Best Things To Do In Caen, France

things to do in caen france
Marina
Marina 
Updated
| 5 min read

If you find yourself in Caen, France, why not take a look at this selection of top things to do in scenic Caen.

As a prefecture of the Calvados department, this small yet gorgeous place is a commune located in the northwestern parts of stunning France. Believe it or not, it’s exactly Caen that is thought to be one of the oldest university cities in France. As such, it’s quite logical to think of it as a wonderful spot bustling with interesting and unique experiences. As for that, you’d be totally right! Without disclosing way too much, let’s plunge deep into the lovely French city resting right on local River Orne.

1. Mémorial de Caen

#WWII #Musée À visiter ! Le Mémorial des civils dans la guerre - Le Mémorial de Falaise ! La 2nde Guerre mondiale a tué...

Posted by Le Mémorial de Caen on Tuesday, 21 March 2017

As a newcomer, you’d probably wonder where you could possibly find the best spot to start your sightseeing tour from. Are we close to the naked truth? If so, then we can certainly share an idea with you. Why not start off your exciting city tour of Caen from the Esplanade Général Eisenhower? At this location, you can explore this great museum’s history which is dedicated to themes and concepts, such as reconciliation and peace of the world. But alongside this, you can also get an idea of which way to go afterward. In other words, you could use this emotive tourist spot as your “map” which you could totally rely on.

Visit the museum: as for the museum, it houses rich warfare artifacts and collections focused on the WW2.

Mémorial de Caen

Address: Esplanade Général Eisenhower, 14050 Caen, France

Website: Mémorial de Caen

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2. Château de Caen and Museums

Posted by Château de Canon Reception Mariage on Saturday, 16 January 2016

Referred to as one of the most impressive municipal museums of lovely Caen, the majestic Château de Caen is actually an ideal example of a renowned tourist attraction around here. Indeed, the greatest feature about it is that it genuinely represents the history and past of this gorgeous region. Originally opened in 1963, the lovely Château hasn’t stopped attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors who’d love to explore this unique landmark ever since. Generally, the Château de Caen is especially rich in archaeological and ethnographic collections worthy of discovering.

Enter it: come around and get to know more about the unique artifacts and history of the exceptional Château.

Château de Caen and Museums

Address: Château, Caen, France

Website: Château de Caen and Museums

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3. Abbaye aux Hommes

Posted by Maria Ferreira on Friday, 16 June 2017

Founded in 1063 by the conqueror of England and Duke of Normandy back in the days, the prominent Abbaye aux Hommes is certainly a great masterpiece. As such, it’s absolutely able to have all visitors awe-struck and simply mesmerized at the sight of such greatness. With its sublime Norman Romanesque architecture, the exceptional Abbaye aux Hommes is a seriously crowded tourist spots cherished and deeply appreciated by anyone who has the chance to explore it right there for real.

Enjoy it: Indeed, the wonderful Abbaye aux Hommes is a fantastic building that puts awe-inspiring vibes in the air. Don’t miss it!

Abbaye aux Hommes

Address: Esplanade Jean-Marie Louvel, 14000 Caen, France

Website: Abbaye aux Hommes

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4. Parc Floral de la Colline aux Oiseaux

Posted by Antoine Piek on Friday, 28 April 2017

Honestly, this recreational area is probably one of the best peaceful spots that definitely deserves any tourist’s time and attention. Besides, who would want to spend their short family weekend at different places all the time? Normally, this happens when being somewhere nice, but after all, you need to energize your body and restore some energy, right? In this regard, what better place to do so than at the wonderful Parc Floral de la Colline aux Oiseaux?

Feel its beauty: this park is so beautiful that you’ll surely want to stay much longer than planned. Besides, this park seems to be maintained so nicely!

Parc Floral de la Colline aux Oiseaux

Address: Avenue de l'Amiral Mountbatten, 14000 Caen, France

Website: Parc Floral de la Colline aux Oiseaux

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5. Juno Beach Centre

Posted by Centre Juno Beach / Juno Beach Centre on Monday, 12 December 2016

Now, it must be time to stop by the wonderful Juno Beach Centre! Sadly, it has nothing in common with a golden beach, but indeed, it has a lot to offer anyway! Marked down on any brochure as a quite significant tourist spot, this exceptional center is actually dedicated to the Second World War. Much like the previous museum, the prominent Juno Beach Centre pays homage to more than 45,000 Canadian soldiers who lost their lives on the battlefield.

Explore the Canadian Museum in Caen: also, it’s one of the few Canadian Museums open in France, in general, that is such a major cultural center.

Juno Beach Centre

Address: Voie des Français Libres, 14470 Courseulles-sur-Mer, France

Website: Juno Beach Centre

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6. Pegasus Memorial

Memorial Pegasus
Source: Photo by user Richard Matthews used under CC BY 2.0

Here we are with another extremely famous and prominent location that the lovely city of Caen is deeply proud of. Situated on the Avenue du Major Howard, 14860 Ranville, this renowned tourist spot has been known for its immense historical and cultural significance to the French community in general. Besides, the Pegasus Memorial is actually a worthwhile museum and an essential cultural landmark that is also located in close proximity to the Pegasus Bridge.

Stop by it: as for the latter one, it totally serves as another crowded spot worthy of exploring as well. Don’t miss it under any circumstances!

Pegasus Memorial

Address: Avenue du Major Howard, 14860 Ranville, France

Website: Pegasus Memorial

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7. Jardin des Plantes

Caen jardindesplantes jardinbotanique
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Karldupart used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Well, if we must be completely honest with you, it’d be foolish to leave this gorgeous French city without exploring the magnificent park and garden named Jardin des Plantes. Much like the one in Paris, this lovely park is one of the reasons why visitors desire to come around in the first place. If you have the chance to pass by it, just enter this green paradise. Afterward, you’ll totally feel the same about the magical Jardin des Plantes.

Enjoy its charisma: this lovely spot is so raw and well-maintained at the same time that you’ll surely return to rediscover its vast beauty!

Jardin des Plantes

Address: Place Blot, 14000 Caen, France

Website: Jardin des Plantes

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8. Juno Beach

Sarasota FL Sanderling Beach Club02
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ebyabe used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Well, we’ve already mentioned something about the curious tourist location named Juno Beach Center which, to be honest, has nothing to do with beaches. As for the Juno Beach itself, it’s located to the east of Sword Beach. Loved and deeply adored by nature and beach lovers, the lovely French Juno Beach awaits all visitors so impatiently!

Finally, the beach is here: after all, your beach wishes have come true!

Juno Beach

Address: between Gold Beach to the east and Sword Beach

Website: Juno Beach

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9. Festyland

Youpiiiii ! C’est le #weekend ! Il fait beau et les #vikings vous attendent au #parcFestyland ! Rendez-vous demain et dimanche dès 11H ! #sun #leisureparks #caen #caenlamer #calvados #calvadostourisme

Posted by Parc Festyland on Friday, 26 May 2017

And last, but definitely not least, let’s talk about the lovely children’s favorite Festyland! The lovely theme park can offer any kid a day filled with laughter, memorable experiences and thrilling adventures! Besides, who would not want to see the little ones on cloud nine, right? If that’s the case with you too, then don’t waste more time! Just take your sweethearts to the unique Festyland and make them as happy as a sandboy!

Enjoy it: besides, the Festyland can totally take care of the bad mood of the adults as well! The lovely theme park is absolutely for everyone!

Festyland

Address: Route de Caumont, 14760 Bretteville-sur-Odon, France

Website: Festyland

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Explore Caen from A to Z

As you can see for yourself, this splendid French city is anything but a dull place. Guess what, it’s nothing like this! When talking about Caen’s best city features, you can bet that you’ll even love them more in person! When you get the chance to explore the top attractions, just make sure you take a photo of yourself as well! After all, you must bring some memories back home, right? All in all, everything about Caen is so lovely, shiny and unique! Come around and see it for yourself!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Marina Yoveva is a creative thinker, adventurer, and a poetry lover. In her spare time, she loves reading, writing on her personal blog and spending time with her family and friends. She's also a...Read more

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