Day trips (inland) from Cherbourg

[rogerroger]

We're planning one last Channel crossing this year - to Cherbourb, for various reasons.

Having been there a squillion times and done nothing but sit in a bar drinking Export 33 and eating muscles all day I'm thinking of doing something different.

Anyone know about getting to the D Day beaches / WW2 war graves etc ? is there any public transport or is a hire car the only option?
Tar.

/forums/images/icons/cool.gif Roger Holden /forums/images/icons/cool.gif
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[tomg]

We were there a few weeks ago and, weathered in for a few days ( my family will not sail in anything above F4/5), hired a car for four days and visited Utah beach and various ports on the western side of the peninsular which we may visit next year. It's very useful to see them from landside first. There did not seem to be any public transport to Utah. It's well worth a visit. I'm not fond of war museums but Utah was fascinating. Didn't go to the massive cemeteries. Utah was fairly lightly defended and the landing was all about capturing the port of Cherbourg without destroying it. We used Avis (office up by the big supermarket at the top of the inner harbour) and got upgraded to a Renault Espace for a reason I still do not fully(or perhaps barely) understand. We had a great time and can thoroughly recommend it. The Cotenin(spelling?) peninsular is worth exploring. Regards.

 

[Gunfleet]

Don't know why war graves are such an attraction. Cotentin has a great deal to offer. If you must go to a grave go to Jacques Prevert's at Omonville le petit, between Cherbourg and the cap de la Hague

to quote him

Oh, je voudrais tant que tu te souviennes,
Des jours heureux quand nous étions amis,
Dans ce temps là, la vie était plus belle,
Et le soleil plus brûlant qu'aujourd'hui.
Les feuilles mortes se ramassent à la pelle,
Tu vois je n'ai pas oublié.
Les feuilles mortes se ramassent à la pelle,
Les souvenirs et les regrets aussi,
Et le vent du nord les emporte,
Dans la nuit froide de l'oubli.
Tu vois, je n'ai pas oublié,
La chanson que tu me chantais...
C'est une chanson, qui nous ressemble,
Toi qui m'aimais, moi qui t'aimais.
Nous vivions, tous les deux ensemble,
Toi qui m'aimais, moi qui t'aimais.
Et la vie sépare ceux qui s'aiment,
Tout doucement, sans faire de bruit.
Et la mer efface sur le sable,
Les pas des amants désunis.

If she's not crying on your shoulder after that lot mate, you've found yourself a woman with a heart of stone!
ps Autumn leaves, it's sung as in English.

 

[Mr__Max]

We spent a few days in Cherbourg recently and we paid a visit to the war graves site in Bayeaux , went on SNCF french rail network, the train station is easy to find in Cherbourg keep following the commercial ports in land until you find Mc donalds the train station is on the opposite side of the road.

The trains are fast and frequent once in Bayeaux its a short walk to the town centre and the museum ( which you pay for) or the war graves are at the top of the hill ( mainly British troops ) and is a well worth paying your respects.

There is a visitors book in a wall safe in the centre of the memorial which is a got to do item.

I may still have the literature and brochures in my kit bag if you want I can send them to you if not they are readily available in the tourist info offices in Cherbourg.

Ian (Mr.Max@fsmail.net)

 

[rogerroger]

Thanks Ian - just the sort of info I wanted - sounds like a good way to spend a day as well.

Thanks for the offer on the lit - but there's no need to go to the trouble, as you write, the tourist office will no doubt have what we need or we'll just wing it.

Thanks



/forums/images/icons/cool.gif Roger Holden /forums/images/icons/cool.gif
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[bryantee]

if you get to Bayeux,go on to Caen and visit the Museum of Peace just out side.allow 2 hours at least and take plenty of tissues for the ladies.I wont spoil the finale to the tour ,but it should,nt be missed.

 

[AndrewB]

I also like Caen, though of course it is quite a way from Cherbourg, and you can always sail there. As well as the Museum, which completely outclasses all the side-shows along the coast, there is a good visit to William the Conq's castle.

About the same distance (100m) the other way is Mont St Michael. Many years ago I made the mistake of trying to visit it by train from Cherbourg - not even Railtrack have ever matched such a slow journey. A bit tourist-tacky, but a spectacular sight that's worth a visit. Though in the sea, its one place you CAN'T visit by yacht.

 

[Gunfleet]

I'm afraid that's not true. You can get a lifting keel or bilge keel boat past the Mont right up to the first bridge on the Couesnon.The tidal working is a PITA but it can be done. I used to live a short cycle ride away, by the way. Caen to Pontorson (the local station for Mt St Michel) is quite do-able. Direct trains but not many per day. Complaining that Cherbourg to the Mont is difficult is correct but is a bit like saying it's difficult to get from Portsmouth to Deal. It just is.

 

[jimi]

Roger,
I beleive there is a ferry service to Portsmouth ... which is always nice for a day out. You can go round the Victory etc


Jim

 

[rogerroger]

LOL! /forums/images/icons/laugh.gif

/forums/images/icons/cool.gif Roger Holden /forums/images/icons/cool.gif
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.first-magnitude.co.uk>First Magnitude</A>

 

[tcm]

Noted about the train trips, tho I would rent a car. The cathedral at Coutances is quite mega - rated as highly as Notre Dame. Agreed Bayeaux well worth a trip, also worth clueing up about it beforehand to get more out it than "what a lot of sewing".

 

[JamesS]

When in Cherbourg don't miss the Cite de la Mer in the old passenger terminal - about a 20 min walk from the marina. Make sure you do the tour of La Redoubtable (who said submarines were cramped and uncomfortable places).

Cherbourg is on the main line to Paris, Cateran about 30 mins by train if you haven't time to sail there.

Your best investment is to have your bikes on board, plenty of isolated beaches and harbours within a short ride.

Cheers.

 

[Twister_Ken]

If you're up for renting a car (or even bikes) the countryside on the Contentin is very pleasant, with some unspoilt villages and small towns like Valonges, Briquebec, etc.