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Caen France tourist information
Caen is found on the coast in the Calvados department of Lower Normandy.
Caen was destroyed almost completely in 1944 during WWII. It is a remarkable feat that the town has kept so many of its historical monuments given the terrible battle that besieged the town following the Normandy beach landings.
After the war the town passed through 15 years of reconstruction, and continued to improve afterwards. In recent years the town have made further significant efforts, and the town is not without its attractions.
The ramparts of the castle - Chateau Ducal - are still broadly intact, and surround the pretty chapel St-Georges (photo below). The two abbeys - the abbaye-aux-hommes and the abbaye aux-dames - and the church of Church of st Peter are also well worth a visit.
Two other particular highlights are the Maison des Quatrans, a very decorative half-timbered manor house of the 14th century and the Musée de la Poste, another half-timbered building this time from the 15th century.
For street life and excitement (and lots of restaurants) seek out the 'old' Vaugueux Quarter, affectionately known as little Monmartre, and the shopping region around Rue St Pierre.
The Chateau de Bénouville (designed by renowned architect Claude Ledoux) is an important building close to Caen.
Caen: tourist information, map, travel plans and gites
Visit Caen, France
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Map of Caen, France |
Travel, hotels and holiday gites, Caen
See the Visit Caen section above for gites and hotels local to the area. For more general French travel options, see the Gites in France listings, or French holidays for other holidays, and Travel to France for ferries, Caen car-hire, eurotunnel, cheap flights etc.
Places to visit - Caen
- Caen Attractive port town
- Falaise Town
- Arromanches Landing beach visitor centre
Any places listed above are within about 20-25 km (as the crow flies)
Information and photos of Caen, France
This Caen tourism guide, has information and holidays and photos when available. If you have any photos or relevant information please send them to us! Full credit will be given if they are used.
