Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Musée de Normandie
Also in the Château complex, this
museum presents a survey of Norman
life, with exhibits ranging from the
prehistoric to the industrial
(left)
.
Le Mémorial de Caen
Northwest of the city, this
major museum of remembrance
and peace traces the causes and
consequences of World War II
and the Cold War
(see p52)
.
Église St-Pierre
The church is notable
for its impressively ornate
Renaissance apse and its
much-copied spire
(above)
,
rebuilt after 1944.
Rue St-Pierre
This lively shopping
street
(below)
is lined with
historic buildings. Turn
down rue Froide, full of
interesting shops and
hidden alleys, then left to
reach place St-Sauveur,
scene of a Friday market
since 1026
(see p58)
.
Marina
Tour Leroy stands at
the entrance to the old
harbour. Today, a yacht
marina
(above)
, pictures-
que in summer, marks the
canal that leads to the
ferry port of Ouistreham.
Quartier
Vaugueux
This is Caen's “petit
Montmartre”
(below)
,
with a jumble of pretty
buildings, old street-
lights, and a great mix of
restaurants and cafés.
Caen Orientation
The city grew up around
William's Château
Ducal, flanked by the
two abbeys to east and
west, with all the other
sights of interest
(except the Mémorial)
between. Buses and
trams arrive close to the
Église St-Pierre and the
tourist office, which
occupies a fine mansion,
Hôtel d'Escoville (don't
miss its Renaissance
courtyard to the left of
the entrance).
For nearby wartime sights
See pp28-31
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