Caen is a peaceful town with a rich history and the perfect place for relaxing holidays. Don’t wait any longer: stay in a hotel which is central yet good value for money. When you stay at the ibis Caen Centre hotel, you’ll be in an ideal location in the old town beside the duke’s chateau.
Walks through nature in medieval Caen
Duke William had Caen’s chateau built in the 11th century. Within its wide-ranging medieval walls, you will discover a church and several separate buildings. The most ancient are the duke’s palace and the exchequer’s room, which hosted meetings of mighty lords. It now holds the Musée de Normandie, a museum dedicated to the region’s history. Another more recent building is home to the Musée des Beaux-Arts. There you can admire the works of famous painters such as Monet, Rubens and Veronese. Stepping out of the chateau, the Rue des Fossés-Saint-Julien takes you to the Abbaye aux Hommes abbey, founded by the Duke of Normandy. His tomb is on show in the abbey church. Walk Rue des Chanoines to get to the elegant Abbaye aux Dames abbey. This convent was founded by Duke William’s wife.
Don’t forget your bike if you’re coming to Caen for a cheap holiday. The town is perfect for cycling. On the quays of the marina, which join with the canal, you can take in some fresh air. Carry on walking and you will get to La Prairie, a bird sanctuary where you can spot black-headed gulls, herons and cormorants wheeling in the sky. If you’re going to visit Le Mémorial, a museum dedicated to World War Two, call in at the neighbouring flower gardens too. You can relax among the pretty flower beds and fountains under the shade of the pergolas.
