Pedestrian-friendly Caen will charm you with its sun-drenched squares and spacious boulevards. The lively port city is the capital of the Basse Normandie region and is built around a magnificent 11th-century castle. Explore centuries-old abbeys, visit excellent local history museums and tantalise your palate with rich Norman cuisine and tart apple cider.
Things to do in Caen
Caen was founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century and will enchant you with historic architecture on every corner. Château de Caen towers over the city and commands sweeping views over the coast. Allow time to stroll around Jardin des Simples, a picturesque garden filled with medicinal plants and herbs.
Perched on a hillside, a pair of Romanesque abbeys known as Saint-Étienne and Sainte-Trinité watch over the city. The latter is a former convent and features beautiful pink stained-glass windows and is the final resting place of Matilda of Flanders, the beloved wife of William the Conqueror.
Across the city you’ll find bistros and restaurants serving mouth-watering Norman cuisine. Save your appetite for “marmite dieppoise” fish soup cooked with brandy and cream, rabbit braised in cider and hearty “tripe à la mode” stew.
A handful of outstanding museums will keep history buffs entertained. Le Mémorial – Un Musée pour la Paix recalls conflicts such as World War II, the 1944 Battle of Normandy and the Cold War. It’s one of the top war museums in Europe and is brought to life with films, interactive displays and immersive audio.
Getting around Caen
Caen is compact and easy to get around on foot. The city is a three-hour drive from Paris and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport while Caen Train Station offers connections to Paris, as well as other nearby towns and cities. Rental cars offer the freedom to explore the Basse Normandie region at your own pace.