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La Cité de la Mer is a large theme park and museum located in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, Normandy, France. The theme park is dedicated to the exploration of the underwater world and underwater technology, as well as the history of the city of Cherbourg and its strategic importance as a port during World War II.The Cité de la Mer is housed in a large building that was once part of the port of Cherbourg. The museum was opened in 2002 and has subsequently been expanded over the years with the addition of new exhibits and attractions.Among the Cité de la Mer's most popular attractions are the Aquarium Ocèanopolis, which houses a large collection of sea creatures including sharks, tropical fish, jellyfish, and other sea inhabitants. The large aquarium in the shape of a submarine offers visitors the chance to walk through an underwater tunnel to view marine animals up close.The Cité de la Mer also features an actual submarine, the famous French nuclear submarine Le Redoutable, which can be visited by visitors. Guided tours allow visitors to explore the interior of the submarine, where they can see the crew cabins, propulsion system, and weapons on board.The Cité de la Mer also houses a large exhibition on the ocean and the history of underwater exploration, with historical and technological exhibits illustrating the history of scuba diving and equipment used for ocean exploration.Other attractions include an exhibit on the Titanic, with original artifacts from the famous ocean liner, and a virtual reality experience that allows visitors to take a virtual scuba dive.Finally, the Cité de la Mer presents a series of exhibits dedicated to Cherbourg's history as a strategic port during World War II. These exhibits include a reconstruction of a German bunker, an archival film on the liberation of Cherbourg, and an exhibit on German submarines that operated in these waters.In summary, La Cité de la Mer is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in maritime history and underwater technology, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the underwater world, its inhabitants, and the history of Cherbourg Harbor.
