Summer is playing overtime ! The opportunity to make a selection of our favourite places to have a picnic in Caen la mer.

In the shadow of the Men’s Abbaye

picnic in Caen

A little corner of nature at the foot of the Men’s Abbaye (Abbaye-aux-hommes) meet up with friends or family for a picnic in the heart of Caen, in the gardens of the « Museum of Initition to Nature ». This spot not to be missed in the city of William the Conqueror ! Our advice : order the Plateau Gourmand des Conquérants (cheese and/or charcuterie) at the « Fromagerie Conquérant » located at two steps away..

On the greenway from Caen to the Sea

Pique-nique sur le canal

Between the city of Caen and the sea, the greenway which runs along the « Orne » is a a peaceful and family-friendly place to take a picnic break by the water. For a sandwich break on the bike route between Caen and Ouistreham, for a Sunday snack or for an aperitif with friends, enjoy a breath of fresh air along the canal for a gourmet break. Don’t miss a stop in front of the famous Pont Pégasus Bridge in Bénouville, a replica of the first bridge liberated in France in 1944.

The Grimbosq Forest

Forêt de Grimbosq

A natural space managed by the city of Caen, the Grimbosq forest offers numerous picnic tables available in the heart of the forest. Near the clearing where children can play in complete safety, around the pond to hear the fish splashing, or near the animal park before going to see the wild boars and deer in the forest.

Pointe du Siège

Pointe du siège à Ouistreham

A preserved natural setting, Pointe du siège in Ouistreham is a true heaven of peace for nature lovers. There is no picnic table here, you need to bring a checkered tablecloth and wicker basket to sit a few meters from the sea, in the heart of the estuary. With a little luck, you might spot seals and seabirds.

Colline aux oiseaux Park

Canards à la Colline aux Oiseaux

This 17ha landscaped park is perfectely suited for a family break. Playground, animal park, maze, themed gardens, mini-golf… Everything is there to spend a relaxing afternoon after the family picnic on tables or on the lawns of the park. The extra thing ? A large covered picnic area to protect yourself in case of rain.

Vallée des Jardins

Vallée des jardins in caen
Vallée des jardins in caen

Vallée des Jardins gardens houses Arboretum with collection plants. To the south of the park, at the bottom of a limestone cliff, a collection of peonies and daylilies and other perennial plants awaits you ! One more place to walk in Caen surrounded by nature and sit on the grass to share a picnic.

The beach

Pique-nique à la plage

In family mode at lunch time or aperitif in the evening, what a pleasure to have a picnic on our beautiful beaches ! Toes spread out on the warm sand, local products and the sound of the waves. A perfect cocktail for a moment of relaxation. And to extend the day, consider bringing games to play on the beach.

L’île enchantée (the enchanted island)

Balade à vélo à Fleury-sur-Orne

A sometimes little-known place, l’île enchantée in Fleury sur Orne is an idyllic place for a beautiful picnic. On the banks of the Orne, the place owes its name to a small island in the middle of the river. Shaded tables are available near the bridge. For the brave, it is possible to follow the old mining root on foot or by bike and enjoy a panoramic view of the Caen plain.