Caen

Caen is the prefecture of Calvados and one of the largest cities in Normandy. It was a key power base of William the Conqueror, who built its massive castle and two great abbeys. The city was heavily damaged during the Battle of Normandy in 1944 but has been meticulously rebuilt, balancing its medieval heritage with modern urban life.

Caen is well connected by train from Paris (Gare Saint-Lazare, about 2 hours) and by motorway (A13 from Paris, A84 from Rennes). Caen–Carpiquet Airport has limited seasonal flights from the UK. The Ouistreham ferry terminal (15 km north) serves Portsmouth.

The city center is walkable, particularly the area around the castle and the two abbeys. Caen has an efficient bus network (Twisto). Trams run through the city center. Bicycle rental is available through the Vélolib scheme.

• Château de Caen — William the Conqueror's fortress, housing the Musée de Normandie and the Musée des Beaux-Arts

• Abbaye aux Hommes (Men's Abbey) — William's burial place, with a stunning Romanesque church

• Abbaye aux Dames (Women's Abbey) — burial place of Matilda of Flanders

• Mémorial de Caen — a world-class museum about peace, WWII, and 20th-century history

• Église Saint-Pierre — Gothic church in the old harbor district

• Explore the Mémorial de Caen (allow at least half a day)

• Walk the castle ramparts for views over the city

• Stroll along the quays of the renovated Vaugueux district

• Shop at the Saturday market at Place Courtonne

Caen has a lively food scene with many restaurants in the Vaugueux quarter. Tripes à la mode de Caen is the local specialty, and seafood features heavily.

The Vaugueux district is the hub for bars and cafés. Local cider and Calvados are ubiquitous. The microbrewery scene has grown in recent years.

Caen offers accommodation from budget chain hotels near the train station to boutique hotels in the historic center. Business hotels are plentiful given the city's size.

The city center has department stores and boutiques around Rue Saint-Pierre and the Rives de l'Orne shopping area. Norman food products, cider, and Calvados make good souvenirs.

• Bayeux and the Bayeux Tapestry — 30 km west
• D-Day landing beaches — 15–30 km north
• Honfleur — 50 km northeast
• Mont-Saint-Michel — about 1.5 hours west via A84
• Deauville and Cabourg — coastal resorts 30–40 km northeast