Visiting Cherbourg? Don’t miss the Manufacture des Parapluies. An emblematic tourist institution, a visit here will plunge you into the world of the famous Cherbourg umbrella, the iconic accessory made famous by Jacques Demy‘s film.
In this article, you’ll find some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit and have a wonderful 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 the Manufacture de Parapluies?
Is manufacturing worth it? Our opinion:
Yes, the Manufacture de Parapluies is well worth a visit. We enjoyed learning about the history and manufacturing process of Cherbourg’s famous umbrellas. The experience allows you to observe the various stages of creation, from the assembly of the wooden or metal structure to the laying of the canvas, including the making of the ribs. And where better to discover this incredible know-how than in Cherbourg?
In our opinion, it’s one of Cherbourg’s best activities.
Why is the Manufacture de Parapluies famous?
La Manufacture de Parapluies owes its fame to Jacques Demy’s 1964 film “Les Parapluies de Cherbourg “. This cult film, starring Catherine Deneuve, helped make this weather accessory iconic in a region renowned for its rainfall.
Today, the site perpetuates the tradition and allows visitors to discover how these high-quality umbrellas are made, renowned for their timeless elegance and sturdiness in the face of Norman winds.
Our favorite moments
During our visit, we were naturally keen to find out more about how umbrellas are made. But our favorite moments were:
- Umbrella terminology: because all the little parts that make up an umbrella have a name (ribs, rosettes, cups, etc.).
- The Para Pactum: a multi-purpose armored umbrella designed to physically protect VIPs against all forms of attack.
- Umbrella customization, where we tried to find the one that would suit us best.
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History in brief
The history of Le Parapluie de Cherbourg is intimately linked to Normandy’s capricious weather and to a craftsmanship preserved over generations:
- 1800: Yvon Frères leather factory opens in Cherbourg
- 1964: Release of Jacques Demy’s film “Les Parapluies de Cherbourg”, which popularized the association between the town and this accessory.
- 1986: Creation of “Le Parapluie de Cherbourg” company
- 1996: Move to downtown Cherbourg
- 2020: Opening of the museum complementing the workshop and store
How to get there: Manufacture de Parapluies, Cherbourg
Where is the factory?
La Manufacture de Parapluie is located in the heart of Cherbourg, 22 Quai Alexandre III, 50100 Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, on the Bassin du Commerce, near the port.
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How to get there?
You can easily reach the factory from anywhere in Cherbourg. Our downtown location is ideal.
- On foot, about 10 minutes from Cherbourg SNCF station.
- By bus, the nearest stop is Alexandre III, more info here
Parking
There are several options for parking near the Manufacture de Parapluies, but the Notre-Dame parking lot is the closest, just a 2-minute walk away.
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Useful tips: duration, schedules, eating…
Best time to visit
We advise you to come early in the morning or, like us, at the end of the day. This way, you can avoid the groups that usually arrive in the early afternoon. Weekdays are also less busy than weekends.
On rainy days (frequent in Cherbourg!), the museum can attract even more visitors in search of a sheltered activity. Paradoxically, sunny days make for a more leisurely visit to this temple of the umbrella.
Length of visit and main difficulties
- Allow around 1h30 for a complete visit. This time includes a visit to the boutique, observation of the workshop, guided tour of the museum and screening of the film.
- If you’d like to customize your own umbrella, add another 30 minutes.
- The museum is fully accessible to people with reduced mobility, with an elevator providing access to all levels.
Advice on how to visit
The tour follows a logical route, which we recommend you follow.
- Start in the boutique, where you can see the models on display and watch the workshop craftsmen through the bay window.
- Continue on to the museum area, which presents the history of the umbrella and details of its manufacture.
- Finish with the projection room for the film and, if you wish, the personalization experience.
- This journey will enable you to gradually understand the entire process of creating an authentic Cherbourg umbrella.
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Visiting with children
- Children will be captivated by the manufacturing demonstration in the workshop, where they can watch the craftsmen dexterously manipulate the various pieces.
- Personalizing an umbrella is a very popular activity with youngsters.
- For toddlers (under 5 years old), the visit can be a little long, but the variety of spaces and colors generally keeps them interested.
Schedules and rates
La Manufacture de Parapluies is open all year round, Monday to Saturday, 10am to 7pm.
- Adult price: €5
- More details on the official website here.
Guided tours
Guided tours are organized. They must be attended by at least 15 people and last around 45 minutes.
- Adult price: €8
- Reservations on +33 (0)2 33 93 66 60
From store to workshop: discovering unique know-how
The store and first discoveries
A visit to Manufacture de Parapluie naturally begins with the boutique, a veritable showcase of expertise. As soon as we entered, we were seduced by the explosion of colors and the variety of models on display. What’s particularly impressive is the palpable quality of the materials used, designed to stand up to the elements.
You’ll quickly notice the different ranges on offer, from urban models to specially reinforced storm umbrellas. The store’s consultants are happy to share their passion and explain the technical features for which these accessories are renowned.
The workshop through the bay window
Through a large bay window, we take a behind-the-scenes look at how umbrellas are created by hand. We visited at the end of the day and unfortunately the workshop was empty. However, we had no trouble imagining the craftsmen busy behind the machines, expertly manipulating the various parts that will make up the finished product.
The Museum, a complete immersion in the world of umbrellas
A detailed history of the umbrella and the Para Pactum
Upstairs, the museum area takes you back through the centuries to discover the fascinating evolution of the umbrella. The timeline gave us an overview of the history of the Cherbourg umbrella since the early 19th century.
One section in particular caught our attention, that of the “Para Pactum”. Beneath its classic umbrella appearance, the “Para Pactum” is a real shield. It is designed to protect VIPs from aggression, projectiles and dog attacks. Validated by the GSPR, it combines lightness, robustness and operational efficiency.
Manufacturing stages
We really liked the section dedicated to the manufacturing stages. The explanations are clear and didactic. Each phase of the creative process is explained through informative panels, samples and tools on display.
We were able to follow the entire process, from rigorous selection of materials to final assembly. The various fabrics used are presented with their technical characteristics – waterproofing, UV resistance, durability – enabling us to understand the choices made for each product range.
Particular attention is paid to opening and closing mechanisms, which are crucial to product longevity. We understand that every component, even the smallest, plays an essential role in the final quality.
Before you leave, an immersive experience
Film screening
The visit continues with a film that enriches the museum experience. In a comfortable, purpose-built room, we settled down to watch a 15-minute documentary tracing the history of the umbrella. It perfectly complements the knowledge acquired during the visit.
Personalize your own umbrella
The customization workshop turns visitors into creators. In this dedicated space, we had the opportunity to design our own Cherbourg umbrella: choosing the basic model (compact, cane or golf), selecting the fabrics, the frame, the handle and even the strap to create a truly unique accessory.
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Frequently asked questions
Can we take photos during the tour?
Photography is permitted in most areas, including the store and exhibition halls. However, we advise you to ask permission, especially if you wish to photograph the artisans at work.
What’s the difference between an ordinary umbrella and a Cherbourg umbrella?
A Cherbourg Umbrella is an exceptional product, handcrafted in France. It features a reinforced frame capable of withstanding winds of up to 100 km/h without overturning (50 km/h for an ordinary umbrella).
The fabrics used are of the highest quality, often woven in France or Italy, and offer superior waterproofing and UV resistance. Assembly is carried out entirely by hand, with rigorous quality control at every stage. Each umbrella can be repaired, as part of a sustainable approach.
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