Caen

Travel Guide

Photo provided by © ATOUT FRANCE
Photo provided by © ATOUT FRANCE
Photo provided by © ATOUT FRANCE
Photo provided by © ATOUT FRANCE
Photo provided by © ATOUT FRANCE

The burial place of William the Conqueror is a quaint Norman village home to one of Western Europe’s largest medieval fortresses.

Caen is famous for its historical buildings, many of which were built during the reign of William the Conqueror, who is also buried in town. Much of the city was destroyed during the Battle of Normandy in 1944, but you can still discover some fascinating buildings, wander its scenic canal and take a moment for quiet contemplation at its stirring peace memorial.

Don’t miss the massive Château de Caen (Caen Castle), which was built around 1060 by William the Conqueror. With its sturdy walls, large moat, medieval drawbridge and barbicans, it looks much the same today as it would have many centuries ago. Climb to the top of the northern rampart for a view of the entire castle. 

Be sure to seek out the Abbaye aux Hommes (Men’s Abbey). Commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1066, the abbey is also his final resting place. Admire historic Norman houses such as the 14th-century Maison des Quatrans, the oldest timber-framed house in Caen. The timber-frame building technique was used up until 1524 when the Norman Parliament banned such buildings due to hygiene and the high fire risk.

Wander the town today and you’ll still be able to see evidence of the damage Caen suffered during World War II. Look for the bombed-out ruins of Eglise Saint-Etienne, an 11th-century church. Elsewhere in town, the Mémorial pour la Paix (Memorial for Peace) acts as another reminder of World War II, depicting the events leading up to and after D-Day. 

Caen also has a clutch of natural attractions. Walk along the picturesque canal passing the pleasure boats at Saint-Pierre dock and relax among exotic plants, medicinal herbs and rockeries in the Jardin Botanique de Caen (Caen Botanic Garden). The landscaped gardens of Bird Hill Floral Park are at their best from May to September, when the rose garden is in bloom. 

Caen Carpiquet Airport is a 15-minute drive from the center of town. You can also arrive by ferry into the port Ouistreham, a 20-minute drive from Caen. Train services connect the town to Paris.

Where to stay in Caen

Caen featuring heritage architecture and a castle

Caen City Centre

4/5(26 area reviews)

Monuments, beaches and museums are just a few things travellers enjoy about Caen City Centre. Check out Normandy Museum or Caen Castle while you're exploring the area.

Caen City Centre
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Port of Caen

Restaurants, shopping and beaches highlight some of the notable features of Port of Caen. Make a stop by Port de plaisance de Caen while you're exploring.

Port of Caen
Caen featuring heritage architecture and a castle

Quartier du château

Unique features of Quartier du château include the historical sites and restaurants. Make a stop by Normandy Museum or Caen Castle while you're exploring the area.

Quartier du château

Théâtre

Well liked for its restaurants and historical sites, you might stop by Normandy Museum and Caen Castle while you're exploring Théâtre and the surrounding neighbourhoods.

Théâtre
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Jardin des plantes

Travellers like the parks in Jardin des plantes, and Caen Botanical Garden is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Jardin des plantes

Saint-Jean

Travellers like the monuments in Saint-Jean, and Saint-Jean Church is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Saint-Jean
Campanile Caen Centre - Gare
Campanile Caen Centre - Gare
3 out of 5
10 Rue De La Gare, Caen, Calvados
The price is HK$772 per night from 11 Jul to 12 Jul
HK$772
HK$876 total
11 Jul - 12 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Caen. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (559 reviews)
"Excellent room and property, easy check in, very close to train station and quick walk to city center"

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

Campanile Caen Centre - Gare
Brit Hotel Caen Nord - Mémorial
Brit Hotel Caen Nord - Mémorial
3 out of 5
36 Ave Montgomery, Quartier Du Memorial, Caen, Calvados
The price is HK$671 per night from 17 Jul to 18 Jul
HK$671
HK$766 total
17 Jul - 18 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Caen. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (498 reviews)
Great value hotel.
"Good value hotel. Good location is passing through. Not much in vicinity for a tourist. Easy access to all the DDay beaches from here."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Brit Hotel Caen Nord - Mémorial
Séjours & Affaires Caen Le Clos Beaumois
Séjours & Affaires Caen Le Clos Beaumois
2 out of 5
24 rue du Clos Beaumois, Caen, Calvados
The price is HK$484 per night from 19 Jul to 20 Jul
HK$484
HK$549 total
19 Jul - 20 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this aparthotel in Caen. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (735 reviews)
"Everything you need, only thing missing is a hairdryer. Clean and comfortable, friendly staff."

Reviewed on 9 Jun 2025

Séjours & Affaires Caen Le Clos Beaumois
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Séjours & Affaires Caen Le Clos Beaumois
Séjours & Affaires Caen Le Clos Beaumois
2 out of 5
24 rue du Clos Beaumois, Caen, Calvados
Stay at this aparthotel in Caen. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (735 reviews)
"Everything you need, only thing missing is a hairdryer. Clean and comfortable, friendly staff."

Reviewed on 9 Jun 2025

Séjours & Affaires Caen Le Clos Beaumois
Appart'City Classic Caen
Appart'City Classic Caen
3 out of 5
1 Ter Rue Claude Bloch, Caen, Calvados
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified aparthotel in Caen. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the property condition in our ...
7.8/10 Good! (116 reviews)
"It was adequate"

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2025

Appart'City Classic Caen
City'O Appart Hotel
City'O Appart Hotel
3 out of 5
1 Quai Eugène Meslin, Caen, Calvados
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Caen. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (238 reviews)
"Requested two beds and the combination of two separate reservations and the front desk was able to accommodate."

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

City'O Appart Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Caen

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
8
5 - Excellent 35%
4 - Good
13
4 - Good 57%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 4%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

David

Fantastic town. Lots to do, except on a Sunday where most things are closed including bars and restaurants. We had a great time. Great cheap bus service.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

No post codes. Finding hotel was difficult

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Would recommend Keys&Co around the corner for breakfast and The Trappist for a beer or two.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

The night we stayed also had a coach load of school children arrive so lots of loud running and shouting from excited kid until bed time was declared by the teachers in charge.