La Coupole – one of Europe’s key Second World War sites

Half an hour from Dunkirk, La Coupole is tucked away in what was an actual giant underground bunker built by the Nazis in 1943/44 as a platform from which to launch V2 rockets and doodlebugs against London with the hope of securing victory.

Its 5.5-metre thick protective concrete dome was completed in January 1944. Built as part of the German Sonderbauten (special constructions) on French territory, it was abandoned in 1944 following the Anglo-American troops advance from Normandy.

Fascinating Insight

La Coupole provides a fascinating insight into the historical and scientific context of life during the Second World War, using original footage of the invasion, the exodus, the privations of daily life, the French Resistance and ultimately liberation.

It also explores the development of Germany’s secret weapons, the V1 (doodlebug) and V2 rockets among others. But it goes much further too, in depicting the human tragedy of Deportation and the Nazi genocide programme (1939-1945).

The dawn of the Age of Space

La Coupole includes a Conquest of Space exhibition, with images originating from NASA (USA) and Star City (Russia ) explaining the origins of space exploration and man’s first walk on the moon.

Paradoxically, V2 technology led not just to the development of early ballistic missiles, but also to the eventual conquest of space.

Most major astronautic programmes launched during the Cold War period used the technical bases laid by Wernher von Braun and his team between 1936 and 1945.

Practical information

• Languages: All commentary is presented fully in four languages – French, English, Dutch and German. There are audio-guided headset systems available.
• Address: La Coupole, 62570 Helfaut, Saint-Omer.
• Getting there: 5km south of Saint-Omer, about 30 minutes drive from Dunkirk; 42km.
• Opening times: Open all year (except  22 December 2008 to 04 January 2009), daily from 9am to 6pm; and from 10am to 7pm during July and August.
• Facilities: Ample free parking. First class visitor facilities (including access for people with reduced mobility, a picnic area, gift shop, and cafeteria).
• Admission: the whole museum (including the “Fallen from the Sky” exhibition): 9€ adults; 6€ children 5-16; 19.5€ families (2 adults + up to 5 children).
• Admission: “Fallen from the Sky” (“Tombés du Ciel”) temporary exhibition alone: 3€ (adults or child aged 6 or over).
• Clothing: bring a cardigan or jacket with you as the temperature is quite low in the underground bunker.