European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - May 19, 1994, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Boats line the Harbor in so Vaast to Hough of the third largest fishing Village on the co ten tin Peninsula. Fishing is the primary Industry in , followed by  Utah Beach to Cherbourg i take the Scenic route to enjoy another Side of Region by Kevin Dougherty staff writer you have just completed a tour of Utah Beach the last of your a Day objectives. As you sit in your parked car scanning an unfolded map of Normandy you Ponder the value of driving on to Cherbourg the largest town on the Manche Peninsula. If the Day is Young and there s no great need to beat it Back to your hotel room then press on. You la find the Scenic drive and assorted stops a pleasant change from the run of world War 11 monuments though you re sure to past a few More Sites along the Way. There Are two routes to Cherbourg from Utah Beach n-13, which is a primary two Lane Road that cuts through the heart of the Peninsula or d-14 and d-901 a less travelled stretch that is less direct but Worth the time. On a recent tour the latter option was the route of Choice a. A a. Heading North on d-14 from Utah Beach and Ste. Marfe do Mont the Road meanders past Small unassuming towns where life s daily pressures seem to have been kept at Bay by the inhabitants. For shutterbugs it s towns and villages like these that often yield memorable photographs. D-14 is a narrow and winding Road lined with Lush and robust hedgerows which serve As demarcations a sort of natural Fence. Some of the hedgerows Date Back 2,000 years to the celts. The hedgerow s Divide Rich Farmland rolling Hilts and Green pastures populated by grazing Dairy . A a a a a. About 18yi Miles from Utah Beach is the town of , the third largest fishing Village on the Cote tin Peninsula and the first Normandy Harbor liberated by the allies in 1944. Fishing is the primary Industry in , followed by tourism. If possible visitors to  should stroll through the Harbor area in the morning to watch fishermen unload their catch from the English Channel. The catch includes crab lobster sardines and Ray. Another sight to behold is Tati Hou a Small Island not too far from Shore that can be reached on foot at Low tide or by boat at High tide. A fortified Tower built in the 17th Century is All that remains of fort Tati Hou. The Island also features a 19th-Century Barracks that has been remodeler into a hotel conference Center and museum. A Monument to local soldiers who died in two world wars stands in front of bar Fleur s Church. From , drive North on d-902 for a Short distance to bar Fleur another charming fishing Village. Like St Vaast the Harbor is filled with a colourful array of fishing boats. Bar Fleur is one of the most picturesque Seaside villages in All of France Quot ,. A a a a a a. A a a. A. A a a at the Harbor s Entrance is a Bronze medallion commemorating the building of la Mora the ship William the conqueror used in 1066 to invade England. Lining the Harbor Road is a string of Granite buildings with Blue Flint roofs that look especially vivid in Bright sunlight. At the end of the Row is St. Nicholas Church an immense building that contains a number of Fine statues and religious. Relics. Adjacent to the Church is a graveyard and a Small tourist office. A. A. /. A. A. A a located nearby is the 19th-Century Capteville Lighthouse. The Granite Lighthouse stands 244 feet High and its Beaton is visible from As far As 60 Miles in Good weather. I Cherbourg lies to the Weston bar Fleur an easy drive that takes about 20 minutes on.d-901. The City is the Peninsula s main population Center with about 30,000 inhabitants. 1. Situated on the tip of the Peninsula the town s historical links with England Date Back to the Days of William the conqueror and later the Black Prince in the 14th Century. Cherbourg s strategic location was underscored again. During world War ii when German and Allied forces fought Long and hard for control of the City. Before surrendering the nazi Garrison Devastey the Harbor facilities which were quickly rebuilt by . Engineers. The task of rebuilding the Harbor was vital to the Allied Effort because Cherbourg became the Southern terminus of the underwater Channel pipeline. Code named Pluto the pipeline ensured a steady Supply of fuel for the allies. Overlooking the Harbor and the rest of the Central District is the fort do route. Located on a 364-foot Bluff the fort was a German stronghold during Cherbourg s liberation. 6 stripes Magazine May 19, 1994