At the castle, heart of the city
One of the largest fortified enclosures in Europe, the Castle of Caen dominates the centre and houses two museums: the Museum of Normandy and the Fine Arts Museum, with remarkable collections. The ramparts offer an elevated walk, with a view over the roofs and the Gothic spire of Saint-Pierre. People also come for the lawns and the summer concerts: an easy, obvious meeting point.
Two abbeys, two atmospheres
To the west, the Men’s Abbey, founded by William, now houses the town hall; to the east, the Ladies’ Abbey, founded by Matilda, is home to the regional council. In between, Saint-Pierre Church and its slender spire watch over the central square. Step inside a cloister for a few minutes of silence, then wander down Rue Froide, lined with independent bookshops and boutiques.
Vaugueux and Place Saint-Sauveur
The Vaugueux quarter, which inspired Léo Ferré on his stays in Caen, gathers restaurants in a village-like atmosphere. People dine late and laugh a lot. A little further, Place Saint-Sauveur, with its listed paving, is ideal for a quiet Sunday coffee. On Lyad, people from Caen share their favourite walking routes; a chance to find someone to push the door of a creperie with.
Date ideas
- Castle of Caen
- Men’s Abbey
- Ladies’ Abbey
- Saint-Pierre Church
- Rue Froide
- Vaugueux quarter
- Botanical garden
- Place Saint-Sauveur
