Rare Old Military Map of Normandy Beaches, 1943: D-Day Planning, Vierville to Houlgate, Arromanches

Immerse yourself in a pivotal moment of history with the "Beaches of Normandy - Vierville to Houlgate" map, an exquisite piece crafted by the United States Office of Strategic Services in 1943. This topographic masterpiece captures the intricate details of the Normandy coastline, a region that played a crucial role during World War II. The map meticulously outlines the coastal geography, showcasing offshore features, tide currents, and the composition of sea floor sediments. Its precision and detail offer a glimpse into the strategic planning that preceded the iconic D-Day landings, making it a valuable artifact for history enthusiasts and collectors alike.

The map's historical significance is underscored by its creation during a time of global conflict. The OSS, a precursor to the CIA, produced this map as part of their wartime intelligence efforts. Its detailed representation of the Normandy coast provided essential information for military strategists, aiding in the successful execution of Operation Overlord. This map not only highlights the geographical features of the region but also serves as a testament to the meticulous planning and coordination that were vital to the Allied victory in Europe.

Featuring key locations such as Vierville, Port-en-Bessin, and Arromanches, the map transports you to the heart of the Normandy landings. These beaches, etched in history as the sites of immense bravery and sacrifice, are depicted with precision, illustrating the challenges faced by the Allied forces. The map also includes detailed information on transportation routes, coastal defenses, and potential landing sites, offering a comprehensive view of the strategic landscape during one of history's most significant military operations.

Beyond its military context, the map provides a fascinating insight into the natural features of the Normandy coastline. Contour lines reveal the region's relief, while isolines and soundings depict the depths of the surrounding waters. Coastal features such as sea walls and jetties are meticulously detailed, reflecting the complex interplay between natural and man-made elements. This blend of artistry and scientific accuracy makes the map a captivating piece for those interested in cartography and historical geography.

As a luxury collector's item, this map not only serves as a window into the past but also as a symbol of human resilience and ingenuity. Its historical and cultural significance, combined with its aesthetic appeal, makes it a treasured addition to any collection. Whether displayed in a study, library, or gallery, the "Beaches of Normandy - Vierville to Houlgate" map invites viewers to reflect on the profound events of World War II and the enduring impact of those who shaped the course of history.

Places on this map

• Vierville
• Port-en-Bessin
• Arromanches
• Bernières
• Ouistreham
• Houlgate
• Pointe de la Percée
• La Rivière
• Lion-sur-Mer
• Courseulles
• Bay of the Seine
• Caen
• Merville
• Luc-sur-Mer
• Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Offshore features such as anchorage and wrecks
• Rocky ledges and drying areas
• Tidal currents and flood tide information
• Composition of sea floor sediments
• Coastal features like sea walls and jetties
• Contour lines indicating relief
• Transportation routes including paved and unpaved highways, footpaths, and railroads
• Narrow and standard gauge railroad tracks
• Navigation canals

Historical and design context

• Compiled and drawn in the Branch of Research and Analysis, OSS
• Published in 1943
• Created by the United States Office of Strategic Services (OSS), a wartime intelligence agency
• Topographic map with information on offshore features, tide currents, flood tide, and composition of sea floor sediments
• Relief shown by contours; depths shown by isolines and soundings
• Part of strategic planning for the Normandy landings during World War II

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

This map is wider than most maps, which would make it a perfect statement piece above a mantelpiece, sofa or desk.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.