La Cité de la Mer

About the museum

La Cité de la Mer opened in 2002 in Cherbourg, in the former transatlantic maritime terminal, an Art Deco building from the 1930s. The site is devoted to the relationship between people and the sea. Its submarine Le Redoutable, commissioned in 1971, is France's first nuclear submarine and the largest nuclear submarine that can be visited anywhere in the world.

The route brings together several spaces. “L'Océan du Futur” displays 17 aquariums across three floors, including the Aquarium Abyssal, 10.70 m deep, the largest in Normandy. The “Grande Galerie des Engins et des Hommes” shows submersibles that marked the history of exploration, such as the Nautile, along with other civilian craft. The “Titanic, retour à Cherbourg” area is set up in the baggage hall (salle des Bagages) of the former maritime terminal and recalls emigration to the Americas as well as the sinking of the liner. “Océan sur écoute” immerses visitors in the sound world of the oceans.

The site also offers a mixed-reality experience, “Cherbourg Transatlantique,” which brings the maritime terminal back to life, as well as a digital guide, the Poisson-pilote. The museum holds the “Tourisme et Handicap” label for four types of disability.

Highlights

• Le Redoutable, France's first nuclear submarine, open to visitors
• L'Océan du Futur: 17 aquariums, including the 10.70 m Aquarium Abyssal
• Grande Galerie des Engins et des Hommes, with the Nautile
• “Titanic, retour à Cherbourg” in the baggage hall
• Mixed-reality experience “Cherbourg Transatlantique”

Permanent exhibitions

• Le Redoutable – Audio-guided visit of France's first nuclear submarine, focusing on daily life aboard. Not suitable for children under 5.
• L'Océan du Futur – Route through 17 aquariums on three floors, including the Aquarium Abyssal, with projections on large marine animals and plankton.
• Titanic, retour à Cherbourg – Area devoted to emigration to the Americas and the sinking of the Titanic, with an immersive reconstruction of the liner.

Founded

2002

Operated by

Edeis

Admission & discounts

The ticket gives access to the Le Redoutable submarine, the aquariums of “L'Océan du Futur,” and the “Titanic, retour à Cherbourg” and “Océan sur écoute” areas. Payment at the ticket office: cash, bank cards, holiday vouchers, Cadhoc cheques, Pass Culture, Chèque Culture and ANCV Connect; bank cheques and foreign currencies are not accepted.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours
• Easy-to-read materials
• Audio description: no information

The site holds the “Tourisme et Handicap” label for visual, intellectual, hearing and motor disabilities. A wheelchair is available, multimedia equipment is adjustable in height, and a lift serves the Titanic area. An easy-read booklet exists. Since 2026, a tour of the aquariums in French Sign Language has been offered. Visitors with disabilities (and up to three companions) receive priority access to the submarine on presentation of their card. The meeting with a submariner is not accessible to wheelchair users. Accessibility contact: 02 33 20 26 26.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

The route is designed for families. The digital guide offers a family level with fun quests. Children under 5 cannot access the submarine; the Cherbourg Transatlantique experience is recommended from age 8, and the meeting with a submariner is reserved for children aged 5 and over.

Getting there & parking

GPS address: Allée du Président Menut, 50100 Cherbourg-en-Cotentin. The site holds the “Accueil Vélo” label (toilets, water, lockers and repair kit free of charge). The low-carbon rate rewards visitors who arrive by bus, train or bike.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant
• Museum shop
• Lockers

Restaurant Le Quai des Mers (02 33 88 75 60); snack bar Le Ruban Bleu, open in high season only; two picnic areas, one covered in the nave. Lockers behind the submarine L'Archimède, using a €1 coin, usable during opening hours only. Dogs are not admitted, except guide dogs.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Event spaces in the maritime terminal for conferences, seminars, trade fairs, dinners, cocktail receptions, shows, private visits and non-religious ceremonies; dinner is possible inside the Le Redoutable submarine, or a cocktail reception around the aquariums.

Plan your visit