Caen celebrates 1,000 years of history in 2025

William the Conqueror made it his stronghold. The medieval period saw it thrive as a bustling centre of commerce. And in the 20th century, the battle for its possession played a crucial role in liberating Europe from the Nazis. No other city has crammed quite so much history into the past 1,000 years – and this year you can get right to the heart of it all as Caen celebrates its millennium with a series of special events.

The story begins in 1025 when William the Conqueror chose Caen as his base. His legacy looms large in the heart of the city at Caen Castle, one of Europe’s largest medieval fortresses, where visitors can walk the same ramparts as the Norman knights once did. The castle now houses the Normandy Museum and the Fine Arts Museum, both must-see attractions. William also left his mark with the Abbaye aux Hommes (where his remains are kept) and the Abbaye aux Dames, Romanesque masterpieces which were built for his marriage to Matilda of Flanders.

During the medieval period, Caen was a bustling hub, as seen in the Vaugueux district. Its half-timbered houses and narrow cobblestone streets were once the domain of merchants and tradespeople, and today, it’s a lively and fashionable area perfect for exploring on foot. Nearby, Place Saint-Sauveur, the city’s oldest square, is an ideal spot for coffee at a pavement café while admiring elegant 18th-century hôtels particuliers, the Église du Vieux Saint-Sauveur and the statue of Louis XIV. 

Nicknamed ‘the city of a hundred spires’, Caen’s skyline is dotted with Gothic, Romanesque and Renaissance towers, most notably at Saint-Pierre Church, while, its historic mansions, such as the Hôtel d’Escoville and Hôtel de Than, showcase its Renaissance wealth. Architectural highlights extend to the 20th century, with Art Nouveau touches found on buildings such as the Post Office Hotel at Place Gambetta. The devastation of the Second World War reshaped the city: the Battle of Caen in 1944 caused extensive damage, leading to a major reconstruction effort, which lasted into the 1960s.

As a designated City of Art and History, Caen is ensuring its millennium celebrations are unforgettable, with a full calendar of events running from March to December 2025. Here are some of the highlights…

Festivities begin at Caen Castle from March 20 to 23, which opens its doors following two years of renovations. History Days (March 21–28) will highlight the city’s evolution from medieval times to today with events at the castle, Abbaye aux Dames and the University.

Beginning in April and running every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 2pm throughout the summer, the tourist board is holding English-language tours of Caen. Tours take approximately 90 minutes and can be booked here.

On May 9, the Operatic Parade will take in some of Caen’s emblematic sites over a 5km route from the Prairie to the Bassin Saint-Pierre. This magical parade, conceived by the Caen-based company Le Ballon Vert, will bring together 2,000 participants, including artists, circus performers and musicians to retrace the history of Caen through monumental floats combining poetry and heritage.

From May 15 to June 30, Normandy will commemorate the 81st anniversary of the D-Day landings with guided tours, fireworks, historical reenactments, vehicle parades, exhibitions and concerts. The region will be adorned with French, British, American and Canadian flags in remembrance.

The Marathon de la Liberté (June 13–15) will honour D-Day through various races, including the full marathon, a relay, Pegasus Half Marathon, 10 km city race, La Rochambelle women’s 5 km, children’s races and roller skating events.

From June 27 to 29, the Maritime Weekend will see three days of activities, races and demonstrations in three spots: the Presqu’Île de Caen, the Bassin Saint-Pierre and the Canal from Caen to the sea. For one weekend, 48 ships, symbolising the 48 communes of Caen la mer, will dock in the port and along the quays of the Presqu’île.

Throughout summer, open-air concerts and theatre performances will fill city squares and parks, while an outdoor art trail will guide visitors through Caen and Caen la Mer.

On July 9, Caen’s millennium celebrations will coincide with the Tour de France, which features an individual time trial starting at Tour Leroy. Cyclists will pass landmarks such as the University, Jardin des Plantes, Colline aux Oiseaux and the Memorial before traversing Saint-Contest and Cambes-en-Plaine. The route re-enters Caen via the Chemin-Vert district and concludes at Place Foch.

The Retro Festival (August 30–31) at La Prairie will showcase classic cars with parades, exhibitions, concerts and elegance contests, each year featuring a unique theme.

From September 19 to 21, the Aquanauts Show at the Bassin Saint-Pierre will combine circus acts, synchronised swimming and stunning fire, water and aerial performances.

On September 20–21, Caen la Mer will join European Heritage Days, offering free access to historical sites, guided tours and special events at museums and landmarks.

The Normandy Beach Race in September will bring pre-1947 American and European cars and motorbikes to Sword Beach, Ouistreham Riva-Bella, for 200-meter sprint races, celebrating vintage automotive culture.

So whether you’re interested in medieval landmarks, cultural events or thrilling races, 2025 promises to be a great year to visit this remarkable 1,000-year-old Norman city.

For the full list of events visit www.caenlamer-tourisme.com/events/major-events