More about Cherbourg, France Points of Interest

• Mont Saint Michel Abbey, Church & Cloister -

  A masterpiece of medieval Gothic architecture, this religious complex perched high atop a 247-foot-high rock island in the English Channel is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of France's most beloved icons.

• Mont Saint Michel -

  Since the Middle Ages, this tiny village tucked below the abbey on the island's southeast side has welcomed pilgrims with its many restaurants, shops, souvenir stalls and hotels.

• Arromanches -

  Site of the Allies' artificial harbor code-named Mulberry helped unload millions of men and equipment during D-Day. Remnants of the Mulberry are still visible and the Museum of the Landing sits on the original harbor.

• Normandy American Cemetery -

  A poignant reminder of D-Day's deadliest battle, the cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach holds 9,387 white crosses and Stars of Davids. A small chapel, a memorial, and a visitor center pay tribute to the soldiers' heroism.

• Pointe du Hoc -

  It's here that the U.S. Army Ranger Assault Group scaled the 100-foot cliff and captured the German-fortified area. A memorial and museum dedicated to the battle plus bomb craters and original fortifications mark the site.

• Sainte Mere Eglise -

  This charming village became one of the first towns liberated by Allied forces during the D-Day invasion. In front of Town Hall sits the Milestone Zero monument, which designates the Allies' liberation across France.

• Utah Beach -

  Located on the eastern shore of the Cotentin Peninsula, Allied forces landed here with the intention of capturing the important port of Cherbourg. Among the exhibits at the Utah Museum is an original B26 bomber.

• Omaha Beach -

  Main landing site of U.S. forces during the invasion, Omaha Beach is home to the American Cemetery. Row after row of white headstones shows visitors the sacrifice made by American soldiers in World War II.