Cherbourg: Destruction of the Port and U.S. capture of the Cotentin Peninsula

After visiting Ste. Mere Eglise, continue on Route 13 to the seaport city of Cherbourg.  Cherbourg sets on top of the Cotentin Peninsula.  German engineers knowing that U.S. troops were on they way to capture the port methodically destroyed port facilities and sunk ships to block the harbor.  On June 26, Fort du Roule fell allowing the capture of the city.  There is a great viewpoint for the city along with an interpretative center at Fort du Roule.

This is very personal to my wife whose uncle was a combat engineer working to clear the port and assist in rebuilding the rail system out of Cherbourg.  For a side trip, take Route 901 in the direction of Barfleur.  On the way, you pass the boyhood home of Alexis de Tocqueville who visited the U.S. as a political observer in the 19th century.  Barfleur has a number of seafood restaurants offering a variety of food.

Fort du Roule and Relics of War

Present View of Cherbourg