Hotels in Cherbourg
What to see by foot: Cherbourg
 
Cherbourg lies at the mouth of the Divette River on the English Channel. After
being converted from a natural harbour by Napoleon, it became and still remains
one of the largest ports in the world and has a two-kilometre fortified wall.
The town has a number of marked, historical walking paths, which make navigating
easier.
The best area for rambling is around the Basilique de la Trinité and
the former town beach, now covered by grass and known as the Plage Vert. Farther
south, you can walk up to Roule Fort to take in the panoramic view of the entire
port. The fort is now home to the Museé de la Libération and commemorates
the time when Cherbourg was the busiest harbour in the world.
Cherbourg is interspersed with tranquil, exotic gardens, which are lovely to
stroll through in the summer months. The most significant of these is at the
home of Emmanuel Liais, who made his fortune in Brazil and then returned to
his hometown to become mayor for eight years. The garden is more aptly referred
to as Emmanuel Liais Park, and its vast grounds are filled with wonderful fragrances,
extraordinary plants and flowers, all year round. The mansion itself is now
a museum.
The Cite de la Mer is a modern cultural and scientific complex focusing on
man's underwater exploration; while the Ocean Centre boasts Europe's highest
cylindrical aquarium, with nearly 4,000 fish and 2,000 invertebrates. Both of
these have high value as fascinating and informative attractions.
A wander around the quays at night is an essential part of a visit to Cherbourg,
as they are lit by a unique display utilising 4,096 shades of colour.
Selection of hotels in this region:
Mercure Cherbourg Plaisance | | Inter-Hotel Cherbourg | | Quality Cherbourg | |
Click below for a
full list of hotels and online booking
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