Running in Caen: the city of a hundred steeples

Just a few kilometres from the coast and two hours from Paris, Caen is a city with a thousand facets, rich in history and heritage, and a great place to live. A Town of Art and History, the city of William the Conqueror has preserved some magnificent buildings from its medieval period, despite the bombings of 1944. The Abbaye aux Hommes (Men's Abbey), the church of St Peter and the ducal castle all bear witness to the town's heyday. Between a leap into the past and a nature break, set off to discover the city of the Dukes of Normandy thanks to the tourist and sports routes offered by the town.

Saint Peter's Church in Caen

‘This country is very beautiful, and Caen the prettiest city, the most pleasant, the most cheerful, the best located, the most beautiful streets, the most beautiful buildings, the most beautiful churches; meadows, promenades, and finally the source of all our beautiful spirits’.

These were the words in which Madame de Sévigné described Caen and the surrounding region, and we can't contradict her. At the time of the famous epistolary writer, the city was undergoing rapid demographic and economic growth and was undergoing major urban transformation. Several centuries later, the city is still as captivating as ever, attracting millions of visitors every year.

Land of history

Although there are traces of human activity in the Caen area dating back to prehistoric times and antiquity, it was during the Middle Ages, after numerous invasions, that the town of Caen experienced a major boom. 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 the sublime Abbaye aux Hommes and Abbaye aux Dames (where the tombs of William the Conqueror and his wife, respectively, are located) and Caen Castle.

The Men's Abbey

The medieval houses of the historic centre are mixed with the mansions of the Renaissance. During this period of peace, trade expanded (particularly textiles and tanning) and the wealthy bourgeoisie and aristocracy built magnificent homes of a new kind. Take advantage 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, with its richly decorated inner courtyard.

The city of Caen and the surrounding area were the scene of many conflicts, including the Hundred Years' War. But one of the most significant was undoubtedly the Second World War, which left its mark on the city. The town was on a hotly contested front line when the Normandy landings took place on 6 June 1944. Almost 70% of its buildings were destroyed in the bombardments, and several thousand of its inhabitants were killed. The route will take you to the Caen Memorial, which was built to commemorate the Battle of Normandy and is dedicated to the history of the 20th century and peace.

Land of nature

Caen is undoubtedly a land of history, but nature also plays an important role. Right in the heart of the city, the Jardin des Plantes offers you a peaceful and pleasant moment. This botanical garden, listed since 1942, is full of rare plants and over 2,000 different species.

The route ‘Green and Blue City’ will also take you through the green lung of the Norman city: La Prairie. This 60-hectare green space includes a racecourse, a bird sanctuary and sports facilities. It's a must for all nature lovers, while remaining within easy reach of the city centre.

La Colline aux Oiseaux (The Bird Hill)

Located on a former landfill site, the Parc de la Colline aux Oiseaux invites visitors to explore its many themed and floral gardens: box and yew maze, rose garden, perennial garden, French town garden, etc. This 17-hectare park is a perfect example of how to rehabilitate and enhance an area.

During your cycle ride, you can enjoy the freshness of the banks of the River Orne, which runs alongside the city, and discover Caen's marina, also known as Bassin Saint Pierre. The Bassin is the starting point for the Caen to Sea Canal, which links up with the port of Ouistreham on the English Channel. Inaugurated in 1857, the canal can be explored by boat, kayak or even paddle.

Terre de Jeux (Land of Games)

The Hélitas stadium

With more than 250 clubs and a wide range of sports facilities, the city of Caen is proud to be an area of sport. Thanks to the presence of several top-level clubs, including the Stade Malherbe de Caen, and the organisation of international sporting events, the city of Normandy enjoys a national and even international reputation.

This is undoubtedly why Caen has been named ‘Land of the 2024 Games’ for the Paris Olympics. Seven sites have been selected to host delegations from all over the world. Take the route "Caen, Terre de Jeux" and discover the sites that have been certified as Olympic Preparation 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!

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