All About Cherbourg
A jewel that crowns the Cotentin Peninsula, Cherbourg is an essential stopover for any traveler visiting Normandy. A crucial naval port, along the English Channel, the city has been much-desired for centuries, first by the Vikings and then the British and the French. Witness to the Battle of Cherbourg, following D-Day, it shares a close connection with the events that altered the path of World War II. A port of call for the Titanic before its calamitous voyage, Cherbourg continues to have a vital link with the sea as a prominent harbor on the northern coast of France. Tourists holidaying in Cherbourg nowadays get to relish a relaxing break filled with beach days, museum visits, and culinary escapades. Taking a ferry to Cherbourg is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets
Routes and Ferries to Cherbourg
The most preferred way to reach Cherbourg is by boat. Brittany Ferries has vessels arriving from Poole and Portsmouth. Irish Ferries has three sailings a week from Dublin. Another popular route bookable through Ferryscanner is from Rosslare, undertaken by Stena Line. This overnight journey with boats having cabins and provisions to carry vehicles takes 17 hours and 30 minutes. In case ferry tickets to Cherbourg are ever unavailable, plan a trip to Calais from where you can take a scenic four-hour drive to the city.
If already on the land, major cities of France are well-connected with Cherbourg via roads and rail, including a direct train from Paris. Air travel to Cherbourg is slightly tricky. Cherbourg-Maupertus Airport has a single runway that occasionally welcomes charter planes. The nearest international airport is 124km away in Carpiquet with regular and seasonal flights from Lyon, Marseille, Ajaccio, Calvi, Bastia, Nice, and a few other destinations.
Port of Cherbourg
Covering 1500 hectares, the Port of Cherbourg is the second largest artificial harbor in the world. Completed in 1853, the port holds many accolades. It is a naval base as well a marina, and it caters to cargo ships, cruise liners, and Ro/Ro ferries daily. The cruise terminal comprises two docks, a souvenir shop, and offers a shuttle service to the city center. The ferry terminal at Cherbourg port has free WiFi, a restaurant, free car parking, and a tourist office that operates during the peak holiday season. Holders of ferry tickets to Cherbourg will find taxis and car rental agencies close to the terminal upon arrival. The train station is a five-minute drive from the port, and it takes 20 minutes to walk to the city center.
Best Beaches
There are close to ten wonderful beaches on the northern coast of the Cotentin Peninsula, all within drivable distance from Cherbourg. However, set aside a day or two to visit a few seaside villages further away for some beach variety and a change in scenery.
Plage du Bretteville
Plage du Bretteville is a 15-minute drive, mostly along the coast, from Cherbourg. Situated along the road, this bare beach is frequented primarily by locals. Sandy and pet-friendly, you’ll have to get your own umbrella and chairs if planning a day here. The waves at Plage du Bretteville are gentle, making them ideal for children to learn surfing. Parking, WCs, and showers are some of the facilities at the beach.
Plage de Collignon
A few minutes before Plage du Bretteville is the wild Collignon beach. In the water here and around the edges of the white sandy strip, children are often surprised to find frogs, rabbits, and ducks. Strategically constructed dykes break the waves keeping the sea calm near the shore, making it perfect for windsurfing and kids to play. Kiosks pop-up on the beach during the summers, when the water is warm and swimmable.
Plage de Querqueville
Having an excellent bus connection from Cherbourg, Plage de Querqueville lies 15 minutes to the west of the city. Among the liveliest of beaches in Cherbourg, it sees hundreds of visitors daily in July and August. Lifeguards are on duty, and many beachside activities and events happen on a nearby green patch during this time. The water at Plage de Querqueville is excellent for swimming. Children particularly love the rock pools that form during low tide. Passengers from Rosslare and Dublin, with ferry tickets to Cherbourg, can see the beach as they arrive. Cafés, a playground, toilets, showers, and a volleyball court are conveniences that accentuate a day in the sun at Querqueville.
Utah Beach
Utah beach might be a 45-minute drive from Cherbourg, but it is a must-visit when staying in the city. As one of the five Normandy Invasion beaches, it played an instrumental role in World War II.. Along the beach now are memorials commemorating the soldiers who first landed here. A vast area, Utah Beach is regularly in use for horse training. World War II buffs should visit the bunkers on the beach and plan a lunch at Le Roosevelt Café. It’s a famous eatery with lots of interesting memorabilia on display.
Grande Plage de Barneville
The best beach near Cherbourg for a family picnic lies on the western coast of the Cotentin Peninsula. As the name suggests, Grande Plage de Barneville is an extensive sandy stretch great for walks and cycling. The water at this Blue Flag beach warms up with the help of the Gulf Stream, making it perfect for a swim throughout the day. Amenities at the beach include parking, WCs, showers, and lifeguards in summers.
Places to Visit
A gastronomic hotspot and an exciting destination for WWII enthusiasts, Cherbourg is a culturally vibrant port town offering a multitude of attractions for all ages to experience. Not just a gateway to Normandy, plan to stay in Cherbourg for a few days to appreciate its distinct places of interest.
Fort de Roule
A drive or climb up the 117 meters high Montagne du Roule mountain in Cherbourg holds many surprises. Fort de Roule is a fortification first built-in 1793 to protect the city against the English. Reinforced by the Germans later, it is now home to the Liberation Museum. Artifacts from the war and information on how US troops took control over Cherbourg during the D-Day landings form the basis of this museum. Sensational views of the coastal landscapes are a bonus for those who visit the museum. On the way back from the top, make a detour for Batterie du Roule. The local tourist office organizes tours into these tunnels carved into the mountain to store guns.
La Cité de la Mer
The biggest attraction in Cherbourg is La Cité de la Mer or The City of the Sea. Located next to the cruise terminal, this maritime museum housed in an art deco building is brimming with fascinating exhibitions honoring the sea and Cherbourg’s seafaring legacy. The entry tickets of €19 for adults and €14 for children are totally worth it, considering visitors are bombarded with a plethora of educational and entertaining activities and sights. The Ocean of the Future has 17 aquariums filled with diverse marine life. Titanic Return to Cherbourg is an interactive opportunity to take a walk inside the infamous ship. Lastly, the Redoubtable permits children above five years to experience the inside of a nuclear submarine.
Thomas Henry Museum
The Thomas Henry Museum is a fine arts institution in Cherbourg with over 300 paintings and sculptures on display. Most of the works at the museum are from the 15th to the 19th-century. Among the artists celebrated here are Jacques-Louis David, Jean Lemaire, Fra Angelico, Louis Ducis, and Jean-François Millet. Established in 1835, the museum started when local art critic Thomas Henry donated 163 paintings to the city. Entry into the museum costs €5 for adults but is free for all on Wednesdays.
Cherbourg Markets
There’s a market in Cherbourg almost every day of the week. The town square, Place de Gaulle, has several stalls selling fresh fruits, cheeses, and meats on Thursdays. A flower market occurs on Tuesdays and Saturdays. While in Place de Gaulle, walk around the Mouchel fountain and observe the architecture of the surrounding buildings, which includes an Italian-styled theatre. The excitement of buying and selling shifts to Avenue de la Republique on Sundays. This weekend market is where tourists can pick up souvenirs and handmade curios besides an array of delicious snacks.
Le Pily
Michelin-starred Le Pily restaurant is the brainchild of chef Pierre Marion and Lydie, who handles the front of the house. A cozy fine-dining space in the center of the city, the restaurant seats only 20. The best place to eat in Cherbourg, Le Pily delicately prepares its dishes using regional ingredients acquired from small fishing boats and local vendors. The menu at the restaurant changes monthly. First-time visitors should opt for the Chef’s Tasting at €240 per couple. Alternatively, take a cooking class with Pierre Marion where you get to dine with him in a private setting.
Transportation Around Cherbourg
Cherbourg’s relatively small size makes it easy to navigate the city on foot. Additionally, there is a bus service covering different neighborhoods in and around the town. For passengers arriving through ferry tickets to Cherbourg, a free shuttle is available from the port to the city center. Tourists visiting for a short period prefer to hire taxis, although it is not the most economical option. If staying in Cherbourg extendedly, rent a car and head out on day trips visiting charming coastal towns along the coast. Parking in Cherbourg is hassle-free. There are free parking spots along the roads and outside the town you can find parking areas with low prices
Map of Cherbourg
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