What to do in Caen

Prepare your stay in Caen with La Particulière

The historic capital of Normandy, Caen captivates visitors with its rich heritage, the nearby D-Day landing beaches, and its vibrant atmosphere that blends tradition and modernity. Discover and stroll through its medieval streets, visit its ancient abbeys, explore its fascinating museums, and then savor authentic cuisine in the heart of this human-scale city. A night at the Hotel La Particulière offers the perfect opportunity for a cultural, gourmet, and inspiring getaway.

A must see

Here is our selection of addresses for your stay in Caen in Normandy, near the Hotel La Particulière in the old town centre.

Caen Castle

Founded by William the Conqueror, this vast fortified complex now houses the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Normandy. Panoramic views of the city from the ramparts.

Caen owes its foundation to the will of William, Duke of Normandy, shortly before his conquest of England. He had two large abbeys built there as well as an imposing castle, whose fortress remains a major witness to the centuries of history inaugurated by the epic of the Conqueror.

Built around 1060, the ducal castle became one of the preferred residences of the Dukes of Normandy, also Kings of England, who made it one of the largest fortified enclosures in Europe.

Caen Castle Page

Men's Abbey & Ladies' Abbey

Jewels of Romanesque art, these 11th-century Benedictine abbeys bear witness to the power of the medieval city.

Founded in the 11th century by William the Conqueror and his wife Matilda, the Men's Abbey and the Ladies' Abbey embody the grandeur of Norman Romanesque art.

The Abbaye aux Hommes, built to house a Benedictine community, now contains the town hall and the tomb of William the Conqueror. Opposite it, on the other side of town, the Abbaye aux Dames was built for nuns and houses the tomb of Queen Matilda. These two majestic and historically rich monastic complexes offer visitors a journey into the spiritual and political world of medieval Normandy.

The Memorial

A must-see museum for understanding the history of the 20th century, particularly the Second World War and the D-Day landings.

Built on the heights of the city, the Caen Memorial is much more than a museum: it is a place of memory and reflection dedicated to the history of the 20th century, from the Second World War to the Cold War.

Inaugurated in 1988, it powerfully and clearly retraces the major events that have marked the world, while paying tribute to the civilian and military victims. Through immersive tours, poignant archives, and high-quality temporary exhibitions, the Memorial invites visitors to understand the mechanisms of conflict in order to better defend peace.

Caen Memorial Page

Vaugueux District

A former fishing district with a lively atmosphere, ideal for dining on a terrace in a medieval setting.

Garden of Plants

A botanical break in a quiet and elegant park, just a short walk from the center.

Sleeping in the old town center

Welcome to La Particulière, A charming haven nestled in the heart of the old town, this discreet address is the ideal starting point for discovering the rich heritage, culture, and culinary delights of Normandy's capital. With eight rooms, Hôtel La Particulière offers a unique setting for relaxation during your stay in Caen, whether you're traveling solo for business or as a couple seeking a romantic getaway.

Within the hotel, the 1824 bar, Cocktail Club & Tea Room of the Hotel La Particulière, open to outside guests, offers a selection of legendary cocktails, champagnes, wines and spirits.