How are these ports for DIY walking?

[Xoe]

I'll be on Wind Surf in September from London/Portsmouth to Lisbon. I'll appreciate hearing from anyone who has been to these French ports: Cherbourg, St. Malo, and Brest. Are these places where you can walk on your own to see the sights/sites, or is it important to book tours?

 

Thank you!

[Hlitner]

Tough question because most cruisers use those ports as "gateway" ports to visit other nearby places. But if your only desire is to stay in the ports they are all walkable. Just keep in mind that you will have a great opportunity to go outside those ports to see many of the places related to D-Day. Consider doing a tour in at least one of the ports or simply renting a car and driving to some of the Normandy sites. Driving in this part of France is quite easy and navigation is simple if you rent or own a GPS.

 

Hank