Caen

Campsite near Caen

From the Camping Reine Mathilde ***, Caen, the capital of Normandy and home of William the Conqueror, takes just 30 minutes. This dynamic city combines an exceptional historical heritage with contemporary urban life. Discover its imposing ducal castle, its two Romanesque abbeys, its town centre rebuilt after the bombings of 1944 and its not-to-be-missed Peace Memorial. From cultural visits to shopping in the pedestrianised streets, relaxing in the parks and gardens or enjoying the nightlife, Caen offers a range of experiences to suit all tastes. An ideal urban getaway to round off your stay in Normandy.

Caen

30 minutes from the campsite, what to do and see in Caen?

During your stay in our camping in NormandyDiscover Caen, the City of William the Conqueroraccessible 30 minutes by car since our camping in Calvados 3 stars Reine Mathilde.

camping proche caen
to discover

Not to be missed in Caen

The Memorial, a museum for peace

Inaugurated in 1988, the Caen Memorial is much more than a museum about the Second World War: it is a place to reflect on the fragility of peace and human rights. This museum of history and society, one of the most visited in France, traces the history of the twentieth century from the end of the First World War to the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Through permanent and temporary exhibitions, films, documents and artefacts from the period, discover the causes and consequences of the Second World War, the D-Day Landings, the Cold War and contemporary conflicts.

A moving and educational visit, accessible to all thanks to a modern and interactive museography. Allow at least half a day to fully appreciate this essential place of remembrance.

The Ducal Castle, a medieval fortress

Built around 1060 by William the Conqueror, Caen Castle is one of the largest fortified enclosures in Europe. This imposing fortress in the heart of the city now houses the Musée de Normandie and the Musée des Beaux-Arts.

Take a stroll around the castle walls, admire the remains of the keep and the grand ducal palace, and discover the Salle de l'Échiquier where the ducal court of justice was held. From the ramparts, enjoy an exceptional panoramic view of the town and its emblematic monuments.

The "jardin des simples" invites you to take a botanical break and discover the medicinal plants used in the Middle Ages. Themed guided tours are offered regularly to explore the hidden corners of this fortress steeped in history.

The twin abbeys, witnesses to ducal power

William the Conqueror and his wife Matilda of Flanders left their mark on Caen by founding two monumental abbeys in the 11th century.

The Abbaye aux Hommes (Saint-Etienne Abbey), dedicated to the prayers of the monks, houses the tomb of William. Its abbey church, a masterpiece of Norman Romanesque art with its two majestic towers, is considered one of the most beautiful Romanesque churches in Normandy. The Abbaye aux Dames (Abbaye de la Trinité), founded by Matilda, boasts an elegant façade and is now home to the Conseil Régional de Normandie.

In the crypt, discover the Queen's tomb. These two monuments, perfectly preserved despite the vicissitudes of history, bear witness to the power and piety of the ducal couple.

Caen Memorial Museum cycle tourism

The Caen Memorial is accessible to cyclists staying at Camping Reine Mathilde *** thanks to signposted cycle routes. A 35 km route links our campsite to the Memorial, crossing the Normandy countryside and then joining Caen's urban cycle paths.

The Memorial has secure cycle parking and offers a discount on the entrance fee for visitors arriving by bike. After your visit, continue your discovery of Caen on two wheels by cycling along the banks of the River Orne into the city centre. A signposted urban circuit allows you to discover the main monuments in complete safety.

The Tourist Office has special maps for cyclists with suggested itineraries to suit all levels.

Romantic urban getaway Calvados

For a romantic getaway in Caen, start by strolling hand in hand through the Colline aux Oiseaux, a vast 17-hectare landscaped park with its rose garden, Norman garden and themed areas. Continue your romantic stroll in the Jardin des Plantes, one of the oldest botanical gardens in France, where you can admire exotic plants and tropical greenhouses.

At lunchtime, take a seat on a terrace in the picturesque Place Saint-Sauveur or in the Vaugueux district, with its traditional restaurants nestling in medieval houses. In the afternoon, lose yourself in the shopping streets of the city centre before climbing the castle ramparts to admire the sunset over the city.

In the evening, the port area, with its trendy cafés and restaurants, awaits you for a lively evening for two.

Tips for visiting Caen

Caen is around 30 minutes' drive from Camping Reine Mathilde ***. To avoid parking problems, opt for one of the park-and-ride facilities at the entrance to the town and use public transport (tramway).

The Caen Normandy city pass (available for 24, 48 or 72 hours) offers unlimited access to public transport and free or reduced admission to the main tourist sites. For a complete visit, allow a full day, or even more if you wish to visit the Memorial in depth.

The Tourist Office, located in Place Saint-Pierre opposite the church, offers themed guided tours and audio guides. For families, the "Caen Adventure" programme offers a fun way to discover the city in the form of a treasure hunt, perfect for getting children interested in history.