Running in Caen: the city of a hundred steeples
- audreyubertino
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Located just a few kilometres from the coast and two hours from Paris, Caen is a multifaceted city, rich in history and heritage, and a wonderful place to live. As a City of Art and History, the city of William the Conqueror has preserved magnificent buildings from its medieval period, despite the bombings of 1944. The Abbaye aux Hommes, the Church of Saint-Pierre and the Ducal Castle are all testaments to this glorious era in the city’s history. Whether you’re taking a step back in time or enjoying a nature getaway, set off to explore the city of the Dukes of Normandy with the sightseeing and sporting trails offered by the city.
“This country is very beautiful, and Caen is the prettiest town, the most welcoming, the liveliest, the best situated, with the most beautiful streets, the finest buildings, and the most splendid churches; meadows, promenades, and, last but not least, the source of all our finest minds.”
It was in these terms that Madame de Sévigné described Caen and its surrounding area, and one cannot disagree with her. In the days of the famous letter-writer, the city was experiencing rapid population and economic growth and was undergoing significant urban transformation. Several centuries later, the city remains as captivating as ever and attracts millions of visitors every year.
Land of history
Although there is evidence of human activity in the Caen area dating back to prehistoric times and antiquity, it was during the Middle Ages, following numerous invasions, that the town of Caen experienced significant growth. This was mainly due to the policies of William the Conqueror and his wife, Matilda of Flanders. The Duke of Normandy made Caen his political capital and was responsible for the construction of many monuments that can still be seen today. Your walk will take you to discover the magnificent Abbaye aux Hommes and Abbaye aux Dames (where the tombs of William the Conqueror and his wife are located, respectively) as well as Caen Castle.
The medieval houses of the historic centre stand alongside Renaissance mansions. During this period of peace, trade flourished (particularly in textiles and tanning) and the wealthy bourgeoisie and aristocracy commissioned magnificent residences of a new style. Make the most of your stroll to admire the bourgeois houses that line the streets of the town centre. The finest example of this Renaissance architecture is the Hôtel d’Escoville, whose richly decorated inner courtyard leaves a lasting impression on visitors.
The city of Caen and its surroundings have been the scene of numerous conflicts, such as the Hundred Years’ War. But one of the most significant was undoubtedly the Second World War, which left the city deeply scarred. Indeed, it lay on a fiercely contested front line during the D-Day landings on 6 June 1944. Nearly 70% of its buildings were destroyed during the bombing raids and several thousand residents were killed. The cycle route will take you to the unmissable Caen Memorial, which was designed to commemorate the Battle of Normandy and is dedicated to 20th-century history and peace.
Land of nature
Whilst Caen is undoubtedly steeped in history, nature also plays an important role here. Right in the heart of the city, the Jardin des Plantes offers a peaceful and pleasant retreat. This botanical garden, which has been a listed site since 1942, is home to a wealth of rare plants and features over 2,000 different species.
The “Green and Blue City” route will also take you through the green heart of this Norman city: La Prairie. This 60-hectare green space is home to a racecourse, a bird sanctuary and sports facilities. A must-see for all nature lovers, whilst remaining close to the city centre.
Set on the site of a former landfill, the Colline aux Oiseaux park invites visitors to explore its many themed and floral gardens: a boxwood and yew maze, a rose garden, a perennial garden, a garden featuring French towns… This 17-hectare park is a perfect example of land rehabilitation and enhancement.
During your bike ride, you can enjoy the cool atmosphere along the banks of the River Orne, which runs alongside the city, and explore Caen’s marina, also known as the Bassin Saint Pierre. The Bassin is the starting point of the Caen-to-the-Sea Canal, which connects to the port of Ouistreham on the English Channel. Opened in 1857, the canal can be explored by boat on guided tours, by kayak and even by stand-up paddleboard.
Terre de Jeux (Land of Games)
With over 250 clubs and a wealth of sports facilities and equipment, the city of Caen is a true sporting hub. Thanks to the presence of several top-flight clubs, including Stade Malherbe Caen, and the hosting of international sporting events, this Norman city enjoys a reputation that extends far beyond its borders, both nationally and internationally.
This is undoubtedly why Caen has been awarded the “Terre de Jeux 2024” designation for the Paris Olympic Games. Seven venues have been selected to host delegations from around the world. With the “Caen, Terre de Jeux” route, discover the venues certified as Olympic Training Centres, including the Hélitas Stadium and the water sports centre.
Run, walk or cycle with JOOKS, from the Caen Memorial to the Abbaye aux Dames!
Find all the routes in the city of Caen and over 1,700 more on the JOOKS app.
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