Cité de la Mer

A former transatlantic terminal turned maritime museum, where visitors can tour the only ballistic missile nuclear submarine open to the public. Opened in 2002 in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, the Cité de la Mer is devoted to underwater exploration. It occupies the Art Deco maritime station opened in 1933, listed as a historic monument.

The visit includes Le Redoutable, France’s first nuclear submarine, in service from 1971 to 1985. Seventeen aquariums, including an abyssal tank more than 10 metres deep, present over a thousand fish. The station hall houses the bathyscaphe Archimède, and the « Titanic, retour à Cherbourg » area recalls the liner’s call at Cherbourg on 10 April 1912.

For groups : Group packages are for groups of 20 or more, for a visit of three to four hours; the submarine Le Redoutable is not accessible to children under 5. Guided tours, storytelling walks and a digital guide can be added on reservation, and the Quai des Mers restaurant welcomes groups for lunch. The site has a free car park with coach spaces and indoor and outdoor picnic areas. One free place is granted per 20 paying adults, as well as for the driver.

Cité de la Mer – Quai du Général Lawton-Collins, 50130 Cherbourg-en-Cotentin

On request – preferential group rate (please contact us)