Romantic Long Weekend in Caen, France

Fall in love all over again in the charming city of Caen, France!

22 April 2023

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.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Arriving and Exploring

  • Check into Le Dauphin hotel for a cozy, romantic stay
  • Explore the rich history of Caen at Château de Caen, the grand castle in the city center
  • Take a stroll around the picturesque Jardin des Plantes and spot exotic flowers and plants
  • Grab lunch at Le Bistrot du Boucher, a charming French bistro famous for its juicy steaks
  • Learn about Caen's pivotal role in World War II at the Mémorial de Caen museum
  • Watch the sunset over the city from the top of the Abbaye-aux-Hommes, a stunning medieval abbey
Day 2

Day Trip to Bayeux

  • Take a day trip to Bayeux, a charming town just 20 minutes away by train
  • Visit the Bayeux Tapestry, a remarkable 11th-century embroidered cloth depicting the Norman Conquest
  • Take a leisurely stroll through the quaint town center and check out local shops and cafes
  • Enjoy a traditional French lunch at L'Assiette Normande, a cozy restaurant serving local cuisine
  • Explore the stunning Bayeux Cathedral, a beautiful example of Norman-Romanesque architecture
  • Return to Caen and unwind with a glass of wine at La Cave à Musique, a charming wine bar with live music on select nights
Day 3

Discovering Caen’s Art Scene

  • Start the day with coffee and pastries at Maison Demarquette, a chic cafe with amazing confections
  • Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Caen, an impressive art museum with works from the Middle Ages to contemporary times
  • Take a stroll around the charming Petite Venise neighborhood and check out local art galleries
  • Enjoy a lunch of authentic Normandy-style crepes at La Crêperie d'Arlette
  • Head to the Eglise Saint-Pierre, a beautiful church featuring stained glass windows by artist Jean Cocteau
  • Enjoy a romantic dinner at Le P'tit Resto, a cozy spot serving modern French cuisine with a twist
Day 4

Caen's Culinary Delights

  • Start the day with a delicious breakfast of croissants and coffee at Au Pain d'Antan, a cozy boulangerie
  • Take a food tour with Normandy Foodie Tours and sample local specialties like Camembert cheese and Calvados brandy
  • Head to La Cave à Fromages, a charming cheese shop with a vast selection of French cheese
  • Enjoy lunch at Les Petites Assiettes, a cozy restaurant serving small plates and dishes made with fresh, local ingredients
  • Take a stroll through the bustling Port de Plaisance and soak in the lively atmosphere
  • Have a romantic candlelit dinner at L'Écume des Mers, a seafood restaurant serving fresh, locally sourced seafood
Day 5

Exploring Caen's Outskirts

  • Take a morning walk along the scenic Orne River and enjoy the beautiful views
  • Visit the beautiful Château de Brécy, a stunning 17th-century castle with beautiful gardens
  • Have lunch at Auberge du Vieux Château, a charming restaurant serving classic French cuisine
  • Explore the fascinating Plage du Débarquement Museum, which tells the story of the D-Day landings
  • Take a sunset stroll along Sword Beach and enjoy the stunning coastal views
  • Return to Le Dauphin hotel and reminisce about the amazing trip in the cozy hotel lounge.

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.

More travel plans

Caen: A Family-friendly Adventure in 3 Days!

Caen, located in Normandy, France, is an ideal destination for a family-friendly trip. With its rich history and cultural heritage, families can explore numerous historical sites like the stunning Caen Castle and the Abbaye aux Hommes. Additionally, the city boasts beautiful parks, such as the Jardin des Plantes, offering opportunities for relaxation and outdoor activities suitable for all ages.

Caen, France: A Budget-Friendly Adventure

A trip to Caen, France on a limited budget can be accomplished by staying in affordable accommodations such as hostels or budget hotels. The city offers many free activities including visiting the Caen Memorial Museum, exploring the Castle of William the Conqueror and wandering through the botanical gardens. Sample the delicious local cuisine and drink from sidewalk cafes and bistros for another budget-friendly option.

Fun 5-Day Guide to Caen's History & Hidden Gems

As a tourist in Caen, France, delve into the rich history of the city with a visit to the Chateau de Caen, a striking medieval castle. To gain insights into the local culture, visit the fascinating Museum of Fine Arts, featuring art collections from the 15th to the 21st centuries. For an interactive experience, take a stroll through the Jardin des Plantes, the city's beautiful botanical garden, and enjoy some delightful moments amidst nature.

A Romantic Long Weekend in Historic Caen

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.