The port city of Cherbourg is a great place to visit. About four hours' drive south of Calais, there are plenty of coastal spots for you to see en route to Cherbourg.
The drive to Cherbourg
Driving through Normandy, there are many beautiful historic sites to stop by along the way. That is the beauty of travelling with us - the drive is a part of your holiday! Along the drive to Cherbourg there are plenty of cities and attractions for you to visit.
What to see on the way to Cherbourg
Bayeux Tapestry
The Bayeux Tapestry is a valuable historical artefact, on permanent display at Museum of Queen Matilda.
Just over an hour's drive away from Cherbourg, is the town of Bayeux. The town is famous for the Bayeux Tapestry, a huge medieval tapestry depicting William the Conqueror's invasion of England, and his subsequent victory at the Battle of Hastings. The tapestry is 70 metres in total, and is one of the most important historical artefacts from that time. It is on permanent display at the Museum of Queen Matilda, so you can see it whenever you visit Bayeux.
Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives
The Medieval town of Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives is a great place to visit in Normandy.© ChBougui
This town is famous for its abbey, founded in the 11th century. The abbey is a striking example of Medieval architecture, but it isn't the only example in Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives. The Market Hall was built in the 11th century and shows what life looked like back then, when the monks would sell to the locals. If you can, visit on a Monday when there is an open-air market.
Basilique Sainte-Thérèse
The magnificent Basilique Sainte-Thérèse is a must-see on your drive to Cherbourg
This is an incredibly important church to Roman Catholics, just under two hours from Cherbourg. Named for Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, the church is huge, and is noted for its sublime interior, made with marble, mosaics and glittering stained glass windows that tell the story of Sainte Thérèse's life. This church is one of the most beautiful monuments you can see in Normandy.
What to see in Cherbourg
Explore the wonders of the deep whilst comfortably on dry land, at La Cité de la Mer.© Office de Tourisme Cherbourg Cotentin
La Cité de la Mer
One of the must-see tourist attractions in Cherbourg is the La Cité de la Mer, an expansive maritime museum that takes visitors on a tour of the hidden depths. From exhibits featuring the Titanic, to the machinery that made it possible to explore the deepest, darkest parts of the ocean, this is a great place to visit.
Where to eat in Cherbourg
As you gaze out to the ocean, dine on fresh seafood. Cafe de Paris is a well renowned restaurant in Cherbourg, with picture perfect sea views. Don't miss out on the oysters, which are their speciality.
Where to drink in Cherbourg
For a really quirky cocktail bar, look no further than Le Shake It Café. Known for its skull emblem, great menu and hard liquor, this is a great place to hang out at night. If it's a warm evening, try and get a seat outside.
Where to stay in Cherbourg
Your accommodation is always incredibly important. You want somewhere clean, accessible, but also interesting and just a little bit quirky. Hotel Napoleon has all that: 20th century architecture and beautiful rooms- there's also parking available.
Weather in Cherbourg
In July and August you can experience average highs of 16°C, and lows of 13°C. In the winter, expect temperatures of about 5°C. With rainfall, December is wettest month, with just over 60ml on average.
Getting there and around
At just over four hours from the Calais Eurotunnel Le Shuttle terminal, you will experience coastal views and amazing stop-off points throughout. Leave Calais on the A16, take the A28 to Les Rouges Terrres, continue on Voie de la Liberté and drive to Cherbourg. (this road does contain tolls.)
You can find free car parks in the city, near La Perge Verte, Place Divette or along the streets. If these spaces fill up, there are multi story car parks a bit further out of town that charge about 40 cents an hour.
Have you been inspired to drive to Cherbourg? It's only 35 minutes from Folkestone to Calais, and if you book your Eurotunnel Le Shuttle tickets with us early, you'll get the best price.