fun2rvgoesbaltic: CHERBOURG, Normandie, France

The historical French port of Cherbourg was founded by Vikings. Over time, it grew into an important military port under both Louis XVI and Napoleon and was later pivotal to the Napoleonic Wars. During early planning stages of the Normandy invasion, Allies had planned to land there. Cherbourg is also home to a lovely 12th century abbey that had a major influence on the town's medieval religious life. The natural beauty and cultural delights of the province of Normandy are a short drive away, offering a picturesque blend of windswept terrain and rocky seaside cliffs....pastures of Norman cows and groves of apple trees...all amid the carefully tended gardens of distinguished estates.

This morning turned out to be sunny and cold ..... 7 Celsius, due to a cold front that had moved in from Russia. We were fearless though and headed out on the bus for a tour of the town. We passed (and later visited) the 12th century abbey and viewed the military port that played such an important part in the Napoleonic Wars. At the cruise terminal there is a nautical museum and this port was the last port of call for the Titanic on its maiden and only voyage.

We visited the manicured grounds of the Chateau Des Ravalet, one of area's loveliest English-style gardens. Created in 1872 by Viscount Rene de Tocqueville, this 30-acre site was given to the city in 1935.

Then we returned to Cherbourg to explore the heart of its historic district by foot. The actual town has a population of 40,000 with the surrounding area increasing the total to 1,000,000.

Old part of town with tiny streets and amazing architecture.

The town square, complete with carousel.

Incredible cheese "bus" with hundreds of different Normandie cheeses. We could not resist ..... 5 cheeses for 5€. In our fridge to bring home with us.