A Romantic Long Weekend in Historic Caen

Fall in love all over again in the historic charm of Caen, France.

22 April 2023

Caen is a city known for its charming architecture and rich history. Take a romantic stroll through the Old Quarter and admire the stunning Romanesque churches and medieval castle. Indulge in the local cuisine and savor the taste of traditional Norman dishes with your loved one.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Arriving in Caen

  • Check in at the romantic Hôtel des Quatrans, located in the heart of Caen
  • Visit the iconic Caen Castle, a medieval fortress that played a crucial role in the Battle of Normandy
  • Explore the picturesque Old Town, with its quaint cobblestone streets, charming cafés and bakeries
  • Stop by the Abbaye aux Hommes, a beautiful Romanesque abbey founded by William the Conqueror
  • Have dinner at La Petite Grignote, a cozy restaurant serving French bistro classics with a modern twist
Day 2

Discovering Local History

  • Visit the Mémorial de Caen, a unique museum dedicated to World War II and the D-Day landings
  • Take a guided tour of the nearby Normandy American Cemetery and pay your respects to the fallen soldiers
  • Have lunch at Les Voiles d'Or, a seafood restaurant overlooking the harbor of Ouistreham
  • Walk along the beaches of Sword and Juno, two of the landing sites of the Allied forces on D-Day
  • Enjoy a romantic dinner at L'Instant Lounge Bar, a trendy brasserie serving inventive cocktails and fusion cuisine
Day 3

Exploring the Countryside

  • Rent a car and drive to the charming town of Bayeux, famous for its 11th-century tapestry depicting the Norman Conquest
  • Visit the beautiful Bayeux Cathedral and the Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux
  • Have a picnic lunch in the scenic Parc des Bords de l'Aure, a peaceful park along the river Aure
  • Drive to the stunning cliffs of Étretat, immortalized by Impressionist painters such as Monet and Courbet
  • Have dinner at L'Essentiel, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Caen known for its sophisticated French cuisine
Day 4

Relaxing and Reflecting

  • Enjoy a leisurely morning breakfast at the Hôtel des Quatrans
  • Visit the Jardin des Plantes, a beautiful botanical garden in the center of Caen
  • Go shopping on Rue Saint-Pierre, a bustling shopping street with a great selection of boutiques and souvenir shops
  • Have a late lunch at Le P'tit B, a cozy bistro serving hearty French comfort food
  • Take a romantic evening stroll along the banks of the river Orne, watching the sunset over the city.

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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