Nestled on the tip of the Cotentin Peninsula, Cherbourg France, is a historic port city with a wealth of maritime history, authentic Norman culture and dramatic coastal landscapes. Cherbourg Cruise Port is also the world’s largest artificial harbour!
Its official name is Cherbourg-en-Cotentin but I’ll use Cherbourg throughout this blog post. Many cruisers rush off to a long bus tour at Cherbourg to other parts of Normandy, thinking there’s not much to do in Cherbourg. So let me show you how to enjoy your port day at Cherbourg on a DIY shore excursion!
From touring the interior of a real nuclear submarine to the colourful umbrellas made famous by a classic French film, I’ll share with tips to get into Cherbourg’s city centre via the port shuttle, as well as how to enjoy the best of Normandy cuisine!
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Cherbourg Cruise Port: Is a DIY Excursion Easy? 😎😎😎😎😎 Easy Peasy
The trip from Cherbourg Cruise Port to Cherbourg’s City Centre is very simple, thanks to the port shuttle bus! (More details below). And that’s why I rated a DIY excursion at Cherbourg Cruise Port 😎😎😎😎😎 Easy Peasy:
- World-Class Attraction Right at Cruise Terminal: La Cité de la Mer is right at the Cherbourg cruise terminal. With everything from a former nuclear submarine to a permanent exhibition on the Titanic, you can easily spend half your port day there.
- Port Shuttle to City Centre: Straight from outside the Cherbourg cruise terminal, catch the free port shuttle directly to the city centre. Easy Peasy indeed! Don’t want to wait for the shuttle? The city centre is only 15 minutes walk away anyway!
- Walkable City Centre: Most of the “things to do” in Cherbourg is around 5-10 minutes walk from the port shuttle stop. Add on a mostly flat city centre and you can easily tour the city centre on foot.
Cherbourg France: Where Your Ship Docks
Cruise ships arriving in Cherbourg France dock at Quai de France – see this marked on my Cherbourg Cruise Port map below.
From the Cherbourg Cruise Terminal, it’s about a 15-minute walk to Cherbourg City Centre. But there’s a port shuttle running by the Cherbourg Port Authority, making the trip even easier!. You’ll see the port shuttle operating times advertised when you disembark, because the shuttle schedule is tailored for your ship’s port arrival and departure times. (Whether it’s paid or complimentary depends on your cruise line’s policy. If you get charged, it’s usually €4 return.)
Port Shuttle Route: This port shuttle runs on a continuous loop from outside the Cherbourg Cruise Terminal, then to the big shopping centre called “Centre Commercial Les Eléis“, then Cherbourg Train Station, then loop around heading north on Quai Alexander III and then cross back via Pont Tournant towards Cherbourg Cruise Terminal again.
Where to Get Off for Cherbourg City Centre: If you want to head to Cherbourg City Centre, the best shuttle stop is the one on Quai Alexander III, the stop after Cherbourg Train Station. From Quai Alexander III, almost everything that I write about below is within short walking distance. The only exception is the Liberation Museum, which is closer to the Cherbourg train station stop.
Late Port Departure? Some cruise lines will stay in Cherbourg till late! For example, Azamara Cruises typically doesn’t leave until around 10pm to 11pm. The free port shuttles will stop running before then, but the walk back to Cherbourg Cruise Terminal is around 15 minutes and the walk is on flat ground.
Cherbourg Cruise Port Essentials: All You Need to Know
- Currency: Euros (€)
- Cash or Card: 💳 is okay to pay for attractions, lunch etc. But if you’re visiting the markets, you’ll need euros in cash as stalls may not accept card.
- Language: French
- Official Tourism Website: Office de Tourisme du Cotentin and Normandy Tourism
- Cherbourg Cruise Port Schedule: click here to see the official port schedule – it’s really useful if your cruise line doesn’t advertise expected arrival & departure port times, like P&O and Cunard, because it’s listed here!
- Transport App: Use Google Maps to general navigation.
- eSIM for roaming in France: For a great data connection without the huge roaming fees, use an eSIM data pack from Airalo. I always recommend having a smartphone with a valid plan when you’re at port touring independently. Get US$3 off with your first eSIM data pack when you use ROXANN1666 when you sign up or apply it at checkout.
Cherbourg Cruise Port Map
- On Desktop | Laptop? Use buttons on bottom left to zoom in/out. Click on the upper right hand corner to see a bigger version.
- On Tablet | Mobile? Pinch your screen to zoom in/out and use two fingers to move map around. If you have Google Maps installed on your tablet/mobile, my map will open in your Google Maps app if you click on the upper right hand corner.
- If map is not loading correctly, click here to see this directly on Google Maps
Cherbourg France: Top Things to Do
1. La Cité de la Mer
Located right next to the Cherbourg Cruise Terminal, La Cité de la Mer is a world-class attraction and there’s enough to do that you can easily stay 4-5 hours here.
If you’re fascinated by the story of Titanic, then this is an unmissable attraction! RMS Titanic, after departing from Southampton on her ill-fated maiden voyage on April 10, 1912, stopped in Cherbourg later that day to pick up additional passengers and mail. Back then, the Titanic was so massive that she could not dock in Cherbourg and passengers were tendered in. (Titanic also stopped in Queenstown, now known as Cobh, in County Cork in Ireland before sailing across the Atlantic.) Yes, these stops at Cherbourg & Cobh are not in the movie!
I recently listened to Noisier’s podcast series called “Titanic – the Ship of Dreams” and would highly recommend it if you’re interested in the Titanic. (In the UK? You can also hear it on the BBC Sounds app.) Episode 3 “Into the Atlantic” describes the Titanic in Cherbourg.
Highlights at La Cité de la Mer
- Le Redoutable Submarine: It’s the world’s largest submarine open to the public! There’s an audioguide that leads you through the torpedo rooms, engine compartments and the cramped living quarters of this former French nuclear-powered vessels. If you follow the audioguide, expect to spend 30-40 minutes in the submarine.
- Titanic Exhibition: Besides numerous artefacts relating to the Titanic, the exhibits also tell the stories of the 281 passengers who boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg as well as full-scale replicas of cabins. It’s by no means on the same scale as the Titanic Museum in Belfast but it’s still very good!
- Aquarium: There’s 17 impressive aquariums, highlighted by the 11 metre (~36 feet) deep abyssal tank, the deepest in Europe!
- Gallery of Machines and Men: You’ll see some incredible devices which explorers have used to venture into the ocean’s depths!
There’s also two movies about Cherbourg and Normandy that screens in the auditorium. So when you’re tired and just want to sit down for a bit, you can also go and watch a short film!
Visiting La Cité de la Mer
- How to Get There: Right next to Cherbourg Cruise Terminal; there’s signs. You won’t miss it! (Don’t catch the port shuttle!)
- Opening Hours: 10am to 6pm daily but the museum opens earlier at 9:30am during summer months. During July & August, it also opens late till 8pm but most of us will be back at the ship before then!
- Tickets: €21 adults, €15 kids (aged 5-17). Free for kids under 5. A digital guide (headphones & small tablet) is €5 extra. Only kids aged 5+ can tour the submarine. Pre-book here and skip the queue at the ticket office!
2. Basilique Sainte-Trinité
The origins of the Basilique Sainte-Trinité can be traced back to the 5th century but the original church was razed by the Normans during their raids in 841.
The church was then rebuilt around 1060, under the patronage of William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy (before his conquest of England). It was once again destroyed by the English in 1405 during the Hundred Years’ War.
The church we see today is the 4th iteration built in 1423-1466 and is a prime example of 15th century “Flamboyant Gothic” architectural style. But you’ll notice the distinctively “newer” Bell Tower, which was built around 1825.
The most interesting thing to look out for is The Danse Macabre (Dance of Death) on the wall of the left aisle (the northern side) where you’ll find a remarkable stone relief from 1480 depicting the Dance of Death. This medieval allegory shows skeletons leading people from all walks of life—from the Pope and Emperor down to the commoner—in a dance.
- How to Get There: A 5 minute walk from the Quai Alexander III free port shuttle drop off point.
- Opening Hours: Daily 9am to 7pm. Note that it’s working cathedral, so Sundays would be difficult for a visit due to masses. The church is free to enter.
3. Musée d’Art Thomas-Henry
Often called the “Little Louvre,” the collection has over 300 paintings and sculptures from the 15th through to 19th centuries. It’s most famous for the extensive collection of pieces by Jean-François Millet, a celebrated local artist who inspired Van Gogh.
- How to Get There: About 15 minutes from Cherbourg Cruise Terminal, in the heart of Cherbourg’s city centre
- Opening Hours: Closed Mondays. Open 10am to 12:30pm, then 2pm – 6pm Tuesday to Friday. Open 1pm to 6pm Saturday and Sunday. Double-check opening hours here
- Tickets: €6 adults but free for students under 26 and kids. Free for everyone on Wednesdays!
4. Musée de la Libération
Perched atop the Roule mountain in a historic fort, 117 metres (~385 feet) above the city of Cherbourg, the Musée de la Libération (Liberation Museum) chronicles the vital role of Cherbourg played during WWII.
Cherbourg, with its deep water port, was a prize coveted by both the Axis and the Allies. German forces quickly occupied Cherbourg after the fall of France in June 1940. This Fort du Roule, where the Liberation Museum is now, became a key command post and a stronghold of the German defence.
So the capture of Cherbourg was part of the D-Day landing battles in June 1944. By autumn 1944, Cherbourg had become the busiest port of the world and the main artery for the Allied war effort in Europe.
It’s a bit out of the way but there’s great views of Cherbourg on the terrace of the museum!
- How to Get There: It’s 20 minutes uphill walk from Jardin public de Cherbourg, close to Cherbourg train station. There’s no buses that stop there, so if you would rather not walk, then catch a taxi up the hill! See the walk marked on my Cherbourg Cruise Port map above.
- Opening Hours: Closed Mondays. Open 10am to 12:30pm, then 2pm – 6pm Tuesday to Friday. Open 1pm to 6pm Saturday and Sunday. Double-check opening hours here – I highly recommend it as it’s a bit of walk up the hill!
- Tickets: €5 adults but free for students under 26, kids. Also free for everyone on Wednesdays!
5. Le Parapluie de Cherbourg
The romantic 1964 musical film Les Parapluies de Cherbourg (Umbrellas of Cherbourg), made this (still working) umbrella factory a symbol of Cherbourg.
The factory offers visitors a glimpse into the meticulous process of creating its iconic product. The umbrellas are not cheap but are extremely well made. You can take a self-guided or guided tour for a small charge or you can just visit the boutique to have a look.
- Opening Hours: Closed Sundays. Open 10am to 7pm Monday to Saturday.
- Tickets: €5 for self-guided tour (to see the workshops), €8 for a guided tour. Free if you just want to see the boutique.
6. Cherbourg’s Markets
If your ship is calling at Cherbourg on a Thursday, Saturday or Sunday, then you can head to the famous outdoor markets! You’ll see lots of fresh local produce, including excellent choice of regional cheese, cider, with ready-to-eat food normally available from grilleurs (rotisserie stalls).
On Thursdays and Saturdays (AM only), the markets are at Place Général de Gaulle. The landmark to look for is the Théâtre de Cherbourg 📸👆. On Sundays (AM only), the market is at Avenue de Normandie.
I haven’t been to the one on Avenue de Normandie, so I can’t tell you exactly where it is. If you’re arriving in Cherbourg on a Sunday, I would ask at the tourist office first, as the Avenue de Normandie is a long street.
A Taste of Normandy: What & Where to Eat
Normandy is famous for the “Four Cs”: Camembert cheese, rich Cream (crème), crisp apple Cider (cidre), and potent apple brandy Calvados. Its 600 km coastline also provides lots of fresh seafood, including scallops (coquilles Saint-Jacques), mussels (moules), and oysters (huîtres). So look out for these ingredients when you decide what to eat on the menu!
Here’s a few suggestions for restaurants that serve typical Normandy food:
- Le Café de Paris: Classic French brasserie famous for its fresh seafood platters (fruits de mer), oysters sourced from nearby Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, and perfectly cooked fish. Come here if you want seafood.
- Au Saint Michael: Serves Galette Normande, a savoury buckwheat pancake filled with ingredients like potatoes, onions, and local smoked sausage, often topped with a cream sauce. A Normandy Specialty! (Note: these buckwheat pancakes are gluten free. Just be careful of the toppings though!)
Top Pâtisseries, Bakeries & Chocolatiers
I visit an artisan pâtisserie and/or boulangerie (bakery) in every French city I go to! Need I say more? Here’s a few favourites in Cherbourg – all marked on my Cherbourg Cruise Port map above:
- Pâtisserie Foucher: Owned by renowned chef Jean-François Foucher, come here for his exquisite chocolate, macaroons, sorbets and of course, patisserie items. Croissants and pain au chocolates are around €2 and cake slices are around €5.
- Pâtisserie Yvard: A “Salon de Thé” if you’d like to do sit-down afternoon tea. Everything from the pastries and chocolates to the viennoiseries and macarons are fabulous!
- Boulangerie Petit Jean: Perfect for “grab and go” lunch. There’s plenty of bakery items as well as baguette sandwiches.
Beyond Cherbourg: Full-Day Normandy Excursions
I often get asked whether it’s possible to do a DIY excursions to the other famous sites in Normandy. So I’ll share my thoughts on these potential excursions:
1. The D-Day Landing Beaches
From Cherbourg, there’s no easy way to do a DIY excursion to the famous D-Day Landing sites, including Utah Beach, the cliff-top German battery at Pointe du Hoc (assaulted by US Rangers), the infamous Omaha Beach, and the deeply moving Normandy American Cemetery. Unless you have a long day at port and opt to rent a car yourself. Your cruise line will no doubt have a full-day excursion on offer.
If you’ve read elsewhere that the town of Sainte-Mère-Église (where paratroopers famously landed) is quite near to Cherbourg, that’s absolutely correct! Unfortunately, the #301 bus that runs from Cherbourg to Sainte-Mère-Église runs very infrequently. So for the typical cruiser with a straight “all aboard” time to adhere to, this DIY shore excursion, IMHO isn’t that do-able either unless you rent a car and drive yourself.
The church from which Private John Steele hung from, when his parachute became snagged on the spire of the church is a few minutes’ walk from the town centre. You may remember this from the 1962 film The Longest Day. And now, a permanent mannequin of John Steele hangs from the church steeple with his parachute, commemorating his famous plight. Inside, the stained-glass windows beautifully depict the Virgin Mary surrounded by paratroopers.
2. The Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of the iconic island abbey of Mont Saint-Michel may not look very far away on the map but it’s actually about 2 hours’ drive each way! So even if you’re willing to rent a car and drive there yourself, you’ll need a very long day at port to do the excursion.
And that’s why some cruise lines stop in Cherbourg for over 12 hours, because they also want to sell you this excursion to Mont Saint-Michel! Unfortunately, there’s no easy to do a DIY shore excursion to Mont Saint-Michel from Cherbourg Cruise Port, so you’ll have to pay for a tour via your cruise line!
3. The Bayeux Tapestry & the Medieval Town
The charming medieval town of Bayeux is famous for the world-renowned Bayeux Tapestry but there’s a lot to see besides the Tapestry itself! And it’s easy to do a DIY shore excursion there!
The Bayeux Tapestry narrates the story of the events leading up to and including the Norman invasion of England in 1066. Inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, this 950-year old piece of Romanesque textile art resembles a giant comic strip. Measuring nearly 70 metres (~230 feet) long and about 50 cm high (~20 inches), there’s 58 surviving scenes and Latin text (tituli) that explains the action.
Important Note: The Bayeux Tapestry Museum will close for major renovations on September 1st, 2025 and won’t re-open until summer 2027. The Bayeux Tapestry is scheduled to be on loan to the British Museum in London from September 2026 to July 2027.
Besides the Tapestry, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Bayeux is a stunning example of Norman Gothic architecture. The Musée Mémorial de la Bataille de Normandie (Battle of Normandy Memorial Museum) chronicles the military operations in the summer of 1944. The Bayeux War Cemetery is the largest Commonwealth cemetery of WWII in France. Musée d’Art et d’Histoire Baron Gérard (MAHB), housed in the former Bishop’s Palace is also worth a visit, as is a wander through the Old Town of Bauyeux, as it somehow managed to be spared from major damage from the war.
- How to Get There: Direct SNCF trains run frequently from Cherbourg’s train station to Bayeux in under an hour. Use the free port shuttle to get to Cherbourg train station easily. All attractions in Bayeux I mention above are within walking distance of Bayeux train station.
If your ship is calling in Cherbourg Cruise Port, I hope that this guide has helped you. plan your port day there! There’s quite a lot to see for a small port in Normandy, not to mention quite a lot to indulge in. Happy cruising as always! Zana
Featured Photo by Sofiia Asmi
