Cherbourg
Visit the port city of Cherbourg
Cherbourg sits on the tip of a peninsula in Lower NormandY and is one of the great Channel ports which is both rich in history and offers so much for the visitor to see and do. It’s a city where Napoleon is still highly regarded – maybe it’s because this is where his ashes were returned after he died - and there’s a huge statue of him on horseback in the middle of the city.
Cherbourg’s location is stunning with steep, wooded hillsides leading down to the deep harbour.
Cherbourg was also once France’s key port for the huge ocean liners that crossed the Atlantic and it was even the Titanic’s very last port of call before it started the next leg of its fateful voyage.
It also has a wide choice of museums and gardens and the cities of Caen and Rouen are also within easy reach.
Getting there
While we don’t offer a direct ferry to Cherbourg, the journey from Dieppe is just 3 hours so we offer taking our Newhaven-Dieppe route crossing. Alternatively, you can take Dover-Calais ferry route and it will take you 4.5h to get to Cherbourgh.
Both routes take in some stunning coastal scenery which helps to make any journey pass more quickly.
What to see in Cherbourg?
Cité de la Mer is a fantastic exhibition centre with four main areas to visit. The centrepiece is the decommissioned nuclear submarine Redoubtable which is now a museum and the largest underwater craft in the world. Nearby is the cylindrical aquarium containing sea creatures. There is also an underwater expedition experience using VR and digitised displays. The fourth area incorporates exhibitions about the city’s maritime history.
The Musée Thomas Henry features works by local artists while the Museum Emmanuel Liais covers archaeology and ethnography including many fine pieces from ancient Egypt.
Musée del la Liberation tells the military history of Cherbourg and is set in an old fort with spectacular views.
You can also take an hour-long cruise around the harbour visiting a number of the abandoned fortifications or visit to the Chateau de Ravelet Gardens.
Our routes to France
Dover-Dunkirk Ferry Crossings
Our short, convenient sailings from Dover to Dunkirk are the perfect way to start a trip to Europe.
From
€103
per car + up to 4 people, one way*
Dover-Calais Ferry Crossings
Our fastest and most popular ferry crossing, our Dover to Calais route takes only 100 minutes, allowing you to explore Europe at your leisure.
From
€103
per car + up to 4 people, one way*
Newhaven-Dieppe Ferry Crossings
Head across the Channel on our Newhaven to Dieppe route and in just 4 hours you can sail in comfort from the south of England to France's beautiful Normandy coast.
From
£93
per car + 2 people, one way*
Rosslare - Dunkirk Ferry
Sail between Ireland and France with DFDS on our new Rosslare – Dunkirk overnight ferry. With shopping onboard, comfy cabins and all meals included you can reach your destination ready to explore.
15%
discount
Prices are subject to availability. Telephone booking fees apply. Terms and conditions apply.