Sign in with Facebook"Caen, 'the battlefield'" Top 5 Page for this destination Caen by jayhawk2000
Caen Travel Guide: 150 reviews and 341 photos
The capital and largest city of Basse Normandie, Caen is a city shaped by war. Its name derives from the Celtic word for 'battlefield' and true to its name Caen has been invaded many times during its history.
The most recent battle fought here was the most devastating, when Allied troops spent several weeks driving out the Nazi soldiers occupying the city. About three-quarters of Caen was left in rubble.
I think the guidebooks undersell Caen. They all refer to the disastrous bombings that flattened much of the city during WWII, but neglect to mention the successful sensitive rebuilding programme.
There are about a dozen medieval churches in various states of repair, plus the occasional timbered building and old stone townhouse.
Everything is built to a certain height and in a traditional style incorporating the famous local yellow limestone, so in many streets you’re convinced you’re in a far older and grander city.
We have few other points of reference and perhaps on travelling more in France our estimation of the city will go down, but we thought Caen was attractive and pleasant.
Our hotel was superb, the shopping good and the bus service convenient. Caen served us perfectly as a base camp to see Bayeux and the D-Day beaches.
Give Caen a chance sometime...who knows what you'll find!
- Pros:Superb transport links, terrific base for D-Day Beaches
- Cons:Can't think of any!
- In a nutshell:A terrific base for day trips in Normandy
Reviews (10)
OLD CAEN 1
Things to Do
(5)
William the Conqueror established himself here in 1060. The ramparts of his Ducal Chateau remain an imposing presence in... more travel advice
OLD CAEN 2
Things to Do
(5)
William and his wife bequeathed two monumental abbeys to Caen, situated at opposite ends of the city. A nice way to... more travel advice
OLD CAEN 3
Things to Do
(5)
Mathilda's Abbaye aux Dames (the Women's Abbey) sits on a hill to the east of the Ducal Chateau. Both abbeys were built... more travel advice
OLD CAEN 4
Things to Do
(5)
Caen has about a dozen medieval churches. A couple (such as Saint-Sauveur le Vieux shown here) are little more than... more travel advice
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Caen Travel Guide
Member Travel Pages
- "William The Conquerer is here"
- "Caen"
- "Caen, 'the battlefield'"
- "Caen in Normandy"
- "Caen -- Sword & Juno Beaches"
- "A Very Old City with a Modern Dress"
- "A Caened Taste of Western France"
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Comments (11)
Nice page, looks worth a visit!
How did a Jayhawker get all the way to Manchester??
I think you're right that Caen is a neglected place. At least I have neglected it up to now. Looks good in your photos, in any case.
Thanks for the information & photos ! Today is the 60th anniversary of D-Day.
Your great tips have put me well on my way to learning much about Caen. Can't wait to see it in person.
I wish we had visited here, it didnt look too interesting in the guide book ! will certainly spend a day or two here next time
Hhmm, very nice page & photos ! Maybe I'll reach here next year...should I ? :) Regards.
Another great page. From your pictures and texts it seems that this place should not be missed. The churches look very interesting.
robert ! very comprehensive and informative page.enjoyed it very much.
Excellent page! Great intro and great tips! Maybe the guidebooks undersell Caen, but you certainly sold me on this place! I am going to remember your tip! Thanks :-)
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