Want to discover the Cotentin Peninsula in the Manche department? Then come and visit Cherbourg and discover its must-sees!
At the tip of the Cotentin peninsula, in the north of the Manche département, lies Cherbourg. A town on a human scale, Cherbourg, like Brest, was hard hit during the Second World War. Many scarring wounds have left their mark, but Cherbourg manages to draw strength from them. But there’s more to Cherbourg than its buildings. Indeed, Cherbourg has a long history, which is fascinating to discover at the bend of a « boël », along the Rade or strolling through the port. Cherbourg is secretive and discreet, but above all warm and welcoming. Get ready, Cherbourg is reaching out to you!
1. Cherbourg Harbour
Photo credit: Wikipedia – JMEnault_Ville de Cherbourg-en-Cotentin
Today, the Rade de Cherbourg is the largest artificial harbor in Europe. It was built in the 18th century, initially for defensive purposes. Its base is in fact a succession of offshore dykes, stretching for almost 4 kilometers. In short, a wall built in the water! A true logistical masterpiece, it now houses 4 major ports: commercial, military, pleasure and fishing. You can visit almost the entire harbor on guided boat tours.
Did you know? The Titanic called at the port of Cherbourg in 1912. It was her penultimate port of call before the great tragedy you all know so well.
2. Cherbourg castle in augmented reality!
Photo credit: Wikipedia
A castle in Cherbourg? Yes, but today it’s gone. However, under the aegis of the town of Cherbourg, you can still discover it! To do so, you’ll need to download a free application onto your phone or tablet. Then, augmented reality takes care of everything. All you have to do is position yourself at strategic points in the city, indicated on a map.
You’ll be able to discover the castle as it stood in those days. A fun way to visit Cherbourg and learn more about its history. The application is available on all markets (Android and Apple).
3. La Cité de la Mer
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Gimas
The Cité de la Mer is actually the city’s former transatlantic maritime station, now transformed into a museum. Discover all the secrets of the richness of the oceans, through a visit full of surprises. In the Galerie des Engins, you’ll discover the equipment used to discover the ocean depths. You can also take a look inside the Redoutable, a pioneering military submarine. In fact, it was the first nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine.
The Cité de la Mer also aims to raise awareness among its visitors. Although little-known, the oceans must be preserved. They are home to thousands of living species, some of which we still don’t know.
4. The city’s « boëls
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Gimas
Boëls are tiny alleyways. At first glance, they seem private, but in fact they reveal a lot about old Cherbourg. Follow one and make an appointment with pre-war Cherbourg. These spaces, overlooked by the tourist guides, will inevitably take you back in time.
Here, building facades are made not of cement, but of stone. But not just any stone: blue shale, a rock typical of the Cotentin region.
5. Les Parapluies de Cherbourg
Photo Credit: Facebook – Le Parapluie de Cherbourg
Has Catherine Deneuve’s voice been ringing in your ears since the 1963 film « Les Parapluies de Cherbourg »? If so, don’t hesitate to visit the Cherbourg umbrella factory, the city’s brand ambassador!
You’ll discover all the steps involved in making an umbrella, a presentation of the brand and a small museum. An exceptional product deserves an exceptional visit!
6. Cotentin specialities
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Michael Schroeder
Like any region, La Manche has some exceptional culinary specialties, often extended to the Normandy region. But after a day visiting Cherbourg, treat yourself to a few moments of relaxation.
- When it comes to beverages, you can choose between cider, pommeau, calvados and local beers. And when it comes to food, you won’t be disappointed.
- Let yourself be tempted by cheese specialties such as Camembert de Normandie and Bricquebec, which you can place on a slice of brié bread.
- Otherwise, those with a sweet tooth will be delighted by a few apple-based specialties: Normandy tart or Normandy flan or beurré.
Cherbourg cuisine is as rich as the love its inhabitants put into their recipes!
7. Ravalet castle
Photo credit: Shutterstock – TalyaPhoto
Château de Ravalet is located on the south-eastern edge of Cherbourg. The Ravalet family is famous for the terrible fate suffered by their children Julien and Marguerite. Guilty of adultery and incest, they were both executed in Paris in 1603.
Today, their castle is an incredible, magnificent building, with blue schist stonework and numerous windows. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to go inside. However, it is possible to visit the exterior of the château and its grounds. In a bucolic setting, full of greenery and flowers, treat yourself to a moment of relaxation, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
8. Museums
Photo credit: Facebook – Musée Thomas Henry
The Thomas Henry Museum
The Musée des Beaux-Arts will seduce you with its rich collections. Nearly 400 paintings and sculptures can be admired in a unique atmosphere. A must-see in Cherbourg, this museum is distinguished by its large collection of works by Jean-François Millet.
The Emmanuel Liais Museum
This is Cherbourg’s Museum of Natural History, Archaeology and Ethnography, the city’s first museum. It opened its doors in 1832, and used to be housed in a room in the town hall. Today, the museum is housed in the home of Emmanuel Liais, a jack-of-all-trades explorer who was mayor of the town for ten years. A cabinet of curiosities dedicated to nature, you’ll be able to see a wide range of animal species, surprising archaeological remains and exotic objects.
The Liberation Museum
History buffs will want to visit Cherbourg for the Musée de la Libération. Housed in the Fort du Roule, this museum retraces the events that marked the 20th century, particularly the Second World War. Numerous archival documents and artifacts allow you to step back in time and (re)discover the role played by the town in the logistics of the D-Day landings between 1944 and 1945.
9. Le Fort du Roule
Photo credit: Wikipedia – JMEnault_Ville de Cherbourg-en-Cotentin
The Fort du Roule was part of the defense of the Rade when it still had its defensive role. It is built on the Montagne du Roule, overlooking the town.
The fort is Cherbourg’s highest point, standing at 117 meters high, so you can see Cherbourg in the blink of an eye. It’s worth a visit just for the view it affords of the town center, the harbor and the port.
10. Near Cherbourg
Photo credit: Shutterstock – photoneye
Visiting Cherbourg doesn’t take very long, because the city isn’t very big. That’s why there’s so much to see and do in the surrounding area.
- Visit a Norman cider mill in Sotteville
- Discover the D-Day landing sites
- Explore the Parc naturel régional des Marais du Cotentin
- Hiking on the GR®223
- Flying an aeroplane at Ecausseville’s Hangar à Dirigeables
How do I get to Cherbourg?
By car
Just as in Brittany, where the freeway stops at Rennes, in La Manche it stops before that. The A84 stops at Villedieu-les-Poêles, south of Saint-Lô, and the A13 stops at Caen. So, to get to Cherbourg, you have several options:
- Take the N13 from Caen, a 2×2 lane road with a 110 km/h speed limit;
- Take the A84, then the E3 and the N13 from Brittany;
- Follow the A28, then the A88 and finally the N13, from Le Mans ;
- Take the A13 and then the N13 from Paris.
By coach
Several companies offer bus services to Cherbourg. Although much more economical, this means of transport takes longer. It takes between 6 and 12 hours to get to Cherbourg from Paris. Quite a range, but it all depends on the route and whether or not it includes stops in other towns.
Then, if you need to spend a few days there, it’s quite cost-effective. Check out the bus comparison sites to find your journey at the best price!
By train
Although Cherbourg’s only existing railroad line connects it to Paris, the train can be an interesting alternative. Wherever you arrive from, you’ll automatically have to change at Caen, Paris or Lison stations. The advantage, then, is that the station is right in the center of town. You can then get off the train and immediately visit Cherbourg!
As for journey times, allow between 3 and 4 hours for the train from Paris to Cherbourg.
Where to stay in Cherbourg?
Choosing the right accommodation is essential for a good stay. Cherbourg is no exception. But, fortunately, it’s a big enough city to offer you plenty of establishments and Airbnb.
To benefit from the best prices and find the hotel or bed & breakfast of your dreams, consult a comparator ! It’s easy to find accommodation in the city center. The city’s lively downtown area, with its many shops and restaurants, is a great place to catch a glimpse of the city’s nightlife.
Alternatively, take a look at Octeville-Bourg, the former neighboring commune that merged with the city in 2000. Lodging in Cherbourg will become a real pleasure and will complete your stay!
So what are you waiting for to visit Cherbourg?
Map of hotels and accommodation – Caen,fr