Caen, France is a beautiful historic town in the Normandy province. Caen is known for its deep history dating back to the 11th century and was built during the reign of William the Conqueror. During WWII, Caen was heavily bombed, but several churches and other historical structures survived the chaos. What makes this town so unique is the juxtaposition of new and old. While wandering the streets, you will get the medieval French feel and modern architecture due to post-WWII reconstruction.
Caen, France, located in the Normandy region, is not as infamous as Paris or other large French cities, but it packs a lot of beauty and authenticity in the small town. This Caen France travel guide highlights the exquisite churches, unique architecture, and the nearby coastline. I would add Caen to your list to get off the beaten path and explore the not-so-common areas of France.
Getting To and Around Caen
Caen from Paris
The train is the most popular and convenient way to get to Caen from Paris. Caen is less than a 2-hour-long train ride from St Lazare station.
Caen From Rouen
Rouen is another great town in Normandy to explore! If you are combining Rouen and Caen to your France itinerary, I suggest taking the TER Normandie train, taking about 1 hour and 25 minutes.
Getting Around Caen
Like most European cities, Caen is extremely walkable. If you need a break from all the walking, public transit is available. Listed below are the best modes of transport within the city:
- Bus
- With over 70 different lines, there is a high chance that the bus can take you anywhere you want to go.
- Tram
- The tram is an efficient and cost-friendly (less than 2 euros per ride) way to get around the city.
Best Things To Do in Caen France
Known as being William the Conqueror’s city, there is so much history and architecture to admire in Caen. I love the subtle beauty of historic towns within the Normandy region. There are so many beautiful sights to see within Caen, I think it is worth visiting if you have the time in your itinerary.
I would say that you can see all of the major sites in Caen in two days. When deciding what to do in Caen France, I would break it up by exploring the city and then using the next day for the beaches and the WWII history.
If you want to add more Normandy stops to your France itinerary, I would also check out my guide to Mont Saint Michel, the stunning white cliffs of Etretat, and the perfect day trip to Honfleur.
Listed below are all of the major Caen attractions!
Caen Castle
Built around 1060 by William the Conqueror, the castle is a must-see in Caen! Within the Castle, you will also find the Musee de Beaux Arts (Art Museum) and the Normandy Museum. Visiting Caen Castle is a great way to start your day, as you may need a couple of hours for both museums and exploring the castle structure.
Admission into the castle is FREE, but if you want to visit the museums, there is an admission fee.
Museums within Caen Castle
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Caen
The Fine Arts Museum, located within the premises of Caen Castle, is a great stop for art lovers or anyone wanting to dive into various pieces ranging from the Renaissance period to modern art.
- Admission: 5 Euros
Musée de Normandie
I suggest stopping into the Normandy Museum as it provides context to Caen’s history as well as the Normandy region in general. From the medieval period to WWII, there is so much to learn about this small region in France.
- Admission: 5 Euros
You can bundle the ticket prices for the Fine Arts Museum and the Normandy Museum for a slight discount.
The Abbeys
There are two Abbeys that are a main attraction in Caen as they were built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror and his wife, Matilda. What makes these two Abbeys so unique is that there is SO much historical relevance spanning from medieval times, religious wars, the French Revolution, and later during World War 2.
L’Abbaye-aux-Hommes
Known as the “Men’s Abbey”, this historic structure was built by William the Conqueror during the 11th century. During WWII, civilians sought refuge here during the bombings as it was a hospital.
- Admission: 4 Euros
- Guided 1 Hour Tour: 7 Euros
- Guided 1.5 Hour Tour: 8 Euros
L’Abbaye- Aux-Dames (L’Abbey of Saint-Trinité)
This abbey was built around 1060 by William the Conqueror’s wife, Queen Matilda.
- Admission: Free
- Guided 1 Hour Tour: 5 Euros
Churches
Several different churches in Caen, France are worth seeing. Listed below are other major churches in the area. Admission into these churches is free for you to explore on your own.
Eglise St Pierre
You can get a great view of the church from the Caen castle. After you finish exploring the castle and its premises, walk across the street to admire the inside of the cathedral.
Eglise Saint-Nicolas
Another church built during the time of William the Conqueror has a more unique shape.
Eglise Saint-Jean
Built in the 15th century, known for its leaning tower. Located about 10 minutes away from Abbaye Aux Hommes, walking.
Get Lost and Wander the Streets!
- Rue du Vaugueux: “Old Town” Caen, beautiful cobblestone streets lined with cafes and trendy spots for those interested in nightlife.
- Rue Saint-Jean and Rue du Maréchal Leclerc: Pedestrian-friendly shopping district of Caen.
Walking Tour
The Best way to explore Caen is by foot to immerse yourself in the culture and admire the historic architecture. I would opt for either a free self-guided walking tour or splurge a little but for a guided tour to learn about Caen.
Beaches
There are several different options for beaches around Caen, France. Listed below are a few I suggest depending on the vibe you are wanting.
Relaxation: Ouistreham
A small port town with a nice promenade by the beach and a daily fish market.
History: D-Day Beaches
The D-Day Beaches are a perfect day trip to see the French coast while also diving into WWII history.
There are 5 beaches in the area related to the Battle of Normandy and D-Day beach landings. If you want to splurge on anything, I would suggest taking a tour of this area. There are several tour options and day trips from Caen. This is such a surreal experience and having a guide provide background information and insight gives context.
Beaches Easily Accessible to Caen by Bus:
- Sword Beach ~ 1-hour Bus Ride
- Juno Beach~ 1.5 hour Bus Ride
Listed below are beaches where a private car or tour is required. There are several different tour options based on how much time and what areas you want to see. I would check out Caen Memorial’s day trip options. These tour options include:
- Pont du Hoc
- Omaha Beach
- American Cemetary
Caen Memorial
This museum is worth visiting for those interested in WWII history. This museum goes into great detail about the war, the battle of Normandy, and the landing on the D-Day beaches.
- Admission
- Adults (19-65): 19.80 Euros
- Child (10-18) and Senior (65+): 17.50 Euros
There are also discounts for students, Caen residents, and other special occupations.
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Thank You
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