Visit Caen and its surroundings

CENTRE VILLE DE CAEN

Discover Caen – A Journey into the Heart of Norman History and Culture

Caen, a city with a rich medieval and modern past, invites you to explore its historical and cultural treasures. By staying at Hotel Astrid Caen Centre, you’ll be just steps away from many must-see sites in this vibrant city.

What to See:

• Caen Castle and the Abbaye aux Hommes – Immerse yourself in the history of William the Conqueror and admire the impressive architecture that has shaped the Norman landscape.
• The Caen Memorial Museum – This exceptional museum traces the history of World War II and the pursuit of peace, offering an emotional and educational experience.
• The lively streets of the city center – Stroll through local markets, enjoy a gourmet break in a traditional Norman café, and explore artisanal boutiques.

This stay in Caen allows you to combine historical discoveries with modern pleasures, all while enjoying comfortable and ideally located accommodation.

Norman Gastronomy – Flavors and Traditions to Savor

Normandy is also a land of rich flavors and culinary heritage. By staying at Hotel Astrid Caen Centre, you have the opportunity to discover an authentic and generous cuisine.

Not to be missed:

• Local specialties – Taste Camembert cheese, "Tripes à la mode de Caen," and delicious Norman crêpes, all paired with a locally crafted cider.
• Markets and fine food shops – Caen’s markets are filled with fresh, local products, perfect for a gourmet break or to bring home a culinary souvenir.
• Restaurants and bistros – From cozy bistros to Michelin-starred establishments, Caen offers a wide variety of dining options to suit every taste.

Let yourself be tempted by a flavorful journey that will delight your taste buds and immerse you in the authentic essence of Normandy.

The D-Day Beaches: A Journey Through History

Hotel Astrid Caen Centre is just 30-45 minutes from the D-Day Landing Beaches and Arromanches, home to its famous artificial harbor—a fascinating testament to the bravery of the Allied forces.

On June 6, 1944, the Normandy coastline witnessed the largest military landing in history, marking the beginning of Europe’s liberation. Today, the D-Day beaches are must-visit memorial sites, where deep emotions blend with the breathtaking beauty of the Norman landscapes.

Discovering historic beaches                                                                      

Five Beaches of Operation Overlord

• Utah Beach – The first beach assaulted by American forces, where the landing was relatively successful with minimal losses. A dedicated museum recounts this victory.
• Omaha Beach – The deadliest for American troops due to formidable German defenses. The American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, overlooking the beach, is a deeply moving place of remembrance.
• Gold Beach – Landed by British forces, this beach is famous for the artificial harbor at Arromanches, an engineering feat that facilitated the supply of equipment for the battle.
• Juno Beach – One of the toughest battles for Canadian forces, who faced fierce enemy resistance before advancing inland. A visitor center is dedicated to their bravery.
• Sword Beach – British troops, alongside French commandos, fought here to push towards Caen, a key objective for the Allies.

An Emotionally Charged Journey

Beyond the beaches themselves, several sites help visitors grasp the scale of this historic operation:

• Military cemeteries, such as the American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer and the Canadian Cemetery in Bény-sur-Mer.
• Museums, including the Caen Memorial, the D-Day Museum in Arromanches, and the Airborne Museum in Sainte-Mère-Église.
• Remnants of the Atlantic Wall, such as the Longues-sur-Mer battery and bunkers still visible along the coastline.

Between Memory and Nature

In addition to their historical significance, these beaches offer breathtaking landscapes, with fine sand, wild dunes, and majestic cliffs. Visiting these sites is not only a tribute to the soldiers who fought for freedom but also an opportunity to discover a region rich in heritage and natural beauty.

Whether you are a history enthusiast or a traveler in search of a meaningful experience, a visit to the D-Day beaches will leave a lasting impression.

Caen’s Millennium Celebration

The year 2025 will be marked by grand festivities celebrating the 1,000-year history of Caen since its founding by William the Conqueror. Major events will take place throughout the year:

• Medieval reenactments and special exhibitions – Relive Caen’s great historical moments through spectacular performances and unique collections.
• Guided tours of iconic sites – Explore the Abbaye aux Hommes, Caen Castle, and other historic landmarks with passionate experts who will take you on a journey through time.

Complete details about these events are available at the Caen Tourist Office, just a short walk from the hotel.

Some useful links to help you organize your stay:

•  The tourist office to find and/or organize all possible activities in the region (museums, landing beaches, leisure parks, etc.).

• Our favorite restaurants less than 5 minutes’ walk away:
• La Grande Bouteille
• Le Bistronome
• Le Carlotta
• L'instant
• Le Petit B
• El Olivo
  

• Parking managed by INDIGO

  
  

• Meeting rooms, seminars or other events, 7500m² available 10 min walk from MoHo.

• Public transport managed by TWISTO

• Bike rental and ride ideas: a multitude of bikes adapted to your needs (baby seats, child trailers, wheelchairs adapted for people with reduced mobility, etc.)

•  VTC GUÊPE is a reservation center that allows you to easily order a car with a driver for your trips in Caen and Calvados. Take advantage of our network of drivers and, with a price known in advance, book your trip 24/7.To book your trip, you can call 02 22 44 16 16 (available 24/7). Whatever your reason for traveling, VTC GUÊPE is always there to take you wherever you want to go (city outings, airports, train stations, tourist attractions, etc.). VTC GUÊPE, a French app...
  

  
  

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