Travel Guide of Caen in France by Influencers and Travelers
Caen is a commune in northwestern France. It is the prefecture of the department of Calvados. The city proper has 108,365 inhabitants, while its urban area has 420,000, making Caen the largest city in former Lower Normandy.
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The Best Things to Do and Visit in Caen
TRAVELERS TOP 10 :
1 - Mémorial de Caen
The Mémorial de Caen is a museum and war memorial in Caen, Normandy, France commemorating World War II and the Battle for Caen. More generally, the museum is dedicated to the history of the twentieth century, mainly focused on the fragility of peace.
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2 - Pegasus Bridge
10 km away
Pegasus Bridge, originally called the Bénouville Bridge after the neighbouring village, is a road crossing over the Caen Canal, between Caen and Ouistreham in Normandy.
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3 - Land Sailing in Caen
19 km away
Get ready for an exceptional adventure during a private land sailing session on Juno Beach! Enjoy a private land sailing session, with the advice of an instructor just for you! With over 10 years' experience, your qualified and passion...
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4 - Church of Saint-Pierre
Marennes is a former commune in the Charente-Maritime department in southwestern France. On 1 January 2019, it was merged into the new commune Marennes-Hiers-Brouage.
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5 - Rue Saint-Martin
The Canal Saint-Martin is a 4.6 km long canal in Paris, connecting the Canal de l'Ourcq to the river Seine. Over nearly half its length, between the Rue du Faubourg du Temple and the Place de la Bastille, it was covered, in the mid-19th century, to create wide boulevards and public spaces on the surface.
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6 - Tours & Sightseeing | Caen Memorial Museum
This one-day trip is an all-encompassing experience that teaches you about Normandy's history, from the aftermath of the First World War to the fall of the Berlin Wall, with transport and lunch included so you can focus on learning. The tour picks up participants in a mini-van and heads out for Mémorial de Caen. There, you get a guided tour of the museum, followed by lunch at the Les Pommiers restaurant within the Mémorial de Caen. In the afternoon, the tour continues with a visit to the WWII D-Day Landing Beaches: Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach, and the American Military Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer. The five-hour tour is led by a bilingual guide (French & English).
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7 - Port of Caen
8 km away
The Port of Caen is the harbour and port authority of the Norman city of Caen, France. The port of Caen is composed of a series of basins on the Canal de Caen à la Mer, linking Caen to Ouistreham, 15 km downstream, on the English Channel.
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15 km away
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9 - Kayaking in Caen
Rent your canoe or kayak in Caen and paddle at your own pace on the Orne River in Normandy! Discover the Orne Valley aboard a kayak (single-seater) or a canoe (two-seater) from Caen. This is the best way to navigate the river! In a few paddles, you w...
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10 - Merville-Franceville-Plage
16 km away
Merville-Franceville-Plage is a commune in the Calvados department in the Normandy region in northwestern France.
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11 - Grimbosq
16 km away
Grimbosq is a commune in the Calvados department in the Normandy region in northwestern France.
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12 - Stand up Paddle in Caen
Beginner or advanced, rent your Stand up paddleboard in Caen and paddle at your own pace on the Orne River in Normandy! Explore the Orne Valley aboard a SUP board from Caen. This is the best place to practice this outdoor activity! Experienced ...
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13 - Juno Beach
18 km away
Juno or Juno Beach was one of five beaches of the Allied invasion of German-occupied France in the Normandy landings on 6 June 1944 during the Second World War.
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14 - Juno Beach Centre
19 km away
The Juno Beach Centre or, in French, Centre Juno Beach, is a museum located in Courseulles-sur-Mer in the Calvados region of Normandy, France.
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15 - Rock climbing in Caen
7 km away
Enjoy a free access to Hapik Caen and discover 100% fun climbing! Hapik Caen isn't a traditional climbing gym... it's a one-of-a-kind venue combining leisure and sporting challenge. Whether you're looking to climb solo, with family or friends, Hapik ...
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16 - Cabourg
22 km away
Cabourg is a commune in the Calvados department in the Normandy region of France. Cabourg is on the coast of the English Channel, at the mouth of the river Dives. The back country is a plain, favourable to the culture of cereal.
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17 - Arromanches-les-Bains
25 km away
Arromanches-les-Bains is a commune in the Calvados department in the Normandy region of north-western France. The inhabitants of the commune are known as Arromanchais or Arromanchaises.
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18 - Bayeux Cathedral
26 km away
Bayeux Cathedral, also known as Cathedral of Our Lady of Bayeux, is a Roman Catholic church located in the town of Bayeux in Normandy, France.
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19 - Bayeux
26 km away
Bayeux is a commune in the Calvados department in Normandy in northwestern France. Bayeux is the home of the Bayeux Tapestry, which depicts the events leading up to the Norman conquest of England.
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20 - Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux
26 km away
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Pictures and Stories of Caen from Influencers
8 pictures of Caen from Loris Marie, Jordan Bouvier, Nivenn Lanos and other travelers
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Why should you visit Caen ?
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🏘️ Town 🗼 Landmark 🏰 ChurchHow to visit Caen ?
Why traveling to Caen?
Caen, a charming city in the Normandy region of France, is rich in history, culture, and picturesque landscapes. It is the perfect destination for history buffs who want to explore the Normandy battlefields, WWII sites, and the impressive Caen Memorial. The city also boasts stunning medieval architecture, including the Château de Caen and the exquisite abbeys of St. Etienne and Ste. Trinité, founded by William the Conqueror. Not to mention the delicious French cuisine you will enjoy!
How to get there?
The easiest way to reach Caen is by train from Paris. The journey takes around 2 hours from Paris Saint-Lazare station to Caen, with trains running frequently throughout the day. Alternatively, you can fly into Caen Carpiquet Airport, which has connections to several European cities. If you're coming from the UK, you can take a ferry from Portsmouth to Ouistreham, which is a short 15 km drive from Caen.
What to book in advance?
It is highly recommended to book your accommodation and popular attractions in advance, especially during the peak travel months from June to September. You should also consider booking guided tours of the WWII sites and the Normandy battlefields, as these can fill up quickly. If you're planning on visiting the Caen Memorial, you can book your tickets online to skip the queues.
What are the costs?
Caen is a relatively affordable destination compared to other French cities. A budget traveler can expect to spend around €50-60 per day on accommodations, meals, and attractions. Mid-range travelers can expect to spend around €80-120 per day, while luxury travelers may spend €150 or more per day.
What are the best things to do?
1. Visit the Caen Memorial, which is dedicated to the history of the 20th century, focusing on WWII and the D-Day landings.
2. Explore the Château de Caen, a medieval fortress built by William the Conqueror.
3. Discover the beautiful abbeys of St. Etienne and Ste. Trinité.
4. Take a guided tour of the Normandy battlefields, such as Omaha Beach and Pointe du Hoc.
5. Wander through the picturesque old town and admire its half-timbered houses and narrow streets.
Where to eat?
1. Le Bouchon du Vaugueux - A cozy bistro serving traditional French cuisine, located in the historic Vaugueux district.
2. La Table du Baron - A stylish restaurant offering a refined menu of contemporary French dishes.
3. Le Comptoir Gourmand - A delightful café and pastry shop where you can enjoy delicious homemade pastries and desserts.
Where to stay?
1. Ibis Caen Centre - A comfortable and budget-friendly hotel located near the Château de Caen.
2. Hotel des Quatrans - A charming mid-range hotel in the heart of Caen, close to all major attractions.
3. Ivan Vautier Hotel - A luxury hotel with a spa and gourmet restaurant, perfect for a relaxing stay in Caen.
Off the beaten path
For a unique experience, consider visiting the Pegasus Bridge Museum in nearby Bénouville. The museum is dedicated to the British airborne troops who captured the bridge during the D-Day landings. You can also explore the original bridge – now replaced by a replica – and admire the gliders used during the operation. The peaceful surroundings offer a chance to reflect on the sacrifices made during this pivotal moment in history.
Learn More about Caen
Caen is a city in Normandy, in northwestern France. It is the prefecture (capital) of the Calvados department. Caen is located 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) inland from the English Channel.
There are a few things to keep in mind when traveling to Caen, France:
1. Be sure to pack comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
2. Caen is home to many historical sites, so be sure to allot time to visit them.
3. The food in Caen is delicious, so be sure to sample as much as you can!
4. Caen is a beautiful city, so be sure to take plenty of photos.
There are many great travel experiences to be had in Caen, France. However, one of the best is definitely visiting the castle. The castle is a great example of medieval architecture and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city.
Where to Stay in Caen
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More Travel spots to explore around Caen
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Discover more travel spots to explore around Caen
🗼 Landmark spots 🏘️ Town spots 🏰 Church spots Driving spots Flipping spots 🏰 Place of worship spotsTravel map of Caen
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