Caen, France
Are you wondering what to do and see in Caen during a stay in Normandy? This city, rich in history and culture, offers many discoveries. During our visit, we were charmed by its heritage and atmosphere. Discover in this blog article our must-sees in Caen and all the useful information to prepare your visit!
```We had the opportunity to spend a day in Caen during our trip to Normandy on D-Day. A brief stop to discover, despite the rain, one of the most influential cities in Normandy.
Caen was largely destroyed following the bombings of the Second World War. Some streets and houses were spared and bear witness to the city's history.
```To admire these period buildings, we advise you to stroll through Écuyère street, Froide street, Saint-Sauveur square and the Vaugueux district. Don't forget to go through Saint-Pierre street to see the half-timbered houses at numbers 52 and 54.
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Built in the middle of Saint Peter's Square, you can't miss this gothic church. Don't hesitate to push the doors to discover the interior, you might be lucky, like us, to be able to listen to someone playing the organ.
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Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, this place is a must-see in Caen. The church houses the tomb of its founder, William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy and King of England. The former monastery did not survive the wars and was rebuilt. It now houses the Caen city hall. Due to lack of time, we were unable to discover the interior.
```💶 Prices: 4 € per adult, 6 € with the temporary exhibition. More info here.
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A few meters from the Abbaye aux Hommes, and near the old ramparts, stands the ruined Saint-Étienne-le-Vieux church. Ravaged several times by war, it bears witness to the harsh history of the city of Caen.
```Built at the same time as the Abbaye aux Hommes by William the Conqueror, the Caen Castle has hosted numerous Dukes of Normandy and Kings of England. The castle is currently under renovation, it is being renovated until March 2025. An inauguration is scheduled from March 20 to 22, 2025, this event will launch the festivities for the millennium of Caen.
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A little green haven in the city center, the Caen marina offers a breath of fresh air. And why not set sail fora cruise on the canal or at sea?
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The people, the Good Vibes hotel chain, has recently opened in Caen. This youth hostel, a 15-minute walk from the city center and 10 minutes from the train station, also offers double rooms with private bathrooms. Perfect for small budgets with a price of less than €60 per night!
```We forgot to take photos of the accommodation, too rushed to discover the city! You can discover the colourful atmosphere of the rooms on Google.
El Olivero is an intimate restaurant in the heart of the Vaugueux district of Caen. The perfect address to enjoy a romantic evening while savoring local dishes.
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We hope this article from our travel blog has inspired you to discover Caen in Normandy. One day is obviously far too short to discover the city of Caen. It's a great stop to plan during a road trip in Normandy or for a 2-day city trip. Feel free to browse our other blog articles to visit France.
This report was made for the 80th anniversary of D-DAY as part of a commercial collaboration with the Normandy tourism office and its local partners. However, we remained entirely free regarding the content and structure of the article. Hoping that this experience can inspire you. This article includes affiliate links: by clicking through these links it changes nothing for you and allows us to support ourselves in order to continue offering you content.
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