Cherbourg & the Ravalets Castle
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port
Cherbourg (Normandy), France
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activityLevel
Moderate Activity
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excursionType
Information Not Currently Available
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wheelchairAccessible
No
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startingAtPrice
$120
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minimumAge
Information Not Currently Available
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duration
Approximately 3½ Hours
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mealsIncluded
Meals not included
Leave the pier for a panoramic drive through Cherbourg, once known to the Romans as Coriovallum. This may seem like ancient history but, in fact, the valley in which Cherbourg lies was settled even earlier, by the megalithic peoples of northern France.
You will reach the Château des Ravalets, where you will enjoy some free time strolling through the lovely English-style garden. This landscape treasure was created in 1872 by Viscount René de Tocqueville.
Cherbourg's cityscape drapes prettily around the arc of a broad and shallow bay. Dangerously exposed to northwesterly gales, it was never seriously considered a viable port before Vauban began to proselytize on Cherbourg's behalf. Its future as a maritime city and the exuberant daily activity of the fishing port and marina are the net result, and those qualities now enhance the nucleus that is the Old Town. Stroll along the manmade piers to appreciate the very special and unusual atmosphere of a town that is oddly open to the sea.
You will have some free time to explore Cherbourg on your own before you head back the pier by motorcoach.
Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes. Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience.