport options with travel times and fares
- Entrance fees and opening hours for every stop
- Total cost calculated based on your preferences
Day Routes
D-Day Heritage Day in Sainte-Mère-Église
Sainte-Mère-Église
Nearby Attractions
Airborne Museum
Holy Mary of the Mount Historic Village
Church of Notre-Dame of Sainte-Marie-du-Mont
Major Richard Winters Memorial
Airborne Museum
Holy Mary of the Mount Historic Village
Church of Notre-Dame of Sainte-Marie-du-Mont