Pointe du Hoc
A dramatic promontory where US Rangers scaled cliffs on D-Day, featuring WWII bunkers and bomb craters with stunning sea views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Pointe du Hoc
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A dramatic promontory where US Rangers scaled cliffs on D-Day, featuring WWII bunkers and bomb craters with stunning sea views.
"Seeing this place in person after watching countless documentaries is truly phenomenal. So much suffering and so many lives lost... it's really moving and sad."
Guided Tour Recommended
Enhance your visit with a guided tour; guides often have historical photos for perspective.
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The terrain is uneven with craters and rocky paths. Comfortable walking shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

German Bunkers
Throughout the site
Explore the remnants of German fortifications, including bunkers and command posts, offering a glimpse into WWII defenses.

Bomb Craters
Across the promontory
Witness the impact of Allied bombing raids, with numerous craters dotting the landscape, a stark reminder of the battle.

Soldiers' Monument
Summit of the promontory
A poignant monument commemorating the bravery of the US Rangers who scaled the cliffs on D-Day.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
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Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Guided Tour Recommended
Enhance your visit with a guided tour; guides often have historical photos for perspective.
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The terrain is uneven with craters and rocky paths. Comfortable walking shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:
Just a heads up if you want to visit Normandy…
Craters left at Pointe Du Hoc, France.
Check Seasonal Hours
Many museums and facilities in the Normandy region are seasonal and may be closed in winter.
Respect Restricted Areas
Some areas are fenced off due to erosion. Please adhere to signage for safety and preservation.
Tips
from all over the internet
Guided Tour Recommended
Enhance your visit with a guided tour; guides often have historical photos for perspective.
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The terrain is uneven with craters and rocky paths. Comfortable walking shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:
Check Seasonal Hours
Many museums and facilities in the Normandy region are seasonal and may be closed in winter.
Respect Restricted Areas
Some areas are fenced off due to erosion. Please adhere to signage for safety and preservation.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Pointe du Hoc to be a deeply moving and historically significant site, offering a powerful connection to D-Day. The dramatic landscape and preserved fortifications are highlights, though some note increasing restrictions and maintenance concerns. The views are spectacular, but the somber history is the main draw.
"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 photos from WWII to give us a better perspective on the location."
W B
"Visited several times over the last 7 years and there is less to see each time. Previously you could walk around much more of the site but now it's all fenced off and very restricted where you can go. I understand the issues with erosion but the changes made away from the cliff edges have been detrimental to the overall effect."
Ben Seaman
"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 the ground . Some people here r funny. 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."
Fritzi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Caen, you can drive to Pointe du Hoc, which takes approximately 45-60 minutes. Public transport options are limited, so renting a car or joining a guided tour is recommended for ease of access.
Public transport to Pointe du Hoc is very limited, especially outside of peak tourist season. It's best to consider a rental car or organized tours that often include transportation from major towns like Bayeux or Caen.
Many D-Day tour operators include Pointe du Hoc in their itineraries, often combined with visits to Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery. This is a convenient option if you prefer not to drive.
Yes, there is a parking area available at Pointe du Hoc. It can get busy during peak season, so arriving earlier in the day is advisable.
While possible, walking to Pointe du Hoc from nearby towns like Grandcamp-Maisy is a significant distance and not a common or recommended way to visit due to road safety and lack of pedestrian paths.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the outdoor site of Pointe du Hoc itself is generally free. However, any associated visitor centers or specific exhibits may have an admission fee.
The site is typically accessible year-round during daylight hours. However, specific visitor centers or facilities might have seasonal operating hours, so it's best to check in advance, especially outside of summer.
Yes, some areas, particularly along the cliff edges, are fenced off due to erosion and safety concerns. Visitors are asked to respect these restrictions.
The bunkers are part of the open-air site and generally do not have a separate entrance fee. However, access to the interior of some bunkers may be restricted or require a guided tour.
Yes, the outdoor site is usually accessible in the off-season, but visitor facilities and museums may be closed. It's advisable to confirm operating hours before your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore German bunkers, command posts, and numerous bomb craters left from the D-Day landings. The dramatic cliffs and the sea views are also significant.
While the historical significance is immense, the terrain can be challenging for very young children. The open, cratered landscape might be interesting, but supervision is key.
Allow at least 1-2 hours to explore the site thoroughly, especially if you plan to walk around and take in the views. A guided tour might extend this time.
Basic facilities, including restrooms, are usually available, particularly near the parking area and any visitor information points.
Reading up on the history beforehand and considering a guided tour can greatly enhance your understanding and appreciation of the events that took place here.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the dramatic cliffside views, the imposing bunkers, and the vast bomb craters. The Soldiers' Monument offers a good vantage point.
Photography inside the bunkers may be restricted or challenging due to low light conditions. Always check for signage regarding photography rules.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows and highlight the textures of the landscape and fortifications.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical and sensitive sites like Pointe du Hoc. It's essential to check local regulations before flying.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the expansive landscape and bunkers. A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial for interior shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the site is largely outdoors, there are often visitor centers with informative displays. Ensure children wear comfortable, sturdy shoes as they'll be walking on uneven ground. The solemn nature of the site means it's best suited for older children who can grasp the historical significance.
🏛️ History Buffs
Bring a good history book or have some background knowledge ready, as the site itself provides the physical remnants, but the full story comes alive with context. The preserved bunkers and the dramatic landscape are a powerful testament to the events of June 6, 1944.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The D-Day Assault on Pointe du Hoc
The landscape today still bears the scars of this battle, with numerous bomb craters and the remains of German fortifications. Visitors can walk through this historic terrain, imagining the intense struggle that unfolded here. The site serves as a powerful memorial to the sacrifices made during the Normandy landings.
It's important to note that due to erosion and preservation efforts, some areas of the site are now restricted. However, the core historical elements remain accessible, offering a profound connection to one of the most daring operations of World War II.
Exploring the Fortifications
Visitors can explore the remains of these bunkers, many of which are accessible to walk through or around. The sheer scale of the fortifications underscores the strategic importance of this location. The presence of these structures, juxtaposed with the natural beauty of the coastline, creates a unique and somber atmosphere.
While some of the more precarious cliffside structures may be fenced off for safety, the main bunkers and command posts are generally explorable. It's a powerful experience to stand within these remnants of history and contemplate the events that transpired.
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