Cherbourg

Cherbourg, one of France's great Channel ports, prides itself on a vibrant local lifestyle and culture with its Italian-style theater, art and history museums, its basilica, the Ravalet castle and, of course, the Cité de la Mer, one of the port town's main tourist attraction. The Titanic made its final stop here on its fateful journey, as recalled at the Cité de la Mer. Set on the green slopes of the Cotentin, the city hosts the second largest artificial harbor in the world, part of the legacy of the 18th-century.

Granville

The seaside resort of Granville is a lively fishing port with stunning sea views across the Bay of the Mont Saint-Michel from its fortified headland. The Upper Town is a fabulous area to stroll around, with its ramparts, grand buildings, museums, shops and restaurants, and beautiful sea views. Also located in town is the Christian Dior Museum, an enchanting pink Les Rhumbs Villa that was the childhood home of the great French couturier Christian Dior. From Ganville, there are regular ferry services that go to The Chausey Island, a beautiful archipelago made up of 52 islets, most of which is protected nature reserve.

Barneville-Carteret

Located on the west coast of the Cotentin peninsula, Barneville-Carteret is a fantastic family seaside resort with its special setting, its beautiful sandy beach, its lively fishing and sailing port, and its Douaniers footpath which takes walkers around Carteret cape. The port of Carteret offers boat connections to the Channel Islands.

Saint-Lô

Saint-Lô was at the hub of the American sector during the Battle of Normandy. The bombardments were intense and violent, and left the town in ruins. Today, the town has been entirely reconstructed, and is known as, 'the capital of the horse,' thanks to its rich equestrian heritage and prestigious national stud, one of the largest in France. Make sure to visit the Saint-Lo Art and History Museum that is located in town. The museum showcases paintings and drawings by famous painters who visited or hailed from the area, such as Corot, Millet and boudin.

Barfleur

The village of Barfleur, with its fabulous granite houses, has a long maritime history and is listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France. The small fishing port dominated by the silhouette of its 17th-century church makes a charming scene. A short walk from the village is the Barfleur headland, where stands a 232-ft lighthouse that offers a panoramic view of Cotentin.