Things To Do
in Caen
Caen is a historic Norman city in Normandy, perched along the Orne River. It blends medieval architecture with a vibrant university atmosphere and modern museums. The city is famed for its two ancient abbeys, a grand castle, and poignant World War II memorials.
It serves as a convenient gateway to the D-Day beaches and the Normandy coast, all within easy day trips.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Caen Castle, built by William the Conqueror. Wander through its impressive ramparts and take in the panoramic views of the city. Afterward, stop by the nearby Abbaye aux Hommes, a stunning example of Romanesque architecture.
Enjoy lunch at a local café, savoring traditional Norman dishes such as galettes or seafood. Post-lunch, visit the Caen Memorial Museum to learn about the history of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy. Take your time exploring its various exhibits and engaging multimedia installations.
As the sun sets, stroll through the charming streets of the historic center, admiring the illuminated buildings. Choose a cozy restaurant for dinner, where you can indulge in regional specialties paired with local cider. Finish the evening with a leisurely walk along the Orne River, soaking in the serene atmosphere.
Dedicate your morning to a deeper exploration of the Caen Memorial, focusing on the exhibits about World War II. Engage with the interactive displays that recount the events leading up to the Normandy landings. Reflect on the impact of history as you walk through the poignant memorial gardens.
After a thoughtful morning, grab a light lunch at the museum café, featuring simple yet delicious fare. Make your way to the nearby Peace Memorial, where you can continue to reflect on the themes of peace and reconciliation. Explore the surrounding gardens and enjoy the tranquility they offer.
Spend the evening at a local bistro, sampling wines from the surrounding Normandy region. Engage with locals and fellow travelers to share stories and insights about the day's experiences. End your night with a visit to a local bar to enjoy some live music.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🥗Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $40-70 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within town) | $8-20 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $60-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich history and compact, walkable city center
- Proximity to D-Day beaches and Normandy coast
- Excellent local cuisine and cider/calvados
- Good value for money compared to larger French cities
- Weather can be rainy and unpredictable
- Nightlife is more low-key than in bigger cities
- Some major attractions require transport outside the city
- "Bonjour" - Hello (good day)
- "Bonsoir" - Good evening
- "Parlez-vous anglais ?" - Do you speak English?
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" - The check, please
- "Où est... ?" - Where is... ?
- "Combien coûte cela ?" - How much does this cost?
Places to Visit in Caen
Visit one of these nice places.
Impressive medieval castle with ramparts and expansive city views, great for dramatic skyline shots at sunrise or sunset.
Grand Romanesque abbey with iconic columns and cloister arches ideal for architectural photography.
Elegant baroque church and cloister, offering graceful lines and interior details for photography.
Quais and marina views along the Orne; excellent for sunset reflections and street photography.
A green, elevated vantage point over the city with lawns, vistas, and rooftop-like angles of Caen.
A hillside park with vantage points over Caen’s rooftops and river valley—great for wide-city shots.
Food in Caen
Caen Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A slow-cooked tripe stew flavored with onions, cider, and spices; a classic Norman specialty found in many traditional brasseries.
Must-Try!
A milk-and-cinnamon rice pudding that bakes slowly into a comforting dessert rooted in Normandy.
Soft, creamy cheese from the region; best enjoyed with crusty bread and a glass of cider.
Apple brandy from Normandy; often enjoyed as a digestif after meals or used in cocktails.
Mussels cooked in a creamy cider or apple-based sauce, a seafood staple in coastal Normandy.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling indoor market offering fresh seafood, cheeses, apples, vegetables, and artisanal products; a great place to taste local specialties.
Weekly markets on Tuesdays and Saturdays with stalls featuring rinds of cheese, Norman apples, cider, and seasonal fare.
Crêpes, galettes, sausages, and warm pastries are common around the historic center and near the market.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Say 'Bonjour' (good day) or 'Bonsoir' (good evening) when entering shops; politeness goes a long way.
Use 's'il vous plaît' and 'merci'; ask for the check with 'L’addition, s’il vous plaît' when ready.
Punctuality is appreciated, especially for appointments; public spaces are generally respectful and orderly.
Safety
Tipping in Caen
Ensure a smooth experience
A service charge is often included; if not, leaving 5-10% for good service is common practice in restaurants and cafes.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; cash is always useful for small shops and markets. ATMs are common in town centers.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with long daylight; occasional showers. Great for outdoor dining, markets, and coastal day trips to nearby beaches.
Mild to cool with colorful foliage and harvest festivals; excellent for museum visits and scenic river walks.
Cool with the possibility of rain and frost; Christmas markets appear in town squares; museums provide warm shelter and culture.
Pleasant and gradually warming; gardens and parks come alive, making it ideal for photography and outdoor exploration.
Caen at Night
Hiking in Caen
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Hilly trails around Thury-Harcourt and Clécy with river views and limestone cliffs; a must for outdoor lovers.
Dune and shoreline trails offering sea views and fresh air, with opportunities to visit beaches linked to D-Day sites.
Airports
How to reach Caen by plane.
Small regional airport serving domestic and some international routes; quick access to Caen by road.
Nearby coastal airport with seasonal and charter flights; good for weekend trips to the coast.
Major international hubs; typically reached by train (TGV/fast rail) from Caen for onward international connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant undergraduate and graduate student presence due to the University of Caen Normandy and surrounding institutions.
Much of the city life centers on family-friendly neighborhoods and day-to-day commerce.
Visitors drawn to the memorials, beaches, and regional history.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular sport regionally; local clubs and friendly matches can be found around town.
Enjoyed in the broader Normandy area with local clubs and community teams.
Sailing, kayaking, and coastal adventures along the region's beaches and rivers.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Caen.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most Caen restaurants can accommodate vegetarians with cheese, vegetable mains, and salads. Look for dishes featuring Camembert, apples, and seasonal vegetables, and don’t hesitate to ask for meat- or fish-free options.