10 Reasons to Enjoy a City Break in Caen la Mer

Whether you’re going with friends or family, or as a romantic break for two, Caen la mer offers an enticing mix of culture, history and vibrant energy. With 1,000 years of history, natural beauty and culinary treats galore, there are plenty of compelling reasons to pack your bags and head for this charming corner of Normandy. 

1. Château de Caen

Enjoy a panorama across Caen by climbing the ramparts of its mighty castle. Built in 1060 by William the Conqueror, it is one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe and features an impressive 100 bell towers. The castle houses the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Caen and the Musée de Normandie and hosts exhibitions on the arts and history. 

2. Historic centre

Take a stroll through Caen’s ancient cobbled streets and explore its secret courtyards. The charming medieval streets are home to half-timbered houses and dotted with stone sculptures and richly decorated mullioned windows. Don’t miss the famous Maison des Quatrans on Rue de Geôle. The medieval district of Vaugueux, with its Caen-stone houses, is one of the most popular parts of Caen and really comes to life in the evenings, when people flock to the trendy restaurants and bars. 

3. William the Conqueror 

You can’t mention Caen without mentioning William the Conqueror for it is here that Norman Romanesque gems the Abbaye aux Hommes and Abbaye aux Dames were built for his wedding in 1053 to Matilda of Flanders. The adjoining Church of Saint-Etienne houses William’s mighty tomb, a must on any visit. 

4. Caen Memorial & wartime heritage

Caen la mer played an important role in the Second World War and visitors today can explore Sword Beach, where British and French forces landed on June 6, 1944. Visit the Great Bunker Atlantic Wall Museum in Ouistreham and the N°4 Commando Museum for a comprehensive understanding of this pivotal period of history. And of course, the Caen Memorial is a must. This moving museum for peace retraces the history of 20th-century conflicts from the Second World War onwards. And finally, take a stroll on the Délicate walk, accompanied by headsets via which you can hear local residents’ stories of the Occupation. 

5. Natural haven

Caen’s quayside is a delightful spot to relax with a coffee or an apéritif at the café terraces, which are open from spring onwards, and gaze out at the water. Caen is also brimming with delightful parks and gardens, or you could take a stroll along the picturesque banks of the River Orne, which passes through the heart of the city. Nature lovers will want to head to the Pointe du Siège and the Orne estuary, where freshwater from the Orne and salt water from the English Channel meet, creating a unique landscape of dunes, marshland, salt flats and woodland. Rich in flora and fauna and home to 280 species of birds, the Pointe du Siège is listed as a Natura 2000 site. 

6. Seaside escape

Fancy a breath of fresh sea air? Then head for the lovely seaside resort of Ouistreham Riva-Bella (accessible by bus or electric bike). With 10 km of sandy beaches and four seaside resorts, Caen la mer is the perfect escape for watersports enthusiasts – you can try your hand at canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, sand yachting, jet-skiing or sailing, to name but a few. 

7. Shopping

Caen is a shopper’s paradise, with gourmet and artisanal boutiques dotting its pretty streets. Look out for unusual shops, such as the two beautiful hat-making boutiques on Rue Arcisse de Caumont. Along Rue Froide, one of the city’s oldest streets, you will find small independent artisans, bookstores, gift shops and gourmet treats.  

8. Gastronomic delights

There is plenty to delight food lovers here. Explore the vibrant local markets, including the Ouistreham Riva-Bella fish market, sample regional specialities and pick up some tasty treats for a picnic lunch. Seafood fans will find a plethora of excellent fish restaurants around Caen and Ouistreham, and don’t forget, Normandy is also known for cider, madeleines, chocolates and cheese. Head to one of Caen’s welcoming fromageries to learn about and sample some of the many varieties on offer. 

9. A walker’s paradise

Walkers won’t be able to resist a stroll along the wild coastline followed by a spot of relaxation on Hermanville-sur-Mer beach. Watch out for the Bluette villa, designed by famous architect Guimard and covered in pebbles from the beach. It is listed as a historic monument. Back in Caen, there can be no better way to learn about the history of the city and have fun at the same time than by picking up a self-guided walking tour pamphlet from the Tourist Office. Oh, and if your feet start to get tired, don’t worry. Pick up a City Pass at the Tourist Office: it includes transport, entry to a number of tourist sites and other discounts for 24, 48 or 72 hours. 

10. Special events

Caen is home to a roster of events and attractions throughout the year. Each June, the town commemorates the D-Day landings and the Battle of Normandy with services of remembrance, parades, music and more. It also participates in the Normandy Impressionist Festival, which this year is celebrating the birth of Impressionism 150 years ago.

An even bigger anniversary is Caen’s Millennium, which takes place in 2025. A whole host of activities are planned to celebrate this 1,000-year milestone, starting at the Château de Caen on March 20-23 when a monumental fresco will be projected on to the ramparts at nightfall. Other events include a stunning 5km Millennium Parade on May 9 and a Maritime Weekend on June 27- 29, which will see 48 rigs form an awe-inspiring convoy from Ouistreham to Caen. 

For more information, visit www.caenlamer-tourisme.com