You will be taken aback by the huge defensive structures of the harbour. They are spread over an enormous semi-circle covering almost 9 kilometres, 3,700 metres of which constitute the only big harbour wall offshore.
We automatically think of the architect Vauban. Vauban designed “Cherbourg as one of the keys to the kingdom”, a defensive place to push back our neighbours, the English. Minister Louvois refused this project. What a mistake. When the English and Dutch invaded during the Battle of La Hougue in 1692, it was proven to be catastrophic for Admiral De Tourville, who had no refuge for his war ships.
But something good came out of the Battle of La Hougue. After this disaster, Cherbourg was granted a huge port, protected by an artificial harbour.
TODAY
The offshore harbour wall is a vital tool for the town of Cherbourg.
The harbour wall acts as an extremely effective breakwater. If it weren’t there, the waters would be much rougher in some areas of the “petite rade” (small harbour).
