Visit Caen

After a long day exploring the capital of Calvados and the iconic city of Normandy, you may be wondering where you can enjoy a good typical meal. Rest assured, Caen offers a wide selection of restaurants where you can indulge in local specialties. For a taste of local dishes, such as the pre-salted lamb raised in the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel, head to the Vaugueux district. This area is located near the Saint-Pierre Church in Caen and is home to several traditional restaurants known for their excellent cuisine.

Hotels in Caen are somewhat spread out, with options in various neighborhoods at reasonable prices. If you wish to stay near the historic city center, we recommend staying in the heart of Caen, near the Saint-Pierre Church. Some hotels are conveniently located for visiting the city without having to walk for hours or spend too much time on public transport. Alternatively, you can stay close to the marina, where the area offers a quieter atmosphere while still being near the tourist attractions.

When you visit Caen, it’s a good idea to explore the surrounding area. Normandy is a region rich in history, and a visit here will take you through some of the darkest hours of history. A historical visit wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the D-Day beaches, such as Omaha Beach and Utah Beach. Several museums are nearby for a unique experience that will leave a lasting impression. Continuing this historical journey, you can also visit the famous American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, which holds the graves of 9,387 American soldiers, including that of Theodore Roosevelt Jr. For a more uplifting experience, you can head to the iconic Mont Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll be amazed by the beauty of this rocky island—don’t forget to bring back some biscuits from La Mère Poulard! Finally, you can also visit Bayeux, a famous medieval town renowned for its tapestry.

End of the day, the visit is over, and now it’s time to relax with a drink. But where to go exactly? For a perfect drink, we recommend the Vieux Saint-Sauveur district. This chic area will take you back to medieval times. On the other hand, if you’re in the mood for a few drinks (just be careful!), head to Rue Écuyère. This street is known as the festive hub of Caen, and you’re sure to have a great evening.

Caen is well-connected by all means of transport. From Paris, departing from Gare Saint-Lazare, it takes just two hours to reach the capital of Calvados. The train is a convenient option, as it is not only the most eco-friendly mode of transport but also the Caen train station is near the city center. However, it’s also possible to fly into Caen. The Caen-Carpiquet airport is located 7 kilometers from the city center, and you can reach downtown by shuttle or taxi. If you’re driving from Paris, take the A13 highway for about a two-hour drive, just like the train. If you’re coming from the western part of France, like Rennes, the A84 will take you to Caen in about two hours as well.

Caen is very well served by local public transport. The city has three tram lines connecting major tourist spots. It’s also possible to rent bikes for a leisurely visit, which is a great way to explore the city. Several buses are also available, or if you prefer, the city center isn’t too large, so you can simply walk around to enjoy the charming half-timbered houses of Caen.

With an average of 180 rainy days per year, Caen is used to overcast weather. If you want to visit Caen, the best time is between May and September, according to the weather. During winter, Normandy experiences relatively low temperatures, and the proximity to the English Channel can make it quite windy, disrupting certain activities. Once the warmer days arrive, Caen becomes a much more pleasant city to visit. The number of tourists remains reasonable even during the summer, so you’ll be able to enjoy all the activities you want without too much hassle.

You don’t need more than two or three days to visit Caen. Tourist spots like the Saint-Pierre Church, the Abbaye aux Dames, the Abbaye aux Hommes, and the lovely Vaugueux district with its half-timbered houses are all located in the city center. So, there’s no need to plan a five-day stay unless you want to explore the surroundings of Caen, such as Colleville-sur-Mer and the famous and impressive American Cemetery with the 9,387 soldiers who died during World War II, or the D-Day beaches. For a complete stay in Normandy, which is a region full of history, five days would be ideal.

Caen is a beautiful city that surprises everyone who visits. People often underestimate the beauty of Normandy, a region that is iconic to France. With family, it’s enjoyable to stroll through the Vaugueux district, stop for a drink, and have a bite to eat. But before heading to the restaurant terraces, you’ll need to work for it! You can visit the city’s tourist sites, such as the Abbaye aux Dames, the Abbaye aux Hommes, and the Caen Castle. A trip to Caen cannot be completed without a visit to the Second World War Memorial. Caen was severely affected during this dark period, and it’s highly recommended to book your tickets in advance, as the number of tourists can be high during peak seasons. Afterward, you can visit the Saint-Pierre Church, take a walk along the Orne River, and explore the historic center to admire the half-timbered houses on the cobblestone streets.