The site served as the command center for the German defense of the coastal sector during the D-Day landings.
The position was equipped with a sophisticated subterranean telephone exchange connecting all bunkers in the area.
Despite its heavy fortifications, the site was overrun by the 1st Battalion of the Suffolk Regiment in less than 24 hours.
One of the primary command bunkers, marked as bunker 17, still contains remnants of its original internal wall markings.
The site was largely buried by the French army after the war and was only fully excavated and restored by volunteers decades later.
It remains one of the best-preserved German command posts in the entire Calvados department.
Site fortifié Hillman is a former German command post and coastal defense battery located in Colleville-Montgomery, near Ouistreham. It was part of the Atlantic Wall and served as the headquarters for the 736th Grenadier Regiment during the Normandy landings. The site consists of 18 reinforced concrete bunkers, including command bunkers, ammunition storage, and personnel shelters. British forces from the Suffolk Regiment captured the site on June 7, 1944, after a day of intense fighting. Today, it is maintained by the 'Les Amis du Suffolk Régiment' association to preserve its historical integrity. Much of the site remains as it was left after the battle, with some bunkers accessible for interior exploration. It provides a rare look at the tactical layout of German defensive positions overlooking Sword Beach.
The elevated view from the exterior of the main command bunker, which offers a vantage point over the restored defensive perimeter.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes as the terrain is uneven and can be muddy.
Bring a flashlight to better view the interiors of the unlit bunkers.
Check the official association website for guided tour availability, as some areas may be restricted without a volunteer guide.
Do not attempt to enter sealed or cordoned-off bunkers, as they may be structurally unstable or prone to flooding.
Open seasonally from spring through early autumn, primarily on weekends and holidays; check the association website for specific calendar openings.
Respect the site as a war memorial; refrain from climbing on unstable bunker ruins.
