Welcome to Cherbourg! Whether you’re stepping off a boat at the Port of Cherbourg or arriving by train to the Cherbourg Railway Station, film fans are in for a treat—a leisurely tour through the unforgettable locations of The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, Jacques Demy’s beloved 1964 musical starring Catherine Deneuve and Nino Castelnuovo.
Starting Your Tour by Sea? Head to the Port!
If you’re disembarking at the port, you’ll find yourself close-by the very spot where the film begins. Imagine Guy and Geneviève against a rain-swept dock, umbrellas in hand and the soundtrack setting the mood—this is where their story, and yours, begins. From here, you’ll walk through cobblestone streets, revisiting scenes full of love, longing and song!
Arriving by Train? Just Flip the Script!
If you’re arriving by train, just reverse the route! Start at the Cherbourg Railway Station, the final stop on our tour where Guy’s military service changes everything for him and Geneviève. Wander through the same beautiful streets but in reverse order, finishing up at the port to reflect on the story and enjoy the town’s charming harbour views.
Cherbourg Walking Tour Highlights
Along the way, you’ll encounter the umbrella shop on Rue du Port, the Theatre à l'Italienne with its elegant Italian design, and other iconic locations that bring the film to life - do as I did and try and recreate key moments!
So grab an umbrella (rain or shine!) and get ready to walk in the footsteps of movie magic—Cherbourg awaits!
Hey there! Just a heads up, you'll notice that the locations have plaques, but unfortunately, the QR code didn't work for me, and I couldn't find any info online. So, I did my best to find the key spots! These 10 places are the ones I discovered during my visit in October 2024. If you want to explore more, check out ReelStreets' further research.
1. Port of Cherbourg
Address: Quai de l'Entrepôt, 50100 Cherbourg-en-Cotentin
Description: Begin your tour at the main dock, where the film The Umbrellas of Cherbourg opens, and returns to throughout. The quay provides a key location for Guy and Geneviève's love story.
2. Pont Tournant
Address: Pont Tournant, 50100 Cherbourg-en-Cotentin
Description: Just a short walk from the port, this bridge offers scenic views of the harbour. In the film, it's featured in pivotal scenes where characters share their dreams and uncertainties. Just by it, is the Cherbourg Odéon on 51 Rue Maréchal Foch, although not featured in the film it may be of interest to film enthusiasts.
3. Rue du Port (Umbrella Shop)
Address: 13 Rue du Port, 50100 Cherbourg-en-Cotentin
Description: This is the location of the shop where Geneviève and her mother work. The shop now sells crafts and a few umbrella-themed souvenirs. My friend Tracy wasn't having my magical moment compromised by an errant bike, so she just moved it! The escapade beautifully captured by Jade (thank you!).
4. View down Rue des Fossés
Description: Wander down Rue des Fossés, where charatcers ride and cycle towards the umbrella shop in several scenes. This view captures the everyday charm of Cherbourg.
5. Place de la Révolution (Carnival Scene)
Address: Place de la Révolution, 50100 Cherbourg-en-Cotentin
Description: This square is where the film’s carnival scene takes place. It's in the heart of Cherbourg near the Ancienne Mairie (Old Town Hall). Not looking quite so festive on the day I visited!
6. Église Saint-Michel (St. Michael’s Church)
Address: 1 Rue de l'Église, 50100 Cherbourg-en-Cotentin
Description: This beautiful church is where Roland Cassard marries Geneviève. In another scene, Guy and Madeleine attend Aunt Élise's funeral here. The church’s ambience complements these pivotal moments in the film.
7. Théâtre à l'Italienne
Address: Place du General de Gaulle, 50100 Cherbourg-en-Cotentin
Description: This historic theatre with Italian-style architecture is a cultural landmark in Cherbourg, and featured in the film. Here's Tracy and me doing our best to channel Deneuve and Castelnuovo!
8. Garage du Port (Now Service Pénitentiaire d'Insertion et de Probation)
Address: 44 Rue de l'Ancien-Quai, 50100 Cherbourg-en-Cotentin
Description: In the film, Guy works at this garage. It was re-named from "Garage de la Poste" to "Garage du Port". It is located opposite the main post office, where a plaque commemorates the film, and is now a much-altered probation centre.
9. Cherbourg Railway Station
Description: This area of the station shows where Guy returns from military service in March 1959. It’s a key moment in the film, marking his return to a changed life.
10. Cherbourg Railway Station (Departure Scene)
Address: Place Jean Jaurès, 50100 Cherbourg-en-Cotentin
Description: The station is where Guy departs for military service in Algeria, marking the emotional separation between him and Geneviève.
And as Geneviève waves goodbye to Guy, so I said goodbye to Cherbourg.
Watch the Trailer
Walking Tour
Here’s the address list for easy copy-pasting
Port of Cherbourg
Quai de l'Entrepôt, 50100 Cherbourg-en-Cotentin
Pont Tournant
Pont Tournant, 50100 Cherbourg-en-Cotentin
Rue du Port (Umbrella Shop)
13 Rue du Port, 50100 Cherbourg-en-Cotentin
View down Rue des Fossés
Place de la Révolution (Carnival Scene)
Place de la Révolution, 50100 Cherbourg-en-Cotentin
Église Saint-Michel (St. Michael’s Church)
1 Rue de l'Église, 50100 Cherbourg-en-Cotentin
Théâtre à l'Italienne
Place du General de Gaulle, 50100 Cherbourg-en-Cotentin
Garage du Port (Now Service Pénitentiaire d'Insertion et de Probation)
44 Rue de l'Ancien-Quai, 50100 Cherbourg-en-Cotentin
Cherbourg Railway Station (Departure Scene)
Place Jean Jaurès, 50100 Cherbourg-en-Cotentin
Cherbourg Railway Station (Return Scene)
Place Jean Jaurès, 50100 Cherbourg-en-Cotentin
One final movie moment, a very different mood and no obvious Cherbourg connection. But found this great Ghostbusters-inspired street art opposite Tizi Lunch kebab shop and Le Kraken bar on Rue des Fossés!!!
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