Visits and activities in Cherbourg and its surroundings

The North Cotentin offers a wide variety of sites and landscapes.

From La Cité de la Mer to the Basilica of the Holy Trinity and the Liberation Museum, it is difficult to explore the area without appreciating the diversity of monuments and buildings your destination has to offer.
Cherbourg city centre features pedestrian streets, its Italian-style theatre, churches and museums, not to mention its exceptional botanical heritage, particularly in Emmanuel Liais Park, where you can also visit the Natural History Museum, a legacy of sailors, scientists and adventurers.

Journey to the heart of Roule Mountain, which overlooks Cherbourg from 117 metres above sea level. You can discover this remarkable site on an underground walking trail and admire its flora and fauna. You will also discover fortifications dug during the Second World War.

The Liberation Museum stands proudly at the top of the mountain. It is housed in a former Second Empire fort that was occupied by the German army during the Second World War. Its recapture by Allied troops on 25 June 1944 is one of the symbols of the liberation of Cherbourg, the first liberated port.

At the Cherbourg umbrella factory, discover “Le Véritable Cherbourg” and its various models, designed to suit every size and taste. Gloves, hats, crystalware, porcelain, small leather goods, high-end leather trunks and suitcases, silk products and many other French products from the Le Véritable Cherbourg brand showcase exceptional French craftsmanship.

Located in the heart of Cherbourg’s former transatlantic maritime station, La Cité de la Mer is a unique attraction in Normandy. Step aboard Le Redoutable, the largest submarine open to visitors in the world. Discover 1,200 fish across 17 aquariums, including the impressive 11-metre-deep Abyssal Aquarium.

For a pleasant walk, visit the magnificent Ravalet Renaissance Château in blue schist, restored at the end of the 19th century by René de Tocqueville, who also created the landscaped park surrounding it, complete with a rotunda greenhouse and ornamental ponds. The estate, owned by the city of Cherbourg since 1935, extends over 18 hectares.

With La Hague à Part, discover Cherbourg’s coastline on a one-hour cruise aboard the Adèle and sail through the world’s largest artificial harbour, covering 1,500 hectares.

Finally, for a sweet treat, discover La Maison du Biscuit in Sortosville-en-Beaumont. A must-visit destination in the Manche department, this family-run establishment is renowned for its butter biscuits and beautiful old-fashioned grocery shop. The Burnouf family makes delicious butter biscuits using a traditional recipe that has contributed to the success of the business since 1903.

Enjoy!