The 10 things to do in Cherbourg

Desirous of discovering the Cotentin Peninsula, in the Channel? Then visit Cherbourg and discover its musts!

At the end of the Cotentin Peninsula, north of the Channel Department, Cherbourg is found. It is a human-sized city that, like Brest, was hard hit during the Second World War. Many cicatricial injuries that have left traces, but Cherbourg manages to draw his strength. But visiting Cherbourg is not just about its buildings. It actually has a long history that it is fascinating to discover at the turn of a “boël”, along the Rade or through the port. Cherbourg is secret, discreet, but especially welcoming and warm. Stand by, Cherbourg stretches your arms!

1. The Rade de Cherbourg

The Rade de Cherbourg is today the largest artificial rade in Europe. It was built in the 18th century for an initially defensive purpose. Its base is in fact a succession of dikes offshore, about 4 kilometers. In short, a wall built in the water! A true logistics masterpiece, it now houses 4 major ports: trade, miliary, pleasure and fishing. It is possible to visit the rade in its almost totality, thanks to guided boat trips.

Did you know? The Titanic came to make a stopover at the port of Cherbourg in 1912. It was his last stop before the great drama you all know.

2. The castle of Cherbourg actually increased!

A castle in Cherbourg? Yes! But today he disappeared. However, under the aegis of the city of Cherbourg, you can still discover it! To do this, you will need to download a free app on your phone or tablet. Then it is the augmented reality that deals with everything. You will only have to place yourself at strategic locations in the city, indicated on a plan.

You can then discover his castle as he was erected at the time. A fun way to visit Cherbourg and learn more about its history. The application is available on all markets (Android and Apple).

3. The City of the Sea

Cité de la Mer is in reality the old transatlantic marine station of the city that has been transformed into a museum. Discover all the secrets about the richness of the oceans, through a visit full of surprises. In the Engins Gallery, discover the devices that have participated in the discovery of the seabed. You can also enter the Redoutable, a precursor military submarine in its kind. Indeed, it was the first nuclear submarine and furnace launcher.

The City of the Sea also aims to raise awareness among its visitors. Although unknown, the oceans must be preserved. They are home to thousands of living species, some of which we don’t know yet.

4. The “boëls” of the city

The boëls are small alleys. They seem to be private, but are actually revealing to the old Cherbourg. Follow one and make an appointment with the pre-war Cherbourg. These spaces forgotten by tourist guides will make you inevitably travel in time.

The facades of the buildings are not made of cement but of stone. But not any: the blue shale, a rock typical of the Cotentin.

5. The Umbrellas of Cherbourg

Catherine Deneuve's voice resonates in your ears since the 1963 film "Les Parapluies de Cherbourg"? Then don’t hesitate and visit the factory of the Parapluies of Cherbourg, the city’s ambassador brand!

You will discover all the stages of making a umbrella, the presentation of the brand and a small museum. Outstanding product, exceptional visit!

6. The specialties of the Cotentin

Like any region, the Channel has a few culinary specialties exceptional, often extended to the Normandy region. But after a day visiting Cherbourg, give yourself a few moments of relaxation.

• On the drink side, you will have the choice between cider, apple, calvados or local beers. Then, on the food side, you will not be disappointed.
• Let yourself be tempted by the specialties of cheeses such as the camembert of Normandy, the bricquebec that you will deposit on a slice of shattered bread.
• Otherwise, the sweet mouths will delight themselves with some apple-based specialties: Norman pie or the normand beurred or flan.

The Vietnamese cuisine is as rich as the love that its inhabitants put in their recipes!

7. The Ravalet Castle

The Ravalet Castle is located in the southeast of Cherbourg. The Ravalet family is famous for the terrible fate that the children Julien and Marguerite have known. Guilty of adultery and incest, they were both executed in Paris in 1603.

Today, their castle is an incredible and beautiful building, with blue shale stones and many windows. Unfortunately, it is not possible to enter it. However, the outside visit as well as that of its park are accessible and very pleasant. In a bucolic environment, very green and flowery, give yourself a moment of relaxation, away from the urban tumult.

8. The Museums

The Thomas Henry Museum

Museum of Fine Arts, this museum will seduce you by the richness of its collections. These are almost 400 paintings and sculptures that you can admire in a singular atmosphere. A true must in Cherbourg, this museum is distinguished by its important collection of works by Jean-François Millet.

Le Muséum Emmanuel Liais

This is the museum of Natural History, Archaeology and Ethnography of Cherbourg, the first museum in the city. It opened its doors in 1832, and was once installed in a room of the Hotel de Ville. Today, the museum takes place in the home of Emmanuel Liais, a touch-to-all explorer who was mayor of the city for ten years. Cabinet of curiosity dedicated to nature, you can see multiple animal species, surprising archaeological remains as well as exotic objects.

The Museum of Liberation

History lovers will want to visit Cherbourg for the Museum of Liberation. Indeed, located in the Fort du Roule, this museum retraces the events that marked the twentieth century, notably the Second World War. Many archival and object documents will allow you to infiltrate this time and (re)discover the role played by the city in the logistics of the Disembarkation between 1944 and 1945.

9. Fort du Roule

Fort du Roule was part of the Rade's defence when it still had its defensive role. It is built on the Montagne du Roule, which dominates the city.

The fort is the highest point of Cherbourg, with a height of 117 meters, it allows you to visit Cherbourg in a blink of an eye. He deserves to be surveyed only for the view he offers: the city center, the Rade and the port.

10. Near Cherbourg

Visit Cherbourg is not very long because the city is not very large. That’s why around, there are also some pretty things to do and see.

• Visit a Norman cider shop in Sotteville
• Discover Landing sites
• Explore the Cotentin Marais Regional Natural Park
• Hiking on GR®223
• Voler en aéroplume au Hangar à Dirigeables d’Ecausseville

How do I get to Cherbourg?

By car

As in Brittany , where the highway stops at Rennes , in the Channel, it stops before. The A84 stops in Villedieu-les-Poêles south of Saint-Lô, and the A13 stops its way to Caen. So, to go to Cherbourg, you have several possibilities:

• Borrow a national in 2×2 tracks, limited 110 km/h, the N13, from Caen;
• Take the A84, then the E3 and the N13 from the Brittany ;
• Follow the A28, then the A88 and finally the N13, from Le Mans;
• Drive on the A13 and finally the N13 since Paris.

Car

Several companies offer coach trips to Cherbourg. Much more economical, however, this means of transport is longer. We have to count between 6h and 12h to go to Cherbourg from Paris. A good fork, but it depends on the journey, if it includes stops in other cities, or not.

Then, if you have to spend a few days there, it’s pretty profitable, in terms of prices. Check the bus comparison sites to find your trip at the best price!

By train

Although the only existing railway line in Cherbourg connects it to Paris, the train can be an interesting alternative. Indeed, wherever you arrive, you will automatically need to make a change at Caen, Paris or Lison Station. The advantage, then, is that the station is in the center. You can then get off your train and immediately visit Cherbourg!

For the duration of the journey, count between 3h and 4h to connect Paris and Cherbourg by train.

Where to stay in Cherbourg?

The choice of accommodation is essential to expect a good stay. The city of Cherbourg is no exception. But, fortunately, it is a big enough city to offer you many establishments and Airbnb .

To benefit from the best prices and to find the hotel or guest room of your dreams, consult a Compare ! This makes it easy to find accommodation in downtown . Very lively, its many shops and restaurant will give you a beautiful view of the nightlife of the city.

Otherwise, don’t hesitate to take a look at the neighbourhood Octeville-Bourg , the former neighboring commune merged to the city in 2000. Loger in Cherbourg will become a real pleasure and complete your stay!

So, what are you waiting to visit Cherbourg?