Things to do in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin

Step into the pages of history with our expertly designed shore excursion from Cherbourg port, created especially for cruise passengers looking to make the most of their time in Normandy. This isn’t just a tour—it’s a profound and moving experience that brings the pivotal moments of World War II to life. Journey in comfort aboard our spacious, air-conditioned bus, while our passionate guide shares captivating stories that transcend facts and statistics. With expert narration and personal insights, our guide paints a vivid picture of the heroic acts and human resilience that defined D-Day. This is your opportunity to stand in the exact places where history was made and feel the weight of those momentous events firsthand. Reconnect with the bravery of the Allied forces as you walk the sands of Omaha Beach, the site where courage endured against incredible odds. Take a quiet moment to reflect at the American Cemetery, a solemn and awe-inspiring tribute to those who gave everything for freedom. It’s a deeply touching experience that leaves a lasting impression on every visitor. Convenience is key for our guests. That’s why we’ve thought of every detail to ensure your day is stress-free. From reliable pick-up and drop-off directly at Cherbourg port to a thoughtfully scheduled itinerary that seamlessly aligns with your cruise, you can explore with ease, knowing we’ll have you back right on time. Along the way, enjoy a stop at a charming local bakery to grab a delicious bite, or bring your own meal if you prefer. Whether you’re a lifelong history enthusiast or simply looking for a meaningful adventure, this is your chance to walk in the footsteps of heroes, gain unmatched insights, and carry home unforgettable memories. Make your time in Normandy truly extraordinary.

Tour Duration approx. 8 hours Pickup time approx. 9.00 hrs Drop-off approx. 17.00 hrs Location in or near Bayeux / Carentan / Cherbourg (Other locations can be arranged) Capacity max. 5 persons Lunch price is not included in the tourfee. Your guide will discuss arrangements on the morning of the tour. Discover the American Airborne targets like Carentan, Sainte Mère Eglise, la Fière Bridge and la Barquette locks, and learn about the battle of the hedgerows and offers brought by these paratroopers. Retrace the footsteps of the men (and all the others) of Easy Company, 506th PIR of the 101st Airborne Division, made famous by the TV-series Band of Brothers.

07:30 Pick up from Your hotel in Paris and departure destination Normandy by our air conditioned comfortable Mercedes E220 business-class car by 2 people or by Mercedes minivan from 3 participants. It takes about 3,5 hours (280 km) to reach Normandy American Cemetery in Collville-sur-Mer. One stop at a rest area will be made. 11:00 - 11:30 Overlord Museum visit. Located just few hundred meters from the Normandy American Cemetery this museum contains many WW2 artefacts and installations like tanks, weapons, guns, many military vehicles, V-1 missile, personal belongings and more. It gives You a personal feeling about D-Day. 11:30 Departure to the close located Normandy American Cemetery. 11:40 - 12:40 Arrival and Visit of the Normandy American Cemetery & Visitor Center, located in Colleville-sur-Mer and overlooking Omaha Beach. It contains 9,387 U.S. soldiers, most of whom were killed during the Normandy Landings and the Wall of the Missing with the names of 1,557 soldiers missing in action. At the Visitors Center You will find a very nice small Museum with a lot of informations about Battle of Normandy. 12:40 Departure to Omaha Beaches. It takes just 10 minutes (5 km). 12:45 - 13:15 Arrival at Omaha Beaches. Learn about the huge sacrifice made by the 34 000 men who landed here on D-Day. Omaha Beach is the most popular travellers destination of the D-Day Beaches. 13:15 Departure to Pointe du Hoc. I takes 15 minutes (10 km). 13:30 - 14:20 Arrival at Pointe du Hoc, a prominent cliff between Utah and Omaha Beach. This point was important because it was the highest land between Omaha and Utah beaches and could thus fire upon both of them. The site was a gun battery, fortified with concrete casemates and gun pits, forming part of Hitler’s Atlantic Wall defences. 14:20 Departure to Utah Beaches. It takes about 40 minutes hours (400 km). 15:00 - 15:30 Arrival at Utah Beach. Free time for learning on Utah Beach. Utah Beach is the next to Omaha Beach and the westernmost of the Five Normandy D-Day Beaches containing nowadays many museums, memorials and monuments. Utah Beach was the first beach to be stormed by 23,000 American soldiers on 6 June 1944 in order to capture the town of Cherbourg and its deep water port. Utah Beach casualties were relatively light with 197 (including 60 missing). The units that landed on Utah Beach include: 82nd Airborne Division, 101st Airborne Division, VII Corps, 4th Infantry Division, 90th Infantry Division, 4th Cavalry Regiment and 70th Tank Battalion.   15:30 - 16:30 Visit at Utah Beach Landing Museum, created atop a former German bunker. Having a big collection of historical artifacts, military vehicles and the original B26 bomber—one of only six left in existence. 16:30 Departure to Paris. It takes 4 hours (370 km). 20:30  Coming back to Paris. Drop off at your hotel.

In this full-day tour from Cherbourg ( pier or hotel ) you will be picked up at your convenient time with fresh coffee and croissants and you'll spend a full-day on the Normandy WWII sites. First, you'll be in Ste Mère Eglise, the iconic village of the US Airborne, to understand how 14000 paratroopers played a crucial role in preparing the success of this day. You'll visit the Airborne Museum where your guide will explain you in the utmost details the exhibit. Then, you'll head for the hedgerow country where you'll see these terribles natural fences where so many German soldiers could hide and kill during the battle of Normandy. On Utah beach, your guide will explain you why this beach could be so quickly and successfully taken. You'll then enjoy a gourmet lunch on Omaha Beach facing the monument to the Allies, where your guide will explain you in details the battle which took place there 77 years ago. After lunch you'll head for the Pointe du Hoc where you'll see many of the German WWII bunkers taken by the US 2nd Rangers Battalion. Finally, at the Normandy American Cemetery, you'll have to time to visit the site and the Memorial before attending the ceremony of the colors. If time allows you'll also see the Longues sur Mer battery, the last WWII German battery, whose big 150mm guns where shooting on D-Day. You'll be back at your ship at the time you need depending of your ship's schedule.

Let me take you on an unforgettable tour through Normandy to experience the challenges that the US Infantry that landed on Utah Beach had to face on june 6, 1944. Walk where they fought. - Tour Duration approx. 8 hours - Pickup time approx. 9.00 hrs - Drop-off approx. 17.00 hrs - Location in or near Bayeux / Carentan /Cherbourg (Other locations can be arranged) - Capacity max. 5 persons -Lunch price is not included in the tourfee. Your guide will discuss arrangements on the morning of the tour. UTAH-beach The smallest of the two American landingbeaches, but very important in according to seize the deep sea harbor of Cherbourg in order to bring in supplies.  Considered as the most successful with the least casualties of all Normandy landing beaches.  The beach where General Teddy Roosevelt came ashore, the first seaborn general to land on Normandy soil.  - Neuville au Plain Crossroad To prevent the Germans from counterattacking Saint Mère Eglise from direction Cherbourg, a defensive position was created by Paratroopers of the 505th PIR (82nd Airborne Division) at the mainroad (N13) leading to Cherbourg, just North of Saint Mėre Eglise. - Gourbesville: Monument 82nd AB Div. / 90th Inf. Div.  June 6th, 1944 at 02.20 hrs Private James Hattrick , I Company 508 PIR, landed in this village. During several skirmishes he killed the German Commanding Officer, upon which he got killed himself, sadly enough. June 10th, 1944 the 90th Inf. Div. passed La Fière Bridge and 2nd Battalion came under fire at Gourbesville. The village was several times taken by the American 357th Infantry Regiment, but just as many times were thrown out by the German 91st Luftlande (Airborne Infantry) Division. Finally, at 23.15 hrs on June 15, after 9 days of fierce fighting, Gourbesville fell in the hands of the 90th Infantry Division……. and counted 300 American casualties.... Let’s visit the several monuments and buildings which will tell the story about this tough battle around Gourbesville.  - Orglandes, German Cemetary After Gourbesville we continue for the village of Orglandes, like the 90th Infantry Division did after taking the village.  June 17th the village of Orglandes was finally taken after a joint battle of regiments of the 9th and 90th Infantry Division, in order to control the high grounds in this area.  Some days later there was a piece of land prepared as a temporary cemetary for American military.  By the end of June 1944, almost 7.400 German soldiers were buried here as well, albeit on the other side of the field.  In 1961, this cemetary became officially a German Cemetary, but still under French command. Since 1966 the German Government took over this place, and is responsible for the maintenance of the graves of more than 10.000 German victims of this Battle for Normandy.  - Pont l’Abbé  :   Crossroads and Douve-Bridge June 10th the attack on the village of Pont l’Abbé started, from the village of Chef-du-Pont. 

Unlock the Secrets of Perfume Making at La Saire, Near the D-Day Beaches Immerse yourself in the art of perfume creation at La Saire, nestled near the historic D-Day beaches. Join us for an unforgettable experience where you'll have the opportunity to craft your very own bespoke scent under the guidance of a professional perfumer. At La Saire, you'll sit down at the perfumer's table and let your creativity soar. With the assistance of our expert perfumer, Eugénie and Charles, you'll be provided with pipettes, containers, and a composition guide to aid in the creation of your unique fragrance. Choose from a selection of over 40 different scents, each carefully curated to offer a diverse range of aromatic possibilities. Experiment with various combinations and learn the art of blending scents harmoniously to craft a fragrance that truly reflects your personality and preferences. After perfecting your creation, take home a 30ml bottle of your custom-made perfume as a cherished souvenir of your experience at La Saire. Join us for a one-of-a-kind journey into the world of fragrance, where your imagination knows no bounds. Book your workshop today and embark on a scent-sational adventure at La Saire. We look forward to welcoming you.