Travel Guide to Cherbourg

Cherbourg is the remarkable seaside town which is located between a massive artificial harbour and the 125 m Roule Mountain. Cherbourg is an ideal holiday destination as it is located on the English Channel and it offers a variety of historical attractions.

Getting there and away to Cherbourg

Cherbourg has its own airport and as well as this it has an airport near Caen. Many of the international flight arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. From Paris, you can catch a linking flight to Cherbourg keep on going with your journey by road or rail.

To get to Cherbourg it is a 3 hour drive from Paris. You can follow the A13 for about 240 kms until you reach Caen, and then follow the RN13 for another 120 kms to reach Cherbourg.

On the other hand you can get a train to Cherbourg from the UK from the Cannel Tunnel. This takes about 3 hours.

There are ferries which arrive regularly from the UK several times a day. From Portsmouth in Britain, P&O Ferries operates standard ferries and the Superstar Express, makes crossings in less than 3 hours. From Poole, the ferry trip can be at least 4 hours long. Ferries also run from Rosslare in Ireland.

Major Attractions in Cherbourg

Cherbourg ’s harbour walls are spectacular achievements of engineering, which was constructed over the 18 th and 19 th Centuries with alterations and additions until 1922.The main attraction is the central dyke with its three forts. Around the harbour area is the site of the great château which was destroyed in 1689. The Bassins is where you can witness the port as it was in the 19 th Century, the Queens of the Atlantic, ocean liners that ferried emigrants to the Americas, Voeu Abbey and Emmanuel Liais Park. Through the harbour are there are several signposted historic walks. Cherbourg has a number of different historic churches which even include: Notre-Dame du Voeu, Saint Clement, and the ancient Saint Trinity Basilica. The 16th century Ravelet-Tourlaville Castle and surrounding landscaped park are also worth seeing.

Things To Do in Cherbourg

Cherbourg is a suitable place from where you can explore the nearby area of Normandy region; it is home to gems such as the beautiful Val de Saire and the intriguing Hague. The area around Cherbourg is well-known for its outstanding châteaux. Château Ravalet which is an Italian Renaissance structure located in the close by town of Tourlaville. With its original construction which dates from the 16 th Century, the château is now a national monument. Château Nacquaville, in Urville-Nacquaville is a 16 th Century mansion which is bounded by a wonderful English garden. Domaine de Beurepaire, is only 6 kms away from Cherbourg and is home to another magnificent château, Martinvaast.

Relaxation options in Cherbourg

Cherbourg has a different variety of restaurants and old-fashioned cafés which are good places to get some peace and quiet. In the night-time the small town is transformed and brings the town to life.

Safety in Cherbourg

Staying in an unfamiliar city please be attentive for pickpockets and thieves. You are at risk when doing water sports, outdoor activities and driving places. Different routines may result in missed travel arrangements or problematic bookings; in this case we strongly recommend you take out travel insurance for you and your family when visiting Cherbourg.

Weather in Cherbourg

Travelling to Cherbourg for a sunny break is ideal through the months of June to September, with temperatures reaching to mid - high 20sc. October through to May are the cooler months of the year with temperatures mild at 18c but lowering to 3c. The rainiest periods of the year are between October and January.