Transport
Getting There
| By Train | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| From | Via | Time | Time |
| Calais | A16/A28/E402/E44 and A29/E44 and A14/E5 | 2:20 hours | via Paris: 5:30 hours |
| Paris | A13/E5 | 2:45 hours | Direct: 2 hours |
| Dieppe | A29/E44 and A13/E5 | 2 hours | via Rouen: 3 hours |
| Le Havre | A13/E5 | 1:15 hour | via Rouen: 2:30 hours |
| Cherbourg | N13 | 1:20 hour | 1:15 |
| Marseilles | via Paris: A7, A6, A13 | 9:30 hours | via Paris: 6 hours |
Air: Caen has an international airport, but it’s not big. Most flights go to Lyon and transfer from there anywhere in Europe, but direct flights to London, Southend are scheduled.
Ferry: There are direct ferries from the UK to harbours close-by: Ouistreham (Caen), Cherbourg, Le Havre, Dieppe and one ferry link between Ireland and Cherbourg.
Bus: There are several long distance bus operators going to this city from different cities in France (and Europe). Click on one of the links below to see which departure city is covered.
Flixbus
Ouibus
Within Caen
Caen has an excellent bus and tram/trolley system called Twisto, a ticket valid for 1 hour throughout the network costs €1.45. 10 tickets cost €12.20. The 1 hour ticket allows you to change bus/tram as often as you want for one hour. You can buy the tickets directly on the bus, or at the machines located at all tram stops.
Restaurants
There are some 350 restaurants in Caen, so likely you’ll find one to your taste. There are 3 one-star Michelin restaurants, and as usual, I recommend you try at least one of them. It’s difficult to go wrong with a Michelin rated restaurant. So far we haven’t eaten in any memorable restaurant in Caen, but we will for sure shortly.
Hotels
Caen is a big city with plenty of things to do and see, so there is a good selection of accommodation in the city.
Things To See/Things To Do
- The Caen World War II Memorial, a MUST.
- The enormous Fortress (and museums inside).
- The Men’s Abbey (and City Hall), and if time permitting, the Women’s Abbey.
- Walking the many pedestrian shopping streets.
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