| Page Views: 15,822 Last Visit to Caen: November, 2005 | Caen in Normandy by Beausoleil - last update: May 12, 2007 |
You have to remember Caen was virtually destroyed in World War II so much has been rebuilt and much is new construction. There is an old center but not nearly as large as some other cities further south.
You can walk these streets, walk to St. Pierre, walk to the Chateau and to both the Abbey for Men and Abbey for Women. There is excellent bus service and they have a very lively market on the pier Sunday mornings. |
| Chateau of William the Conqueror |
|  | This is an imposing fortified wall in the center of Caen. It's a bit of a surprise to walk through the gates and find the chateau missing. The fortifications remain but the chateau was destroyed.
Instead you will find a pleasant Fine Arts Museum, a Museum of Norman Life, the Chapel of St. George that is now used for exhibits, an archeological dig and a fairly large parking lot.
All of these are worth a visit and the art museum has a very nice cafe with outdoor seating . . . weather permitting. |
| | When you walk out the front of the Chateau, this view of St. Pierre is framed for you. Walk across the bridge, down the hill, across the street and into the church. They usually have a docent inside the church who will give you the history of the church.
The church has a curved apse very reminiscent of the cathedral in Quimper. There is also wonderful stained glass, especially if the sun is out. |
> Add to your Custom Travel Guide [What's This?]
| Pros: | "Small but pleasant old town area, nice abbeys, friendly people" | | Cons: | "Much rebuilding since WWII and not always attractive" | | In A Nutshell: | "Worth a visit for the Peace Memorial alone!" |
Beausoleil's Caen Travel Tips
| Overview | Things to Do
Tips: 2 - Photos: 9 | | | Restaurants
Tips: 4 - Photos: 5 | Hotels & Accommodations
Tips: 1 - Photos: 3 | | | | Nightlife | Off The Beaten Path | | | | Tourist Traps | Warnings Or Dangers | | | | Transportation | Local Customs | | | | Packing Lists | Shopping | | | | Sports Travel | General Tips |
 Comments for Beausoleil about Caen | | | | |
jakiline Mon Oct 12, 2009 20:45 UTC
Hi from Bayeux! I love your description of Caen where I might soon be moving to. I often walk across the castle site but never took a single photo! wait & see... bye, Jacqueline | Pawtuxet Tue Oct 6, 2009 00:56 UTC
Excellent descriptions of the museum and all of your trip, in fact. I think I should follow your footsteps when I finally get to France. | tiabunna Tue Feb 17, 2009 11:41 UTC
I enjoyed revisiting Caen through your page. Wish we'd had more time to poke around that area - a gite such as yours may be the answer. | vbede Thu Sep 6, 2007 18:48 UTC
Thanks for your tips on Caen. We are heading to St. Lo for a week and they will certainly help us along the way. |
|
|
email me
add as friend
