Located in the north of the Cotentin Peninsula in the Normandy region, the city of Cherbourg is a commune in the Manche department. With a population of over 70,000, it welcomes many tourists each year.
Cherbourg is one of the leading cultural centers in the Normandy region. This is why it enjoys great recognition in France and is one of the favorite destinations for the French.
Cherbourg is known for its tourist attractions . Want to learn more about this city and planning to visit soon to discover Cherbourg's specialties ? Here's a rundown of what it has to offer during your stay.
Cherbourg is considered an ideal place for a weekend getaway or a few days of vacation with family or friends, thanks to its many cultural assets. There are many emblematic sites linked to umbrellas, a speciality of Cherbourg , which are absolutely essential to discover in this city.
If you come to this city, you absolutely must visit the famous Manufacture Le parapluie de Cherbourg , a must-see place.
Labeled "Qualité Tourisme", this place is a museum dedicated exclusively to umbrellas which are a specialty of Cherbourg . You will have the opportunity to discover the different models of umbrella that exist, their history as well as the different stages of manufacturing a Cherbourg Umbrella.
The city of Cherbourg had the honor of being the location where The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, a cult film by Jacques Demy starring Catherine Deneuve, was filmed. Why is Cherbourg famous ? It's largely thanks to the notoriety of this film. If you enjoyed this film, you can discover the iconic locations where it was filmed.
The town hall has taken advantage of the success of this film, which has become one of Cherbourg's specialties , to set up a pedestrian route to follow for this purpose. It's an opportunity to quickly take a little tour of the town and some of its most beautiful places.
If you're still wondering what Cherbourg is known for , you should know that there are many monuments to visit in this city. This makes it a popular tourist destination. Here are some not to be missed:
The Basilica of the Holy Trinity is a remarkable masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Dating from the 15th century, it was built on the ruins of an earlier church that was completely destroyed during the Hundred Years' War.
The Italian-style theatre, inaugurated in 1882, is certainly one of Cherbourg's most beautiful monuments. Located on Place Général de Gaulle, the heart of the city, it is a heritage site that is a must-see during a stay in the city.
Cherbourg specialty are offered , allowing visitors to discover the building and its history. It is also possible to attend a performance to admire the interior. However, for this, you should remember to book tickets in advance.
Cherbourg enjoys a privileged geographical location in the Manche department. It hosts several nautical events. This is one of the good reasons answering the question: what is Cherbourg famous for ? In addition, the city has numerous maritime infrastructures that attract tourists from all over the world every day. Here are the most emblematic:
The Cité de la Mer is the most visited place in Cherbourg. It is a large museum established since 2002 in the former transatlantic ferry terminal, a Cherbourg specialty . An exhibition on the Titanic is held in this immense and impressive museum.
There you will discover the depths of the sea and will also have the opportunity to see the largest nuclear submarine in the world that can be visited: "Le Redoutable". The maritime station and Le Redoutable were elected in 2002 as the favorite monument of the French. This is, once again, why Cherbourg is known .
The Grande Rade, a true Cherbourg specialty , is a must-see in this city. It is, like many other buildings, what Cherbourg is known for . It is the largest artificial harbor in the world and served as a good bulwark against English attacks. It stretches 4 kilometers into the sea.
The construction of this harbor was launched by Louis XVI and completed in the 19th century. It has seen many ocean liners pass through, including the Titanic. Cherbourg was the Titanic's only and final port of call in France before its sinking. This is also why Cherbourg is known in France and around the world.
In short, Cherbourg is one of the biggest tourist destinations in France, what are you waiting for to visit it?