PORTS OF CALL - Transatlantic
Cherbourg, France
Cherbourg offers everything you could want from a seaside town in France - beautiful gardens, cute little shops, appetizing restaurants. As a port, however, Cherbourg is a maritime institution, playing major roles in early transatlantic travel, submarine building and nautical pastimes. One look at its massive man-made sea wall or its bustling piers and any seafaring adventurer will feel right at home here.
Don't Miss
La Cité de la Mer is a museum, aquarium and oceanographic center all rolled into one. Learn about man's underwater adventures in the Ocean Exhibition, which includes aquatic galleries and an impressive collection of sea life. Then explore the decommissioned nuclear submarine La Redoutable, which served the French military for more than 20 years.
Fun Things to Do
- Cherbourg is home to a number of 19th-century gardens featuring hundreds of plant varieties, spring-fed ponds, native animals, rare birds, and more.
- Listed as a historical monument in 1984, the amazing Cherbourg Theater offers many lively shows and programs.
- You can't visit France without touring a chateau, and the Ravalet Chateau in nearby Tourlaville is a stunning example of Renaissance style.
Sporting Adventures
A variety of nautical events and races take advantage of Cherbourg's man-made harbor. Past events have included the Mondial Assistance Challenge, the Cutty Sark, the Figaro's Solitary and the Europe's Race.
Shopping for Bargains
Whether you're hunting for a rare wine or a unique souvenir, Cherbourg offers shopping experiences aplenty. Check out the open-air markets in front of the theater or in the Old Town district. Or venture into the maze of cobblestone streets and fancy boutiques just behind the waterfront.
Currency
As part of the European Union, France's official currency is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards and traveler's checks are also widely accepted.