Passing through Normandy? We strongly recommend that you take the opportunity to visit La Cité de la Mer in Cherbourg! We plunged into the discovery of the seabed and its links with mankind over the centuries.
Housed in Cherbourg’s former Gare Maritime Transatlantique, this museum was voted France’s favorite monument in 2022. It is made up of 6 exhibition areas, all of them very captivating. Among them: the world’s largest visitable submarine, reconstructions of the Titanic, and even Europe’s deepestaquarium …
In this article you’ll find useful tips and photos to help you prepare for your visit and have an unforgettable time!
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Why visit La Cité de la Mer in Cherbourg?
Is the Cité de la Mer worth it? Our opinion:
Yes, La Cité de la Mer in Cherbourg is well worth a visit.
- 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.
- Here you can visit Europe’s deepestaquarium and discover over 1,000 colorful fish.
- We also loved discovering the fascinating history of Cherbourg’s Gare Maritime Transatlantique.
- The Cité de la Mer offers a wide range of fun, interactive activities to help you better understand the link between mankind and the oceans.
It’s one of the best things to do in Cherbourg (article coming soon).
Why is the Cherbourg Aquarium famous?
We believe that La Cité de la Mer is a must-see venue in Normandy. Here are just a few of the reasons why this museum is so highly regarded:
- Its unique location: the museum is housed in Cherbourg’s former Gare Maritime Transatlantique. An Art Deco monument listed as a national heritage site. We found the building majestic. Built between 1928 and 1933, it is one of the largest in Europe.
- Immersive exhibits: we discovered a variety of interactive and immersive exhibits. Here you can see real submarines.
- Its pedagogical vocation: we found this place playful. It enables visitors of all ages to understand the importance of the oceans. Workshops, events and conferences are organized throughout the year to raise public awareness of marine environmental protection.
- Public success: La Cité de la Mer is one of Normandy’s most popular tourist attractions. In 2022, it welcomed over 600,000 visitors and was voted France’s favourite monument.
- Its contribution to scientific research: it is also a scientific research center. Teams of researchers work on site to better understand the oceans and develop solutions to protect them.
Our favorite moments
We really enjoyed our visit to La Cité de la Mer and hope you enjoy it as much as we did. Here are our favorite moments:
- Immerse yourself in the history of the Titanic: the exhibition dedicated to the liner is gripping. Immersive sound and an interactive game to get to know the passengers make this a very moving moment. The reconstructions of the shipwreck, cabins, passageways and bridge are strikingly realistic.
- Explore Le Redoutable: enjoy a unique experience in the world’s largest visitable submarine. We discover the daily life of submariners and understand the importance of nuclear deterrence. The audio guide is highly instructive, revealing all the secrets of this legendary submersible.
- Visit the Gare Maritime Transatlantique: this Art Deco building is an architectural gem. We loved imagining the hustle and bustle as the liners departed for America. In fact, it was here that the Titanic made its last stop before sinking a few days later.
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)
History in brief
Since its inauguration in 2002, this venue has become an essential stopover in Normandy.
We believe that La Cité de la Mer is a place of discovery, learning and awareness. This museum doesn’t just tell the story of underwater exploration. Over the years, its exhibits have evolved, adapting to public expectations and scientific advances.
Here’s the story in a few key dates:
- 1989: Cherbourg’s Gare Maritime Transatlantique is listed as a Historic Monument. Find out more here. The building is saved, but what to do with it? We must honor the memory of this prestigious transatlantic past.
- 2002: La Cité de la Mer opens its doors. It offers the public a unique encounter between an exceptional architectural heritage, the Gare Maritime Transatlantique, and the world’s largest visitable submarine, Le Redoutable.
- 2008: we weren’t able to live it, as it hasn’t existed for several years, but the “We walked under the sea” animation is a unique virtual experience. It introduces visitors to the beauty of the seabed and the richness of marine life. That same year, the museum was the setting for Jacques Perrin’s film “Océans”. Find out more here.
- 2012: to mark the centenary of the sinking of the Titanic, La Cité de la Mer inaugurates a new exhibition. “Titanic, Return to Cherbourg” is a retrospective that really impressed us during our visit.
- 2019: the “Ocean of the Future” exhibition is presented to the public. We loved the immersive experience it offered. Discover the riches and mysteries of the oceans, and the urgent need to protect them.
- 2022: La Cité de la Mer celebrates its 20th anniversary.
How to get there: La Cité de la Mer, Cherbourg-en-Cotentin
Where is the museum?
The museum is located: Allée du Président Menut, 50100 Cherbourg-en-Cotentin
- 20min walk from downtown
- In the Port district of Cherbourg
- Near the Pont Tournant
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.
How to get there?
From downtown Cherbourg, you can easily walk to La Cité de la Mer in around 20 minutes. Access is easy, it’s all flat.
- By train: from Cherbourg-en-Cotentin SNCF station, allow 15 minutes on foot.
- By bus: line 2 of the Cap Cotention network. Direction “Collignon”. Cité De La Mer-A. Briand” stop. Click here for route maps, timetables and fares.
- By car: to reach the museum, you’ll need to drive through the city center. There are many traffic lights and traffic can be heavy at rush hour.
Parking
Free parking is available close to the entrance to La Cité de la Mer. You’ll find charging stations for electric vehicles.
If you’re coming by bike, there are a few spaces available at the entrance for parking your two-wheeler. On the other hand, there aren’t many spaces, so on busy days the bike park may be full.
Disabled parking spaces are located 150m from the main entrance.
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)
Useful tips: duration, schedules, eating…
Best time to visit
To take full advantage of the park and its various areas, we recommend arriving in the morning when it opens. The park is best visited outside the summer months (July, August). This way, you can avoid the crowds.
La Cité de la Mer is very popular, especially during the French school vacations. All the more so as it enjoys an international reputation.
We recommend that you do not plan your visit on cruise ship days, as the Baggage Room is not open to the public. Click here to see the program of liners expected.
We think this is a must-see when visiting Cherbourg or Normandy in general.
Length of visit and main difficulties
We recommend that you allow between 4 and 5 hours to visit La Cité de la Mer. This time will allow you to explore all the museum’s spaces in depth. You can also immerse yourself in the immersive atmosphere of the interactive reconstructions and exhibits.
The tour has several levels. Access is by staircase, but there are also elevators for people with reduced mobility. Given the length of the visit, plan to walk a little. We therefore recommend that you wear comfortable footwear. Also, the dark ambience and subdued lighting of some rooms can be tiring.
If you have a disability, you’ll be pleased to know that this venue has been awarded the “Tourisme & Handicap” label. Facilities are in place to enable people with motor, visual, mental and hearing impairments to enjoy the museum. Facilities are therefore planned throughout the park. Find out more here.
Advice on how to visit
Inside, the tour route is clearly signposted and easy to follow. Let yourself be carried from one space to another, at your own pace and according to your emotions.
Here are the different spaces:
- The Great Gallery of Machines and Men
- The Gare Maritime Transatlantique
- Le Redoutable (submarine)
- The Titanic, back in Cherbourg
- La Cité de la Mer films
- The ocean of the future
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Visiting with children
La Cité de la Mer is ideal for children. It’s a dynamic, interactive museum. We believe it’s essential that young people are aware of the historical link between the ocean and humanity, and understand the importance of protecting it.
However, we advise you to bring children aged 5 and over. That way, they’ll get the most out of the experience. What’s more, before that age, their entry into Le redoutable is not authorized for safety reasons.
The museum has planned special activities and features for young visitors:
- A special audio guide for 5 to 12 year-olds in Le Redoutable
- A game booklet is available from the ticket office, offering a fun and original visit for younger visitors. A wide range of games are on offer: connect the dots, word scramble, difference game, coloring…
- The park also offers a wide range of activities, games and readings related to the maritime world . Perfect for planning or extending your visit.
Schedules and rates
The Cité de la Mer is usually open between:
- 9.30 a.m. and 7 p.m. in July and August
- 9:30 am and 6 pm the rest of the year
- Closed all January
We strongly advise you to check our opening times and special closing days before your visit. More info here.
Prices are as follows:
- Adults: €19
- Children aged 5 to 17: €14
Catering
As the tour is relatively long, you may want to take a break to recharge your batteries. Here are the catering outlets within the park:
- Restaurant Le Quai des Mers
Located in the heart of the museum, this restaurant offers a wide range of seafood dishes. Meat and vegetarian options are also available. To make sure you have a table on the day of your visit, we recommend you book in advance. To find out more, click here.
- Snack/Bar Le Ruban Bleu
This area, located in the Grande Galerie des Engins et des Hommes, offers a simple catering service based on salads, sandwiches, croque-monsieur sandwiches, ice creams and drinks. Please note that it is only open during the high season (July and August).
- You’ll also find vending machines for cold drinks and snacks, notably in the elevator area of Le Redoutable.
If you’d like to eat off-site, take a look at our selection of the city’s best restaurants.
Start of the tour: between submarines and the ferry terminal
Our tour begins with a visit to La Grande Galerie des Engins et des Hommes, followed by Cherbourg’s Gare Maritime Transatlantique. 2 dazzling spaces, as much for their immensity as for the story they tell.
Submarines: a dive into history
The Grande Galerie des Engins et des Hommes is the first part of the museum we visited. This exhibition takes us on a journey through the history of marine exploration. We discovered a collection that is unique in the world.
From the Archimedes to the Deepsea Challenger, we really enjoyed discovering 14 life-size submarines. They have enabled humans to push back the limits of the ocean depths. This exhibition transported us into the world of sea explorers.
Here are some of the manned machines you’ll discover:
- The Nautilus
We loved discovering one of the very first pocket submarines. It was commissioned by France in 1800, during the Napoleonic Wars.
- The Archimedes
We learned that, launched in 1961, the aircraft was conceived in the context of the deep-sea race between the United States and France. The aim is to beat the American record of 10916m. Although it was a losing bet, it nevertheless enabled the scientific study of the seabed during its 208 dives.
- The Remora 2000
We were amazed by the unusual appearance of this machine. A single-seater observation submarine, the Remora was used extensively to observe the wreck of the Sainte-Dorothéa between 1987 and 1994. Its special feature is a large hemispherical porthole that offers the pilot an exceptional panoramic view.
- The Deepsea Challenger
We were blown away by this 7.3m submersible. Still in operation, it was designed to reach Challenger Deep. This is the deepest point ever measured in the oceans (10,900 m below sea level). It allows a unique scientific study of the fauna of the abyss. On board, James Cameron became the first man to dive alone to this depth.
Cherbourg Transatlantic Maritime Station
You must have noticed it when you arrived. This listed Art Deco building now houses La Cité de la Mer.
This ferry terminal is nicknamed “Notre Dame des Queens”.
We learned that this edifice, inaugurated on July 30, 1933, was considered, at the time, to be the largest French construction after the Chateau de Versailles.
We were astonished to learn that, in addition to the huge hall dedicated to liners, the station was also home to trains. The vast train hall was connected to 4 tracks dedicated to the line running from Paris to Cherbourg.
Witness to the golden age of ocean liners, Cherbourg’s Gare Maritime Transatlantique has seen millions of men and women pass through its doors. Fleeing Europe between the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries to try their luck in the “New World”. Located in the world’s second-largest artificial harbor, its spectacular dimensions enabled it to accommodate the largest ocean liners of the time.
We discovered that it was threatened with destruction after the boom in air transport. It finally found a new vocation in 2002 with the opening of La Cité de la Mer.
We really enjoyed discovering this historic site trodden by so many men and women. Visiting the Baggage Room, we discovered the history of emigration to the New World. Walking in the footsteps of thousands of travelers, including those who boarded the Titanic, gave us a unique sensation.
We also learned that this room was restored in 2003 to accommodate the Queen Mary 2. A liner that called at Cherbourg on April 14, 2004.
The Titanic: relive the legend
The immersive Titanic exhibition took us on a moving journey into the past. Did you know that this legendary ship called at Cherboug, right here in the Gare Maritime Transatlantique?
Story of a broken dream
The Titanic is a British ocean liner launched in 1912. Considered the largest and most luxurious ship of its time, it made its maiden voyage from Southampton (England) to New York (USA).
On board, passengers from a wide range of backgrounds. Many of them leave Europe to live the dream of a new life in America. We learned that passengers were divided into 3 classes according to the price of their ticket.
We were amazed to learn that 1st class passengers had access to amenities such as: an exotic garden, a gym, a swimming pool, a squash court, hairdressing salons…
The 1st class rooms were the most luxurious, with sea views, several rooms and baths, while the 3rd class rooms had 2 to 6 berths and were located on the lower decks.
At 11:40 pm on April 14, 1912, the Titanic struck an iceberg in the North Atlantic. It sinks in less than 3 hours. The lack of lifeboats and crew training for such a situation led to the deaths of over 1,500 people. 75% of3rd class passengers perished, while only 711 survived. This maritime tragedy remains one of the most famous in history.
Reconstructions: as if you were there
When you arrive at the start of the “Titanic, return to Cherbourg” area, you’ll find a map showing you the route to follow to“experience the liner’s voyage in both time-shifted and accelerated time” .
We were transported into the ship through the realistic decor of the cabins, passageways, deck, etc.
We relived the crossing and the shipwreck through sound immersion and reconstructed scenes. It was a poignant and moving experience.
The rest of the exhibition, dedicated to the infamous liner, is devoted to the investigation that followed the sinking. It led to the discovery of the wreck and the debris field.
At the time of our visit, a temporary exhibition was devoted to 43 objects recovered from the wreckage of the Titanic. They allowed us to delve even deeper into the story of this terrible accident.
Le Redoutable: the world’s largest visitable submarine
Our tour continues with a visit to the French Navy’s first nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine : Le Redoutable. Built in Cherbourg, it was in service from 1971 to 1991.
In our opinion, this submersible is a must-see in the park.
An audioguide is available for this part of the park, included in your ticket, is available in English, French, Dutch, German, Italian and Spanish. It will help you understand the main operating principles of a submarine.
We found the experience in this part of La Cité de la Mer to be out of this world! It’s a rare opportunity to climb aboard a submarine of this scale.
A symbol of nuclear deterrence
Le Redoutable played an important role in France’s nuclear deterrent. Its mission was to be on permanent patrol, ready to launch its missiles in the event of an attack against France.
We learned that in 20 years, he covered 3.3 times the distance between the Earth and the Moon, and spent 11 years at sea, 10 of them underwater.
It is a symbol of French military power. In 1967, when it was launched, France became the 4th world power to acquire an underwater nuclear deterrent.
In fact, the submersible was capable of launching 16 torpedoes. By way of comparison, 2 of these torpedoes correspond to the full power available during the Second World War.
Le Redoutable helped maintain peace and security in Europe for over 20 years.
Life on board: an extraordinary daily routine
During the visit, we realized that life aboard Le Redoutable was a real challenge. The space was confined, the constant noise and the lack of natural light made daily life difficult.
We really enjoyed discovering the details of life in a submersible. Discover how water was made drinkable and how oxygen production was organized.
We never imagined that the submarine’s crew numbered 135 men. They were divided into 2 crews who took turns every 70 days or so.
We learned many details about the daily life of submariners during missions.
For example, that they all played board games together. Their families could only contact them with messages of just 20 words. Also, we would never have guessed that the meals were delicious on the submarines. What about you? Apparently, the best in the entire French Navy! Invaluable information that helped us project what life might have been like on Le Redoutable.
After your visit, if you’d like to find out more about living conditions aboard Le Redoutable, we recommend the dedicated web series, available here.
The auditorium: discover Normandy through its coastline
This part of the museum consists of a large room where 2 films are shown in turn. They evoke the link between the French department of Normandy and the sea. We appreciated this moment of calm, which allowed us to take a break from the tour.
When the sea tells the story of Normandy
We enjoyed this film, which took us on a captivating journey through the history and natural beauty of Normandy. From Mont Saint-Michel to the cliffs of Etretat, via the treasures of Tatihou and Cherbourg, the film explores the region’s riches. Animations and archive images took us back to the time of the Norman explorers and introduced us to Deauville in 1912. We were transported by this visual narrative offering an immersive cinematic experience. He revealed the diversity and grandeur of the French department of Normandy.
20 days for Cherbourg
We were pleasantly surprised by the concept of this short film: 20 minutes to summarize the 20 days of battle for the liberation of Cherbourg during the Second World War. This documentary was created in partnership with the Mémorial de Caen. He helped us understand why Utah Beach was used in the plan for the landing on June 6, 1944. We discovered how Cherbourg became the world’s largest logistics port at the time.
Discover the D-Day sites to visit in Normandy here!
The Ocean of the Future: challenges and hopes
This is the most recent part of the park. We were delighted to explore its 3 floors. A journey to discover the secrets of the deep sea, the fragile beauty of the ocean and its vital importance for the planet.
Underwater life: incredible diversity
Our visit began with a tour of 17 aquariums, one of which is an abyssal 10.70m deep. The deepest in Europe!
We immediately noticed the emphasis on the immensity and diversity of underwater life. In the various aquariums, we discovered a multitude of marine species: sharks, jellyfish, tropical fish, multicolored corals and many more. Not forgetting Mathilde, the loggerhead sea turtle, mascot of La Cité de la Mer.
The exhibition helped us understand the importance of plankton. Invisible to the naked eye, but crucial to life on Earth. Interactive animations allowed us to discover the secrets of this microscopic animal. Indeed, it plays a vital role in oxygen production and climate regulation.
Explore and challenge the depths
The rest of the exhibition gave us the opportunity to find out more about the exploration of the abyss. The museum retraces the stages of this extraordinary human adventure. We learned a lot about the history of the pioneers who dared to defy the ocean depths.
We also discovered the importance of the writer Jules Vernes. His novel “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” is a prime example of his contribution to raising interest in underwater exploration. In the dedicated lounge, enjoy an impressive view of the abyssal aquarium.
We loved the idea behind the Musée Englouti, which introduced us to a series of mythical shipwrecks and their stories. Among them, La Lune, a ship from Louis XIV’s navy. She sank off Toulon, France, on November 6, 1664.
In this part of the museum, we experienced this human and technological adventure from the inside, through fun and immersive activities.
Seas and oceans: riches to be preserved
The last part of our visit raises our awareness of the threats facing the oceans: pollution, overfishing, climate change, and so on.
We found this last part very symbolic. After discovering the seas and oceans from different angles, La Cité de La Mer invites us to question the future of our planet.
In this last space, we became aware ofman’s impact on the ocean, and the disruptions and threats to our planet. You’ll understand that the ocean is the origin of life and holds the key to humanity’s future.
The Ocean of the Future is an invitation to explore and preserve this fascinating world, vital to the future of our planet.
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Frequently asked questions
Where can you visit the Le Redoutable submarine?
Le Redoutable is an SNLE (Sous-marin Nucléaire Lanceur d’Engins) of the French Navy. It was the first submarine in the world to be armed with sea-to-ground ballistic missiles. Le Redoutable was commissioned in 1971 and decommissioned in 1991.
Today, it can be seen at La Cité de la Mer museum in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, France.
Are there any interactive activities or simulations at La Cité de la Mer?
Yes, there are plenty of interactive activities and simulations at La Cité de la Mer.
For example:
- the simulation of the sinking of the Titanic, with sounds and reconstructions
- recognizing ocean scents
- numerous audio testimonials and mini-games along the way
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