Situated in the heart of Normandy, Caen is an ideal starting point for exploring one of France’s richest regions. D-Day beaches, medieval abbeys, alabaster cliffs, half-timbered villages, rocky islets with dizzying peaks… We’ve travelled these Normandy roads and are delighted to share our selection.
Whether you’re planning a day trip or several, here are our 12 best day trips from Caen, with our reviews, photos and practical advice to help you prepare for your stay.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Our 3 favorite excursions from Caen
Before discovering our detailed opinions on each of the selected excursions, here are our 3 favorites:
- The D-Day Beaches and Bayeux, for an emotional day in the footsteps of June 6, 1944 – See prices, photos and availability
- Mont-Saint-Michel, France’s most emblematic monument after the Eiffel Tower – See prices, photos and availability
- Honfleur and Deauville, a day out between the painters’ harbour and the Belle Époque promenade on the Côte Fleurie – See prices, photos and availability
WHERE TO STAY IN Caen
Option 1: in the old town center
We recommend..:
- Hotel Best Western Plus Le moderne not far from the castle – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel La Fontaine also near the castle – see prices, photos and availability
- B&B Les Chambres de L’Abbaye, near Abbaye-aux-Hommes – see prices, photos and availability
Option 2: to Ouistreham
To sleep more in the countryside or near the beach (15 to 20min from Rouen). We recommend..:
- Hotel Manoir Hastings and its stone houses – see prices, photos and availability.
- Hotel La Mare Ô Poissons and its swimming pool – see prices, photos and availability
Option 3: near the port or station
We recommend..:
- Campanile hotel next to the station – see prices, photos and availability.
1. Follow in the footsteps of D-Day, between Bayeux and the beaches
Why do we recommend this tour?
This is undoubtedly the most intense excursion from Caen, and one of the most important in the whole of Normandy. We didn’t expect to feel such strength standing in front of the 9,387 crosses lined up at Colleville-sur-Mer American Cemetery. Today, the beaches are a peaceful place for strolling, but the memorials, bunkers and museums are a vivid reminder of what happened on June 6, 1944. Bayeux, just 30 minutes from Caen, is a natural stopover: the town was the first French town liberated by the Allies, and is also home to the famous Bayeux Tapestry, an 11th-century masterpiece recounting William the Conqueror’s conquest of England.
What you will see
- The 5 D-Day landing beaches stretch over 80km of Normandy coastline (Omaha Beach, Gold Beach, Juno Beach, Sword Beach and Utah Beach).
- The many D-Day museums and sites – see our article
- Pointe du Hoc, with its intact shell craters, offers stunning views of the cliffs.
- In the charming town of Bayeux, don’t miss the Bayeux Tapestry and its cathedral.
How much time should I allow?
From Caen: 30min to Bayeux, 45min to Omaha Beach. On site: allow a full day. You can get an overview of the 5 beaches in just one day, but for a more in-depth view and a real immersion in the history and the different sites, we recommend planning 3 to 5 days, including a full day to discover Bayeux. The car remains the most practical option for this excursion. Guided tours are also available.
- Caen Memorial + D-Day landing beaches guided tour – see prices and book now
- Private tour of the American cemetery + Canadian cemetery + Gold Beach, Juno Beach and Omaha Beach – see program and make a reservation
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Normandy
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is comfortable enough (distances can be long) but compact (some parking lots and villages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
2. Admire Mont-Saint-Michel, the wonder of the West
Why do we recommend this tour?
Each time we visit, we are overwhelmed by what has been built on Mont-Saint-Michel. France’s cathedrals are already impressive, but here the abbey is perched atop a sheer rocky islet 900m in circumference, surrounded by a bay whose tides can reach 15m in amplitude. After the Eiffel Tower, it’s the most visited place in France. TheAbbey of Mont-Saint-Michel, nicknamed “La Merveille”, is a remarkable example of medieval religious architecture. Founded in the 8th century, rebuilt and enlarged over the centuries, it stands 156m high, with the statue of St. Michael the Archangel at its summit.
What you will see
- The walk from the parking lots (40 to 50 minutes across the bay) offers sublime views, sometimes accompanied by sheep in the salt meadows.
- From the ramparts, you can admire the village, its rooftops and the expanse of the bay.
- The abbey is a must-see: its 13th-century cloister suspended between sea and sky, the Knights’ Hall, the refectory and the Gros Piliers crypt are all among our favorites.
- The village lanes, Saint-Pierre church and hidden gardens complete the tour.
- Book your entrance to the abbey – choose here
How much time should I allow?
From Caen: approx. 1h30 drive. On site: at least half a day, a full day is preferable. An organized excursion from Caen will allow you to make the most of your day in complete tranquillity:
- Private day trip to Mont-Saint-Michel from Caen – see details and book
- Shuttle transfer from Caen to Mont-Saint-Michel (group rate) – see options
- Book your entrance to the abbey – choose here
3. Stroll through Honfleur, the town of painters on the estuary
Why do we recommend this tour?
Honfleur is one of the most emblematic places in Normandy, and we always return with the same pleasure. Its historic center fascinated us: the tall, narrow buildings squeezed around the Vieux-Bassin, the half-timbered houses, the harbor atmosphere painted and repainted by generations of artists create an atmosphere hard to find elsewhere on the Normandy coast. The region inspired Eugène Boudin, the precursor of Impressionism born here in 1824, and later Claude Monet and many others.
What you will see
- The Vieux-Bassin, with its tall, narrow slate houses, is Honfleur’s best-known postcard.
- The Musée Eugène Boudin houses a large collection of works by the painter, born here in 1824.
- Do you knowSainte-Catherine Church? Built entirely of wood by naval carpenters after the Hundred Years’ War, it is an architectural curiosity unique in France.
- You’ll also find a number of art galleries lining the alleyways.
- For your lunch break, there’s an excellent choice of restaurants: see our selection of the best restaurants in Honfleur.
How much time should I allow?
From Caen: approx. 1h drive. On site: half a day to a full day. Honfleur combines very well with Deauville, a 30-minute drive away. Remember to wear comfortable shoes: there are plenty of cobblestones in the city center. Visit the city’s official website for more info here.
Find out more about our Honfleur guided tour options here!
4. Stroll the boards of Deauville and Trouville
Why do we recommend this tour?
Deauville embodies a certain Norman art de vivre, laced with glamour and nostalgia for the Belle Époque. Inaugurated in 1923, Les Planches de Deauville – a 600m-long boardwalk lined with Art Deco cabins bearing the names of Hollywood stars – has welcomed generations of celebrities to the American Film Festival, held every September. We love this special atmosphere, both relaxed and elegant. Crossing the bridge over the River Touques, we discover Trouville-sur-Mer, its more rustic twin sister, with its fishmongers and market: the contrast between the two towns is striking and well worth the trip.
What you will see
- Les Planches de Deauville and its promenade facing a long sandy beach are one of the town’s must-sees.
- The Belle Époque villas lining the center – with their half-timbering, wrought-iron balconies and colorful facades – are well worth a 1 to 2-hour stroll.
- The Casino, opened in 1912, is a remarkable neoclassical building.
- The Les Franciscaines museum, housed in a former convent, offers high-quality temporary exhibitions.
- The village of Beaumont-en-Auge, with its half-timbered houses and views over the Touques valley, is a 15-minute drive away.
How much time should I allow?
Journey from Caen: approx. 45min. On site: one day. Deauville combines perfectly with Honfleur, a 30-minute drive away. For an organized excursion departing from Caen:
Book your private Honfleur, Pays d’Auge and Deauville tour from Caen – see details, availability and book
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities in Normandy
- Helicopter flight over the cliffs of the Côte d’Albâtre
- Book your time to visit Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey
- Take a microlight flight over Mont-Saint-Michel
- Climb the Via Ferrata in Switzerland Normandy
5. Recharge your batteries on the Côte Fleurie: Ouistreham, Cabourg and Houlgate
Why do we recommend this tour?
Just 20 to 30 minutes from Caen, the Côte Fleurie offers an easy and varied seaside getaway. We particularly like this part of the Normandy coastline for its distinctly different resorts: each with its own atmosphere, far from the uniformity one might expect. It’s the ideal excursion for a family day out, or simply to get some fresh air after several days in the city.
What you will see
- Ouistreham, closest to Caen, is also known as Sword Beach, one of the 5 D-Day beaches. Its Grand Bunker, now a museum, and its marina make it a double stopover: history and relaxation.
- Cabourg seduced us with its Grand Hotel and its Belle Époque architecture, its large sandy beach and its water sports activities, including kitesurfing courses, will delight sea sports enthusiasts.
- Finally, Houlgate is a quiet village with pretty Norman villas and a pleasant beach at the foot of the cliffs.
How much time should I allow?
Journey time from Caen: 20 to 30min depending on the resort. On site: half a day per station, or a full day to visit several in a row along the coast. The car is the most practical option for a series of stops. The Côte Fleurie coastal rail line provides a quick and easy link to the seaside resorts of Deauville, Villers-sur-Mer, Houlgate and Cabourg, without the hassle of parking, while enjoying a panoramic route close to the coastline. Note that there may be a change from Caen.
See available timetables and book your train and coach tickets now.
6. Explore Rouen, city of a hundred steeples
Why do we recommend this tour?
Rouen is the capital of Normandy and a city steeped in history, which we recommend you spend a day exploring. This is where Joan of Arc – the 15th-century young woman who led the French armies against the English during the Hundred Years’ War – was burned alive in 1431, on the Place du Vieux-Marché. The city has also inspired many artists, including Claude Monet, who painted the cathedral facade several times in different light conditions. We were struck by the density of its medieval heritage, preserved despite the 1944 bombings.
What you will see
- Rouen’s Notre-Dame Cathedral, whose Gothic facades rise 151m, is the city’s most emblematic building.
- The Gros-Horloge, a 16th-century astronomical clock set in a Renaissance arch spanning the street of the same name, is another icon not to be missed.
- Old Rouen, with its hundreds of half-timbered houses dating from the 15th and 16th centuries, is a pleasant place to explore on foot.
- Rouen’s Musée des Beaux-Arts is also one of France’s richest repositories of European painting.
- Place du Vieux-Marché, home to the Church of Sainte-Jeanne-d’Arc
How much time should I allow?
From Caen: approx. 1h30 drive. On site: allow a full day to enjoy the main sites. Rouen is easily accessible on foot from the city center. Visit the official website for more info here.
Choose a tailor-made day trip from Caen!
USE OUR GUIDE TO PLAN A
DREAM TRIP TO Normandy
All the information you need for your trip:
- 8 maps that make planning easier
- 160+ pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- 300+ photos to help you choose
7. Discover Saint-Malo and the Emerald Coast
Why do we recommend this tour?
Saint-Malo is a corsair town with an eventful history, whose granite ramparts have overlooked the sea since the 17th century. We were captivated by the power of the site: the rising tide that encircles the ramparts, the views of the sea from the battlements, the singular atmosphere of this town at the gateway to Brittany. Approximately 1h30 from Caen, this is a demanding trip, but well worth the effort. The Côte d’Émeraude, which stretches west from Saint-Malo to Cap Fréhel, owes its name to the particularly bright color of its waters at high tide.
What you will see
- The walk on the ramparts of Saint-Malo, which takes you all the way around the old town.
- 360° views of the sea and nearby islands, including Grand Bé, the burial place of writer François-René de Chateaubriand
- In the narrow streets of the inner city, the granite houses and numerous boutiques make for a pleasant visit.
- Fort National, accessible on foot at low tide
- Château de Saint-Malo, home to a museum of the city’s history
- Continuing towards the Emerald Coast, the beaches of Dinard and the cliffs of Cap Fréhel reveal remarkable panoramic views.
How much time should I allow?
From Caen: approx. 1h30 drive. On site: a full day to visit the inner city and explore a stretch of the Emerald Coast. The car remains the quickest and most convenient option. Reserve your rental car
There are also train lines, but this is a less attractive option for a day trip. You’ll need to make a change if you’re travelling from Caen to Saint-Malo, and count on a journey time of over 3 hours depending on the timetable.
See available timetables and book your train and coach tickets now.
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8. Crossing the Cotentin to Cap de la Hague
Why do we recommend this tour?
The Cotentin peninsula is one of the least visited parts of Normandy by foreign tourists, and that’s precisely what makes it so attractive. From Caen, it’s about an hour and a half’s drive to Cherbourg, a port city with Europe’s largest artificial harbor. The Titanic made its last stop here in 1912 before its tragic demise. Continuing westwards, the Cap de la Hague reveals coastal landscapes of rare intensity: sheer cliffs, wild moors, the small port of Goury and its lighthouse perched on a rock facing the Raz Blanchard, one of the world’s most powerful currents. We were intrigued by the raw, untouched character of this corner of the Normandy world.
What you will see
- In Cherbourg, La Cité de la Mer houses the world’s largest visitable submarine, the Redoutable, an area dedicated to the Titanic and Europe’s deepest aquarium.
- The Basilica of the Holy Trinity, built between the 15th and 19th centuries
- The Liberation Museum, at the top of Fort du Roule
- The Nez de Jobourg impresses with its high cliffs sculpted by the elements.
- The Phare de la Hague (or Goury lighthouse), 48m high, stands on a small rock facing the Raz Blanchard, a 30-minute drive west of Cherbourg.
- Finally, the Jardin Botanique de Vauville, with over 1,000 species from the southern hemisphere, is an unexpected detour.
How much time should I allow?
From Caen: 1h30 by car to Cherbourg, 2h to Cap de la Hague. On site: a full day’s driving, with stops in Cherbourg and on the west coast of the Cotentin peninsula. The Cité de la Mer alone requires a 4-5 hour visit. Visit the official website of La Cité de la Mer for more information here.
Book your tickets for La Cité de la Mer de Cherbourg now!
DISCOVER Caen
- What to do in Caen
- Where to stay in Caen: our best hotels
- Where to eat in Caen: our best restaurants
- Caen’s best museums
- Itineraries: 1 day – 2 days
- Caen Castle
- Caen Memorial Museum
- Rent a car in Caen: our tips
9. Admire the cliffs of Étretat and the alabaster coastline
Why do we recommend this tour?
Étretat is one of our favorite places in Normandy. The white alabaster cliffs are breathtakingly beautiful: the natural arches and views from the hiking trails inspired Claude Monet and many Impressionist artists. Beyond this pictorial heritage, Étretat is also linked to Maurice Leblanc, author of the fictional character Arsène Lupin, whose treasure is said to be hidden in the Aiguille Creuse, which rises up facing the sea. From Caen, it’s about an hour and 15 minutes’ drive, making this a perfectly feasible day trip.
What you will see
- Falaise d’Aval to the south, Aiguille Creuse and Porte d’Aval arch
- Spectacular views from the hiking trail
- La Falaise d’Amont, to the north, is dominated by the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, dedicated to sailors.
- The Jardins d’Étretat, where contemporary art meets nature, is also well worth a visit – remember to book your tickets in advance.
- Le Clos Arsène Lupin, Maurice Leblanc’s house transformed into an immersive journey, is a particular favourite with families.
How much time should I allow?
From Caen: approx. 1h15 drive. On site: a day or two to explore both sides of the cliffs. Note that the climb up the cliffs is steep – wear good shoes and take care, especially if visiting with children. The basic trails are only accessible at low tide. Check the tide tables before you leave here.
To avoid the queues, get your ticket for the Jardins d’Étretat!
10. Touring the Pays d’Auge: half-timbered villages and the Cider Route
Why do we recommend this tour?
We love the Pays d’Auge because it’s the very heart of Normandy: half-timbered houses, apple orchards, AOP cheeses and calvados. This region, which extends mainly into Calvados, has been awarded the “Région d’Art et d’Histoire” label. From Caen, the first villages are only 30 to 45 minutes away. We’re happy to come back regularly: it’s the perfect antidote to days overloaded with tourist sites, and a way to discover a more authentic and tranquil Normandy.
What you will see
- Beuvron-en-Auge, the region’s most typical village, awarded the “Plus beaux villages de France” label
- The village square, surrounded by half-timbered houses dating from the 14th to 18th centuries, its market hall and flowers
- Pont-l’Évêque and its old houses dating from the 16th and 17th centuries
- The Immersive Museum of the Calvados Experience
- The village of Bec-Hellouin and its remarkable Benedictine abbey
- The Route du Cidre, centered on Cambremer, passes by several farms where tastings are offered.
- The small departmental roads between these villages and the unique surrounding landscapes
How much time should I allow?
Journey time from Caen: 30 to 45min depending on destination. On site: a day’s drive to stroll from village to village. A car is essential for this tour. Remember to book your rental in advance.
11. Going back in time at the Vieux-la-Romaine archaeological site
Why do we recommend this tour?
Vieux-la-Romaine is a little-known excursion, just 15min from Caen, and that’s precisely what makes it so valuable. This archaeological site corresponds to the remains of Aregenua, the Gallo-Roman capital of the Viducasses. We were surprised by the extent of the excavations and the quality of the collections on display at the museum. For archaeology enthusiasts, this is a must-see tour from Caen. For others, it’s an unusual discovery that opens a window on pre-Norman Normandy.
What you will see
- The ruins of a forum, temple, baths and theater, some of which were uncovered during recent excavations.
- The site museum, featuring mosaics, sculptures and everyday objects from Gallo-Roman urban life in the 2nd century.
- Activities and re-enactments for all ages
How much time should I allow?
From Caen: 15min drive. On site: allow 2h to 3h to visit the site and museum. Its proximity to Caen makes it an ideal half-day excursion or end-of-day stopover. Visit the official website for more info here.
12. A breath of fresh air in Suisse Normande: Clécy and the Souleuvre Viaduct
Why do we recommend this tour?
Suisse Normande – nicknamed for its steep-sided valleys, craggy rocks and meandering Orne River – is the perfect nature destination from Caen. A 40-50 minute drive away, Clécy and the Souleuvre Viaduct are the region’s two main attractions. We were charmed by the setting of Clécy, its Monde Miniature (Miniature World) which reproduces the region in scale models, and more generally by the atmosphere of this green Normandy, far from beaches and museums. It’s also one of the best family excursions in Normandy.
What you will see
In Clécy, Le Monde Miniature reproduces Normandy’s landscapes in scale models: an attraction that delights young and old alike. Canoeing and kayaking on the Orne are suitable for beginners, while hiking trails offer panoramic views from the heights of Rochers des Parcs. The greenways, which can also be used by bike, run alongside the river in complete safety. Picnic areas are provided along the routes. The via ferrata, a section of which is suitable for children, offers a great introduction to climbing in a natural setting. 50 minutes from Caen, the Viaduc de la Souleuvre offers more intense sensations: bungee jumping, a giant zip line and a giant swing are all on the program.
How much time should I allow?
From Caen: 40min to Clécy, or 50min to the Souleuvre Viaduct. On site: a full day to combine the two sites and take full advantage of the outdoor activities. A car is required to reach the region. Visit the official Tourist Office website for more information here.
Questions fréquentes
Do I need to hire a car for excursions from Caen?
For the vast majority of the excursions presented in this article, the car is the most practical, if not indispensable, means of transport. Mont-Saint-Michel, Cap de la Hague, Suisse Normande and the Pays d’Auge are difficult to reach by public transport, as connections are infrequent and rarely direct. We strongly recommend that you rent a car to make the most of your stay in Normandy.
Discover all our tips for renting a car in Caen.
What’s the best excursion from Caen with children?
Several of the excursions in our selection are particularly suitable for families:
- La Suisse Normande with the Monde Miniature de Clécy, canoe trips on the Orne, via ferrata adapted for children and green bike paths.
- The Côte Fleurie is also a safe bet: the sandy beaches of Ouistreham, Cabourg and Houlgate are suitable for all ages, and Cabourg offers a wide range of water sports.
- The archeological site of Vieux-la-Romaine, just 15 minutes from Caen, is ideal for an instructive half-day visit.
For a day of fun and history, several D-Day museums, such as the Grand Bunker and the Airbone Museum, are ideal for children.
Can I combine several excursions in one day?
Yes, some destinations combine naturally. Honfleur and Deauville, separated by a mere 30min drive, form a classic duo for a day on the Côte Fleurie: morning in Honfleur for the Vieux-Bassin and Sainte-Catherine Church, afternoon on Les Planches de Deauville. Likewise, Bayeux and one of the nearest D-Day landing beaches – Omaha Beach or Gold Beach – are easily linked in a single day.
On the other hand, some destinations require a whole day of dedicated work. Such is the case :
- Mont-Saint-Michel
- des Plages du Débarquement
- du Cap de la Hague
As a general rule, we advise you not to overload your program: it’s better to take full advantage of one destination than to fly over three.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Normandy
Inspiration destinations
- Deciding where to go in Normandy – the best destinations
- Our weekend ideas: best-of, romantic, unusual, seaside, luxury, family
- 16 seaside hotels in Normandy
- The most beautiful charming hotels in Normandy
Best of
Practice
- Where to stay in Normandy – best places and hotels
- See our tips for renting a car at CDG airport, Orly airport, Beauvais airport, Caen, Rouen, Bayeux…
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
