Planning a Trip in Caen

Arriving -- From Paris’s Gare St-Lazare, between 18 and 21 trains a day arrive in Caen (trip time: 2–2 1/2 hr.). Online fares start at 16€ one-way (www.sncf-connect.com; tel. 36-35). To drive from Paris, travel west along A13 to Caen (drive time: 2 1/2–3 hr.).

Visitor Information -- The Office de Tourisme is at 12 place St-Pierre in the 16th-century Hôtel d’Escoville (www.caen-tourisme.fr; tel. 02-31-27-14-14).

City Layout -- Downtown Caen stretches from Abbaye aux Dames in the east to Abbaye aux Hommes in the west. The pedestrianized rue St-Pierre bisects the town’s main shopping district. The train station is southeast of the city center. The towering ramparts of the hilltop Château de Caen make an ideal spot to get your bearings.

Getting Around

On Foot -- Caen’s city center is small and much of it is pedestrianized. For short stays, it’s easiest to explore the town on foot.

By Bicycle -- Caen has its own bike-sharing scheme, Twisto Vélo (www.twisto.fr). You can register online or directly at one of Caen’s 23 bike stands; access costs 1€ per hour.

By Car -- It’s best to park your wheels and explore the city center on foot. The handiest lots are on place de République (smack bang in the center, just south of the Château; about 10€/day).

By Taxi -- Taxis Abbeilles, 54 place de la Gare (www.taxis-abbeilles-caen.com; tel. 02-31-52-17-89).

By Public Transport -- The Twisto bus and tram network (www.twisto.fr; tel. 02-31-15-55-55) crisscrosses the city. Its three tram lines all pass via the Château, making it very easy to get around (lines 2 and 3 link the station to the center). Tickets (1.60€) can be purchased from automatic kiosks at each station and are valid for an hour. A free electric shuttle bus goes through the center from Monday to Saturday 7:30am to 8pm.

ATMs/Banks -- The city center has plenty of banks, including several on rue Jean Eudes.

Doctors & Hospitals -- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Caen, av. de la Côte de Nacre (www.chu-caen.fr; tel. 02-31-06-31-06).

Mail & Postage -- La Poste, 2 rue Georges Lebret (tel. 36-31).

Pharmacies -- Pharmacie du Château, 27 av. de la Libération (tel. 02-31-93-64-78).

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.