A Norman city with medieval roots, home to the University of Caen and the Calvados Museum. Known for its WWII memorial and the ruins of Saint-Étienne Abbey.
Caen, the capital of Normandy, is a city where history and modern life intertwine. You can explore the Château de Caen, built by William the Conqueror, or visit the Mémorial de Caen to learn about World War II. The city has medieval abbeys, parks, and local dishes like Tripes à la mode de Caen. From Caen, you can easily visit the D-Day beaches and other Norman towns.
Getting Around Caen
Caen has buses and a guided-bus system that locals call a 'tramway'. You can walk around the compact city center to see many attractions. If you want to visit the coast or nearby towns, you might want to rent a car. The train station connects Caen to Paris and other major French cities, making it easy to include in your French travel plans.
Green Spaces in Caen
La Colline aux Oiseaux is a park built on an old landfill site. You'll find themed gardens, a small animal farm, and a maze here. From the top of the hill, you can look out over Caen. Another option is the Jardin des Plantes, Caen's botanical garden. It has over 8,000 plant species across 5,000 square meters, and it's a good spot for a walk or a picnic.
Culinary Caen
Caen's food reflects its Norman roots. You can try Tripes à la mode de Caen, a local dish made with four parts of a cow's stomach and a cow's trotter. If you prefer something else, taste some Normandy cheeses like Camembert or Livarot. Being close to the coast, Caen has plenty of fresh seafood. Go to the Port de Plaisance area to find restaurants serving the day's catch. After your meal, try Calvados, the region's apple brandy.
Exploring Caen's Medieval Past
The Château de Caen, built in 1060 by William the Conqueror, is in the city center. Inside this large fortress, you'll find two museums: the Musée de Normandie about the region's history, and the Musée des Beaux-Arts with European art from the 14th century to today. You can walk on the castle walls to see the city. Near the castle is the Abbaye aux Hommes, another of William's buildings. Its Romanesque front and Gothic towers show Norman architectural style. You can visit William the Conqueror's tomb inside.
World War II History
The Mémorial de Caen focuses on 20th-century history. This museum explains World War II, the D-Day landings, and how they affected Caen and Normandy. You'll see personal stories, objects from the war, and multimedia displays. The museum also has a Cold War section with a piece of the Berlin Wall. You can take a tour of the German command bunker under the museum.
Day Trips from Caen
Caen is a good starting point for exploring Normandy. The D-Day beaches are a short drive away. You can go to Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer to remember the soldiers who died there. Pegasus Bridge, where an important D-Day operation happened, is only 15 minutes from Caen. The Memorial Pegasus museum there explains this historic event. For a change, you can visit Cabourg, a coastal town known for its Belle Époque buildings and long sandy beach.
