This itinerary covers Cherbourg's main attractions in one full day. The route includes the historic General de Gaulle Square, the Thomas Henry Museum with its fine arts collection, the famous Umbrella Manufactory, the medieval Holy Trinity Basilica, and the impressive Cité de la Mer maritime center. Note that the Thomas Henry Museum is closed on Mondays and has a lunch break from 12:30 to 14:00. The Umbrella Manufactory is closed on Sundays. Plan at least 4 hours for the Cité de la Mer to explore the submarine and aquarium.

A half-day excursion from Cherbourg to the coastal village of Gatteville-le-Phare. Visit the 11th-century Saint Peter's Church with its distinctive twin bell towers, then climb France's second tallest lighthouse with 365 steps to the top. About 30 km by car (40 minutes) or accessible by bus. The lighthouse may close in strong winds exceeding 50 km/h. Both sites are closed on May 1, December 25, and January 1.

A day trip from Cherbourg to Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, a charming fishing village voted France's Favorite Village in 2019. Visit two UNESCO-listed Vauban fortifications, explore Tatihou Island with its maritime museum, and discover historic churches along the Norman coast. Tatihou Island requires advance booking (500 visitors per day limit) and is reached by amphibious boat or on foot at low tide. The Vauban Tower of La Hougue is only open July-September. Allow about 10.5 hours including transport; by car it's 40 km each way (75 minutes), or 2.5 hours by public transit.

This itinerary explores Cherbourg's rich history through three key sites. Begin at the Museum of the Liberation housed in Fort du Roule, documenting the city's crucial role in WWII as the first major port liberated by Allied forces. Continue to the Roule Mountain viewpoint for panoramic views of the harbor and English Channel. End at Château des Ravalet, a Renaissance castle surrounded by 18-hectare gardens with the 'Jardin Remarquable' label. The museum is closed on Mondays, has a midday break (12:30-14:00), and closes from mid-November to early February.

A half-day escape from Cherbourg to the dramatic northwestern tip of the Cotentin Peninsula. Visit Goury Port, a historic fishing harbor with views of the powerful Raz Blanchard tidal current, and admire the iconic Goury Lighthouse standing on a tiny granite rock offshore. Both sites are free to access year-round. Best experienced at low tide for safer jetty access, or during storms for spectacular wave-watching.