Short Break Destinations in Normandy
- Caen

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Caen, or at least Ouistreham, which is just six miles away from the city, is one of Brittany Ferries' two arrival ports in Normandy. Many towns and cities of the region suffered extensive damage during World War II, and nowhere was this more true than in Caen. Literally three-quarters of the city's buildings, many with great historical significance, were devastated. Today however, Caen has rebuilt itself into a modern and lively metropolis of broad avenues, open green spaces, and top class facilities.

Historical Landmarks

Fortunately, a few examples of Caen's historical past did manage to survive the war, among them the two magnificent Romanesque abbeys founded by William the Conqueror and his wife Mathilda - Abbaye aux Hommes and Abbaye aux Dames. In fact, William must have had the lucky touch all round, because the castle he had specially built for himself, Chateau Ducal on the north bank of the River Orne, also escaped largely unscathed, although some restoration work has been done.

Things to do

Certainly one of Caen's major attractions is the city's ultra-modern Museum for Peace, which rather ironically stands on the site of German Army Headquarters during 1944. Quite apart from superbly documenting two world wars, great emphasis is also placed on human sacrifice and what everyday life was like in occupied France. Top secret Nazi reports show their concern at the growth of Resistance activity in Normandy, and of the reprisals they took in an attempt to crush it. At the heart of everything, the Museum's all too clear message is that mankind must somehow find a way of establishing a lasting world peace.

Great Dining Options

The centre of Caen offers two very different areas for dining. Around the attractive Quartier Vaugueux, the accent is on a variety of cosmopolitan fare such as African and Creole, while in the streets off Rue de Geôle near the western ramparts, traditional French cuisine holds sway. Close to Abbaye aux Dames is Bassin St-Pierre, Caen's pleasure port, which marks the end of the canal that links the city to the sea. This is one of the liveliest spots in town, and an ideal place to people-watch from the comfort of a pavement café.