It is a Panzerkampfwagen VI Ausf. E, specifically one of the rare survivors of the model produced between 1942 and 1944.
The tank was scuttled by its own crew after running out of fuel and sustaining minor damage, resulting in the turret being blown off by internal demolition charges.
Local historian and farmer Monsieur Gadifer is credited with preserving the wreck after the war, preventing it from being sold as scrap metal.
The tank was moved to its current, more accessible location in 1975 to ensure its long-term preservation.
The Zimmerit anti-magnetic paste, applied to German tanks during this period to prevent magnetic mines from attaching to the hull, is still partially visible on the exterior surfaces.
The Tiger Tank in Vimoutiers is one of the few surviving German Panzer VI Tiger I tanks in the world. Abandoned by its crew in August 1944 during the Battle of Normandy, it was destroyed by an explosive charge to prevent its capture by Allied forces. It remained in a roadside ditch for decades before being salvaged and placed on a plinth as a historical monument. The tank is currently displayed outdoors, allowing visitors to inspect the heavy armor and mechanical details up close. It serves as a stark reminder of the intense armored warfare that occurred in the Pays d'Auge region during World War II.
Position yourself at the front left corner to capture the scale of the hull alongside the distinctive track width.
Bring a pair of binoculars to examine the weld seams and structural damage on the upper hull.
Combine this visit with the nearby Falaise Pocket historical sites for a broader context of the battle.
Visit on a weekday if you prefer a quieter environment, as the site is small and can get crowded with tour groups.
Do not attempt to climb onto the tank, as the metal is corroded and there are sharp edges from the blast damage.
