Cherbourg Off The Beaten Path Tips by Pavlik_NL

A tribute to Napoleon Bonaparte

Although not many European countries are as enthusiastic about this conquering Frenchman, the French are crazy about their little general: Napoleon Bonaparte. Especially the people from Cherbourg honour him, as he was responsible for the start in building the largest deep water harbour in the world, thus making Cherbourg much more important in strategic point of view, but above all in business and trade, as well as in tourism. Napoleon Bonaparte got a large statue, traditionaly sitting on a horse, across the street near the Saint Trinity church, looking over the town and the harbour of Cherbourg.

Some monuments in Cherbourg

Cherbourg saw a fierce battle around and in town, when the Americans rushed in to conquer the harbour. It's importance became huge after the Mulberry port in the America sector got destroyed in an heavy storm, during the months after D-day and Cherbourg had the possibilities to secure a steady supply route for the advancing allied forces. Therefor many monuments are related to the battle of Cherbourg, but in this the Liberation museum takes the most important spot. It's on top of the fortress hill.
Other monuments that I saw in Cherbourg were the general commemorating monument for all that fell during the Great and second Worldwar and the modest monument at the piers in the harbour, for the fishermen that were lost at sea while busy with their profession.

To the West, Querqueville and Nacqueville

West of Cherbourg are the small suburban villages of Querqueville and Nacqueville. From the hills of Querqueville, one enjoys a spectacular view over the complete rabour bassin of Cherbourg (the largest deel water harbour in the world). A small church dominates the top of this hill and the view is from the terraces surrounding the burrial grounds around this church. In Nacqueville a beautiful castle can be visited. Around this magnificent building is a beautiful park with botanical gardens.

Website: http://nacqueville.com/

Go to the stars at Planetarium Ludiver

Just half an hour drive from Cherbourg in Western direction, in the wide hills near the small village of Tonneville, you can find the planetarium Ludiver. The area of Cotentin peninsula with it's proximity to the sea, is relatively dark and therefore a planetarium here finds a good location. Around the real planetarium, an interesting museum about the planets and the stars is set. The greatest thing is a visit to the magical multimedia surround show during which the stars are projected in a dome shaped building, simulating the running of stars, planets and the constellations.

Phone: 0033 233 78 13 80

Website: http://www.ludiver.com