Calm and quaint, Caen is Lower Normandy’s largest city and capital. Landmarks built with Caen stone grace the cityscape, while busy markets and fashion boutiques line up along its streets.
This French city’s eventful past is reflected in its medieval enclosures and post-war urbanisation. A good starting point to discover the historical side of Caen is through a visit to the Château de Caen, a hilltop castle built by William the Conqueror. This national heritage site houses the Normandy Museum with a wide range of exhibits and artefacts, as well as the Caen Museum of Fine Arts, where you can browse through impressive artworks from the 16th to the 20th century. You can also visit the Caen Memorial and its museum, dedicated to the Battle of Caen and World War II.
When travelling to Caen, you’ll find yourself surrounded by captivating monuments that exemplify France’s rich heritage. You can head over to the two ancient abbeys – Abbaye aux Hommes and Abbaye aux Dames – to admire the magnificent Romanesque-style architecture. Another structure worth visiting is the Church of St Pierre, which can easily be spotted from its 80-metre-tall spire.