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.

Travel plan

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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!

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.

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