Visiting Caen in one day

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 World War II. Some streets and houses were spared and bear witness to the city's history.

To admire these period buildings, we recommend strolling down Écuyère Street, Froide Street, Saint-Sauveur Square and the Vaugueux district. Don't forget to visit Saint-Pierre Street to see the half-timbered houses at numbers 52 and 54.

Located in the middle of Saint Peter's Square, you can't miss this Gothic church. Don't hesitate to push open the doors to discover the interior; you might, like us, be lucky enough to hear someone play the organ.

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 has been rebuilt. It now houses the town hall of Caen. Due to lack of time, we were unable to explore the interior.

€ Prices: 4 € per adult, 6 € with the temporary exhibition. More info here.

A few meters from the Abbey aux Hommes, and near the old ramparts, lies 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 Abbey aux Hommes by William the Conqueror, the Château de Caen has welcomed many Dukes of Normandy and Kings of England. The castle is currently under renovation, it is undergoing renovations until March 2025. An inauguration is scheduled from March 20th to 22nd, 2025, this event will launch the festivities for the Millennium of Caen.

Small green haven in the city center, the Caen marina offers a breath of fresh air. And why not set sail for a while during a cruise on the canal or out at sea?

The people, la Good Vibes hostel chain, has recently opened a location in Caen. This hostel, a 15-minute walk from the city center and 10 minutes from the train station, also offers private rooms with a bathroom. Perfect for budget travelers with a price below €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 in Caen. The perfect address to enjoy a romantic evening and savor local dishes.

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.