Travel back in time
Discover Europe’s last Art Deco Transatlantic liners’ terminal thanks to a mixed reality headset. In the heart of the former train hall, relive the bustling of an historical day in Normandy: the Queen Mary’s inaugural stopover in Cherbourg on 14 Abril 1937.
In this historical building, listed on the supplementary inventory of historic monuments, surrounded by transatlantic trains and passengers dreaming of crossing the ocean to America. Step into passengers ready to board the latest Cunard liner.
During a 35-minute visit, go to a host of witnesses to the era, as the terminal’s architect and designer, the luggage handler, members of a jazz band, a shipping company employee or even travelers excited to discover the Queen Mary.
A visit in mixed reality
On arrival, wear a mixed reality headset. Thanks to a camera, see the ambiance of the place: Cherbourg’s terminal great hall which was described by the press in 1933 as “the most beautiful liners’ terminal in the world!”. An immersion in the 1930s thanks to superimposed digital images in real time.
Push open the doors of the great entrance hall and discover the imposing architecture of Cherbourg Transatlantic liners’ terminal. Inaugurated on 30 July 1933, it is considered at the time to be the largest French building after Versailles!
Built to accommodate the largest ocean liners of the era, “Notre Dame des Queens” housed a Transatlantic Hall measuring 280 meters long by 42 meters wide, including the Sous Douane rooms, the Pas Perdus rooms, the company offices and the various services and stores available to passengers; and a Train Hall measuring 240 meters long by 40 meters wide, with three platforms serving four tracks directly connected to the Paris/Cherbourg rail line. A Voie Charretière 280 meters long and 15 meters wide separates these 2 halls.
Since the end of the 19th century, many men and women have tried their luck in the New World.
Good to know
Experience recommended for over 8 years old
Available in French, English and German
The transatlantic liners’ terminal tells us its story in a web series
From the first transatlantic links between Cherbourg and the Americas, to the last-minute rescue of this unique heritage site in 1889, via its construction, inauguration, prestigious events,
celebrity visits, a failed blast, its rebirth, and then oblivion once again… discover our web series!
Hours and rates
- Experience only: €11
- Adult, with visit to La Cité de la Mer: €30
- Children aged 5 to 17, with visit to La Cité de la Mer: €24
Experience unique moments
The not-to-be-missed highlights promise unique experiences that enliven our venue throughout the year.
LE CONCERT DE LA LIBERTÉ: the electro show at La Cité de la Mer.
On 14 June 2025, Bob Sinclar, Mosimann, Trinix and Chris Willsman will be rocking the Grande Halle at Cherbourg’s Gare Maritime Transatlantique in an unforgettable concert. Buy your ticket now !
