Cherbourg en Cotentin: attractions, tours and tickets

Cherbourg is one of France’s great Channel ports with a rich naval history, connection to the Titanic, and a vibrant local lifestyle that’s waiting to be discovered! Explore the Abbey Notre-Dame di Voeu, the Castle of the Ravalet and the Basilica in the main square. Don’t miss out on the Place de Gaulle market to experience the day-to-day life in Cherbourg. Art lovers can browse the galleries and Italian-style theatre, or if water is more your element the maritime museum will not disappoint. Don’t worry, you won’t get wet here thanks to the Cherbourg umbrellas!

Top three things to do in Cherbourg en Cotentin

1. Delve deep under at Cité de la Mer

Set in the former Art Deco transatlantic terminal building, this maritime museum is fun for all. Step onboard the top attraction Le Redoutable, France’s first nuclear submarine (and the world’s largest submarine open to the public!). There’s even a space dedicated to the Titanic, which was stopped at Cherbourg five days before sinking. Don’t miss out on the aquarium with seventeen tanks and 4,000 marine creatures.

2. Get your cameras ready at 117 meters and discover Cherbourg’s history

Make your way up the Roule Mountain, the rocky headland that dominates Cherbourg for a great panoramic view of the town and the second-largest artificial harbour in the world. Here you’ll find the Fort of Roul, a collection of French and German fortifications, built to defend the harbour. The fort is home to the Liberation Museum where you can learn about Cherbourg’s role in WW2.

3. Experience the famous icon of Cherbourg - the umbrella!

Made famous by the famous Palme d’Or winning film, Les parapluies de Cherbourg, the Cherbourg Umbrella Factory is where you can find out all about the production of these luxury umbrellas. Throughout Cherbourg, look out for rainbow-coloured arrays of umbrellas that decorate the streets.