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Historical visits and must-see monuments of Caen

In Caen, history is not only visited, it is heard in the stone. The walls of William the Conqueror's castle recount the Middle Ages, Mathilde and William's abbeys impose their quiet Romanesque style, and Gothic churches still rise with their towers over the city. Between the half-timbered houses of Vaugueux, the stately mansions downtown, and the museums safeguarding the memory of war, Caen combines grandeur and gentleness. The Memorial recalls dark times; the gardens breathe with renewed peace. The city progresses without ever forgetting what it once was. Walking in Caen means crossing a thousand years of history in a few steps, from the ducal era to that of the resistors.

Caen Castle
Caen Castle

Caen, France

Built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, the castle overlooks the town from its hill. Walls, keep, chapel: everything here speaks of power and defense. One of the largest fortified complexes in Europe.

Abbey of Sainte-Trinité (Abbaye aux Dames)
Abbey of Sainte-Trinité (Abbaye aux Dames)

Caen, France

A Romanesque abbey founded in the 11th century by Queen Matilda, wife of William the Conqueror. The church has a basilica plan with a facade featuring twin towers.

Museum of Fine Arts
Museum of Fine Arts

Caen, France

Located within the castle grounds, the museum displays European works from the Middle Ages to the present day. Paintings, sculptures, engravings: a dialogue between eras in a historically significant setting.

Leroy Tower
Leroy Tower

Caen, France

On the banks of the Orne, this 15th-century tower once protected the port and served as a control post. Its sturdy appearance retains the memory of merchants and customs officers.

Caen Memorial
Caen Memorial

Caen, France

Major museum dedicated to World War II, peace, and human rights. A place of history and reflection on the 20th century and its scars, including a section on the Normandy invasion and battle.

Jardin des Plantes
Jardin des Plantes

Caen, France

Created in 1848, this botanical garden gathers thousands of species, from tropical greenhouses to the arboretum. A haven of tranquility close to the city center.

Abbey of Saint-Étienne (Abbaye aux Hommes)
Abbey of Saint-Étienne (Abbaye aux Hommes)

Caen, France

Romanesque masterpiece founded by William the Conqueror in 1063, now the town hall. The nave, tall and bright, houses the tomb of the duke who became king of England.

Bird Hill Park
Bird Hill Park

Caen, France

17-hectare public park developed on a former landfill, with themed gardens, a rose garden, a maze, and views of the city.

Saint Peter's Church
Saint Peter's Church

Caen, France

13th-century religious monument with flamboyant Gothic architecture, a 73-meter high bell tower, and detailed facade sculptures.

Gardens Valley
Gardens Valley

Caen, France

11-hectare public park including an arboretum, walking trails, natural meadows, and arranged resting areas.

Saint John's Church
Saint John's Church

Caen, France

14th-century religious building with a central nave, stone vaults, and medieval stained glass windows depicting biblical scenes.

Normandy Museum
Normandy Museum

Caen, France

Cultural institution located in the Ducal Castle showcasing archaeological and ethnographic collections on Norman history since prehistory.

Bénouville Castle
Bénouville Castle

Caen, France

Aristocratic building designed by architect Claude Nicolas Ledoux in the 18th century, located in the commune of Bénouville.

Vaugueux District
Vaugueux District

Caen, France

Old district of Caen with cobbled streets, 15th-century half-timbered houses, and traditional shops.

Michel d'Ornano Park
Michel d'Ornano Park

Caen, France

French classical style green space with geometric flowerbeds, a rose garden, and aligned centuries-old lime trees.

Plan de Rome
Plan de Rome

Caen, France

Architectural model of ancient Rome in the 4th century, made in plaster over 70 square meters by architect Paul Bigot.

Nature Initiation Museum
Nature Initiation Museum

Caen, France

Educational center displaying preserved specimens, insects, and local minerals. Visitors learn about the Norman ecosystem through interactive exhibits.

Pegasus Memorial
Pegasus Memorial

Caen, France

The museum displays military objects, documents, and photographs related to the Pegasus Bridge. It commemorates the actions of British forces on June 6, 1944.

Festyland
Festyland

Caen, France

The largest amusement park in Normandy offering roller coasters, carousels, and shows. Attractions are inspired by Norman history and Vikings.

Half-Timbered Houses
Half-Timbered Houses

Caen, France

These 15th and 16th-century dwellings showcase traditional Norman architecture with their exposed wooden facades and overhanging upper floors.

Abbey of Saint-Étienne (Abbaye aux Hommes)
Abbey of Saint-Étienne (Abbaye aux Hommes)

Caen, France

Religious monument built in the 11th century under the order of William the Conqueror, housing his tomb since the Middle Ages.

Place Saint-Sauveur
Place Saint-Sauveur

Caen, France

Central square in Caen with half-timbered buildings and a statue of Louis XIV. It is surrounded by restaurants and shops.

Old Saint-Sauveur Church
Old Saint-Sauveur Church

Caen, France

Church from the 14th century transformed into a municipal exhibition hall after the French Revolution. It features both Romanesque and Gothic styles.

Boulevard Leroy Market
Boulevard Leroy Market

Caen, France

Weekly outdoor market where local producers sell fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and regional products on Friday mornings.

Escoville Mansion
Escoville Mansion

Caen, France

Stone building constructed in the 16th century featuring a columned gallery, richly sculpted portal, and hexagonal tower.

Quatrans House
Quatrans House

Caen, France

Medieval residence built in 1460, consisting of three overhanging stories with visible beams and wooden carvings.

FRAC Normandy
FRAC Normandy

Caen, France

Art center housed in a former 17th-century convent presenting contemporary art collections and temporary exhibitions.

Rampart Rooms
Rampart Rooms

Caen, France

Museum space located in old medieval fortifications tracing the urban evolution of Caen from the Middle Ages to the present day.