Caen, a city rich in history, invites you to explore its 22 places of interest in one day. Stroll through the historic centre and admire the Inn of Than, the Abbey of the Ladies, and the Castle of Caen, built by William the Conqueror. This tour allows you to discover medieval architecture, charming half-timbered houses and iconic sites while enjoying a friendly walking route. The audio guides offer captivating anecdotes and historical commentary to enrich your visit.
- Explore 22 emblematic sites of Caen in one day
- Discover the historical heritage of the city on foot
- Enjoy fun and informative audio guides
- Ideal for lovers of local history and culture
The Mansion Inn you see on your right is the Than Inn. It was built around 1527 for Thomas Morel, who was the lord of two municipalities of Calvados.
Here, in the courtyard of the tourist office, you find the finest example of a Renaissance Inn in Caen.
Caen’s medieval heritage is such that it’s perfectly normal to come face to face with a 14th century fortified tower, right in the city centre, between bus stops and car queues.
You arrive here at the Saint-Pierre basin, which today forms the small marina of Caen.
You finally arrived in front of the Abbaye aux Dames. Founded by Duchess Mathilde in the 11th century while her husband founded the monastery for men, the abbey served until the French Revolution as a convent for the Benedictine sisters.
You pass the remains of the old church of Saint-Gilles which was completely destroyed by the bombings of 1944.
You are now passing a new abandoned religious building in Caen. It is a former collegiate church founded in the 13th century by the priest Guillaume Acarin, who was the advisor to King Philip Augustus.
One glance around you is enough to realize that you have arrived in the heart of medieval Caen.
We arrive at the famous castle of Caen! It was built around 1060 by William the Conqueror, shortly before he became King of England!
Do not hesitate to climb on all the ramparts where you will find access, it is the best way to enjoy the views of the city.
So yes, I grant you, there are a lot of churches in Caen. The church of Saint Peter, which stands before you, was the main building of Bourg du Roi.
You are lucky, the two wood-framed houses you have there, have recently been renovated! So you can admire all the finesse of the work of the 16th century!
To your right, you have the enigmatic Church of Saint-Saviour, formerly called Our Lady of Cold Street.
You are now entering one of the most interesting streets in Caen.
Arriving at Saint-Saviour Square, you have the Church of the Old Saint-Saviour.
Here you are now in Place Saint-Sauveur, one of the oldest public squares in the city!
Many cities in France, and even more in the North, have their streets full of thirst.
I propose you to stop for a moment, to find a place on a bench of the beautiful esplanade Jean Louvel to talk a little about the fascinating history of Normandy.
Here you are on the esplanade Jean Marie Louvel facing the impressive abbey of men.
The ruined church that you see there bears the same name as the abbey church, with one difference, this time it is Saint-Etienne-le-Vieux.
Caen is a city rich in history and culture, full of beautiful independent bookstores! If there’s one that you can’t help but see, it’s the one you’re looking at: Guillaume Bookshop.
I take advantage of the fact that we arrive rue du moulin to make a short apartement on the water square in Caen over time.
We build our circuits in the form of a loop so that you can easily start the tour at the point closest to you, the guidance will adapt automatically. If you are nearby, we recommend this ideal Check-out Point.
Activating your audio-guided circuit:
1. Download the INWAY mobile app from your App Store or directly via this link: in-way.fr/app
2. Open the application and enter your code to unlock the circuit: CAE30401
We build our circuits in the form of a loop so that you can easily start the tour at the point closest to you, the guidance will adapt automatically. If you are nearby, we recommend an ideal Check-out point: the Esplanade Jean-Marie Louvel in front of the Abbey of Men.
Caen, a historic city in Normandy, is known for its rich heritage and significant role in World War II. It offers a blend of medieval architecture, war museums, and charming parks, making it a compelling destination for history buffs and culture seekers alike.
Built by William the Conqueror, this medieval castle houses the Normandy Museum and fine arts museum.
Dedicated to the history of the Battle of Normandy and the consequences of war.
A Benedictine abbey founded by William the Conqueror, featuring beautiful Romanesque architecture.
A beautiful 12-hectare garden featuring a variety of plants, a greenhouse, and a rose garden.
A traditional dish made with tripe cooked in cider and Calvados.
Mussels steamed in white wine, served with French fries.
A Norman apple tart made with caramelized apples and cream.
This is the warmest and most popular time to visit, with long daylight hours and numerous outdoor events.
Euro (EUR)
GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)
230VV, 50HzHz
Caen is generally safe, with low crime rates. However, petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas.
Caen Station
Caen Bus Station
Affordable and efficient, with frequent services. Single tickets cost €1.50.
Available • Apps: G7, Uber
Car, Bike, Scooter
A charming town known for its Bayeux Tapestry and medieval cathedral.
A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring a stunning abbey and tidal island.
A popular seaside resort known for its beach, casino, and film festival.
Price varies by option