Things To Do in Caen
Bookstore
Available as paperback
and as e-book.
Caen Attractions
A fun way to visit Caen’s major sites, including both Abbayes and the Château, is to follow the self-guided William the Conqueror Circuit. Maps can be picked up at the Tourist Office, which is the convenient start of the walking tour. YAlong the way, there are flash codes, which get you a free audio guide of the tour.
- Religious Site
Abbaye aux Dames
William the Conqueror’s wife Mathilda founded this abbey around 1060, which embraces Eglise de la Trinité and its Romanesque towers. Its spires were destroyed in the Hundred Years’ War. The 12th-century choir houses the tomb of Queen Mathilda.Around Town
- Religious Site
Abbaye aux Hommes
Founded by William the Conqueror in 1066 to ensure a papal pardon for marrying his distant cousin Mathilda, this abbey is next to the Église St-Etienne. During the Allied invasion, residents of Caen fled to St-Etienne for protection. Twin Romanesque towers 84m- (276 ft.-) tall…Around Town - Historic Site
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…Around Town - Monument
Le Mémorial de Caen (Caen Memorial)
This is not a museum to be rushed through, as it explores history from 1918 to the present day in engrossing and thought-provoking exhibits. It puts the 20th century in context by starting with the end of the First World War, leading to the horrors of the Second World War and beyond…Around Town
Caen Shopping
Caen has some excellent boutique-lined shopping streets, including boulevard du Maréchal-Leclerc, rue St-Pierre, and rue de Strasbourg. Antiques hunters should check out the shops along rue Ecuyère. The market at place Courtonne on Sunday morning sells secondhand goods.
For foodie souvenirs, Chocolaterie Charlotte Corday, 114 rue St-Jean (tel. 02-31-86-33-25), has an irresistible collection of chocolate and other sweet goodies. Cheese-lovers can taste before they buy at the bar à fromages and boutique at Fromagerie Conquérant, 27 rue Guillaume le Conquérant (http://fromagerie-conquerant.com; tel. 02-50-65-47-33).
Caen Nightlife
Take a walk down rue de Bras, rue St-Pierre, and rue Vaugueux to size up the action. Au Verre Dit Vin, quai Vendeuvre (www.auverreditvincaen.fr; tel. 02-31-91-38-03), is a cozy wine bar that offers good food along with a piano bar on Thursdays and live music on Fridays and Saturdays. For offbeat international gigs, head to Le Cargö, 9 cours Caffarelli, Port de Caen (www.lecargo.fr; tel. 02-31-86-79-31).
