White boat moored to a stone dock with a ropeA white boat is moored to a stone dock with a rope. The water around the boat is calm and clear, with light reflections dancing on the surface. The stone dock is sturdy and well-built, providing a striking contrast to the white boat.
©A white boat is securely moored to a stone dock with a sturdy rope.|Estelle Hertault Cdt50
Unmissable in La Manche

Cherbourg-en-Cotentin

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  4. Cherbourg

Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, a mandatory stopover

Nestled at the northernmost point of the Cotentin Peninsula, Cherbourg offers a panorama like no other on the English Channel and on this territory rich in history. From Antiquity to the medieval period, from the Napoleonic period to the Second World War, entire sections of history were written in this place. The great roadstead, the Ravalet Castle, the Liberation Museum or the Roule battery are eloquent testimonies. But the wealth of this city goes beyond the “simple” historical framework. Also, discover the local know-how with a visit to the manufacture of parapluies de Cherbourg, stroll through the botanical park of the Roche Fauconnière, walk through the public garden or dive into the abyssal depths at the City of the Sea.

Several seagulls standing on an old stone quaySeveral seagulls are standing on an old stone quay. In the background, rocks and houses can be seen. The sky is overcast, creating a calm and serene atmosphere.
©Seagulls enjoy the morning calm on the old stone quay.|Estelle Hertault Cdt50
A fisherman in a yellow suit on a small boatA fisherman in a yellow suit is sitting on a small boat near the water's edge. Several boats are moored in the harbor, with stone buildings in the background. The water is calm and reflects the boats and buildings.
©A fisherman in a yellow suit on a small boat, with moored boats in the background.|Estelle Hertault Cdt50
Boats docked in a marina with cloud reflections on the waterView of a marina at dusk with numerous boats docked. The reflections of the clouds in the sky are drawn on the calm water, creating a peaceful atmosphere. The masts of the boats rise towards the sky, adding a touch of verticality to the scene.
©The reflections of the clouds on the calm water of the marina create a serene atmosphere.
Lighthouse at the end of a pier extending into the oceanA long pier extends into the blue ocean, leading to an isolated lighthouse. Gentle waves lap against the rocks and the pier, while boats are visible in the distance. The sky is clear and blue, with a few scattered clouds.
©A pier extends into the ocean, leading to an isolated lighthouse.
A historic building with a modern glass extensionA historic brick building with a modern glass extension. The main building features classic architectural details, while the glass extension provides a contemporary touch. Flags are visible on the roof of the main building.
©This historic building has been modernized with a glass extension.|Estelle Hertault Cdt50

      La montagne du Roule: climb, visit, contemplate

      Culminating at 117 meters, the montagne du Roule offers itself to the sight of all. Yet only those brave enough to take the montée des résistants, a hiking trail leading to it, can detect all its assets.

      During this short ascent, pages of history will be told to you by the remains of this – more or less distant – past. Indeed, the Roll, it is a set of various structures: hermitages, fort, fortress, battery and galleries, Liberation Museum, as many reflections of the medieval, Napoleonic or even XX century.

      The Roule mountain is also an extraordinary ecosystem including its moors classified as a “Natural Zone of Ecological, Faunistic and Floristic Interest” (ZNIEFF) and a most grandiose panorama of the city, the great harbor and the English Channel.

      Did you know? When Cherbourg was almost named Napoleon Bourg

      In May 1811, while Napoleon was visiting the construction site of the port of Cherbourg, this is how he is said to have expressed himself:”I had resolved to renew in Cherbourg the wonders of Egypt.” This quotation is also found on the base of his equestrian statue located on the eponymous square. No wonder then, given the Emperor’s attachment (at least strategic) to this city and the consequent works he undertook there, that the city council, as a tribute, thought for a moment, in 1813, of changing the name of Cherbourg to Napoleon Bourg. This idea was, as you might imagine, abandoned.

      La Cité de la Mer, the Redoubtable Getaway

      If there is one unavoidable, one immanquable, one indispensable and a whole lot of other “-able” words, it is the Cité de la Mer. It is no longer presented and yet there is so much to say about it. The Cité de la Mer is first of all a building, the former Transatlantic Maritime Station of Cherbourg. An art deco spirit, its many arches and concrete vault make it one of the most beautiful architectural elements of the city. It is also a magnificent set of 17 aquariums including the famous “Abyssal” with a depth of more than 10 meters, an exhibition of underwater exploration devices, an exhibition dedicated to the Titanic which called at Cherbourg on April 10, 1912. Finally, don’t miss the tour with audio guide of the submarine leRedoutable to discover and experience, for a moment, the life of a submariner.

      People examining objects in a museum with posters and blue ceiling lightsSeveral people are examining objects on display in a museum. The ceiling is lit with blue lights in geometric patterns. Posters with black and white images are hung on the walls. The visitors appear engaged and interested in the exhibits.
      ©Visitors explore the interactive exhibits of the museum.|La Cité de la mer
        Group of people visiting a ship's propeller in a museumA group of people is visiting a maritime museum. They are standing in front of a large ship propeller, examining the object with interest. The museum is located in an old stone building with exposed brick walls and arched windows. The floor is gravel, and there are safety barriers around the propeller.
        ©Visitors admire a giant ship propeller during their tour of the maritime museum.|La Cité de la mer

          The must-sees of your visit to Cherbourg-en-Cotentin

          • La Cité de la Mer
          • The Cherbourg Umbrella Factory
          • Musée de la Libération
          • The Roule battery
          • The great roadstead
          • The Church of Our Lady of the Vow
          • Holy Trinity Basilica
          • Botanical park of La Roche Fauconnière
          • The public garden
          You will love

          Other major attractions in the department

          Three flags waving on a grassy area with a cloudy sky in the backgroundThree flags are visible, waving on white flagpoles. The first flag is that of the United States, the second is a black, white, and red flag with an emblem in the center, and the third is a red flag with a white cross. In the background, there is a cloudy sky and a concrete structure with illegible text.
          ©Flags of different countries proudly waving in the wind.|Estelle Hertault Cdt50
          Landing Beaches
          The D-Day beaches, an open-air place of memory On June 6, 1944, the Landing took place on the beaches of Normandy. This day and the weeks that followed were decisive for the...
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          Two people on a fine sandy beach with a turquoise seaTwo people are on a fine sandy beach. One is standing near the waves, while the other is further out in the turquoise water. The sky is blue with a few white clouds. The horizon is clear and the atmosphere is peaceful.
          ©A sunny day at the beach, between fine sand and turquoise waters.|Estelle Hertault Cdt50
          Granville
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          Mont Saint-Michel with a road leading to the main structureView of the road leading to Mont Saint-Michel, an iconic historical and architectural site. The main structure, with its church and buildings, stands on a small rocky island. The winding road, bordered by stone walls, leads directly to the entrance of Mont Saint-Michel. The sky is cloudy, and the entire landscape is bathed in soft, natural light.
          ©The winding road leads to the impressive Mont Saint-Michel, an iconic historical and architectural site.|Fab Lentz
          Mont-Saint-Michel
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          Flooded rice fields with winding paths and calm water areasAerial view of extensive flooded rice fields with winding paths crisscrossing the fields. Calm water areas reflect the clear blue sky and lush green fields. In the background, a line of trees and a few buildings can be seen.
          ©The rice fields stretch as far as the eye can see, creating a peaceful and lush landscape.|P lecarpentier
          Cotentin Marshes
          The Cotentin marshes, a regional nature park, a bird reserve! Want a change of scenery? Then come and discover The Cotentin Marshes: a territory between two seas, varied...
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          Red brick building with red doors and windows, surrounded by treesA red brick building with red doors and windows, surrounded by trees. The building has a gray slate roof and intricate architectural details. There are people walking around the building and trees with green leaves.
          ©A historic red brick building stands majestically in a park.|Alice Bertrand Latitude Manche
          Saint-Lô and its surroundings
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          Cows grazing near a lighthouse on a beachSeveral white cows are grazing on a grassy hill near a sandy beach. In the background, a lighthouse stands on a small island. The sky is clear and blue, and the scene is peaceful.
          ©Cows graze peacefully near a lighthouse on a deserted beach.|Estelle Hertault Cdt50
          The Hague
          La Hague, a great escape At the northwestern tip of the Cotentin Peninsula lies a place where culture, breathtaking scenery, hiking trails and sights are subtly blended, named...
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          Person walking along a canal with a tower in the backgroundA person is walking along a dirt path next to a canal. The canal is surrounded by vegetation and rocks. In the background, there is a stone tower. The sky is partly cloudy with areas of blue sky visible.
          ©A peaceful walk along a canal lined with greenery.|Maxime Coquard Pour Best Jobers Latitude Manche
          Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue and Tatihou
          From Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue to Tatihou: a kilometer of sea! With an amphibious boat (on the waves or on the foreshore), cross from the port of Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue to Tatihou...
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          A group of people watching a blacksmith working on metalA group of people are watching a blacksmith working on metal in a traditional workshop. The workshop is filled with tools and forging equipment. The blacksmith is using a hammer on a piece of metal placed on an anvil. The visitors appear captivated by the demonstration.
          ©Discovering a craftsmanship during a guided tour.|Sabina Lorkin anibasphotography
          Villedieu-les-Poêles and the crafts
          Villedieu-les-Poêles, discovering the skills of yesteryear Villedieu-les-Poêles has been known for centuries for its copper and lace work. Its fame, the city also owes it to...
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