In the heart of Normandy, Calvados has many assets to charm visitors. Picturesque towns and villages, memories of the D-Day landings and coastlines dotted with manor houses and castles paint its many landscapes. The region also boasts a rich cultural identity, based on history, know-how and Camembert de Normandie. From coast to countryside, a generous and varied gastronomy to suit every palate. To get a taste of it, take a tour of the département, following our 15 must-sees.
1- Visit Caen
The capital of Calvados, Caen is a Norman city steeped in culture and history. Today, it is one of France's top 20 cities to live in. Stroll along the cobbled streets of the historic old town to admire its traditional timber-framed houses. Then it's on to theAbbaye Saint-Étienne, also known as the Abbaye aux Hommes, built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror. The "city of a hundred steeples" was the scene of numerous bombardments during the Occupation. The Caen Memorial recounts the city's dark history, from 1918 to the present day. Caen is packed with places to visit, and here are our 15 must-sees in Caen.
We advise you to plan your visit by booking your tickets for the Caen Memorial.
2- Discover Bayeux
Located at the gateway to the D-Day landing beaches, Bayeux was one of the first towns in France to be liberated in June 1944. A proud medieval town, it was also an important Gallo-Roman center in antiquity, known as Augustodurum. Well-preserved, the town has hardly changed since the 18th century. A must-see for visitors is the Bayeux Tapestry Museum. Here you'll find the famous tapestry recounting the epic story of William the Conqueror. Its exceptional state of preservation has earned it Unesco World Heritage status.
3- Getting to Honfleur
The pearl of the Normandy coast, Honfleur enchants visitors and has become a must-see stopover in the département. Famous for its Vieux Bassin, a harbour with quays lined with slate-fronted houses, the town inspiredthe precursors of Impressionism Claude Monet, Gustave Courbet and Eugène Boudin. Art lovers will not want to miss the Musée Eugène Boudin, where a large collection of the artist's works is on display. To help you prepare for your visit to Honfleur, take a look at our 17 must-sees.
4- What to do in Calvados Visit Lisieux
Capital of the Pays d'Auge region, Lisieux is France's second-largest pilgrimage destination after Lourdes. Its Basilique Sainte-Thérèse is an architectural gem, and the relics of the patron saint attract over a million visitors every year. Lovers of architecture will appreciate its neo-Byzantine style, inspired by the Sacré Coeur in Montmartre. And don't forget to take a stroll through the town to sample the local gastronomy.
5- Go to Deauville
The most elegant seaside town in Normandy. With its colorful parasols, pretty beach huts and famous boardwalk, Deauville knows how to charm its visitors. Film buffs know it best for its annual American film festival. Take a stroll along the beach and admire the Belle Époque villas, a testament to the town's luxurious past and a real trip back in time. Don't miss a visit to the Casino Barrière. Whether or not you like the thrill of gambling, its grandiose architecture and hushed ambience are well worth the detour.
Extend your stay in Deauville with a tour of our 15 must-sees.
6- Trouville-sur-mer
Deauville's neighbor faces it with the charm of a small fishing port. Trouville-sur-mer seduces with its colorful half-timbered houses and wild beaches. Stroll along the circuit of Savignac's painted walls to discover the works of the poster artist of the same name. Art lovers will want to visit Villa Montebello, a museum of art and history with a lovely view over the Bay of Seine.
Make the pleasure of a trip to Trouville-sur-mer last with our 11 must-sees.
7- Visit Cabourg
Muse to Marcel Proust, Cabourg invites you to escape for a pleasant break in the heart of Calvados. Take the time to stroll along the 3.6km Promenade Marcel Proust, Europe's longest pedestrian promenade. The stroll offers superb views of the villas with their typical Norman architecture, the sea and the legendary Cabourg beach, one of the most beautiful in Normandy. Plan your weekend in Cabourg with our 15 must-do activities.
To discover the town in a different light, we recommend you book a guided bike tour.
8- Visit Omaha Beach
In the town of Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer lies the infamous Omaha Beach. Nicknamed "Bloody Omaha" at the time, it was here that some 3,000 men perished during the D-Day landings. Nearby is theOmaha Beach Memorial Museum, retracing the details of the event. Nearby, in Colleville-sur-mer, visit the American cemetery, one of France's most visited sites, but where tranquillity reigns supreme.
We recommend you book this guided tour of the emblematic sites of the D-Day landings.
9- A stroll in Ouistreham
Between the sea and the river, Ouistreham owes its identity to its position. Its geographical location made it an important guard post for the region's security, and so the town was built on the heights of the river. Stroll along the Riva-Bella beach after a visit to the famous Musée du Mur de l'Atlantique, dedicated to the history of D-Day. Finally, take a stroll around the Ouistreham marina and admire the boats moored at the quays.
10- Arromanches-les-Bains
As well as being a charming seaside resort, Arromanches-les-Bains is a town steeped in history. An emblematic site of theSecond World War, the town is home to the Musée du Débarquement, the oldest museum on this theme. After a visit to the museum, located right on the beach, take a few steps to see the remains of Port Mulberry. This temporary wartime port is a feat of military engineering that will delight history buffs. The remains of beached barges, tanks and cannons add to the town's sense of time.
11- Pointe du Hoc for hikers
For hikers and travelers in search of a breath of fresh air, the Pointe du Hoc offers spectacular views of the English Channel. Explore the many hiking trails at this emblematic site of the Normandy Landings. The signposted walk is dotted with the remains of bunkers and bomb craters. A unique walk immersed in nature and history, with breathtaking scenery and exceptional panoramas.
12- Falaise and its castle
This historic town in Calvados is the birthplace of William the Conqueror. Château de Falaise is an impressive medieval fortress around which the town was built. During the Second World War, Falaise was bombed and ruined. It was subsequently rebuilt with respect for its historic monuments, and today is a town full of charm.
13- Discover Houlgate
A charming seaside resort on the Côte Fleurie, Houlgate boasts a large sandy beach. Like many of its neighbors, the coastal town experienced a boom at the end of the 19th century, when sea bathing became fashionable. The result was the construction of many charming villas. Don't hesitate to take the villa tour, where you can admire the 41 buildings typical of Norman architecture that line the route.
14- Go to Pont-l'Evêque
Pont-l'Evêque is a postcard-perfect town well worth a visit. Its quaint, typically Norman town center, its small cafés, its market and its craftsmen give it an undeniable charm. The picture is enhanced by colorful half-timbered houses, small bridges and waterways. Don't hesitate to visit the Musée du Calvados to learn more about the making of the famous Pont-l'Évêque cheese.
15- Visit Beaumont-en-Auge
Nestled in the heart of the Pays d'Auge, Beaumont-en-Auge is one of the most beautiful villages in the Calvados region. Stroll along its narrow streets lined with colorful half-timbered houses and head for the Saint-Sauveur church, the Catholic edifice of a former Benedictine priory. Its former abbey is a listed historic monument. Two hiking trails criss-cross the town and surrounding area, and can be explored on foot, by bike or on horseback.
What to do in Calvados in 3 days?
- On the first day, explore Caen and visit its château and theAbbaye aux Hommes. Don't miss a visit to the Caen Memorial, and end your day in one of the city's many restaurants to sample the local gastronomy.
- Next, head to the D-Day beaches. Visit Omaha Beach and Arromanches-les-bains, before moving on to the American cemetery at Colleville-sur-mer.
- On your last day, start by visitingDeauville and strolling along the famous Promenade des Planches de Deauville. Then head for Honfleur, stroll through the town and the Vieux Bassin, and end your day in a typical harbor restaurant.
What are the most beautiful towns in Calvados?
- Caen : visit the Caen Memorial, explore the Château de Caen and stroll through the charming cobbled streets of the city center.
- Deauville : enjoy the sandy beaches and famous Planches de Deauville, then discover the Casino Barrière and admire the typical Norman architecture.
- Honfleur : wander around the Vieux Bassin, visit the Church of Sainte-Catherine and wander through the narrow streets dotted with art galleries.
- Bayeux : admire the Bayeux Tapestry and explore Notre-Dame de Bayeux Cathedral before discovering the Battle of Normandy Museum.
- Lisieux : visit the Basilique Sainte-Thérèse and stroll through the gardens of theBenedictine Abbey.
- Cabourg : enjoy the Promenade Marcel Proust, discover the Grand Hôtel de Cabourg and admire the town's seaside architecture and elegant villas.
What are the specialities of Calvados?
- Cheeses : a land of cream and dairy cows, Calvados is home to many cheese specialties, including Camembert, Livarot and Pont-l'Évêque.
- Traditional dishes: Tripes à la mode de Caen and Andouille de Vire are two dishes typical of Calvados culinary traditions.
- Seafood: oysters and mussels are plentiful in Deauville and Cabourg, but don't hesitate to head to Honfleur for mussels marinière.
- Drinks : a land of orchards, the département is a major producer of cider, but also gives its name to its flagship spirit, Calvados.
