Ferry sailings from Portsmouth dock at the port of Ouistreham, a 15-minute drive (or by shuttle bus) from the city of Caen. This is an area of Normandy offering huge variety – from the D-Day beaches of World War II to William the Conqueror’s castle, from café society to seaside picnics. Although the city was devastated by wartime bombardment, some beautiful houses and churches remain remarkably untouched. Caen can be a hive of activity and worth a stop on your journey into Normandy, to Paris, or further afield. The region is steeped in history and has a vibrant modern cultural life too.

Travelling by car ferry to Caen gives you the convenience of having your own car to explore France with ease.

Best of Caen

• Head out of Caen to the beaches of the Normandy Landings on 6 June 1944 to relive the horrors and triumphs of D-Day.
• Monuments, bunkers and cemeteries are a living commemoration, while the beaches themselves – codenamed Sword, Juno, Gold, Omaha and Utah – remain uniquely inspiring.
• The ‘Memorial de Caen’ is a stunning museum bringing the action to life and provoking fascinating debate about war and peace since WWII.
• Caen Castle, built by William the Conqueror in 1060, is one of the largest medieval fortresses in Western Europe.
• Dine in traditional, quaint French bistros located on the streets off rue de Geôle, or high-class cosmopolitan restaurants in the pedestrianised quartier Vaugueux.
• Jardin des Plantes is a beautifully designed botanical garden west of Caen Castle with striking views and richly stocked flowerbeds.