Caen

About Caen
1 Day

1 Day

A charming town in southern Normandy, 130 km southwest of Rouen and 15 km inland from the English Channel, the WWII landing beaches, and the bustling seaside resorts of Deauville and Cabourg. While in town enjoy the beautiful architecture of the 11^th century William the Conqueror period, the nearby beach resorts, and the Alps like “Norman Switzerland” mountains range.
Most of Caen was damaged in WWII, but fortunately its historic buildings were spared.

Stroll the lively pedestrian Rue St Pierre crossing the town center and the adjacent Rue Ecuyere and Rue St. Saveur and visit the beautiful historic Vaugueux quarter. Pay attention to the decorative half-timbered 14^th century Maison des Quatrans, and the 15^th century Musee de la Poste, and visit the 12^th century Caen Castle home to the Museum of Normandy and the Caen Fine Arts Museum.
Admire the impressive 11^th century Romanesque and Gothic abbeys, the Abbaye aux Hommes (Abbey of St. Etienne) and the Abbaye aux Dames (Abbey of St. Trinite), built by William the Conqueror on both sides of town, and where both him and his wife were buried.

Known for the WWII Battle of Caen part of the Battle of Normandy, visit the enlightening Memorial de Caen and its museum. For a few hours of tranquility and relaxation, enjoy the beautiful parks and gardens of Jardin des Plantes and the La Colline aux Oiseaux. If you happen to be in town on the weekend, enjoy the bustling Friday market along the Fosses St Julien near the Caen Castle and the Sunday market in the Place Courtonne. If you visit Caen with children enjoy some of the Family Attractions in town.

Spend a day in Caen visiting its attractions and if you have more time explore for another day its surroundings, the 18^th century Chateau de Benouville neoclassical countryside mansion, and the Memorial Pegasus, a WWII D Day memorial site and museum, both 15 km Northeast of town.
For entertainment and leisure visit the Mondeville 2, a huge regional shopping and cinema complex near town.

TheTjoy.com recommends to travel and visit interesting destinations and attractions out of Caen;

Visit the D-Day Landing Beaches impressive monuments and museums.
The town of Bayeux and its famous 11^th century Tapestry, 30 km to the northwest.
Travel 125 km southwest to the must see and highly popular Le Mont Saint Michel village and abbey rising from the sea.
On the way to Le Mont Saint Michel consider visiting Chateau de Falaise, the impressive 12^th century Norman castle, the highly recommended and fascinating Medieval town of Domfront en poiraie, and Granville, the beautiful seaside resort on the English Channel.