Pointe du Hoc, Bayeux

Historic Site near Bayeux

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Avi1111

Pointe du Hoc, perched between Utah and Omaha Beaches, is one of Normandy's most dramatic and historically significant D-Day sites. On June 6, 1944, this sheer promontory became the focus of one of the most daring missions of the Second World War. The U.S. 2nd Ranger Battalion, led by Lieutenant Colonel James E. Rudder, scaled 30-meter-high cliffs under heavy German fire to destroy artillery batteries that threatened Allied troops landing on the beaches below. Their bravery and determination turned the tide for the invading forces and became a defining moment in the story of the Normandy landings.

Today, the site stands as both a battlefield and a memorial, preserved almost exactly as it was in 1944. Craters left by naval bombardments pockmark the earth, while shattered bunkers and gun casemates stand as silent witnesses to the ferocity of the assault. The Pointe du Hoc Ranger Monument-a stark granite obelisk rising above the cliffs-commemorates the men who fought and died here. For visitors tracing the D-Day route, this is one of the best places to go on a day trip from Bayeux, offering a mix of breathtaking coastal scenery and solemn historical reflection.

History and Significance
Things to See and Do
How to Get to Pointe du Hoc from Bayeux
Practical Tips for Visiting Pointe du Hoc
Nearby Attractions

History and Significance

Before D-Day, German forces fortified Pointe du Hoc with six artillery guns capable of firing on both Omaha and Utah Beaches. Recognizing its strategic importance, Allied planners tasked the U.S. 2nd Ranger Battalion with capturing the position early on June 6, 1944. Using ropes, ladders, and grappling hooks, the Rangers scaled the cliffs under relentless fire, only to discover that the main guns had been moved inland. They pressed on, located the artillery pieces hidden nearby, and destroyed them with thermite grenades, preventing catastrophic losses on the beaches.

Although their mission succeeded, the cost was immense-of the 225 Rangers who began the assault, fewer than 90 were fit for duty by the end of the day. The courage and tenacity they displayed have since become legendary, symbolizing the sacrifices made during Operation Overlord. Today, Pointe du Hoc remains largely untouched, managed by the American Battle Monuments Commission as a place of remembrance and education.

Things to See and Do

Visitors can walk through the preserved battlefield, where craters, bunkers, and gun emplacements tell the story of the fierce fighting. The Pointe du Hoc Ranger Monument, built atop a German bunker, provides sweeping views of the Channel coast and serves as the focal point for reflection. Interpretive panels throughout the site explain key moments of the battle, and the visitor center offers detailed historical displays and personal accounts from those who fought here.

The rugged cliffs and windswept landscapes also make Pointe du Hoc a striking photography location, especially at sunrise or sunset. For history enthusiasts, the authenticity of the terrain-still scarred by explosions-is both haunting and powerful. Many visitors combine a trip here with stops at nearby Omaha Beach and the Normandy American Cemetery to gain a broader understanding of the D-Day campaign.

How to Get to Pointe du Hoc from Bayeux

Pointe du Hoc is located about 35 kilometers west of Bayeux, making it an easy 40-minute drive along the D514 coastal road. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you. The route passes through scenic farmland and small villages that still bear traces of wartime history. If you don't have a car, guided D-Day tours from Bayeux frequently include Pointe du Hoc as one of their main stops, offering expert commentary and transport.

Practical Tips for Visiting Pointe du Hoc

Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn for comfortable weather and clear coastal views
Entrance fee in Euros: Free entry year-round
Opening hours: Daily, from sunrise to sunset
Official website: www.abmc.gov
How long to spend: 1-1.5 hours
Accessibility: Some paths are uneven; paved routes available for partial access
Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, and interpretive panels
Photography tip: Capture the cliffs from the northern trail for the best perspective on their height
Guided tours: Available from Bayeux, often combined with Omaha and Utah Beaches
Nearby food options: Cafés and restaurants in Grandcamp-Maisy, just a few minutes’ drive away

Nearby Attractions

Omaha Beach - One of the most famous D-Day landing sites, with memorials and museums along the shore
Normandy American Cemetery - A moving memorial overlooking Omaha Beach, honoring over 9,000 U.S. soldiers
Utah Beach Museum - Showcasing the American landings and naval operations that secured the western flank
La Cambe German War Cemetery - Resting place for over 21,000 German soldiers, offering perspective on both sides of the conflict
Grandcamp-Maisy - A nearby fishing village with a small harbor, seafood restaurants, and a quieter coastal charm

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (11,984)

The Pointe du Hoc, at 14450 Cricqueville-en-Bessin, France, is a coastal promontory marked by WWII bunkers, bomb craters and a soldiers' monument, offering dramatic views and a sobering sense of history; visitors praise the preserved bunkers and underground displays and recommend guided-tours for context, but note much of the site is fenced off to protect eroding areas, some paths and bunker access are closed or unsuitable for electric wheelchairs, it can get crowded, and visitors are asked to respect the site and its rules (including no animals) to help keep it intact.

Mycah

a month ago

"Initially, I didn’t plan on reviewing this location as I figured thousands of others have already said what needed to be.... however, after reading anumber of recent 1 star reviews, I thought it prudent to point out some important notices and facts of life (or nature, in this case). Sunday was my husband (a decade long two tour U.S. Army veteran) and I's first time with a couple of friends from Britain. We had an amazing time and felt how powerful this site was and the sacrifices that were made here. My husband was especially pleased to see this since he originally thought we were just going to Omaha Beach (and I made a whole day of visiting almost everything we could, this being the most impressive feat imo). It seems quite a few people are repeat visitors to this site due to the strong impression it had on them the first time they visited, but for some reason I ca ot fathom, they are unhappy with the recent decision to preserve and protect this historic site by fencing off most of it to foot traffic. (They have signs posted on the fences in French AND English asking people to help them preserve the site by respecting this decision)nThey reminisce the days when they could climb all over the hills and into the crater holes, and recount these as part of their reason for being so impressed.... when these are likely the exact reason why fencing off 90% of it became prioritized in the first place. One reviewer complained about the fences and not being able to access the parts they used to and in the same breath, talked about how they understood why the cliffside path had to be fenced off due to nature eroding its safety. Nature is continuing to erode the other fenced off areas and foot traffic only expedites this process. It also doesn't help when people leave trash in the communication holes of the bunkers and graffiti the walls 🙃 or not read the numerous reviews that span as far back as FOUR YEARS AGO about their rule of "NO ANIMALS ALLOWED," which of course, does not exclude dogs. So please, do come here expecting your dog to take a leisurely walk through a historic site. While we were also *a little* disappointed so much was fenced off, we were much more happier that they chose to do it because it meant the site was being held to a standard it deserved and would continue to exist for many more decades to come. Plus, even though they fenced off the crater holes and some further out deteriorating bunkers, they kept the walking path along a couple of the better preserved ones and allowed unsupervised access to them and the area overlooking the point. Please do not let the naysayers deter you from seeing this incredible WW2 site. It is worth every moment and especially since so many people died fighting for its independence. Thank you for reading this far and I hope The Pointe du Hoc has many more 5 star reviews in the near future!..."

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W B

5 months ago

"A beautiful view with a sobering history. I would recommend taking a tour through Overlord Tours. We had a wonderful guide who had tons of old photosfrom WWII to give us a better perspective on the location...."

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Fritzi

2 months ago

"Nice bunkers. But.... Well.. gets overcrowded. :/ you can watch from inside the bunker and around the area it is Closed due to the cranes in theground . When I visited, the people here were fu y and kind. But I just don't like that like a hundred people could enter and you can't take pictures of anything. Still gut. Nice view too...."

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The Pointe du Hoc appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Bayeux!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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