Cherbourg-Carte-localisation

Looking for the ideal city for a new beginning? If you dream of relocating to a fairly large (but not too large), economically attractive and culturally vibrant town, all by the sea (of course), drop anchor in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin. It has all the qualities of a big city, but with the added bonus of quality of life.

The advantages of the city and the pleasures of the sea

  • 15 km of coastline
  • 3h from Paris by train
  • 2235 € per m2 on average
  • 1 national theatre (including an Italian-style theatre)

Top 5 reasons to move to Cherbourg-en-Cotentin

Navire__port_de_Cherbourg Manche
Sophie Kernen Jumeaux Co / CRT Normandie

01

The sea as far as the eye can see

Fancy a stroll along the coast, a sailing session or a dip in the sea after work? With its ports, beaches and outstanding natural sights nearby (Cap de la Hague, Cap Lévi…), Cherbourg-en-Cotentin has all this to offer.

Ville_de_Cherbourg Manche
Coraline et Leo / CRT Normandie

02

Enjoy having everything close by

No more wasted hours in traffic jams and long commutes. Here, shops and services are all located in the town centre.

Cherbourg-balade en ville
Studio 911

03

The allure of city life

With its cultural and sports facilities, restaurants and events, Cherbourg-en-Cotentin enjoys all the hustle and bustle of a big city.

Cherbourg-Manche
Studio 911

04

A green city

The city is strongly committed to sustainable development, and is focusing its efforts on transport. Cycle lanes are on the increase and the new-generation bus is on its way. Electric bikes and scooters are already in operation.

Port_de_Cherbourg Manche
Refuse-to-Hibernate / CRT Normandie

05

Stay connected

8 daily train services to Paris, ferries to England and Ireland, 2 airports (Cherbourg-Maupertus and Caen-Carpiquet): the rest of the world is on your doorstep.

Make the big change with total peace of mind

Coraline et Leo / CRT Normandie
Cherbourg, Manche, Normandy

You’re ready to take the plunge… But how will you find a job, a home for the whole family, and childcare? Local authorities offer support solutions tailored to your profile and needs.

For companies, employees and healthcare professionals planning to relocate to the area.

What not to miss in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin

Cherbourg-en-Cotentin will make you feel like you’re always on holiday, with its abundant natural beauty, well-preserved architectural heritage and a fascinating history inspired by travel.

Marie-Anais Thierry / CRT Normandie

The harbour

As the 2nd largest artificial harbour in the world, it is an ideal spot for water sports enthusiasts and a unique route for a walk.

Coraline et Leo / CRT Normandie

The Transatlantic Station

In the days of the crossings to America, it welcomed the world’s largest ocean liners. This art deco masterpiece, which is now home to the Cité de la Mer maritime museum, is in itself a piece of the city’s history and identity.

And also…

Roule Mountain

A 117-metre peak right in the heart of the city, where you can enjoy a breath-taking view.

The parks

Parc Liais, Château des Ravalets, Jardin Favier: Cherbourg is as green as it is blue!

Working in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin: a vibrant and thriving work environment

Industry in Cherbourg

Strategic investments, industries that are hiring and one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country: Cherbourg’s labour market region is one of the most positive in France.

The top sectors and companies recruiting

The shipbuilding industry

Thanks to Cherbourg’s proximity to the sea, shipbuilding remains a flourishing sector. The city is home to a number of major shipbuilding companies, including Naval Group, and CMN, as well as professional (Effinor Allais) and leisure (Allures Yachting, Axe Sail) vessel-building. Companies are especially keen to recruit carpenters, boilermakers, welders, etc.

Marine energy

Thanks to its infrastructure and major investments in recent years, Cherbourg is a popular choice for MRE producers. One such company is LM Wind Power, a specialist in the manufacture of wind turbine blades. Large companies continue to recruit.

The nuclear industry

Naval group, Orano, EDF: the local employment base continues to be underpinned by the nuclear industry. Orano recently invested in an extremely modern plant in the port district for manufacturing packaging for the transport of nuclear materials.

The food industry

Seafood products are the main focus of the sector, with companies such as Saumon de France, Manche Marée, Filpromer and fish farms.

Health & care services

The area is home to a hospital, several health centres and a specialist laboratory (Delin). New doctors and specialists are encouraged to settle here.

Studying in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin: accessible and affordable

Looking for a lively, affordable city for your studies? As well as a wide range of courses, Cherbourg-en-Cotentin boasts reasonable rental prices, accessible accommodation and plenty of sports and leisure facilities.

Bicycle ride on Cherbourg harbour

Academic establishments in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin

IUT Grand Ouest Normandie – pôle CherbourgElectrical Engineering and Industrial Computing, industrial engineering and maintenance, business and administration management, marketing techniques

Intechmer – science and marine professions

Esix NormandieIndustrial Systems Engineering

Groupe FIM CCI Normandie – Industry, mechanics, automobile, sales, business, tourism, hospitality, catering

Esam Caen-Cherbourg – arts and media

Ifsi-Ifas – School for nurses and care workers

EAMEA – School for military application of atomic energy

French National Institute for Nuclear Science and Technology

Armed Forces Training School (ESCA)


Hefais, a welding college, opened its doors at the start of the 2023 academic year. It was founded by EDF, Orano, Naval Group, CMN and local authorities to address labour shortages.

What’s on in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin

  • “Femmes dans la ville” festival
    Next edition in 2025
    Shows, concerts, conferences, exhibitions: this festival, the only one of its kind in France, focuses on gender issues and the fight against discrimination, and is sponsored by some household names.
  • The Drheam Cup
    From 12 to 24 July 2024
    The most festive of sporting events! This French sailing grand prix attracts the best professional and amateur skippers. Visitors can admire the boats up close, and enjoy the community stands and concerts.
  • The Rolex Fastnet Race
    Next edition in 2025
    Cherbourg was the finishing port for the last two editions of this legendary sailing race. For 10 days, the town came alive with the race’s events and activities.
  • The 9th art biennial
    Next edition in 2025
    A major event organised every two years, devoted to leading comic book artists. After celebrating Bilal, Tardi and Winsor McCay, the 2023 edition focused on Nicolas de Clécy.
Cherbourg-Bar

Useful information in Cherbourg


Top stories on Cherbourg

The biggest-ever wind turbine blade measures 107m, and it’s from Cherbourg!

A record-breaking 107m long rotor blade makes it the biggest offshore turbine blade ever built. LM WIND POWER in Cherbourg holds the record. The challenge began in 2017 and has stayed the course: one of the biggest French factories in the General Electric group hasn’t stopped hiring staff since it opened in January 2019. fabrication…

Anaïs CONNAN

Parapluie de Cherbourg: an umbrella for any weather

Anaïs CONNAN

La Cité de la Mer in Cherbourg: an iconic maritime adventure

Anaïs CONNAN

Did you find this content useful?