Castles, Crepes and Quite Reflection: Caen & Bayeux City Break
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Updated: 25th August 2016
Normandy, in northern France, is famous for William the Conqueror and his castle in Caen, the D-Day beaches and that somewhat famous tapestry hanging around in Bayeux.
It is easy enough to visit as a day trip from Paris, but if you ask me, this is an ideal short break in France – the pair make for a great weekend getaway. Here’s how to spend your time in both.
What to do in Bayeux
I guess I should start by saying when to go to Bayeux. I rocked up in early January, forgetting that the French take their holidays a lot more seriously than we do in the UK, and everything was kind of closed… Okay, that’s a slight exaggeration, but luckily, I visited many years ago back at school, so I didn’t miss out on all the top things to do in France’s north. Be sure to check opening hours in advance, or you might be upset when you don’t get to see the good stuff.
See the Famous Tapestry
The Bayeux Tapestry Museum is located near the centre of this charming French town; you’ll have already started falling in love just strolling up from the station. It was also most certainly shut when I rocked up, and not wanting to wait the 18 days until it opened again, I’ll fill you in on an old school trip.
It’s an impressive piece of cloth. At nearly seventy metres long, the detail weaved onto it depicts the story of the English invasion by William the Conqueror. So, a double whammy – an art and history class all in one.
Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral
You can’t really visit anywhere in Europe without visiting a cathedral, right? The Notre Dame Cathedral in Bayeux is certainly not the grandest in the country, but if you are a sucker for stained glass and all things old like me, it’s worth popping your head into.
Reflect on the D-Day Beaches
A little beach day trip best understands the historical importance of the surrounding areas. The Normandy landings took place here from WW2 and there are still signs of war here from bunkers to memorials. It’s a chilling reminder of a history our grandparents lived through.
Remember at the War Cemetery
On the outskirts of the city sits the second-largest war cemetery in France. The 4000+ white tomb markings are an unmissable contrast from the green gardens they sit in. A sombre moment to reflect on the history of Europe, I left a few tears here for sure.
What to do in Caen
About 30km from Bayeux (which is easily accessed by train – see below) is the port city of Caen. This was my entry port, arriving by ferry from the UK, which is super easy and surprisingly affordable. This city is famous thanks to the castle constructed here by William the Conqueror and its cobbled streets, lively restaurants (did someone mention wine?) and abbeys that are dotted around the city.
Hunt down the Greatest Restaurant Street
Ok, this is the street you need: Rue du Vaugueux – it is perhaps the most charming, cute, quaint (there are not enough cliché words to use on these cobbles) spot to eat, drink coffee, and people watch in Caen. The crêpe place here is insanely good. Literally, hop on over to this Google Street View link right now and prepare to fall in sweet French love!
Play King of the Castle and Hunt out the Churches
The heart of this city is the huge castle, which was a home for William the Conqueror. Inside sadly, it is not as impressive as the draw bridge entrance or the huge walls that surround it. The car park at the back also kinda ruins it, but it’s a pretty bold building and a great starting point to explore the city. Obviously, only after having visited the above street and eaten way too much.
Explore Both of the Abbeys
There are two Abbeys in Caen, one for the ladies and one for the men (a Benedictine Monks monastery, in fact). They are both stunning in their architecture by day and lit up at night. It is also worth checking out if there will be any performance inside at any time during your visit to really capture their impressive atmosphere.
Explore Abandoned Churches
I love abandoned and run-down buildings, the plants that grow inside them, the stories the walls still want to tell. This cool one just below is actually closed off. If you can find a way in (legally, of course), I have seen some incredible photos of the inside on the internet, but it was not possible at all when I was there.
Check out the memorial
If you haven’t had the chance to remember because you skipped Bayeux, then the Caen Memorial is another place to take a minute to reflect. Both a war cemetery and museum, this is likely the best port of call if you want to understand not just more about WW2 but also its particular battles and the importance of Caen and Normandy within the war.
Basically, if you want to soak up grand architecture, drink wine, get fat and spout out cliché words about how cute Europe is, you can’t go wrong with this weekend trip! Sure, it is possible as a day trip from Paris, but take a night to stay here to really soak it in (and be able to go back to that street for more food!).
The practical stuff…
Getting there: From Paris, you can get to Caen in around two hours. Book in advance to try to grab a highly discounted fare on the French Railways site. Alternatively, Brittany Ferries sail from the UK to Caen Port either overnight or by day.
Getting around: The train from Caen to Bayeux runs at least hourly and takes around 15 minutes at a crazy expensive €13 return. It is easy to explore both on foot without the need for public transport. If you are taking the ferry, a bus meets most arrivals and departures but if not a taxi can set you back over €40. Cheap, France is not!
Where to stay: Accommodation in France can be both tiny and expensive. I crashed at Hotel Bristol for €50, where the cutest dog and an adorable host checked me in. The place looks like it is stuck in a time warp, but behind the bedroom doors are clean, spacious and comfy beds with modern decoration and bathrooms.
What dreadful spelling! It’s Dame not Damn!
Yes, it is. Which is why it’s spelt correctly in the title. I must have made an error/auto-correct in the other part. Thanks for spending your Sunday evening highlighting my mistakes :)
Hey, it’s “Notre Dame” (our Lady) and not “Notre Damn”… ;-)
Your photos are incredible! Thank you!
Ciao, Elena
Ooops! Thank you :)
Hello, Dan. I’m taking my (slightly surly) 15-year old son to London &a Paris in April. We definitely want to stop in Normandy for a night in between. He is fascinated with WWII so we will see that museum and maybe the beaches. Help, with any suggestions- where to stay (Caen or Bayeux), what else we must include, for a day and a half before darting off to Paris? Thanks so much!!!
Hi Mary,
It’s a bit of a pain to get to but can be done by bus, Mont St Michel is a must IMO – https://www.danflyingsolo.com/mont-saint-michel-daytrip/
I’d say to stay in Caen simple because you have more options and I liked the evening dining options more in the city :)
Have an amazing time!
Thank you! We surely will…. now you’ve convinced me to plan on Mont St. Michel!
Will be in France for 6 nights and I was thinking if staying in either Bayeux or Caen for 3 nights. Which would would you recommend Caen or Bayeux? We are planning to go to the Memorials and to Mont St. Michel. Thanks
Hey! Sorry I missed this. I think Caen has more going on so would opt for there personally. Have a great trip!
Both great places, we stayed at Le Chsteau Monfreville, camping or cottages unbelievable place to stay, 20 mins from Bayeux and 50 from Caen, recommended Carentan and the nearby beaches.
Thank you for such great ideas, will check them out :)
Just spent two weeks in Caen partying it up with the students so I’m thrilled to see it on your blog. Absolutely fell in love with it, Embuscade and the nearby beach towns. Can’t wait to go back!
Glad you had an awesome time! I hear the night life is really great there, juts maybe not in early January haha… Safe travels :)
Hello Dan,
This place looks amazing. The north of France is definitely high on my list of places to visit. It’ll be pretty easy since I just moved to Paris! Any place with a castle and some history and i’m there! On a side note though – I love how image heavy you’re sight is, and they’re all better than my best instagram photos! Very inspiring blog :D
Hey Michael – It’s certainly beautiful, so much of Northern France is. Thanks for reading and your kind comments :) Hope you get to France soon! Safe travels