làThe place for a city break☀️ Summer❄️ WinterOld stonesUnusual🍁 Fall🌱 Spring Posted on 19.04.2021
After exploring the Château de Caen, it’s time to go uncover the little secret spots in the city centre. With a Caen map in one hand and a detailed walking tour in the other, we’re ready to discover the hidden treasures of Caen’s heritage and reveal (almost) all its secrets to you!
Saint Pierre Square and the Château of Caen
Meet at Place Saint-Pierre to start the tour of the city of Caen. Enjoy the view of the Château de Caen’s ramparts on the hill, Saint-Pierre church with its sculpted vaults, and don’t miss the grand townhouses: Escoville (the Tourist Office, on Place Saint-Pierre) and Than (on Boulevard Maréchal Leclerc).
The Vaugueux District
With half-timbered houses and cobbled alleys reminding us of its medieval roots, the atmosphere of the place, day or night, makes you want to linger.
The Abbaye-aux-Dames
From here, you can reach the collegiate church of the Holy Sepulchre by taking the “Degrés du Sépulcre,” a secret passage in the heart of Vaugueux. Decommissioned during the Revolution, the church became an artillery storehouse and barracks. Today it hosts shows and exhibitions.
This little excursion takes us along Rue Saint-Anne to the Abbaye-aux-Dames, well known in Caen for its historical past. It was built from 1060 by Matilda of Flanders, wife of William the Conqueror.
The Marina (Port de plaisance)
Whatever the season, Caen’s marina invites a romantic getaway. Surrounded by many boats and sailboats, you can explore the harbour while hearing the soft chorus of the rigging — a dreamlike soundtrack!
The Abbaye-aux-Hommes
We leave the marina for a completely different ambience at the Abbaye-aux-Hommes. This visit gives the chance to admire the esplanade and its French-style gardens, the cloister with its grand Caen stone columns, and the abbey church of Saint-Étienne.
Saint Sauveur Square
Head to the historic district of Caen and its oldest square, Saint Sauveur Square. Strolling along the beautiful facades and stopping for a drink on a terrace is a delight.
Rue Froide and the half-timbered houses
Here, a medieval atmosphere reigns. Rue Froide is the oldest street in the city of Caen. You’ll find many independent shops, bookstores, artisans, creators and a few gourmet spots. The large wooden doors in the street invite you to explore what hides behind them. When we talk about treasures, some doors hide real surprises!
Before leaving, discover the half-timbered houses on Rue Saint-Pierre (Nos. 52 and 54), then return to Place Saint-Pierre to conclude the route.
We love
- The city’s architecture
- Its districts with different historical periods and atmospheres
- Wandering through Caen’s streets during the guided tour of the historic centre
