Planning your trip to Normandy and need some inspiration? For a weekend getaway or vacation, here’s our selection of things to do in Cherbourg.
Cherbourg is a port city with a rich history. Its artificial harbor is the largest in Europe, and it was here that the Titanic made its final stop before sinking. History buffs will appreciate the many monuments and museums in this Norman town.
In this article, you’ll discover a list of 10 ideas of things to do in Cherbourg, illustrated by numerous photos. We’ve even added a few bonus activities!
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
1. Discover La Cité de la Mer
Why visit the Cherbourg Aquarium?
We think La Cité de la Mer is a must-see in Cherbourg! To find out more, read our dedicated article.
- Discover the world’s largest visitable submarine! Le Redoutable, the deterrent jewel of the French military arsenal.
- We loved the area dedicated to the Titanic. This famous liner made its last port of call here before its tragic demise in 1912.
- Visit Europe’s deepestaquarium and discover over 1000 colorful fish.
- We also loved discovering the fascinating history of Cherbourg’s Gare Maritime Transatlantique.
- La Cité de la Mer offers a wide range of fun, interactive activities to help you better understand the link between mankind and the oceans.
- If you’re wondering what to do with children in Cherbourg, a visit to La Cité de la Mer is a great activity for the whole family!
Practical advice
- Address_ The museum is located at: Allée du Président Menut, Cherbourg-en-Cotentin
A 20-minute walk from downtown, in Cherbourg’s Port district. - Opening hours_ The museum is open from 9.30am to 7pm in July and August, and from 9.30am to 6pm the rest of the year. The museum is closed every January. Find out more here.
- Price_ Admission is €19 for adults and €14 for children aged 5 to 17. Book now!
- Duration_ Allow 4-5 hours to explore La Cité de la Mer.
- Catering_ There’s a restaurant and snack bar on the park grounds.
- Public transport_ “Cité De La Mer-A. Briand” stop. Click here for route maps, timetables and fares.
- Parking_ A large free parking lot is located close to the entrance.
2. Visit the D-Day landing beaches
Why visit?
Sand, dunes, cliffs… but also bunkers, sculptures and museums. The 5 D-Day beaches are a must for any trip to Normandy, and can be visited from Cherbourg!
Their story is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Each of these beaches now has memorials and museums to remember. Discover our article on how to visit the D-Day landing beaches.
Practical advice
You can get an overview of all 5 beaches in just one day. But for a more complete view and to immerse yourself in the history, we recommend 3 to 5 days, or even a week if you’re passionate about the area. We do not recommend using public transport to visit the D-Day Beaches. There are a few local buses, but not very frequent and with many stops for locals. Your best options are:
- By car for greater flexibility. You can rent at CDG or Orly airports, or your point of arrival in France.
- On an organized group tour (D-Day Beach Tours), if you have limited time and don’t want to drive.
- Private tour with driver for a personalized experience.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Normandy
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is comfortable enough (distances can be long) but compact (some parking lots and villages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
3. Visit the Thomas Henry Museum of Art
Why visit?
In our opinion, the Thomas Henry Museum in Cherbourg is a real nugget for art lovers! It houses an exceptional collection of paintings and sculptures from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Here you can admire works by masters such as Fra Angelico, Filippino Lippi, Nicolas Poussin, Jean-Siméon Chardin and Jacques-Louis David. We liked the elegant, modern setting and the particularly meticulous scenography. Here, you can discover the works in a fun and educational way.
Whether you’re an enthusiast or just curious, we recommend a visit to this museum to travel through the centuries and discover the history of European art.
Practical advice
- Address_ The museum is located at the Quasar, Esplanade de la Laïcité, Cherbourg-en-Cotentin.
- Price_ Admission is €6.
- Opening hours_ The museum is open all year round at the following times:
Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 12:30pm and 2pm to 6pm; Saturday and Sunday, 1pm to 6pm. Find out more here. - Duration_ Allow 1 to 2 hours for your visit.
- Parking_ The nearest parking lot is Parking Notre-Dame, a 5-minute walk away.
- Public transport_ “Schuman”, “Schuman Delaville” or “Mendes-France” stops on the local transport network. To plan your itinerary, please consult the route maps, timetables and fares here.
WHERE TO STAY IN Cherbourg
Option 1: with harbour view
- Mercure Hotel – prices, pictures and availability
- Ambassadeur Hotel – prices, pictures and availability
Option 2: Rest of downtown
- Hotel Le Cercle – prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Chantereyne – prices, pictures and availability
See our reviews of the best hotels in Cherbourg (coming soon)
4. Walking in the Château du Ravalet Park
Why visit?
Château du Ravalet dates back to the Renaissance. It was restored at the end of the 19th century. Her visit was a wonderful surprise! The château is magnificent and its grounds offer a variety of environments: formal gardens, wooded areas, water features and a greenhouse. It’s one of the most beautiful châteaux in Normandy!
Practical advice
- Address_ Rue du Château des Ravalet, east of Cherbourg.
A 10-minute drive from downtown. - Admission_ Entry to the château grounds is free.
- Opening hours_ The park is open every day, all year round, including public holidays. Click here for timetables.
- Catering_ There is no catering service on site. We advise you to head for Cherbourg, home to some excellent restaurants.
Discover our selection of the best restaurants in Cherbourg.
5. Admire the ships in the Port of Cherbourg
Why visit?
Did you know that the Port of Cherbourg is one of the largest in Europe? We enjoyed wandering around and admiring the wide variety of ships on display. It’s an opportunity to take a breath of fresh air, for example after a good meal in one of Cherbourg’s restaurants.
Here’s some information about this important French port:
- Cherbourg is a historic port linking France to Ireland.
- We discovered that this port is an advanced logistics and industrial hub. It can accommodate large ships, is connected to the motorway and rail networks, and can handle dangerous goods.
- We were impressed by the port of Cherbourg, which boasts the largest artificial harbor in Europe!
Practical advice
- To visit the port, go to the Michel Legrand footbridge and let yourself be guided along the water.
- If you’d like to visit part of the port, head east to La Cité de la Mer.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Normandy
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is comfortable enough (distances can be long) but compact (some parking lots and villages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
6. Admire the Basilica of the Holy Trinity
Why visit?
When visiting Cherbourg, don’t miss out on the Basilique Sainte-Trinité! This is one of Cherbourg’s oldest and most important monuments. Built between the 15th and 19th centuries, it is an excellent example of Gothic architecture.
This Gothic edifice, listed as a Monument Historique, features a number of classified elements. Among them, we particularly liked:
- The high altar with altarpiece sculpted by Armand Fréret (1758-1816),
- The 14th-century baptismal font,
- The nave’s bas-reliefs depict a “danse macabre” (a scene of emaciated corpses symbolizing Death and its victims) and scenes from the life of Christ,
- 15th-century carved alabaster from Nottingham.
Practical advice
- Address_ Place Napoléon, Cherbourg-en-Cotentin.
- Opening hours and prices_ The Basilica is open all year round from 8.30am to 7pm. Admission is free. However, we advise you to avoid funerals, weddings and christenings.
- Parking_ The nearest parking lot is Parking Notre-Dame, a 5-minute walk away.
- Public transport_ “Hôtel de Ville” stop on the local transport network. To plan your itinerary, please consult the route maps, timetables and fares here.
USE OUR GUIDE TO PLAN A
DREAM TRIP TO Normandy
All the information you need for your trip:
- 8 maps that make planning easier
- 160+ pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- 300+ photos to help you choose
7. Visit the Liberation Museum
Why visit?
We highly recommend a visit to this museum, which focuses on the decisive role played by the Port of Cherbourg in the liberation. You can discover photos, interactive screens, documentation… Immerse yourself in the world of civilians and soldiers around the first liberated port! Don’t miss the exceptional view from the top of Roule mountain.
Practical advice
- Address_ The museum is located at the top of Fort du Roule, Montée des résistants in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin.
- Price_ Admission is €5.
- Opening hours_ The museum is open all year round at the following times:
Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 12:30pm and 2pm to 6pm. Saturday and Sunday, 1pm to 6pm. Find out more here. - Duration_ Allow 1 to 2 hours for your visit.
- Parking_ There is ample parking close to the museum.
- Public transport_ “Jardin Public” or “Bosquet du Roule” stops on the local transport network, then a 20-minute walk. To plan your itinerary, please consult the route maps, timetables and fares here.
8. Discover the Cherbourg umbrella factory
Why visit?
We believe that a visit to the Manufacture de Parapluies de Cherbourg is a unique and singular experience. This factory perpetuates traditional craftsmanship and gave us a behind-the-scenes look at traditional umbrella making. Here, you can observe the various stages of creation, from the assembly of the wooden or metal structure to the laying of the canvas and the making of the ribs. The visit is also an opportunity to learn more about Cherbourg’s history and the important role the umbrella industry has played in its economic and cultural development.
Practical advice
- Address_ The museum is located at 22 Quai Alexandre III in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin.
- Price_ Admission is €5.
- Opening hours_ The museum is open all year round, Monday to Saturday, 10am to 7pm.
- Duration_ Allow 30 minutes to 1 hour for your visit.
- Guided tours_ Guided tours can be booked for €8 (entrance ticket included). Find out more here.
- Parking_ The nearest parking lot is Parking Notre-Dame, a 5-minute walk away.
- Public transport_ “Schuman” stop on the local transport network. To plan your itinerary, please consult the route maps, timetables and fares here.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
- Get away from it all with Region Lovers’ beautiful destinations!
- Once a month
- Advertising-free
9. Treat yourself to the Michelin-starred Restaurant Le Pily
Why visit?
We recommend this excellent Michelin-starred restaurant, one of our favorites in Cherbourg. Chef Pierre Marion is a virtuoso at working with seafood and all kinds of fresh, local, seasonal produce. Enjoy appetizers, main courses and desserts from our 4 to 6-course menus. We enjoyed ourselves and were pleasantly surprised by the originality of what we ate. In addition to Norman traditions, the chef also draws inspiration from world cuisine. Makis, for example, whetted our appetites. Last but not least, we advise you to take the food/wine pairing which, in our opinion, is really worth it!
Practical advice
- Address_ The restaurant is located at 1 Pont Tournant in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin.
- Price range_ 68€ to 98€ (excluding drinks).
- Opening hours_ Open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday. Find out more here.
- Restaurant type_ Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant.
- Parking_ The nearest parking lot is Parking Notre-Dame, a 5-minute walk away.
- Public transport_ “Quai Collins” stop on the local transport network. To plan your itinerary, please consult the route maps, timetables and fares here.
10. Enjoy nature at Parc Emmanuel Liais
Why visit?
While in Cherbourg, we highly recommend a stopover at the Parc Emmanuel Liais, classified as a Remarkable Garden. A green haven of peace! You’ll discover a variety of exotic plants and trees from South America and Asia, brought back by Emmanuel Liais during his travels in the 19th century. The park’s greenhouses are very interesting, featuring a variety of environments, from a tropical rainforest to a cactus desert to a temperate tropical greenhouse. Children will enjoy discovering unusual plants such as encephalartos, a plant with an edible trunk that can live up to 1,000 years.
Practical advice
- Address_ Rue Emmanuel Liais, Cherbourg-en-Cotentin.
- Times & prices_ The park is open all year round, every day from 8am or 8:30am to 5pm or 7:30pm, depending on the season. Admission is free.
- Duration_ Allow around 1 hour for the visit.
- Guided tours_ Guided tours can be booked through the tourist office. Find out more here.
- Parking_ The nearest parking lot is the Parking de La Trinité, a 10-minute walk away.
- Public transport_ “Chantier” stop on the local transport network. To plan your itinerary, please consult the route maps, timetables and fares here.
DISCOVER Cherbourg
- Things to do in Cherbourg (coming soon)
- Best hotels in Cherbourg (coming soon)
- Best restaurants in Chrebourg (coming soon)
- Cité de la mer (coming soon)
Things to do in Cherbourg: other ideas
Visit the Roule Battery: relics of the Second World War
We enjoyed visiting the Batterie du Roule! The Batteries are a set of underground fortifications excavated during the Second World War. Le Roule’s objective was to protect Cherbourg’s large artificial harbor. Today, you can visit these underground passages in the company of a guide, equipped with a caving helmet and headlamp. The visit will plunge you into a unique atmosphere and allow you to discover the history of these fortifications and their role during the war. An educational and fascinating experience!
Visit Théo Capelle Cider and Distillery
We enjoyed visiting the Cidrerie Théo Capelle. It’s a warm and welcoming place, where you can discover the secrets of cider-making and taste the different varieties on offer. A tour of the winery and a video presentation will help you understand the entire production process, from apple harvesting to bottling. After the tour, we recommend you enjoy the gardens surrounding the cider house. Here you can picnic, take a siesta in the shade of an apple tree or simply stroll around and admire the surrounding countryside.
Find out more here.
Things to do in Cherbourg when it rains?
- Visit the Cité de la Mer, also known as the Cherbourg Aquarium,
- Spend a reasonable evening at the Casino de Cherbourg,
- Go to the cinema and (re)watch the film Les Parapluies de Cherbourg,
- Then visit the Manufacture de Parapluies (Umbrella Factory) to treat yourself to one and learn all about this essential Normandy item,
- Spend an afternoon at the bowling alley practicing strikes,
- Visit the Thomas Henry Museum of Art.
Excursions around Cherbourg
Not sure what to do in Normandy around Cherbourg? Here are a few ideas for excursions around the port city:
Visit the Pointe de Barfleur and the Gatteville Lighthouse
Discover the charming seaside village of Barfleur in Normandy (Cotentin Peninsula) and its neighbor, the Gatteville lighthouse. We recommend a visit to the area to enjoy the calm of nature and the changing colors.
Read our dedicated article to find out more about this Normandy excursion from Cherbourg.
Adventuring on Tatihou Island
This little piece of land on the east coast of the Cotentin peninsula is dominated by the Tour Vauban, named after the famous military engineer. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There’s also a museum and beautiful gardens: a change of scenery guaranteed! You can visit the island every day from April 1 to November 12. For more information, visit the official website here.
Admire the Nez de Jobourg and its high cliffs
The Nez de Jobourg, on Normandy’s Cotentin peninsula, is a favorite with locals and tourists alike. Its magnificent landscapes feature high cliffs that have been sculpted by the elements.
onsult our dedicated article to find out more about this Normandy excursion departing from Cherbourg.
Visit the Hague lighthouse
The Goury lighthouse, also known as the La Hague lighthouse, stands 48m high on a small rock called “Gros de Raz”. This lighthouse is essential, as there is a very strong current between the cape and the island of Alderney, just 15 km away. This current is known as the “Raz Blanchard”. It’s one of the strongest in the world, and very dangerous for boats. This lighthouse is a 30-minute drive west of Cherbourg.
A stroll through the Jardin Botanique de Vauville
The Jardin Botanique de Vauville is very different from the gardens we’re used to visiting. This is not your typical French-style garden. It was created in 1948, and today boasts over 1,000 species of plants from the southern hemisphere. A wonderful exploration with an exotic atmosphere.
Le Jardin is located in La Hague, a 30-minute drive west of Cherbourg.
Spend the night in Poole, England
From Cherbourg, reach the town of Poole in the UK. To do this, you’ll need to take the ferry for around 5h30. Find out more here.
The town of Poole offers an interesting historical heritage, some of the UK’s finest beaches, and a lively city center. It’s a pleasant seaside town in the south of England, built around Europe’s largest natural harbor.
Here are a few activities to discover the English city and its region:
- Discover Poole Harbour, the incredible landscapes of the Jurassic Coast and their chalk formations on a dinner cruise. Book now.
- Visit Old Harry Rocks and Corfé Castle by electric bike, departing from Poole. Book now.
- Treat yourself to a 2-hour cruise to discover some of Dorset’s greatest sites. Book now
- Take a day trip to the Jurassic Coast and the Isle of Purbeck, on a private tour. Book now
Discovering Normandy from Cherbourg
From Cherbourg, you can also reach some of Normandy’s major cities and attractions:
- Bayeux: 1 hour 10 minutes drive
- Caen: 1h30 drive
- Le Mont Saint Michel: allow 2 hours’ drive
- Le Havre: 2h30 drive
We strongly recommend that you opt for a car, which will enable you to explore the region to the full.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Normandy
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is comfortable enough (distances can be long) but compact (some parking lots and villages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
You can also opt for excursions:
- Discover the Normandy landing beaches on a private tour – Book now
- Visit Mont St Michel on a private day trip from Cherbourg – Book now
- Visit Normandy’s must-see places and towns with a private guide for 1 day – Book now
- Guided tour of the American cemetery + D-Day beaches + Utah Beach Landing Museum – Book now
- There are many guided tours on the theme of the D-Day landings, in addition to those listed above. Here are 2 that might interest you:
- The first lets you relive D-Day – find out more
- The second invites you to put yourself in the shoes of American paratroopers on the battlefield – find out more
Is Cherbourg worth a visit?
Yes, Cherbourg is worth the detour! For a number of reasons:
- First of all, the town is located in an exceptional natural setting, between the sea and the countryside, offering numerous opportunities for walks, particularly on the magnificent beaches of Normandy. There are many jewels of Normandy to discover around Cherbourg. Including some of Normandy’s finest châteaux.
- The town also boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage, including La Cité de la Mer, which tells the story of the conquest of the oceans, its medieval castle and the Thomas Henry Museum, which houses a major collection of paintings and sculptures.
- Last but not least, Cherbourg is a lively city, offering a wide range of cultural and festive events throughout the year. We enjoyed eating in some of Cherbourg’s best restaurants.
- All in all, Cherbourg is a destination of choice for lovers of nature, history and gastronomy.
Our suggestions for discovering Cherbourg:
- Want to have fun discovering Cherbourg? Choose a city exploration game on your smartphone!
- Discover Cherbourg through the eyes of a local with a tailor-made private tour of the town!
Useful tips for visiting Cherbourg
Where is Cherbourg?
- Cherbourg is located at the tip of the Cotentin peninsula, in northwestern France’s Normandy region.
- Near Barfleur and the Gatteville lighthouse
- Cherbourg to Bayeu = 1h10 by car
- Cherbourg to Caen = 1h30 by car
- Cherbourg to Mont Saint-Michel = 2 hours by car
Here is a map to help you find your way:
How do I get to Cherbourg?
To get to Cherbourg, you can opt for the train. The town is directly linked by TER to several major French cities, including Paris (3h40) and Caen (2h).
See the available schedules and book your train tickets now.
If you’re traveling by car from another part of France, you can reach Cherbourg via the A13 or A84 motorways, then take the Nationale 13. For a more economical route, you can also take the national and departmental roads, such as the D650.
We recommend renting a car for your trip to Normandy. This gives you greater freedom of movement. Discover all our tips for renting a car in France.
Please note that traffic can be heavy, especially during peak and vacation periods. We recommend that you check traffic conditions and plan your route in advance. In addition, make sure you have a motorway sticker in the countries concerned, if necessary, and that you respect the Highway Code of the countries you will be crossing. To plan your trip, discover all our tips for driving in France.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Normandy
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is comfortable enough (distances can be long) but compact (some parking lots and villages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Parking in Cherbourg
Finding a parking space in Cherbourg can be complicated. In the port city, on-street parking is charged for most of the time, and there are plenty of open-air and underground parking lots.
Where to eat in Cherbourg
The range of restaurants in this port city is very diverse, though small. A stopover in Cherbourg for lunch before admiring the sumptuous unspoilt landscapes of the Cotentin region is a great idea! From gourmet restaurants to brasseries and crêperies, there’s something for everyone. Find the restaurant that’s right for you in our article on where to eat in Cherbourg .
Otherwise, here are our favorites:
- Restaurant Le Pily (1 star): chef Pierre Marion works with virtuosity on seafood and all kinds of fresh, local and seasonal produce.
- Restaurant Le Plouc 2: here you can enjoy classic dishes that we found to be perfectly executed.
- Restaurant Le Carabot: Are you a seafood lover? We recommend Carabot! This friendly restaurant offers creative dishes based on these products.
Visiting Cherbourg in winter
Cherbourg in winter reveals a simple, authentic beauty that will seduce you despite the Normandy rain. The cobbled streets are adorned with a peaceful atmosphere. In Cherbourg in winter, stroll along the quays, watch the waves break on the dykes and warm up in a cosy café. These simple pleasures are the beauty of winter travel. There are many indoor activities in Cherbourg, some of which are listed in this article, so don’t hesitate to take a look!
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Normandy
Inspiration destinations
- Deciding where to go in Normandy – the best destinations
- Our weekend ideas: best-of, romantic, unusual, seaside, luxury, family
- 16 seaside hotels in Normandy
- The most beautiful charming hotels in Normandy
Best of
Practice
- Where to stay in Normandy – best places and hotels
- See our tips for renting a car at CDG airport, Orly airport, Beauvais airport, Caen, Rouen, Bayeux…
HE MADE THE TRIP Manu
