Caen City Guide
Caen, the capital of Basse Normandie, was the preferred city of William the Conqueror who built two stunning abbeys here. It was also one of many Norman towns to suffer great damage during World War II. Today Caen is a university city with wide boulevards and modern architecture.
Paris to Caen takes just over 2 hours by train.
What to do and see in and around Caen
Château de Caen
The Château dates back to the 12th century. The ramparts of the Château survived the World War II bombings and visitors can still walk along the ramparts and enjoy views over the city. The Château has a herb garden which dates back to the Middle Ages and the 12th century Exchequer building.
Caen's Abbeys
Caen has two abbeys - one founded by William the Conqueror and the other by his wife, Matilda of Flanders. The Abbey aux Hommes is on the west side of the city is now the Town Hall. The Abbey aux Dames - east of the city - includes the Église de la Trinité, and Matilda's tomb.
Caen Memorial – A Museum for Peace
The Caen Memorial "A Museum for Peace" offers a moving account of European history from 1918 to present day. The museum includes soldiers' letters, documentary films and an exhibition on Nobel Peace Prize winners, the Cold War and D-Day.
Musée des Beaux-Arts
The Musée des Beaux-Arts is located within the Château's walls. The museum's collection includes paintings and engravings from the 15th century to the present day. Highlights of the collection include works by Titian, Poussin, Monet and Rembrandt.
Musée de Normandie
The Normandy Museum covers the history of the area, through historical artefacts dating from the Roman period to the Industrial Revolution. The Museum is situated within the walls of the Château.
Bayeux
15 minutes from Caen by train
Bayeaux is home to the famous Bayeux Tapestry, now in Musée de la Tapisserie on the east side of the River Aure. The tapestry was originally housed in Notre Dame Cathedral, which dates back to the 11th century. Wander through the town's cobbled streets and admire the historic timbered houses.
D-Day Beaches
30 minutes from Caen
The D-Day Beaches where the Allied troops landed on 6th June 1944 run along the Normand coast. Most of the villages near the beaches have small war museums, or you can take a tour through the Caen Memorial.
Mont Saint-Michel
2 hours from Caen by train
Mont Saint-Michel is a small island linked to the mainland by a causeway. At the top of the island is the huge Abbey which dates back
to the 8th century. Winding cobbled streets lead up to the Abbey, and from the top there are fantastic views over the bay.
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