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, nearby D-Day landing beaches, and vibrant atmosphere, blending tradition and modernity. Discover what to do in Caen: stroll through its medieval streets, visit its thousand-year-old abbeys, explore its fascinating museums, and then savor authentic cuisine in the heart of a city on a human scale. A night in Caen is the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to a cultural, gourmet, and inspiring break.
A must see
Welcome to La Particulière, a charming haven nestled in the heart of Caen. This confidential address is the ideal starting point for discovering the rich heritage, culture and gastronomy of the Normandy capital.
Here is our selection of addresses for your stay in Caen in Normandy, near the Hôtel La Particulière in Caen city center.
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.
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 Men's Abbey, built to house a Benedictine community, now houses Caen's town hall and William's tomb. Opposite it, on the other side of town, the Ladies' Abbey was built for the nuns and houses the tomb of Queen Matilda. These two majestic monastic complexes, steeped in history, offer visitors a journey into the spiritual and political world of the Norman Middle Ages.
The Caen 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.
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.
Useful links
Caen la mer Tourist Office: caenlamer-tourisme.fr
