This itinerary explores the Norman heritage of Caen, from William the Conqueror's abbey to his medieval fortress. The route includes Romanesque and Gothic churches, rare half-timbered houses, Renaissance architecture, and a fine arts museum. The Museum of Fine Arts is closed on Mondays and has a lunch break on weekdays. Hôtel d'Escoville is closed on Sundays.

This itinerary explores the history of World War II and the D-Day landings at the Mémorial de Caen, one of Europe's most important WWII museums, followed by a peaceful stroll through the Parc de la Colline aux Oiseaux, created for the 50th anniversary of D-Day. The park features over 15,000 roses and offers panoramic city views. The Mémorial is closed throughout January and on December 25th; online booking is recommended. The park is free but closes earlier in winter. Dogs are not allowed in the park.

A day trip from Caen to Falaise, the birthplace of William the Conqueror. Visit the medieval castle where William was born in 1027, explore Romanesque churches, and learn about civilian experiences during WWII at the Memorial Museum. The route includes Arlette's Fountain and the historic Gate of the Cordeliers along the old ramparts. Travel time: about 45 minutes by car or 90 minutes by bus. The castle and memorial are closed on Mondays.

A day trip from Caen to the picturesque Norman port town of Honfleur. The itinerary covers the charming Old Harbor, impressionist art at the Eugène Boudin Museum, the unique wooden Sainte-Catherine Church, and maritime museums. Travel time is about 1 hour by car or 1.5 hours by bus. Best visited Wednesday to Sunday as some museums close Monday or Tuesday. Most museums have lunch break from 12:00 to 14:00.

A full-day trip from Caen exploring two key D-Day landing beaches in Normandy. At Juno Beach in Courseulles-sur-Mer, visit the Canadian memorial museum and walk the beach where the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division landed on June 6, 1944. Continue to Arromanches-les-Bains on Gold Beach to see the remains of the Mulberry Harbour, the D-Day Museum, and the Arromanches 360 circular cinema. The Juno Beach Centre is closed in January; bunker tours run April through October only. Best by car; public transit takes about 2 hours each direction.

A day trip from Caen to the glamorous Belle Époque seaside resort of Deauville. The itinerary covers the historic city center with Norman architecture, the Les Franciscaines cultural center, the elegant Villa Strassburger, the famous Les Planches boardwalk lined with celebrity beach cabins, Deauville Beach, and the historic Casino Barrière. Les Franciscaines is closed on Mondays. Villa Strassburger opens only June through September and requires advance booking. The casino requires visitors to be 18+ with valid ID. Travel time from Caen is approximately 45-70 minutes depending on transport.

A day trip from Caen to nearby Bayeux, spanning nearly a millennium of history. Explore the Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral, view art collections at Baron Gérard Museum, and see the iconic Liberty Tree. The afternoon covers WWII heritage: the Battle of Normandy Memorial Museum, the Commonwealth War Cemetery with over 4,600 graves, and the Reporters Memorial. About 45 minutes by car or 65 minutes by train each way. Note: Bayeux Tapestry Museum closed for renovation until October 2027. Baron Gérard Museum closed in January.