Discover Cherbourg: A Stunning Coastal Town in Normandy, France

Cherbourg sits on the tip of the Cotentin Peninsula in the Normandy Region of France. Most cruise ships dock in Le Havre for passengers to visit either the Normandy beaches or Paris.

However, Cherbourg is sometimes a substitute port of call. Cruise ship passengers with a day in Cherbourg can visit the Normandy beaches, the Saire Valley, Cap de la Hague at the tip of the Cotentin peninsula, or Mont Saint Michel.

Moreover, many passengers choose to either walk into town (about 15 minutes) or take a shuttle bus. Cherbourg is a town of about 80,000 residents and is best known for its aquarium, parks, and museums.

Consequently, tourists often reach Cherbourg via a ferry across the English Channel or La Manche in French.

For cruise ship passengers with a day in Cherbourg, it’s a pleasant French town to explore for a few hours.

Downtown Cherbourg

Like many small European towns, Cherbourg features a charming pedestrian walking and shopping area in the old part of downtown. It’s enjoyable to stroll the narrow streets, peer into shop windows, and take time to savor a coffee or a beer.

Cherbourg Theatre

The Cherbourg Theatre, built in 1882 with an Italian design, showcases the work of the same artists who decorated the Paris Opera House.

Quiet Pedestrian Streets

Those who prefer to escape the crowds can easily find a quiet street in Cherbourg, even on a busy summer day.

Shopping Street

This street represents one of the commercial shopping areas in the Cherbourg pedestrian zone. Although the small shops may not compete with the couture or boutique shops in Paris, they provide an excellent glimpse into life in a small French town.

Street Along the Yacht Basin

Enjoy a walk along the main street that runs adjacent to the yacht basin. The stroll from the cruise ship terminal to the yacht basin only takes about 15 minutes.

La Cite de la Mer Maritime Museum

Fans of cruise ship history might want to visit La Cite de la Mer, a maritime museum located near the Cherbourg harbor. This museum features exhibits on the Titanic since it was a port of call for the cruise ship’s first (and last) voyage.

Furthermore, you will find a gallery dedicated to human innovation with machines, an exhibit on the sea’s depths, and a retired French submarine named Le Redoutable.

Fort du Roule

Fort du Roule, located on a hill overlooking Cherbourg, houses a World War II museum. This fort was crucial during the war, tasked with protecting the artificial harbor at Cherbourg. Visitors are provided with helmets and lamps to explore the bunkers where weapons and munitions were stored.

Carriage Rides on the Pier

Passengers arriving on cruise ships are treated to free carriage rides around the Cherbourg cruise ship pier.