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Historical site · Bayeux, Normandia
Pointe du Hoc
Cliff of about 30 meters scaled by American Rangers on D-Day to neutralize a German battery. The terrain still bears bomb craters and bunkers.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Pointe du Hoc
Pointe du Hoc is a small headland on the Normandy coast, in Cricqueville-en-Bessin, between Utah Beach and Omaha Beach. It consists of a cliff 25 to 30 meters high above a narrow pebble beach.
The Germans had fortified the position, and Allied aerial reconnaissance reported heavy guns capable of striking the two neighboring beaches. On 6 June 1944, the 2nd Ranger Battalion scaled the cliff with ropes and ladders and seized the position, suffering heavy losses.
Up on the cliff the soldiers discovered that the guns had been replaced by wooden replicas; the real pieces had been moved inland, about 1,300 meters away, where they were found and put out of action the same day.
Today the site preserves bomb craters, concrete bunkers and a dagger-shaped monument atop the cliff. Since 2026 it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage along with the landing beaches. The site is administered by the same American commission that manages the cemitério de Colleville.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Best time
On days without strong wind. Trails become muddy in rain. Some areas near the edge are closed due to erosion; respect the fences.
How to get there
It is about 30 km from Bayeux by car along the coastal road, roughly 10 km west of Omaha Beach. There is parking and a visitor center.
Tip
Go into the open craters and bunkers to get a sense of the bombardment. Wear closed-toe shoes.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Pointe du Hoc
What happened at Pointe du Hoc on D-Day?
American Rangers scaled the cliff to destroy a German battery. On top they found wooden decoys; the real guns were further inland and were put out of action the same day.
Is there an entrance fee?
No. The site is administered by the same American commission as the Colleville cemetery.
Can it be combined with Omaha Beach?
Yes, they are about 10 km apart and are often visited on the same day, along with the American Cemetery.