Cherbourg, Normandy worth going?

[Rebew]

Just seen that the ferry to Cherbourg is pretty cheap at the moment going from Poole so thinking of having a weekend away with SWIMBO. Can do ferry and hotel for less that £100 so seems like a bargain, however I've never driven on the continent before so don't want to travel too far on my first go, on that basis is it worth going? Interesting places to go and enough to keep SWIMBO entertained? Nice places to eat? Places to stay? I've seen the war museums online which seem worth a look but will need something to keep Mrs Rebew happy too!

[craig1912]

definitely- we used to go a couple of times a year- all the war stuff (don't miss the cemetery's) is excellent. Superb food and loads of decent places to stay. We used to rent a Gite.

[BoyBlue]

So much to see, the Sea Life museum with nuclear sub just half mile from ferry, WW2 museums, empty roads, great food.

Don't miss the 360 cinema at Arromanches and the D Day museum down in the town. St. Come du Mont D Day paratroopers
flight simulation. Visit all the beaches from Utah to Sword. Pick up the free 80 page D Day visitors guide. All this within 20 miles.

[Old Merc]

There is plenty to keep you and Mrs happy just staying in Cherbourg,including a couple of WW2 museums in the town.
As for D Day stuff,as it's your first driving experience abroad I would suggest two options.

A/ A short drive from Cherbourg to Utah beach,museum,nice clean beach,a good day out?

B/ A blast down the N13 from Cherbourg,turn off at Osmanville onto the D514.The D514 is a lovely coast road that takes you past all the D Day beaches,museums,places of interest etc etc all the way to Pegasus Bridge.You then could drive into Caen or Bayeux if you want,or a fast drive back to Cherbourge on the N13.
Mind you this option will take you a good two days,possible more?

Edited by Old Merc on Saturday 15th October 15:29

Edited by Old Merc on Sunday 16th October 11:32

Edited by Old Merc on Sunday 16th October 11:33

[RosscoPCole]

As has already been recommended the 360 Cinema at Arromanches is excellent, also seeing the scale of the Mulberry Harbour and how quickly it was built is mind boggling. Bayeux is a lovely town. The Saturday market has an excellent selection of fresh produce. Also there is the Tapestry and Cathedral. For war cemeteries the British one at Bayeux is a must and the tiny one at Jerusalem just south of Bayeux is fascinating and has a couple of tragic stories associated with it. The American cemetery is huge and designed and built in a completely different style, remember the opening scenes of Saving Private Ryan. Finally the German cemetery at La Cambe is very sombre in both is design and mood.
Cite de la Mer in Cherbourg, as already mentioned, is great for a wet day.
Find a small Cider farm and stock up on cider and Calvados.
You can't go wrong with a local bakery for baguettes, croissants, etc.
Driving is easy after a few hours, just remember roundabouts go anti-clockwise.
Enjoy your trip, a few days is never enough in Normandy.

[Huntsman]

St Vaast is lovely, Monsieur Gosselin's shop, nice restaurants. Hotel Fuschia lovely.

[majordad]

Huntsman said:

St Vaast is lovely, Monsieur Gosselin's shop, nice restaurants. Hotel Fuschia lovely.

Absolutely +1 for all of this. NB, Mr Gosselein shuts all day Monday and takes a long lunch other days. Saturday AM is the market at St Vaast.

[Rebew]

Okay great, sounds like there is plenty going on to make it worth going, I'm starting to get quite interested in the world wars at the moment, (the "lest we forget" thread on here is very interesting) theres so much more to it all than what you learn about in a history lesson so seeing the places for real will be a real eye opener for sure!! And it looks like there will be plenty of opportunity for SWIMBO to spend a fortune in the town so everyone will be happy! Just have to remember to drive on the wrong side of the road! I'm sure that will be easy enough after a while! Thanks for everyone's tips, I'll try to see as much as possible!