The city of William the Conqueror, Caen brings together 11th-century Romanesque abbeys, a ducal fortress and a duty of remembrance tied to the 1944 D-Day landings. Here are the places not to miss.
Looking for things to do in Caen, places to visit near Caen or an idea for a day out this weekend? Here is a selection of the finest sights to see, all explorable directly on the interactive map.
Open Caen on the interactive mapFounded around 1060 by William the Conqueror to control the valley, this vast castle is among the largest medieval fortresses in Europe. Its ramparts hold remains of the keep, a physic garden and two museums.
See on the map →Founded by William the Conqueror, who is buried here, this abbey blends Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Part of the building now houses Caen's city hall.
See on the map →Founded in 1060 by Matilda of Flanders, wife of William the Conqueror, this Benedictine abbey stands out for its elegant abbey church and refined cloister.
See on the map →Opened in 1988, this museum retraces the history of the 20th century with a focus on the Normandy landings, inviting reflection on peace and human rights.
See on the map →In the heart of the ducal castle, this museum presents paintings and sculptures from the Middle Ages to contemporary art, through permanent and temporary exhibitions.
See on the map →One of the few quarters spared by the 1944 bombing, this area of cobbled lanes and half-timbered houses carries you back to the Middle Ages, between restaurants and wine bars.
See on the map →With its Renaissance apse and Flamboyant Gothic nave, this church is regarded as one of the finest architectural achievements in Normandy.
See on the map →Laid out on a reclaimed former landfill, this vast park offers themed gardens, an aviary and a little tourist train — ideal for families.
See on the map →Find these places and hundreds more — restaurants, places to stay, activities — on the BornToVisit interactive map. Filter by theme, find things to do around you and plan your outing.
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