Sightseeing in Cherbourg - what to see. Complete travel guide

The most important seaport of France, today this place is widely known for its enormous cultural significance. The city’s port and fortification facilities are very interesting to look at. They have been designed to protect the harbor. Today many of them are available for inspection. They are a wonderful object for study of the fortification architecture of different eras.

In general the city is very interesting and it can be recommended for family tourism as here you can both have rest and study new things. It this city you can relax and enjoy the tranquility of a small European town. In addition to these factors Cherbourg offers excellent opportunity to study the history of Europe and France. The old part of the city was founded in the beginning of the eleventh century. Commercial and military harbor and forts are also very interesting.

Be sure to visit the town hall and church built back in the XV century. The city's museum with a collection of ancient artifacts that bring back the memory of important events in the history of Europe is also worth visiting. Cherbourg Art Gallery (Musee Henri) features a rich exposition, in which you will find works of famous masters. Many visitors enjoy the exhibition of Museum of natural History. Finally, the local municipal library is a true source of pride for locals. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Not so long ago, the new science museum called Cite de la Mer was opened in Cherbourg. Its visitors can learn about the most important discoveries and oceanographic researches of the recent years, as well as see the collections of themed, interesting exhibits. In the center, there is a big aquarium. One of the most interesting points of the tour is the visiting of the submarine.

The important historical symbol of the city is Fort du Roule. It was used to protect the coastal zone from pirates and conquerors once. The fort saw a lot of battles but this didn’t prevent it from preserving its magnificent exterior afterwards. The construction is located on a small hill. The nearby territory has a fabulous view of the harbor. Nowadays, some part of the historical building is occupied by the Liberation Museum, the collection of which is dedicated to the Second World War.

In the warm season, you should definitely visit the Park of Emmanuel Liais within the framework of the sightseeing tour. It was called after the famous biologist and traveler who lived in Cherbourg in the 19th century. Exactly he was an initiator of the botanical garden foundation. Today, the main value of the park is magnificent cypresses aged over a hundred years. Another value is tiny ponds. A few years ago, there was a special indoor pavilion where rare plants were presented, so you can visit the park even in winter.

One of the interesting architectural monuments of the 19th century is Notre Dame du Haut. The exterior of the church harmoniously combines Roman and Gothic elements. During the Second World War, the church was destroyed almost completely. However, it was restored already in the 50s. Since its construction, the church has been distinguished by its beautiful interior that was refurbished during the reconstruction. The main value of the temple is a wooden hand-made altar and an organ made in 1885. Now, the old church is located in the territory of the big park. In a warm period, it is always decorated with interesting landscape attractions.