3-Day Budget Guide to Uncovering Caen's Gems

Experience charming Caen without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Caen is a great destination for those on a limited budget. You can explore the city's rich history by visiting the Caen Memorial Museum, the Abbaye aux Hommes, and the Chateau de Caen, all for free or at a low cost. There are also plenty of affordable dining options, such as the local street food and budget-friendly restaurants.

Save and get deals

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring Caen's History

  • Stay at Hotel Crocus Caen Memorial on a budget. It's next to the D-Day Memorial and has a delicious breakfast buffet.
  • Visit the Château de Caen for a history lesson. Audio guides are cheap and informative.
  • Take a stroll through the Abbaye-aux-Hommes, where William the Conqueror's tomb is located.
  • Check out the Eglise Saint-Pierre and its beautiful stained-glass windows.
  • Have lunch at La Petite Auberge for traditional Norman cuisine.
  • Wander through the charming Vaugueux neighborhood and have a drink at La Pommeraie to cap off the day.
Day 2

Indulging in Cuisine and Art

  • Start the day at the Place Saint-Sauveur farmers' market for fresh produce and local products.
  • Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts for some impressive art collections, including works by Delacroix, Courbet and Monet.
  • Feast on some seafood at Le Quai des Saveurs, a cozy restaurant overlooking the river.
  • Wander around the beautiful Parc des Bords de l'Orne and admire the sculptures.
  • Check out the quirky and creative Caen Mémorial pour la Paix.
  • Grab a late night bite at Le Coq Hardi, a funky brasserie with a lively atmosphere.
Day 3

Discovering Caen's Hidden Gems

  • Start with a visit to the Abbaye-aux-Dames, a stunning Romanesque monastery turned concert hall.
  • Take a trip to the lesser-known Musée de la Poste for a fascinating look at postal history.
  • Admire the stunning architecture of the Gare de Caen train station.
  • Explore the historic Université de Caen, the oldest university in Normandy and a great place for a walk.
  • Have lunch at La Table des Matières, a friendly, vegetarian-friendly café with lots of books and art, before heading back home.
  • Enjoy your whirlwind adventure in Caen!

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Caen, France by plane is to fly into Caen-Carpiquet Airport (CFR) from cities such as Lyon or connecting through Amsterdam. From the airport, take a taxi or bus to the Caen city center.

Car

Driving to Caen, France is a great way to see the countryside. Motorways connect Caen to major French cities like Paris or Rouen. The A13 motorway ends in Caen, making it easy to reach by car.

Train

Traveling to Caen, France by train is a convenient option. The Caen train station (Gare de Caen) is easily accessible by train from major French cities like Paris, Bordeaux or Lille. There are also international trains from London or Brussels that stop at the Caen train station.

Boat

Traveling to Caen, France by ferry is a scenic option. Brittany Ferries operates a ferry service between Portsmouth, UK and Ouistreham, which is just a 20-minute drive from Caen. From Ouistreham, take a taxi or bus to the Caen city center.

Bus

Getting to Caen, France by bus is an affordable option. Flixbus offers bus services to Caen from cities like Paris or Tours. The bus station in Caen is located at the Jardin des Plantes.

Destination

Caen

Welcome to a place where the cheese is as strong as the historical landmarks. Caen is a charming city filled with an abundance of medieval charm and delicious dairy delights.

 Save and get deals

Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Caen Unleashed: The Ultimate Family Adventure on a Budget!

Caen, located in the scenic region of Normandy, France, is an ideal destination for a family-friendly trip. With its rich history and cultural heritage, the city offers a multitude of educational and entertaining experiences for all ages. Visitors can explore medieval castles, scenic parks, and world-class museums, making Caen a perfect choice for an enriching and memorable vacation for the whole family.

Caen's 5 Days of Fun on a Budget

Caen is a stunning city in Normandy, France that is perfect for travelers on a budget. There are plenty of budget-friendly accommodations, from hostels to affordable hotels. Visitors can explore the city's rich history by visiting landmarks such as the Caen Memorial Museum and the Chateau de Caen without overspending.

Romantic Long Weekend in Caen, France

A trip to Caen, France for a romantic getaway promises to be delightful with its lush greenery, historical heritage, and architectural marvels. Couples can explore the Chateau de Caen, visit the Pegasus Bridge, admire the Romanesque abbey of Saint-Etienne, and take a quiet stroll through the Vaugueux district. The charming bistros, street markets, and quaint cafes offer the perfect setting for an intimate dinner or a leisurely brunch.

4 Days of Charm and History in Caen, France

Caen, France is a charming city with historical significance and beautiful architecture. It is an excellent option for budget travelers as it offers many free activities, including visiting William the Conqueror's castle and exploring the Memorial de Caen museum. Accommodations, food, and transportation can also be found at reasonable prices, making it an accessible destination for travelers on a limited budget.