Long fought over by the English and French, Cherbourg-Octeville is an important ferry port in Normandy. It served as a maritime hub under Napoleon I and later became a stopping point for transatlantic liners. During World War II, it was the main goal of U.S. troops during the Normandy landings known as “Operation Neptune”.
Things to do in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin
In the heart of Cherbourg-Octeville is the Basilique Sainte-Trinité, a Gothic masterpiece that dates back to the 14th century. Admire its ornately sculpted exterior before stepping inside to see the altarpiece by Armand Fréret. On the other side of the city is the Cherbourg Public Garden, where you’ll find a duck-filled pond, leafy walking trails and a children’s playground.
Located at Cherbourg-Octeville’s cruise terminal is the Cité de la Mer, a maritime museum that explores the relationship between man and the sea. It occupies an Art Deco-style transatlantic liner terminal and is home to the largest submarine in the world open to the public. Learn about the marine life along Normandy’s coast and the history of European emigration to the New World, then explore the ocean bed with “Captain Glass”.
Another museum not to miss in Cherbourg-Octeville is the Musée Thomas-Henry, which has been nicknamed the “Little Louvre” due to its impressive collection. It was created following several donations by the French art critic Thomas Henry and includes works by Palma the Younger, Jacob Jordaens and Antonio Palomino, as well as French artists from the 15th to 19th centuries.
Getting around Cherbourg-en-Cotentin
Cherbourg-Octeville is around 1.5 hours’ drive from Caen and Caen–Carpiquet Airport, which has flights to destinations across France. Trains connect to the Gare de Cherbourg and ferries travel from the Quai de Normandie to Portsmouth and Dublin. Buses travel throughout Cherbourg-Octeville.