Visit Caen
Many years ago, I studied abroad in the beautiful city of Caen. Caen is the capital city of Calvados, a county in France’s Normandy region. Caen is a two-hour train ride from Paris’ Saint Lazare station and the city was once home to William the Conqueror. I was fortunate enough to be working in the Normandy region and I was excited to revisit this amazing town. My first stop was Caen Castle.
Caen Castle
Once you arrive at the castle, you are instantly amazed by the size of the fortification. Caen Castle is one of the largest walled fortifications in Europe. The castle was built by William the Conqueror in 1060. The castle has recently been restored from the damage it sustained during the Second World War. Within the castle, you will find the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Normandy.
The Vaugueux Neighborhood
The Vaugueux neighborhood is a great place to see what most of the city looked like before World War II. This area of Caen was relatively untouched from the Allied bombing. The neighborhood dates back to the middle ages and it is a good spot to find some local cuisine.
My recommendations:
La Poterne 9 Rue du Vaugueux, 14000 Caen, France
Le Neuville 14 Rue du Vaugueux, 14000 Caen, France
Caen Memorial
My next stop was the Caen Memorial Museum. The memorial has been greatly expanded since my last visit, but the new videos and interactive displays are worth experiencing. The main theme of the memorial is the history of the 20th century and the fragility of peace.
Caen Memorial Esp. Général Eisenhower, 14050 Caen, France
Pegasus Bridge
Pegasus Bridge is definitely a spot you are going to want to visit, especially if you are a World War II buff. The bridge lies just northeast of Caen and it was here that British paratroopers landed to secure river crossings to support the beach landing on June 6, 1944.
If you’re looking for a WWII guide in Normandy, contact Colin Taylor
Email: [email protected]
World Travelers Today’s Video on Caen
L’Abbaye-aux-Hommes
I highly recommend visiting L’Abbaye-aux-Hommes. This former Benedictine monastery was dedicated to Saint-Stephen, in 1063 by William the Conqueror, who is buried in the chancel. The Abbey is now the town hall of Caen.
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