Cherbourg-en-Cotentin my Love...

The Cotentin

The Cotentin is a land of Vikings, sailors, and conquerors...

Woven with history and major events, the Cotentin remains a place of secrets and subtlety.

Small villages, hidden beaches, tiny harbors, surfing, windsurfing and fishing spots, local flavors... so many preserved treasures we keep to ourselves — but we’ll gladly share them with you if you ask.

Our team will be happy to guide you during your stay at our hotel.

Cherbourg

The perfect starting point for exploring the Manche, Cherbourg has its own hidden gems. Begin with the Cité de la Mer (citedelamer.com), a must-see site dedicated to the adventure of man and the sea. You can board Le Redoutable, the largest submarine in the world open to the public. You’ll also trace the story of the Titanic through an immersive virtual visit in the 1930s maritime station.

Inside the former train hall, relive the buzz of a historic day in Normandy: the Queen Mary’s first stop at the dock in Cherbourg on April 14, 1937. Lastly, discover the marine life in “The Ocean of the Future” exhibit with its 17 aquariums.

Continue along the Caligny quays. Stop by the Cherbourg Umbrella Factory (parapluiedecherbourg.com). Hum a tune by Michel Legrand as you learn about the manufacturing process, history, and creations of this iconic brand.

Then, stroll through the old town and gardens. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, the Cotentin Peninsula has a unique microclimate. The Manche will surprise you with its abundant, sometimes exotic flora.

Yes, we have palm trees in Cherbourg! Many gardens and château parks open their gates: the presbytery garden in Brucheville, the botanical garden of Vauville Castle, the gardens in tribute to Jacques Prévert in Saint Germain des Vaux, and the park of the Château des Ravalet in Tourlaville.

Head East

East of Cherbourg, follow the coastline to discover the Cap Lévi lighthouse, the Caqueret Battery, and the Gatteville lighthouse, before reaching Barfleur and Saint Vaast la Hougue. In Saint Vaast, admire the observation towers of Tatihou and La Hougue, listed in 2008 as UNESCO World Heritage sites as part of the “Vauban fortifications.”

To reach Tatihou, board the amphibious boat or walk across at low tide to this small paradise turned peninsula. All the info here: (tatihou.manche.fr). Before you leave, don’t forget to taste the famous Saint Vaast oyster — Saint Vaast is both a fishing and sailing port and the birthplace of the Norman oyster.

Valognes

If you're missing a bit of city life, head inland to Valognes. Known as the “Little Versailles of Normandy,” Valognes is a highlight of the Cotentin. Its many private mansions showcase impressive architecture, especially the Hôtel de Beaumont nestled in the Norman countryside. Here, cider takes center stage. The Regional Cider Museum houses France’s largest collection dedicated to this “blond gold” so beloved by Normans.

Head West

Leaving Cherbourg to the west feels like reaching the edge of the world. Your phone may even switch to a UK network. This road takes you to France’s smallest port, Port Racine in Saint Germain des Vaux. Just 800m², it shelters around twenty boats moored the traditional way — with crossed ropes.

You’ll be in the heart of what locals call “Little Ireland,” between cliffs and meadows. Along the way, immerse yourself in wild, untouched nature. The cliffs of Landemer are a starting point of the famous customs trail, the GR 223, which runs 446 km along the Cotentin coastline.

More info here: www.cotentin-tourisme-normandie.fr/pointdevue/sentier-des-douaniers-gr-223/

At the very tip of the Cotentin lies the Goury lighthouse in Auderville, at Cap de la Hague, facing the Raz Blanchard — known for having some of the strongest currents in the world.

To the south, the beaches of Vauville, Siouville, Le Rozel, and Sciotot, and the dunes of Biville are all popular spots for surfing, windsurfing, kite surfing, speedsailing — or simply swimming and relaxing.

To make the most of your visit, we highly recommend exploring the excellent Cotentin tourism site: www.encotentin.fr. The Manche will no longer hold any secrets for you. For hikers on foot or by bike, we also provide topographic guides published by the tourist office.