Is Caen worth visiting?
Yes, you'll find numerous reasons to visit Caen, and it's a city that everyone should see. We had an amazing time here.
Whether you're a traveling as a family, a couple, or a backpacker, this city has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the great museums and attractions and amazing food.
Visitors come to Caen because of its central role in the events around World War II. In addition to its memorials, there are also abbeys, castles, and museums to explore. Caen is a port city in Normandy and it has a compact city center that is easy to explore on foot.
Caen, France
4 Reasons to Visit Caen
1. Museums and Attractions
There are many monuments around town commemorating the city's long history. You'll want to see Château de Caen, Pegasus Bridge, Mémorial de Caen, Musée de Normandie, and Musée des beaux-arts de Caen.
The Memorial de Caen is known for its focus on peace and reconciliation. (€20)
Caen Castle is known for its historic significance. (€5.50)
Abbaye aux Hommes is known for its Romanesque architecture. (€6)
Abbaye aux Dames is known for its Romanesque architecture. (Free)
2. Food
There's a market that's at its best on Sundays where you'll find fresh produce and other local ingredients. There are also Michelin starred restaurants, seafood restaurants, and other traditional dishes. Head to the Vaugueux Quarter for traditional dishes.
3. Nightlife
The nightlife scene stays active thanks to the 30,000 students living in town. Head to the Rue Ecuyère for a pub crawl or hit up any of the other bars around town.
4. Authenticity
Caen has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Caen worth visiting in the Summer?
The high season for travel in Caen is the summer, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is somewhat touristy, so in the high season it's usually busier.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during summer with average temperatures around 18°C (64°F).
During this season it's fun to experience the museums and landmarks, the big city activities, and the nightlife.
Summer Weather in Caen
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 18°C (64°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| August | 18°C (64°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| September | 16°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
Is Caen worth visiting in the Autumn?
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 12°C (54°F).
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Caen, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. Even though Caen is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. This is a great time of year to wander through the museums and enjoy the city's energy.
Autumn Weather in Caen
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 12°C (54°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| November | 8°C (47°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| December | 6°C (43°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
Is Caen worth visiting in the Winter?
Winter is the low season for travel in Caen. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.
The weather in Caen can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 5°C (41°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
You'll like that you can take public transit easily in the winter, too. You can get around quickly while avoiding bad weather if needed. You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to browse through museums, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, and grab some drinks at a bar. Also, you can experience the big city activities.
Winter Weather in Caen
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 5°C (41°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| February | 5°C (42°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| March | 7°C (45°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
Is Caen worth visiting in the Spring?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Caen. Even though Caen is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.
The weather in Caen can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 9°C (49°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums and the nightlife scene.
Spring Weather in Caen
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 9°C (49°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| May | 13°C (55°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| June | 15°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
Related
What is Caen most famous for?
Caen is most famous for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings. People visit this impressive city for its great museums and attractions and food. It is also known for its great nightlife. It is often described as historic, park-filled, and important.
What is the most famous sight in Caen?
The most popular sight in Caen is Pegasus Bridge. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Caen on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Pegasus Bridge and other attractions here.
How touristy is Caen? Is it a popular city to visit?
Caen is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Guided Tour in an Old Convertible Car on the Côte de Nacre: $102
- Private Tour to Discover the Treasures of Caen: $44
- Private Guided Bike Tour of Cabourg and Dives in French: $96
- Small Group Guided D-Day Tour and Mémorial de Caen Museum: $228
- Mémorial de Caen Museum Admission and Guided Tour of D-Day Sites: $154
- Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide in Caen: $66
- Memorial Museum Ticket with D-Day Landings Audio Tour & Map: $33
- Caen Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $5.84
How long should I spend in Caen?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Caen is two to three days. Since Caen has activities such as museums and attractions and dining, many visit for up to three days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Caen? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Caen?.
More Things to Do in Caen
- Is The Church of Saint-Pierre Worth Visiting?
- Is Abbaye aux Hommes Worth Visiting?
- Is Caen Castle Worth Visiting?
- Is The Memorial de Caen Worth Visiting?
- Is Abbaye aux Dames Worth Visiting?
For guided and organized tour options, check out The Best Family-Friendly Tours to France and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.