NORMANDY

Cherbourg

Rouen

Honfleur

Bayeux

Dieppe

Le Havre

Etretat and Sainte Adresse

Fecamp

Pays d'Auge, Calvados, Camembert and Cider

Continue on the N 13 north and reach our destination for the moment: CHERBOURG, population 90,000, occupying the northern point of the Cotentin peninsula. Visitors to Cherbourg wil today find little sign of the illustrious port where Napoleon resolved to “re-create the wonders of Egypt”. The simple fishers village was to be transformed into a naval base  and developed also a rome as transatlantic port with grand terminals built to receive the prestigious liners that docked here and between the two world wars.
Cherbourg is also still the gateway to the English Channel. The "Cap de la Hague" to the West and the "Pointe de Barfleur" to the East are markers well know to mariners. Cherbourg and its suburbs are the focal point of the peninsula. Countless artists and writers were inspired by the region's authentic and picturesque scenery.
Even if  Cherbourg doesn’t appear as a city full of touristy spots, it’s the city itself you have to discover.  Discover the stunning coastal views on the many walks available, visit the various carefully selected attractions and places of interest or simply enjoy the local food and wine in fine restaurants. Cherbourg is open to the world and totally geared towards the future. From a social point of view, the nearness of the sea helps create open-mindedness and friendship. In fact, the warmth and hospitality of Cherbourg’s inhabitants is a well-known phenomenon. Also, as in any big open-minded, dynamic and attractive city, Cherbourg is home to a variety of different communities and cultural traditions. You see, Cherbourg is one of the most likeable and unpretentious of the Channel ports.

Basilique Ste Trinité

The historic part of the town is located in the area where the Général de Gaulle serves as a central square and market venue. The basilique St-Trinité was built en 1155 on the foundations of a previous church, destroyed by the Norman invasions.
For shopping and strolling, head to the pedestrian section and narrow streets to its north, like the Rue Tour-Carrée and Rue de la Paix. And if it starts to rain you can shelter in one of the numerous pubs and bars, there where you start to “feel” the Cherbourg life. Don’t forget that it is, after all, a sea harbour.
In the rue Vastel, south of the General de Gaulle square, the “Musée Thomas Henry” includes a miscelanny of fine art with Flemish painting and a “Pieta” by Nicolas Poussin. 

Museum Thomas Henry

The museum is a historical building, third largest museum of Normandy and has a collection of .300 paintings and sculptures of the XVth to the XIXth  from Fra Angélico to Camille Claudel and a unique ensemble  of works by  Jean-François Millet.  
West, on the rue l’Abbaye, the  park Parc Emmanuel Liais is an oasis of tropical pants behind which the Musée d’Histpoire Naturelle is camouflaged.
And for the WWII pilgrims, the D-Day landings have created many fascinating places to visit.
For a typically French experience, don't miss the bustling market in front of the theatre on Tuesday and Sunday mornings.
All around Cherbourg there are many, picturesque tiny villages, ideal for a very peaceful break.

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Cote Fleurie

Cabourg-Dives sur-mer

Houlgate-Villers sur-mer

Trouville

Deauville

Mont-Saint-Michel

Cotentin peninsula

Cherbourg