The coast :

Port of Cherbourg is protected by a double sea wall forming the largest artificial harbour in Europe. Cherbourg is the natural gateway to discover the wonders of Normandy.

History :

From the Gallo-Roman period, Coriallo was mentioned in the schedule of Peulinger, the actual road map of the Roman legions. From a fishing village to a hamlet or scattered farms on the hillside, “La butte”, it gradually became a small town under the impetus of William the Conqueror. In 1786; shortly before the French Revolution, Louis XVI visited the construction work on the harbour sea wall. The circle of forts built in the following century, this artificial defence structure is one of the most impressive military architecture In Europe. Napoleon wished to recreate the wonders of Egypt here.

The Arsenal grew and as from the end of the 19th century, French submarines were built there. The Transatlantic terminal with its Art Deco masterpiece, inaugurated in 1933 was welcoming passengers from the largest liners. This is only monument of this period still existing in Europe. The atmosphere and the feeling of this building are unique. This is the witness of the time when cruise ships or liners were the usual way to go to America. Luxury trains were operated between Paris and Cherbourg transatlantic terminal. In 1944, Cherbourg became the most important port in the world when the allied war equipment was landed on its quaysides. After the war, Cherbourg continued to grow. In 2002, the Cité de la Mer, opened within the old transatlantic terminal, giving a new boost to local tourism. Since then, the town has launched a programme of urban renewal and development of its quaysides. Completely refurbished in 2006, the cruise terminal remains its original features and provides premium port facilities and services either for a transit call or a turnaround operation. The terminal is also fully compliant with the ISPS code.