Cherbourg has been once the Port of the Great Departure to America in the 1930‘s, today it is known as the Gateway to the Normandy. The maritime town of Cherbourg-Octeville shelters under the lee of the world’s largest artificial roadstead, an exceptional 19th century architectural achievement.

Port of Cherbourg

Located in Normandy at the entrance to the English Channel, the deep-water port of Cherbourg is less than ten miles away from the main sea route, where 500 ships sail each day. As a maritime port, Cherbourg is proud to be home to the world’s largest artificial harbour that originated thanks to Napoleonic building works. The Transatlantic Cruise Terminal has been built in 1933 and completely refurbished in 2006. Within walking distance of downtown, the Cherbourg Cruise Terminal, unique in Europe, provides all modern and reliable services and port facilities for either a tourist or a turnaround destination, visiting the old quarter and its famous sights such as the theatre and the exotic Emmanuel Liais garden; or eating out in one of the excellent restaurants along the quayside, all famous for seafood.

UNESCO World Heritage

The unspoiled shores of La Hague; the D Day beaches and the Unesco world heritage sites always delight visitors. The Cherbourg Normandy Peninsula domiciled three Unesco World Heritage sites: The Mont Saint Michel, the famous Bayeux Tapestry relating the normand conquest in England and the tower of Vauban located in the Val de Saire. The Cherbourg region is also home to famous artistic and historical figures such as Jean-François Millet, the impressionist who inspired Van Gogh; Jacques Prevert, the poet; and Christian Dior. Normandy is known for equine events; jazz music festivals; traditional agricultural fairs and golf. It is also rated the world’s tenth best golf destination. A large range of delicacies awaits your discovery: seafood; cider and apple products; honey and cakes; and many other specialties.

Destination Highlights

• Mont Saint Michel
• The towers of VAUBAN, UNESCO site
• The famous Tapestry of Bayeux