Pointe du Hoc

A battlefield where the craters never healed
Normandy, France

On June 6, 1944, U.S. Army Rangers scaled the cliffs at Pointe du Hoc under fire. Their mission was to take out a heavily fortified German position that overlooked both Utah and Omaha Beaches. It was one of the most dangerous objectives of the entire D-Day invasion.

The Rangers reached the top and held their ground, despite fierce resistance and confusion. The cost was high—but the mission succeeded. Today, the scars are still there, etched into the earth.

 

 

What It’s Like Today

Pointe du Hoc remains one of the most physically raw and authentic D-Day sites on the Normandy coast. The landscape is still cratered from naval bombardment, and the ground hasn’t been smoothed over. Massive concrete bunkers sit cracked and broken in the grass, while others remain fully intact and open to explore.

You can walk through original German casemates, observation posts, and artillery shelters. Inside, the air is cool and quiet. Outside, the cliffs drop steeply to the sea. The views are striking—but so is the terrain. It’s not hard to imagine what it took to fight here.

Though the site receives a steady stream of visitors, it rarely feels crowded. Most people move through quietly, taking time to absorb the place. There’s a small visitor center near the entrance with restrooms, a short film, and a few exhibits that provide useful context without overwhelming detail.

 

 

 

What to Watch For

• Paths are uneven – The site is rugged and partially exposed. Wear sturdy shoes, and mind your footing, especially around the crater edges.
• Some bunkers are walkable – Several structures are open to explore. Step inside and pause—it’s a chance to see and feel the architecture of coastal defense up close.
• There are no signs pointing to specific events – Interpretation is light. You won’t find detailed maps or labels for where each moment of the battle occurred. That’s part of the experience—it invites reflection over narration.

If You Visit Today

• Free entry, open daily
• On-site parking and restrooms available
• About 15 minutes from Omaha Beach, 25 from Utah Beach
• Expect wind and weather—bring layers
• Plan on 45 to 90 minutes to explore at a comfortable pace
• Most visitors walk the site independently, though guides are sometimes present with groups

 

 

Included in the Guidebook

Pointe du Hoc is featured in the Band of Brothers Travel Guide not because Easy Company fought here—they didn’t—but because the site offers essential context for any visit to the Normandy beaches. The guide includes practical tips, suggested pairings with nearby stops, and quiet insights to help you experience the history, not just learn it.

Photos: U.S. Army Signal Corps, James Skeffington, Unsplash
Further Reading: D-Day by Stephen Ambrose includes detailed accounts of the Rangers' assault. The U.S. Army Center of Military History offers additional free resources online. For personal, on-the-ground travel guidance, see the Band of Brothers Travel Guide.

📍 Pointe du Hoc, Normandy, France
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