A Grand Christmas in Caen | La Vaka, Winter Vigil

Place Saint-Sauveur takes on the feel of a Nordic village and is transformed into a cosy winter terrace.

Derived from Old Norse, the language of the Vikings, the word ‘Vaka’ evokes winter evenings – those moments when people would gather by candlelight to chat, tell stories and share a little warmth in the heart of the cold season. In this spirit, fir trees, twinkling lights, blankets and Christmas decorations create a cosy and convivial atmosphere. Over a drink, with friends or family, the Vaka invites you to take the time to get together and savour the magic of the festive season.

An event conceived and organised by the City of Caen in collaboration with Les Amis de la place Saint-Sauveur and the square’s shopkeepers. La Vaka is a terrace open to all: whether you’re sampling the shopkeepers’ offerings or bringing your own picnic basket. Here, the joy of being together is the only invitation!

La Vaka events:


La Vaka Trikastine

> Saturday 5 December

> Saturday 12 December

> Friday 18 December

> 7pm–10pm

A food truck, vinyl records and great music: La Tricastine is coming with its travelling DJ set to get Place Saint-Sau’ buzzing to the beat of its musical gems

Organised by the City of Caen and hosted by La Tricastine.


La Vaka Trikote

> Saturdays 5 December

> Saturdays 12 December

> 10.00 am–12.00 pm

Let’s get knitting together on Normandy’s loveliest winter terrace! Bring your needles, your wool and your good humour; pop a flask and a few treats in your bag, and let’s meet up for a cosy get-together centred around knitting and a natter! For those who’d like to try their hand at knitting, our partner shop, Au Fil de L’eau, offers taster sessions (equipment available to borrow on site). And if you fall in love with Icelandic wool, you’ll be able to buy some. Light refreshments available on site.

Organised by the City of Caen and hosted by “Au fil de l’eau”.


La Vaka Boukine

> Sunday 6 December

> Sunday 13 December

> 10.00–12.00

For one hour, put your phone away and read! Everyone brings their own book or borrows one from a selection provided by the city’s network of bookshops, partners of this event. Afterwards, it’s time to chat and share with other members of the public.

Free entry with no obligation to buy. Bring your own thermos flasks!

Drinks and snacks are not provided but can be purchased on site from the caterers.

Blankets are also available free of charge.

Organised by the City of Caen, in partnership with Époque, the Caen Book Fair


La Vaka Brikole

> Wednesday 9 December

> Wednesday 16 December

> 2pm–4pm

Natural Christmas: Twigs, foliage and little botanical finds… Let your creativity run wild to make pretty Christmas decorations inspired by nature and take your creation home with you!

VAKA, Place Saint-Sauveur

Organised by the City of Caen


IMPORTANT: Saint-Sauveur Market

On Fridays 4, 11 and 18 December, due to the setting up of the Vaka, some of the stallholders from the Saint-Sauveur Market (around fifty) will be located along the extension of Place Saint-Sauveur.