Cherbourg (pop. 26,750), an important port for the transatlantic traffic, lies on the north coast of the Cotentin peninsula. In 1853 a 3.6km/2.25mi long breakwater with two piers was built to protect the harbor, and later two other piers were built, separating the larger from the smaller harbor. In 1944 Cherbourg became the Allies' main landing point for heavy military equipment. The advantages of the harbor had been recognized three centuries earlier by Vauban.
There is a fine view of the town and the harbor from the Montagne du Roule (112 m/367ft), 3km/2mi southeast.
On the hill are the Fort du Roule and the Musée de la Guerre et de la Libération. Notable features in the town itself are the Musée Thomas Henry (Italian and Dutch paintings), the church of La Trinité (1423-1504; fine interior) and the beautiful Parc Emmanuel Liais with its exotic plants and Natural History Museum. Foreigners are not admitted to the Arsenal and the naval harbor. There are regular car ferry services from Cherbourg to England and Ireland.
Cherbourg is a good base for excursions to the castles and châteaux of the northern Cotentin, for example Tocqueville, St-Pierre-Eglise and Belvédère.
Over 3,000 types of plants can be found in this impressive private botanical garden. There are superb trees such as nothofagus and eucalyptus, outstanding and rare shrubs.
Address: Jardins de la Roche Fauconnière, F-50100 Cherbourg, France
The Airborne Museum is dedicated to the airborne troops of Operation Overlord, this museum houses an Aeronvale C-47 and examples of the gliders used in the assault. Exhibits include documents from World War 2, weapons and photos.
Address: Musee des Troupes Aeroportees, 14, rue Eisenhower, F-50480 St Mere Eglise, France
Hours:
February 1 to March 31: 9:30am-12pm, 2pm-6pm
April 1 to September 30: 9am-6:45pm
October 1 to November 30: 9:30am-12pm, 2pm-6pm
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
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