The Pointe du Hoc Ranger Monument

The Pointe du Hoc Ranger Monument is a granite pylon shaped like a dagger, set on top of the German fire-control bunker at the edge of the 100-foot cliff between Utah and Omaha beaches. France erected it in 1960 to honor the 2nd Ranger Battalion, which scaled the cliffs under fire on the morning of June 6, 1944, and the American Battle Monuments Commission has maintained the site since 1979.

Visiting the Monument

Entry to Pointe du Hoc is free and the site opens daily. The monument stands at the cliff edge at the end of the walking path, past the bomb craters and ruined casemates left as they were in 1944. Through mid-2027, an 18-month ABMC restoration of the site reroutes some paths, and the top platform of the observation bunker beneath the monument stays closed while the work runs; the bunker interior remains open. The cliff wind is constant; hold onto hats and children at the overlooks.

The full story of the assault, the site, and the current restoration is on our main Pointe du Hoc page.

Getting There

Pointe du Hoc sits between Utah Beach and Omaha Beach, about 30 minutes from Bayeux, with a free parking lot and visitor center at the entrance. Give the site a full hour rather than a drive-by stop; the walk to the cliff and back takes time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Pointe du Hoc Ranger Monument?
A granite pylon on the German fire-control bunker at the cliff edge of Pointe du Hoc, honoring the 2nd Ranger Battalion’s assault of June 6, 1944. France erected it in 1960, and the American Battle Monuments Commission maintains it.

Does it cost anything to visit Pointe du Hoc?
No. The site, the monument, and the visitor center are free and open daily.

Can you reach the monument during the restoration?
Yes. The walking path to the cliff edge and the monument stays open through the ABMC restoration running to mid-2027, though some paths are rerouted and the top platform of the observation bunker is closed.