Are you planning to visit Caen in 2 days? It’s a great idea, and undoubtedly the ideal length of time to enjoy all that the City of William the Conqueror has to offer: rich historical heritage, half-timbered houses, pleasant green spaces and the famous Caen Memorial!
Thanks to our itineraries, you can make the most of these visits and be surprised by our good addresses!
In this article, we guide you through the capital of Calvados. Optimize your stay and make up your own mind about this destination with our practical tips and plenty of photos!
This review is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the area anonymously, making our own choices, and paying all our bills in full.
Video: the best things to do in Caen
Practical tips for visiting Caen in 2 days
The weather in Caen
To get to Caen, it’s best to visit in fine weather, from May to September. Autumns are cool and often rainy. We advise you to avoid winter, as some tourist sites and museums close in January.
As a general rule, the weather in Normandy is quite changeable, and Caen is no exception. We recommend that you bring rain gear and plan indoor activities in case the weather turns nasty! We’ll give you some ideas for rainy days at the end of this article, but you can also check out our articles on the best museums in Caen and our 12 ideas for things to do in Caen.
Walk or take public transport
Caen is a town on a human scale, making it a pleasant place to stroll around. The main points of interest are within walking distance. Only the Memorial and Bird Hill are far from the city center. It takes about 30 minutes on foot to get there. You can also opt for public transport. Bus and streetcar services are well developed in Caen. It’s also easy to get around by bike, with numerous Vélolib stations available in the city. To find out more, visit the official Caen transport network website here.
Affluence and anticipation of bookings
Attendance in Caen is moderate, compared with other Normandy towns such as Rouen. Outside the summer months, you’ll be struck by the liveliness of the bars and the Vaugueux district, as Caen is above all a student town! However, we advise you to book your tickets early for certain tours, such as the Memorial. This tourist mecca welcomes an average of 400,000 visitors a year!
Due to the presence of this international memorial site, hotels can be overcrowded. Check availability for your dates now, or see our article on the best hotels to stay at in Caen.
Map of Caen’s main museums
Choose City-Pass
The City of Caen has set up a “city-pass”, enabling you to benefit from reduced rates at museums in and around Caen, as well as discounts at numerous partners (restaurants, shops, leisure activities, etc.).
The City-Pass can be purchased for 24, 48 or 72 hours, with or without transport. For more information, visit the official tourist office website here.
Where to sleep in Caen
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.
Our ideal itinerary: 2 days in Caen
Ready to make the most of Caen in 2 days? Discover our visit ideas!
Day 1- 9am-12pm: Visit to the Caen Memorial
Let’s start your visit with a must-see: the Memorial. You can’t leave Caen without visiting it! Inaugurated in 1988, it retraces the history of 20th-century conflicts, from 1914 to the fall of the Berlin Wall. We were impressed by its modern, immersive scenography, capable of arousing visitors’ emotions.
The Memorial is first and foremost a place of remembrance. The museum is surrounded by Canadian, American and British gardens, to honor the memory of the Allied soldiers who took part in the D-Day landings.
Discover our article dedicated to the Caen Memorial!
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Day 1- 12pm-2pm: Picnic or lunch downtown
We reckon that the average visit to the Memorial and its gardens lasts 3 hours, but perhaps 2 hours will be enough for you. In that case, and if the weather is fine, we recommend a stroll and picnic in the Colline aux Oiseaux park, adjacent to the Memorial. Otherwise, we recommend lunch downtown, in the Abbaye-aux-Hommes district. We recommend you try one of our favorites:
- Restaurant La Vraie Vie: this friendly bistro, with a refined menu that changes with the seasons, is sure to delight!
- Restaurant Monsieur Louis: this gourmet restaurant is open on Sundays and offers children’s menus, so don’t hesitate!
- Restaurant Les Gens Heureux: in the mood for simplicity? Head for Les Gens Heureux, a canteen offering daily vegetarian or meat dishes, but always gluten-free.
Our selection of the 15 best restaurants to eat out in Caen.
Day 1- 2pm-3pm: Visit to Abbaye-aux-Hommes
As you’ll have guessed, lunch in the Abbaye-aux-Hommes district was the perfect way to visit this impressive architectural complex! Adjacent to the Hôtel de Ville, it comprises a monastery and a church in which William the Conqueror is buried. In fact, it was this Duke of Normandy and King of England who had the monastic complex built in 1063. His goal? Regain the support of the Church, which he had disobeyed by marrying his cousin Matilda of Flanders!
During your visit, you’ll discover rooms that are emblematic of monastic life (chapter house, boiler room, etc.), some of which are now occupied by the town hall. We were impressed by the superb Tuscan-style cloister!
Read our article dedicated to Abbaye-aux-Hommes.
Day 1- 15h-15h30: Option 1 – Visit the FRAC Normandie
Open from Wednesday to Sunday, the FRAC Normandie organizes temporary exhibitions by contemporary artists. If you’re an art lover, we recommend this self-guided tour, which is only a 10-minute walk from the Abbaye-aux-Hommes!
Stay tuned for our article on the Frac Normandie.
Day 1- 15h-15h30: Option 2 – visit the Museum of Nature Initiation
If you’re more nature-conscious, or just a family, we recommend a visit to the Musée d’Initiation à la Nature. With free access, this small natural history museum offers a 1st discovery of the fauna, flora and minerals of Normandy. It’s just a 5-minute walk from the Abbaye-aux-Hommes! To find out more, visit the official website here.
Day 1- 3:30 pm – 4 pm: Visit to Old Saint-Saveur Church
After these few visits, a bit of walking is in order! Take one of Caen’s main thoroughfares, Place Saint-Sauveur and Rue Saint-Sauveur. In less than 10 minutes, you’ll come upon a charming church: l’Église du Vieux Saint-Sauveur. With its blend of Romanesque, flamboyant Gothic and Renaissance styles, this building is well worth a visit! Why not take a seat in the Square Camille Blaisot and admire its bedside table?
Day 1- 4 pm – 4:30 pm: Visit to Saint-Sauveur Church
Take a 5-minute detour along the very commercial Rue Froide. You’re about to discover the Église Saint-Sauveur, also known as the Église Notre-Dame. Built between the 14th and 16th centuries, don’t hesitate to enter this monument with its many peculiarities: 2 adjoining naves that communicate with each other and a spiral staircase that leads to nowhere! Can you find them?
Day 1- 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm: Visit to Saint Peter’s Church
Then take rue Saint-Pierre, which leads to the busy rue de Geôle, well known to Caen locals as it surrounds the château. Go downstairs and enter the tourist office, located in the Renaissance Hôtel d’Escoville. St. Peter’s Church is just around the corner! Built between the 13th and 16th centuries, its steeple is almost 80m high! Impressive, isn’t she?
Don’t hesitate to enter! The choir and the ornamentation of the apse will leave you speechless!
Day 1- 5:30-6:30 pm: Snack break at Moon & Sons bar/restaurant
After all these beautiful visits, it might be time to take a break, don’t you think? Head for the Moon & Sons bar/restaurant. With its atypical setting inspired by the world of Harry Potter, it’s undoubtedly our favorite in Caen! The menu includes sweet and savoury vegan nibbles (cinnamon rolls, cookies, scones…) and a wide choice of original drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic!
Our article on Moon & Sons bar/restaurant will be available soon.
Day 1- 6:30pm-8:30pm: Stroll along the banks of the Orne and dinner
Are you feeling refreshed? We now take you on a little stroll. Just for the fun of it, go back past St. Peter’s Church and take rue Saint-Jean. You’ll pass the Église Saint-Jean, or the Pise of Caen. Will you see its slight inclination? If you continue straight ahead, you’ll come to the quays of the Orne. Take the opportunity to stroll along the waterfront, or do a little shopping at the Rives de l’Orne shopping center.
To dine in this area, we’ve selected 3 of the best restaurants in Caen:
- Restaurant M-c-p: we fell under the spell of this bistronomic establishment that offers seasonal, local and zero-waste cuisine!
- Restaurant Keys&Co: this New Zealand café-restaurant offers quality gluten-free dishes in a relaxing and pleasant setting. It’s open on Sundays!
- Restaurant L’Entre-Deux: enjoy Normandy’s terroir in this semi-gastronomic restaurant, housed in a historic Art Deco building!
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
Day 1 – Your night: choosing your hotel in Caen
We’ve written a full article on the 10 best hotels in Caen, but here are 4 options based on this itinerary:
- Hôtel Best Western Le Moderne (4 stars): we greatly appreciated this spacious hotel, with its contemporary, colorful decor. Conveniently located in the castle district, it’s the perfect base for day 2 of our itinerary! See photos and availability.
Read our article on Hôtel Best Western Le Moderne.
- Hôtel La Fontaine (2 stars): in the mood for simplicity? The Hotel La Fontaine will win you over with its clean, modern decor and peaceful surroundings. It is ideally located on a pedestrian street in the castle district! See photos and availability.
- Hôtel Campanile Gare (3 stars ): looking for practical, friendly accommodation close to the station? This is the place for you! In addition to the very comfortable rooms, you’ll find friendly communal areas with even a table soccer table! See photos and availability.
- Hôtel Ivan Vaulthier (5 stars): this hotel is located a little further away, in the Abbaye-aux-Hommes district, but we had to mention it. With its gourmet restaurant and wellness area (spa, sauna, jacuzzi), you’ll enjoy an exceptional stay. See photos and availability.
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
Day 2 – 10:00-10:30: Walk in the Jardin des Plantes
We start day 2 a little more gently with a trip to the Jardin des Plantes. This 3.5-hectare haven of peace in the heart of Caen is home to exotic greenhouses, as well as a collection of horticultural plants and regional flora. You’ll also find a medicinal garden, a rock garden, a landscaped park, a playground and picnic tables. Gardening enthusiasts can ask the gardeners for advice!
Day 2 – 10:30am-12:30pm: Option 1 – Visit to the Château and Musée de Normandie
The day continues with a visit to a must-see: the Château de Caen. Built from 1060 onwards, it is one of the largest fortified enclosures in Europe! It bears witness to the city’s power in the time of William the Conqueror, who made it his main residence. Over the centuries, the château has been transformed into a royal fortress and then a military barracks, reflecting the city’s entire history! Only a few of the castle’s rooms are open to the public, such as the Exchequer Room, where the King of England once resided.
The Château also houses the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Musée de Normandie. If you’re interested in local heritage, we highly recommend a visit to the Musée de Normandie. From prehistory to industrial society, you’ll discover the evolution of the Norman way of life and know-how, thanks to objects that will take you back in time!
Read more about it:
- Read our article dedicated to the Ducal Castle of Caen.
- Read our article dedicated to the Musée de Normandie.
Day 2 – 10:30am-12:30pm: Option 2 – Visit to the Château and the Musée des Beaux-Arts
If you’re an art lover, you’ll want to visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts rather than the Musée de Normandie. The Musée des Beaux-Arts has a very rich collection! In fact, it is a benchmark institution for European painting of the 17th and 18th centuries. It will also delight contemporary art lovers with its avant-garde galleries and sculpture park. Don’t hesitate to discover masterpieces by the great names in painting (Monet, Perugino…)!
Read more about it:
- Read our article dedicated to the Ducal Castle of Caen.
- Read our article dedicated to the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Caen.
Day 2 – 12:30-14:30: Lunch in the castle district
Lunchtime is approaching, and you’re sure to be hungry after all that interesting sightseeing. Here’s our selection of restaurants for lunch in the Castle district:
- Le Café Mancel: a little tired? Take advantage of the Café du Mancel, located in the château grounds, at the Musée des Beaux-Arts. On the menu, Normandy specialities to boost your energy!
- L’Aromate: our favorite! The bistronomic table of Axel de Caseneuve and Inès de Saint Jores is a real invitation to travel, revisiting quality local products!
- Le Salon de thé L’Okara: a 5-minute walk from the château, discover this organic and ethical vegetarian canteen that won us over with its colorful decor and dishes!
Discover our selection of the best restaurants in Caen.
Day 2 – 2:30 – 3:30 pm: A stroll through the Vaugueux district
After a good lunch, there’s nothing like a digestive stroll! We’ll take you for a stroll through Caen’s emblematic Vaugueux district. With its half-timbered houses and narrow streets, this is the town’s most popular tourist spot. This is one of the few parts of Caen to have been spared by the 1944 bombings. Here you’ll find a charming medieval heritage, home to numerous bars and restaurants. Édith Piaf herself used to visit her café-owning grandparents here!
Day 2- 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm: Visit to the Abbaye-aux-Dames and its grounds
Now that you’ve visited the Abbaye-aux-Hommes, it’s time to discover its female counterpart: the Abbaye-aux-Dames. Located north of Caen, it was built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror’s wife, Matilda of Flanders. She is also buried in the church of her abbey, Église de La Trinité. During your visit, you’ll see the conventual buildings, which house the regional council, as well as the abbesses’ living quarters, such as the cloister. The French-style garden, known as the “Parc d’Ornano”, is very pleasant.
Coming soon, our article on the Abbaye-aux-Dames.
Day 2 – 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.: Tour of the Pavilion
Now join the Canal de l’Orne, via Rue Manissier and Rue Richard Lenoir. Cross the Fonderie bridge to reach the Caen peninsula. That’s where you’ll find Le Pavillon. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 1pm to 7pm with free admission, this museum is dedicated to architecture, urban planning and landscape. Temporary exhibitions raise visitors’ awareness of tomorrow’s planning challenges!
Day 2 – 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm: Stroll along the peninsula and the quays of the marina
If you fancy a drink, why not take advantage of the Urba’bar, the Pavillon’s bar, which offers reading areas on the quayside? You can then take a stroll along the peninsula, before returning to the port from the quayside. If you’re a nature lover, we recommend a stroll along the Orne Canal. It takes 20 minutes to reach the start of the greenway linking Caen to Ouistreham. You’ll have a great view. If you continue, you’ll come across the Chapelle du Petit Lourdes (+20min). If you’re on a bike, don’t hesitate to go as far as Château de Beauregard or Château de Bénouville!
Day 2 – 6:30-8pm: Dinner at the port or in the Vaugueux district
Got a little time before you head home? Dine at the port or in the lively Vaugueux district. Here are a few ideas to help you make the most of your trip:
- Restaurant Stéphane Carbone: this gastronomic restaurant on the port offers contemporary cuisine, based on refined products (lobster, crab, etc.). If you have time to spare, don’t hesitate!
- Bar à Vins Les Quilles: if you’re in a hurry, go to Les Quilles instead. Located in the Vaugueux district, you’ll find affordable sharing plates inspired by Norman culinary tradition.
In the end, you’ll only be able to devote a day to visiting Caen? Don’t worry, find our itinerary in just 1 day!
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…
Alternative 1 – In the footsteps of D-Day
Visit the Memorial and explore the Landing Beaches
The region’s history was marked by the D-Day landings. To help you discover and understand it better, here are our suggested tours departing from Caen:
- Visit the Caen Memorial, the Colleville-sur-Mer American Cemetery, Omaha Beach and Pointe du Hoc: in 1 day, you’ll visit the major D-Day sites! See details, availability and bookings.
- Visit Sainte-Mère-Église, the Airbone Museum, Utah Beach, Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc and the Colleville-sur-Mer American Cemetery: this tour is more comprehensive than the previous one, but does not include a visit to the Memorial. This is the ideal choice for a 2-day itinerary. See details, availability and bookings.
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.
Alternative 2 – Coastal excursions
Discover the riches of Normandy
Caen is an ideal place from which to visit Normandy! Don’t hesitate to devote a day of your stay to discovering the region’s treasures. Here are the places not to be missed near Caen:
- Stroll along the Côte Fleurie: this part of Normandy is home to some of the most famous seaside resorts: Ouistreham, Cabourg and Deauville. Why not take a trip to Honfleur and the famous beaches of Deauville? See details, availability and bookings.
- Visit Mont-Saint-Michel: this magical place is located 1h30 from Caen: this could be your chance to discover it on a private tour? See details, availability and book.
8 reasons why you absolutely must visit Mont-Saint-Michel!
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Alternative 2 – Activities to do with children
Kids-friendly restaurants in Caen
- Crêperie Gaby: located in the Vaugueux district, this crêperie offers a wide choice of galettes, crêpes, salads and ciders. With its children’s menu and high chairs, you’ll have a great time with the whole family!
- Restaurant Le Bouchon du Vaugueux: this brasserie revisits the classics in a friendly atmosphere right in the heart of Caen. Something to delight young and old alike!
Places to visit with children
- Le Monde Miniature (Clécy): this family-friendly museum takes you on a journey into the infinitely small, with some of Europe’s largest animated miniature landscapes! Open all year round, this museum 35 minutes from Caen even has a play area for children! Find out more on the official website here.
- Parc Ornavik: this historic park takes us back to Viking times. Open all year round, it’s the perfect change of scenery, just 10 minutes from Caen! To find out more, visit the official website here.
Look out for our article on Ornavik Park soon!
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
Alternative 3 – Nature activities
Outdoor activities in Clécy
Just 40 minutes from Caen, Clécy is a natural setting offering a wide range of sporting activities. Enjoy a giant zip line or a via ferrata!
Outdoor activities at Viaduc de la Souleuvre
The Viaduc de la Souleuvre is renowned as an ideal location for thrills, and with good reason! You can embark on a bungee jump, a giant zip line or even a giant swing! Please note, however, that the Viaduc de la Souleuvre is 50 minutes from Caen: plan a day or at least half a day on site.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What can you do in Caen for free?
As you’ve no doubt noticed, many of the points of interest featured in this article can be visited free of charge. These include the château, the Abbaye-aux-Dames, the FRAC Normandie, the Musée d’Initiation à la Nature, the Pavillon, the churches, as well as parks such as the Colline aux Oiseaux and the Jardin des Plantes.
For art lovers, other temporary exhibition spaces in addition to the FRAC are open to the public:
- L’Artothèque: a contemporary art space in a building that once belonged to the Abbaye-aux-Hommes monastery complex. For more information, visit the official website here.
- Espace Yvonne-Guégan: this studio museum is dedicated to a Caen artist, Yvonne Guégan. Active in the 20th century, she welcomed amateurs into her home, a practice that continues today in the garden workshops. Open Monday to Friday, 10am to 12pm.
- Jardin de la Luna Rossa: close to the Abbaye-aux-Hommes, this garden museum run by an association conceals works of art brut. This garden is open on Sundays from April to October, from 10am to 6pm.
What to do in Caen when it rains?
There are plenty of things to do in Caen when it’s raining: museums and churches are the best places to visit. If you need help, choose your visit from our list of the best museums in Caen! Alternatively, you can go to the theater, the cinema, or opt for an Escape Game. Examples include “Petits Meurtres Entre Amis”, “Caen you Escape” or “Get Out! Caen”, all easily accessible.
All our tips in this article were put into words with the help of Fanny.
