Ouistreham · Calvados · France
Plage de Ouistreham Riva-Bella
You'll smell salt and diesel in equal measure as Brittany Ferries churn past striped cabanas. Gulls wheel above the marina while kids dig moats near concrete bunkers turned museums. The sand is blonde, the promenade Belle Époque, the fish soup steaming in bowls along Rue Pasteur.
Reading live conditions…
Live from Open-Meteo · sea surface temperature and wave data modelled at 1-km grid resolution for Plage de Ouistreham Riva-Bella. Numbers refresh at the hourly tick.
- Purity
- 0%
- Conditions
- 0%
- Crowd
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- Vibe
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The OnlyBeaches Index weighs four pillars against your chosen persona. Purity comes from water clarity and air-quality heuristics; Conditions from Open-Meteo waves, wind and temperatures; Crowd from historical patterns; Vibe from nearby events within 50 km. The score rebalances throughout the day.
You'll smell salt and diesel in equal measure as Brittany Ferries churn past striped cabanas. Gulls wheel above the marina while kids dig moats near concrete bunkers turned museums. The sand is blonde, the promenade Belle Époque, the fish soup steaming in bowls along Rue Pasteur.
Photos
8 captures from Plage de Ouistreham Riva-Bella
About this beach
Where it is
Plage de Ouistreham Riva-Bella
Ouistreham, Calvados, France
49.2839°, -0.2517°
Top things to do
At Plage de Ouistreham Riva-Bella
Fishmonger Lunch
Rue Pasteur oysters and cidre
Bunker Museum
No. 4 Commando Atlantic Wall
Tidal Sandbar Wading
Low tide reveals temporary islands
Orne Canal Walk
Estuary path to Pegasus Bridge
Near this beach
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Plage de Ouistreham Riva-Bella.
Questions people actually ask about Plage de Ouistreham Riva-Bella.
Is Plage de Ouistreham Riva-Bella safe for swimming?
Plage de Ouistreham Riva-Bella is generally safe for swimming during summer months when lifeguards are on duty. The beach features supervised zones with marked swimming areas. As it sits at the mouth of the Caen Canal where it meets the English Channel, currents can be strong near the marina entrance, so stay within designated areas. The beach has a gradual slope making it family-friendly. Check local flags before entering the water, and note that the ferry channel should always be avoided. Water quality is regularly monitored and typically meets EU standards.
When is the best time to visit Plage de Ouistreham Riva-Bella?
The beach is accessible year-round, but July and August offer warmest weather (18-22°C) and full amenities including lifeguards and beach clubs. June and September provide pleasant temperatures with fewer crowds, ideal for walks and sunset viewing. Spring (April-May) suits history enthusiasts visiting D-Day sites without peak-season crowds. Winter offers dramatic coastal scenery and fresh seafood in local restaurants, though swimming isn't advisable. The beach faces northwest, making it spectacular for sunset photography throughout the year. Weekdays are quieter than weekends regardless of season.
