Cherbourg
Cherbourg-Octeville is in the north of the Cotentin peninsula and is the largest town of the Manche region.
An ideal town for a family holiday
Cherbourg-Octeville is in the north of the Cotentin peninsula and is the largest town of the Manche region. It has all the attractions of a town and is also by the sea. The nearby fine sandy beaches are great for relaxing or swimming and water sports with lifeguards present.
Cherbourg-Octeville is an ideal destination for a seaside holiday with family or friends. Whether you are looking for a relaxing stay on the beach or a more active sporting holiday, Cherbourg-Octeville has everything you need.
Thanks to Gites de France you can easily find a gite near Cherbourg-Octeville for the number of people and dates you require. Gites de France has a wide range of quality properties, so you are sure to find the holiday house of your dreams !
What to do in Cherbourg-Octeville
During your gite holiday in Cherbourg, take the opportunity to try all the gourmet specialities for which Lower Normandy is famed like Normandy-style turkey escalope, Normandy-style mussels and a whole host of locally-caught seafood and fish including lobster.
The town of Cherbourg has no less than 5 harbours opening onto the English Channel where you can go off on a boat trip or watch the fishing fleet returning to port. Fish is still sold at auction on the harbourside. At the Cité de la Mer, you can see objects from great ocean liners like the S.S. France and the R.M.S. Titanic which called at Cherbourg over a century ago. You can also visit the nuclear submarine Redoutable which saw 20 years active service as a nuclear deterrent in the French Navy, and see what life was like for the men who lived in the depths of the ocean. It is the largest submarine in the world open to the public.
The Cherbourg area has some well-known local products like Heula brand, the Maison du Biscuit and Cherbourg umbrellas. There are also many cultural attractions.
What to do in the area around Cherbourg-Octeville
The Manche region has plenty of cultural and sporting activities to do during your gite holiday in Cherbourg. Whether you come with family or friends, there’s something for everyone.
For example, visit Barfleur, one of the « Loveliest Villages in France » or Saint Vaast la Hougue with its lovely harbour and island of Ile Tatihou which are very near Cherbourg.
During your holiday in Cherbourg, we strongly recommend a day trip to Mont Saint-Michel. It’s an absolute must ! The view of the rocky islet from the coast and the panoramic view of the bay from the Mont are breathtaking. Visit the abbey at the top of the Mont to understand the history of this extraordinary and fascinating place.
You will also have the opportunity to learn more about the Second World War from the numerous historical sites devoted to the Allied Landings and the Liberation by the Allies. For example, visit the Airborne Museum at Saint Mère l’Eglise, a museum dedicated to the American paratroopers who liberated the village, and other strategic points which played a major role in the Landings.
How to get to Cherbourg
Cherbourg is easy to get to from Paris by rail or road. There is a direct train service from Paris to Cherbourg.
By car, take A13 to Caen then the RN13 to Cherbourg."
