What to See & Do in Caen
Sights Abbaye-aux-Hommes: William and Matilda were cousins; at first, the pope opposed their marriage. He relented, and they atoned by each founding an abbey: in William’s case the Abbaye-aux-Hommes. Abbaye-aux-Dames: Matilda’s tomb is marked by a slab of black marble in the choir of her abbey church, La Trinité. Her abbey, in creamy Caen stone, is now the Regional Council headquarters. Château Ducal: Built as a royal home, William’s hilltop castle became a fortress in 1204. The ramparts, Chapelle St-Georges, and the great hall of Henri I’s palace are all that remain. Musée des Beaux-Arts: Within the castle walls is this wide-ranging fine art collection, strong on 17th century French and Italian painting. Musée de Normandie: Also in the Château complex, this museum presents a survey of Norman life, with exhibits ranging from the prehistoric to the industrial. Le Mémorial de Caen: Northwest of the city, this major museum of remembrance and peace traces the causes and consequences of World War II and the Cold War. Église St-Pierre: The church is notable for its impressively ornate Renaissance apse and its much-copied spire, rebuilt after 1944. Rue St-Pierre: This lively shopping street is lined with historic buildings. Turn down rue Froide, full of interesting shops and hidden alleys, then left to reach place St-Sauveur, scene of a Friday market since 1026. Marina: Tour Leroy stands at the entrance to the old harbour. Today, a yacht marina, picturesque in summer, marks the canal that leads to the ferry port of Ouistreham. Quartier Vaugueux: This is Caen’s "petit Montmartre", with a jumble of pretty buildings, old street lights, and a great mix of restaurants and cafés. Where to stay Caen has a large number of hotels. They’re not particularly concentrated in any one area, though you’ll find clusters just west of the castle and tourist office – a convenient location for motorists heading to or from the ferry – as well as around the pleasure port, and a handful facing the station. With plenty of dedicated restaurants in town, few hotels provide food. Transport Park at the Côte de Nacre car park, just north of the city, and then travel free by tram to the city centre. Back To Caen
