La Batterie du Roc, part of the Atlantic Wall
The Batterie du Roc in Granville is on the Pointe du Roc, a promontory in the old town.
It was part of the Atlantic Wall, the vast defensive network built by the Germans during World War II to deter an Allied landing after the United States entered the war. The Atlantic Wall indeed stretched along the entire west coast of Europe, from the Franco-Spanish border to the northern reaches of Norway.
The Germans occupied Granville from the end of June 1940 and began construction of the battery in 1942. Strategically positioned, the battery extended on either side of the Granville lighthouse, controlling the vast Baie du Mont-Saint-Michel and the surrounding sea, and defended the port of Granville, a vital supply route for the Germans and a potential target for Allied forces.
Composed of four casemates housing 105 mm guns and two circular concrete platforms supporting 155 mm guns with a 120-degree traverse, the Battery du Roc de Granville possessed formidable firepower.
The complex also included 19 structures, ranging from shelters and bunkers to a small watchtower and a command post later converted into a signal station.
The Batterie du Roc in Granville became a key element in the defence of the Atlantic Wall in the Cotentin Peninsula, after La Hague.
Fortunately, despite its formidable defences, it could not prevent the German defeat. Indeed, the tide of the war turned on July 30, 1944, when two American motorcycles on a reconnaissance mission reached Granville, signalling the imminent arrival of Allied troops.
The following day, the bulk of the Allied forces swept into Granville, marking a decisive turning point in the liberation of the region.
La Batterie du Roc in Granville, a listed Historical Monument
The Batterie du Roc in Granville is frozen in time. It is preserved in its original state, like a vast open-air museum. Classified as a Historical Monument in 1994, the abandoned bunkers, casemates, and cannons are accessible to the public free of charge.
Perched on the Pointe du Roc, it offers an exceptional panoramic view of the sea and the bustling port of Granville.
As you continue along the coast, you will discover the Sentier des Douaniers (Customs Officers’ Path), a picturesque trail running along the cliff, and once used by smugglers at night, right under the noses of the customs officers. This path winds its way down to the beach and boasts breathtaking views of the coastline.
From the viewpoint overlooking the port, you will see the imposing bronze statue of Georges-René Péville Le Pelley. An enigmatic figure in French history, Le Pelley enjoyed a brilliant career, rising from privateer to governor of the port of Marseille, admiral, Minister of the Navy and Colonies, and finally senator!
Thanks to free access to the Battery du Roc in Granvillle, the walking trail, and the conveniently located parking near the Aquarium, discovering the rich historical and natural heritage of the Batterie du Roc de Granville is an immersive experience not to be missed.
Department of Manche – Granville Haute-Ville
Coordinates: Lat 48.834284 – Long -1.614289
