Ferries to Cherbourg
Cherbourg Cherbourg is the gateway to Normandy. It lies on the Cotentin Peninsula which covers an area of about 18 miles and has a variety of landscapes, with spectacular coastlines and plenty of safe, sandy beaches. Because of its status as one of the most important ports in northern France, Cherbourg probably has as many annual visitors as any other French coastal town – upwards of 1.6 million cross-Channel ferry passengers alone. But in Cherbourg the overwhelming majority merely pass through, on their way from the ferry to more popular holiday areas of France. History The Romans conquered much of this region, but after they left things went downhill. The Saxons were among the first of the invaders, followed by the Franks and later the Vikings, who settled in the region, which became known as Normandy. The city of Cherbourg is first mentioned in 1026 AD, when the city was already thriving. With the Norman conquest of England, the city became part of the Anglo-Norman Kingdom, and was ruled by English kings until the 13th century, when control passed to the King of France. During the Hundred Years War the city of Cherbourg changed hands six times, and this continued until 1540 when it became a permanent part of France. By the 17th century, the castle and city fortifications were in such a bad state that they were demolished rather than repaired. A new harbour was built instead, but this was destroyed during the English attack on the city in 1758, and it wasn’t repaired fully until 1789. The city bounced back during the 19th century, and has been an active port in Northern France ever since, despite being the scene of intense fighting in June of 1944. What To See & Do in Cherbourg
