Cherbourg Jersey Ferry

Cherbourg Guide

The French city and port of Cherbourg is located on the Cotentin Peninsular in the north west of France. Invaded by the Vikings in the 9th century who were instrumental in developing Cherbourg into a port, the city has a long history. In Napoleonic times the harbour was fortified in order to prevent a British naval assault on it. Underwater obstructions were sunk at intervals across the harbour entrance which were eventually replaced with piles of masonry rubble. The works began in 1784 and were not concluded until 1850, long after Napoleon's defeat at the Battle of Waterloo.

There are many things to see and do in Cherbourg including the Cite de la Mer (the city of the sea) which is a museum dedicated to maritime history. The museum was opened in 2002 and is housed in the cruise terminal at Cherbourg port. Visitors to the city may also choose to take a leisurely stroll in the Jardin de la Roche Fauconniere which is a private botanical garden located in the Parc de la Fauconniere. Established in the 1870's the gardens contain roughly 3,400 specimens, many of which come from the Southern Hemisphere.

Jersey Guide

The town of St Helier is located on the island of Jersey which is one of the Channel Islands that are in the English Channel. St Helier is one of twelve parishes on the island and is the island's capital and largest town, with a population of around 30,000. The town takes its name from the 6th century Ascetic hermit, Helier, or Helerius. The hermit's feast day is marked by an annual municipal and ecumenical pilgrimage to the Hermitage on the 16th of July.

Popular with visitors is the Central Market, which is an indoor market on Beresford Street, which was opened in 1882 and has been declared a Site of Special Interest. The market has Victorian architecture on show which includes cast iron structures and an ornamental fountain.

Passenger facilities at the town's port include cafes, shops and duty free outlets. Ferry services operating from the port depart to destinations in France and England along with services to Guernsey. services to the UK travel to Poole, Weymouth and Portsmouth and to St Malo in France.