Abbaye aux Dames
Founded by William's wife Matilda, this Romanesque abbey mirrors the Abbaye aux Hommes across the city. Free entry to the church, with a crypt and carved capitals worth seeing.
City in France
Caen
4 things to see
The capital of Normandy, a university city rebuilt after near-total destruction in the 1944 Battle of Normandy. The Caen Memorial is one of the most important World War II museums in Europe, and while it charges admission, the grounds of William the Conqueror’s castle are open to walk for free, as are the two great abbeys he founded. Budget travelers use Caen as an affordable D-Day base, pairing it with the tapestry town of Bayeux nearby and the cathedral city of Rouen further east, with Paris an easy train ride away.
What to see
Things to do in Caen
What each one costs, where the cost is known.
Abbaye aux Hommes
An 11th-century Romanesque abbey founded by William the Conqueror, who is buried here. The church is free to enter and the austere Norman architecture is among the finest in France.
Chateau de Caen
One of the largest medieval fortified enclosures in Europe, built by William the Conqueror in 1060. The ramparts, grounds, and gardens are completely free to explore, with views over the city.
Jardin des Plantes de Caen
A 5-hectare botanical garden in the city center with themed sections and mature trees. Free entry and a welcome green escape after the heavier sights of the D-Day region.
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