CAEN FAQ`S

How do I get to Caen?

The three main ways of getting to Caen are by plane, car, or train.

Most international travelers who visit Caen and the Normandy region will fly into one of the two major international airports in Paris. The Orly International Airport is located in southern Paris , and is roughly three hours away by car. Many major rental car agencies have offices located around the airport. The Charles de Gaulle International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in France, and is a principal flight center within Europe. Caen is about three hours away by car. There are many Car Rental Agencies around the Airport .

After flying into Paris, the options are to either continue onward by plane into one of the five Normandy airports, including one in Caen, take a train, or drive. The airports in Normandy are small, and only service a few airlines.

By Train:
Caen is located two hours from Paris by train. From Paris, trains leave about every 2 hours from Paris Saint-Lazare station with destinations Caen and Cherbourg. Prices are about €33 for a single ticket. Tickets can be much lower if purchased beforehand. Tickets may be purchased online at SNCF-voyage, at SNCF shops and on third party ticket websites.

From Normandy. Caen can be reached by regional trains (TER) from Rouen, Lisieux, Cherbourg, Granville (with one change), Rennes and Le Mans. Some intercity services serve Tours and Le Mans.

Further destinations on the Atlantic coast, including the Les Sables d'Olonne, La Rochelle and Bordeaux can be reached from Caen by changing at Le Mans and Nantes.

Caen can also be reached by trains from Rouen, Cherbourg and Renes, Le Mans and Tours.

How do I get to Caen by ferry?

Ferries cross the Channel from Portsmouth (UK) to Ouistreham (7 miles north of Caen) in just 15 minutes from the cross-Channel port of Ouistreham, which operates regular sailings to Portsmouth in the UK.

How do I get around Normandy?

Most visitors to Normandy bring their own car or will rent one on arrival. Having your own car is the best way to explore the countryside and coast. Most larger towns have car rental companies. Avis and Europcar have offices at the Rouen train station. If you do decide to drive yourself, plan ahead: sites are widely spread and you need to work out an itinerary to avoid wasting time or getting lost.

Trains serve Rouen, Amiens, Caen, Bayeux and Le Havre. Elsewhere, you’ll be relying on local buses.

For more information on getting around Normandy, refer to Getting Around.

How do I get around in Caen?

There are multiple ways of getting around while visiting Caen, which include by foot, car, taxi, tram, bus, or train. The city center area of Caen is in large part constructed of pedestrian walkways and streets, which makes driving around the city not very ideal. The best way to get around this area is by walking.

Having a rental car while in Caen allows for much flexibility and freedom in exploring areas outside of the city. Although a car is nice, it is not necessary, as the public transportation network in France is very good. There are numerous Car Rental Agencies in Caen. For further information to Driving in France. Caen is within easy driving distance of popular Normandy attractions including Bayeaux and its famous tapestry, the D-Day Landing Beaches, and the picturesque Pays d-Auge, home of cider and cheese.

There are a few taxis that operate in the city and the surrounding areas. Aside from when at the airport, it is recommended to call one of the companies ahead of time to arrange for a pickup.

The trams and buses of the local transportation network cover a large number of routes.

The Rail Europe website is a good place to research about buying various train tickets throughout the country as well as within Europe. Caen has a train station that is served by most major lines.

Is Caen a walking city?

Caen is a perfect city to discover on foot. As you explore, take a stroll through the flowered alleys of La Coltroll and ‘bird hill’ in the north-west of Caen, near the Memorial de Caen. This vast landscape of beautiful greenery offers a mosaic of gardens, fabulous panoramic views of the city and the beautiful rose garden. Another beautiful walk is La Colline aux Oiseaux, a rural haven despite the proximity to the city center.

What is Caen known for?

Caen is a modern college city and thus very active. Caen is known for its historical buildings built during the reign of William the Conqueror, who was buried there, and for the Battle for Caen, heavy fighting that took place in and around Caen during the Battle of Normandy in 1944, destroying much of the city.

Is Caen a safe city to visit?

Caen is a fairly safe place to visit. Having said this, there are certain precautions that should be taken in order to ensure a smooth trip through Normandy. Like always, common sense is the most important tool to be used in staying safe. Avoid walking alone at night.

Although petty theft and street crime are not of major concern in Caen, tourists have been affected by them in the past. However, most of these situations can be easily avoided by taking a few simple precautions. Avoid sticking out by wearing expensive jewelry, showing lots of cash, or looking flashy. Although getting robbed is not a major concern, drawing unneeded attention is never a good idea. Try blending into the crowd instead of sticking out. Always lock car doors and roll up windows if leaving behind valuables.

When is the best time to visit Caen?

The climate in Caen is rather mild, with warm weather summers and just-above-freezing winters. On average, the hottest months of the year are July and August, during which time the daily high temperatures will hover around the mid 70’s to 80’s F. The nighttime temperatures during these months will drop to the mid 50’s. The summer months are some of the nicest of the entire year, but they are also the busiest and most crowded.

On average, the coldest months of the year are January and February, during which time the daily high temperatures only rise to the mid 40’s, with nighttime temperatures dropping to the mid 30’s.

The end of spring and the beginning of fall are great times to visit Caen. Temperatures are still nice and the area is not yet full of tourists, and the blooming or changing-color leaves give the area a beautiful look.

What is the food like in (Caen) Normandy?

Cuisine in Normandy celebrates the 3 main products of the region: dairy, seafood and apples, which are produced in the region’s rich pastures and farmlands.

Specialties from the sea include Dieppe sole and Normandy oysters, along with lobsters, scallops and shrimp on many menus of the region. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample Normandy’s world-famous cheeses: Camembert, Livarot, Pont l’Eveque and the heart-shaped Neufchatel. There is even a Route des Fromages that highlights the four cheeses through stops at museums, farms, towns and restaurants. The cheeses are often served as dessert and pair well with the ever-present apple-based beverages from the region, such as cider, perry, Calvados and Pommeau, made from local apples and pears.

Normandy is renowned for its variety of meats, from the delicate flavor of saltmarsh lamb to creamy chicken "à la Vallée d'Auge" and duck "à la Rouennaise".

Local desserts include "bourdelots" or "teurgoule", or such sweets as Isigny toffees or apple sugars from Rouen.

What are some popular areas for shopping?

Caen has a fantastic pedestrian shopping district brimming with well-known high street shops, ultra-hip fashion brands and cool independent shops.

Outside of town, Normandy boasts the most exquisite works of arts and crafts. Woodworks, tapestry, pottery, and umbrellas, are all made by local craftsmen. Shops are open to exhibit and purchase these local products. Many of these places not only have their crafts available for purchase, but you can also watch the process by which the craftsmen produce them.

If you are an Antiques shopper, Normandy offers an array of stores, specially in Bayeux. You’ll find those that specialize in porcelain, old lace, and old furniture from the 18th and 19th centuries, or others that offer a variety of antique items including paintings, old weapons, jewelry and glass items. The stores are open every day with the exception of Sundays and they all close for lunch.

I don`t speak French. Will many people speak English?

English may be spoken at your hotel and in the tourist areas, but not everywhere. We suggest you get a good English-French guidebook or app and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, excuse me and numbers 1-10.

What is the currency in France? Can I pay/tip in US dollars?

The currency of France is the Euro. US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for euros upon arrival. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airports and train stations. For more detailed information, consult our guide to tipping in France by clicking here.

What should I do if I need medical assistance?

In an emergency dial 112 is the general emergency services number or 114 for hearing assistance.