Car Rental Cherbourg

Cherbourg is an amiable town known for its port, harbor and seafaring links. A natural coastal setting with a sprinkling of cafes, restaurants and historical monuments, this is an idyllic spot for a relaxing European break. It's also an excellent starting point for a road trip around Normandy and the villages of northern France.

Once you've collected your car, driving in Cherbourg is relatively relaxed. Traffic is modest compared to cities and there are several free parking lots in the center as well as multi-level parking lots in the outskirts of town.

When driving in France, you must do so on the right and overtake on the left. Seat belts must be worn by everyone in the car and it's illegal to drive while using a cell phone. Speed limits vary depending on the type of road you're driving on. In built-up areas and suburbs, it's usually 30mph, increasing to 50mph on other roads and up to 80mph on freeways.

If you're planning to drive outside Cherbourg and see other areas of France, the two main roads to use are the D900 and D901. The D900 takes you towards the south of the country while the D901 is a ring road which circles Cherbourg, proving access to the east and west. From here, the D901 connects with the D650, a major route through the south-east of France.

Car rental in Cherbourg gives you the freedom to see all that Normandy has to offer. The D-Day Beaches – famously liberated by the Allied Forces during World War II – are within easy reach via the N13. On this route, all five of the historic beaches are within an hour-and-a-half.

Head east on the D901 and you'll arrive at Barfleur. Renowned as one of the most picturesque villages in France, Barfleur is a sleepy little harbor worth visiting just to taste the fresh mussels. A longer, but no less rewarding, drive is the three-hour trip to Rouen, the capital of Normandy. For those who love the darker tales of history, this is where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in 1431. 

With a tranquil harbor setting, yachts bobbing gently on the calm waters of the marina and a jumble of whitewashed buildings, there's a peaceful ambience to Cherbourg. Rent a car here to get around the town with ease and enjoy romantic day trips to Normandy.

Marvel at an underwater world

Cherbourg is hugely proud of its maritime heritage, which makes La Cite de la Mer - City of the Sea – the must-see attraction. Built in the town's cruise terminal, this is a fitting location for a museum which celebrates the majesty of the ocean.

Admire over 4,000 marine creatures housed in 17 different aquarium tanks and board La Redoutable, the first nuclear submarine in France. With the help of a guide, you can tour the engine room, step into the control center and spend time in the crew's quarters.

Visitors can also pause for somber reflection in the interactive Titanic exhibition. The ill-fated vessel docked in Cherbourg on April 10, 1912, four days before colliding with an iceberg and sinking.

Explore the Normandy coastline

The Normandy coastline is ruggedly picturesque, dotted with enchanting villages and towns. Also known as the Cotentin Peninsula, you’ll want to soak up all the beautiful sights of the region. At La Hague, the most westerly tip of the region, you can admire the diverse wildlife and enjoy stunning cliff-face views. Stretch your legs along the many coastal hiking routes, feeling the wind in your hair and breathing in the fresh, salty air.

In the other direction, head to Gatteville Lighthouse. Just past Barfleur, Gatteville is the second tallest lighthouse in France, standing proud at 75 meters. It takes a bit of effort to get to the top but once you've climbed all 365 steps you'll be rewarded with an unbeatable panoramic view of the English Channel.

Culture and history in Rouen

The capital of Normandy, Rouen is a city of art, culture and history. Built along the curve of the winding River Seine, timber-framed buildings overlook the public squares and laid-back streets. At the heart of the city stands the Notre-Dame Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece with a spire reaching 151 meters into the sky - the tallest in the country.

You’ll certainly get your fill of culture and history here, with museums, Claude Monet paintings and the haunting medieval cemetery of Aitre Saint-Maclou to experience. On the flip side, you’ll find there’s a modern, rejuvenated side to Rouen too. Parks, gardens, bars and restaurants line the banks of the Seine, providing the perfect social setting to relax and enjoy your vacation.

When it's time to eat, you can sample all the finest, traditional Normandy dishes in Rouen. Those with a sweet tooth will be delighted by the indulgent range of confectionary, chocolate and tarts on offer. Normandy's cheeses are also spectacular, headed by its signature Camembert. The gastronomy of the region stands up against the very best in the country.

Car rental in Cherbourg allows you to experience this charming French town as well as the sights and sounds of the evocative Normandy region. From Rouen to La Hague, it’s a French road trip that’s hard to beat.