Guide of Cherbourg

Cherbourg is in the north of France, on the English Channel by the sea. It is an important fishing and trading port with a remarkable military history. Today it is popular with tourists and has plenty of cultural events to enjoy. The location is also very interesting, being set amongst beautiful green slopes. 

A brief history of Cherbourg

The first people that settled in this area were the Unelli people, they were the Gallic tribes who clashed with Julius Caesar's Roman Army. The Middle Ages saw the city of Cherbourg ruled by the Dukes of Normandy.

Cherbourg witnessed some important historical events, in 1840 La Belle Poule arrived back into Cherbourg after an expedition to St. Helena to retrieve Napoleon Bonaparte's remains. In 1912 the Titanic arrived to pick up passengers, as Cherbourg port was the second stop on the British transatlantic route.

During the Second World War Cherbourg became famous for a battle that came to be known as The Battle of Cherbourg. The German and American troops battled for a month in 1944, as the Allied troops tried to secure Cherbourg's deep-water port, so reinforcements could be brought directly from the United States.

What to see in Cherbourg

Do not miss a relaxing walk in the public gardens, then why not visit Eglise Saint-Martin, a pretty church that contains a beautiful bas-relief of the Last Supper. There are two other interesting churches, the Basilica of Santa Trinità and the Chapel of San Bartolomeo. Then continue on to the art deco maritime station and along the Grande Rada, a four kilometre-long sea wall that was built in 1700.

Beaches around Cherbourg

La Saline is a lovely beach, suitable for families with children as well as those looking for nightlife. Cotentin beach has beautiful golden sand and crystal clear waters, it is also surrounded by wild nature and there is a very well equipped campsite nearby. Of course, do not miss the Normandy landing beach, a place full of history.