Le Château de Caen
This castle complex was built on the ruins of a fortress erected by William the Conqueror in 1060. As soon as the weather warms up, much of the population picnics in the surrounding grounds. The castle is undergoing major renovations until 2025, but you can still climb to the top of the extensive ramparts for sublime views over Caen, visit its two museums and admire its multiple contemporary sculptures—the most impressive of which is a statue of Willian and Mathilde on horseback (opposite rue St-Piere) by local artist Claude Quiesse. The Musée de Normandie (www.musee-de-normandie.caen.fr; tel. 02-31-30-47-60) displays local archaeological finds, along with a collection of regional sculpture, paintings, and ceramics. Admission is 3.50€ to 5.50€ depending on the exhibitions (free for visitors 25 and under), and it’s open Monday to Friday 9:30am to 12:30pm and 2 to 6pm, Saturday 11am to 6pm (closed Sep-Jun Mon). Also within the walls is the Musée des Beaux-Arts (www.mba.caen.fr; tel. 02-31-30-47-70), a collection of Old Masters including Veronese, Tintoretto, and Rubens. Admission is 3.50€ to 5.50€ depending on the exhibition (free for visitors 25 and under). It’s open Monday to Friday 9:30am to 12:30pm and 1:30 to 6pm and Saturday and Sunday 11am–6pm (closed Sep–Jun and Mondays).
This castle complex was built on the ruins of a fortress erected by William the Conqueror in 1060. As soon as the weather warms up, much of the population picnics in the surrounding grounds. The castle is undergoing major renovations until 2025, but you can still climb to the top of the extensive ramparts for sublime views over Caen, visit its two museums and admire its multiple contemporary sculptures—the most impressive of which is a statue of Willian and Mathilde on horseback (opposite rue St-Piere) by local artist Claude Quiesse. The Musée de Normandie (www.musee-de-normandie.caen.fr; tel. 02-31-30-47-60) displays local archaeological finds, along with a collection of regional sculpture, paintings, and ceramics. Admission is 3.50€ to 5.50€ depending on the exhibitions (free for visitors 25 and under), and it’s open Monday to Friday 9:30am to 12:30pm and 2 to 6pm, Saturday 11am to 6pm (closed Sep-Jun Mon). Also within the walls is the Musée des Beaux-Arts (www.mba.caen.fr; tel. 02-31-30-47-70), a collection of Old Masters including Veronese, Tintoretto, and Rubens. Admission is 3.50€ to 5.50€ depending on the exhibition (free for visitors 25 and under). It’s open Monday to Friday 9:30am to 12:30pm and 1:30 to 6pm and Saturday and Sunday 11am–6pm (closed Sep–Jun and Mondays).
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