From the moment I stepped through the monumental gates of Caen Castle, I felt like I was entering a place where every stone carries the weight of time. This is one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe, founded around 1060 by William the Conqueror, long before he became King of England. Standing here, it’s impossible not to imagine the centuries of history that have unfolded within these walls.
The path leading up to the ramparts already offers a stunning view of the city. As I climbed, I could almost picture the footsteps of knights and sentinels centuries ago. From the top, the view is breathtaking: Caen’s rooftops stretch into the distance, punctuated by church spires and the tower of the Abbaye aux Hommes.
William’s story also holds a curious and romantic twist. He wished to marry Matilda of Flanders, who happened to be his third cousin. At the time, such close kinship was forbidden by the Church. To gain the Pope’s approval, William and Matilda had to agree to a very unusual condition: each of them would build an abbey in Caen. And so, two of the city’s most iconic landmarks were born — the Abbaye aux Hommes, founded by William, and the Abbaye aux Dames, built by Matilda — both of which still dominate the Caen skyline today.
Inside the castle grounds, the space is far larger than one might expect at first glance. The site houses the Museum of Normandy, a perfect place to discover the region’s roots, and the Museum of Fine Arts, home to an impressive collection, particularly European paintings from the 16th to the 20th centuries. Between exhibitions, I wandered along the pathways, admiring the remains of the ducal lodgings and the imposing towers, such as the Puchot Tower and the Porte des Champs.
What struck me most was how the old and the modern coexist so harmoniously here. Archaeological excavations sit alongside peaceful walking paths, and the ramparts welcome visitors who come as much for the history as for the chance to enjoy a sunset over the city. It’s easy to forget that the castle also played a strategic role during World War II and suffered heavy bombardments in 1944.
Walking through this vast fortified enclosure feels like traveling through several eras at once: the Middle Ages of the Norman dukes, the Renaissance with its architectural transformations, and the modern era that has breathed new life into the site.
As I left the castle, I turned back for one last look at its golden-lit ramparts. More than just a monument, Caen Castle is a living book of nearly a thousand years of history, one that is a pleasure to read — page by page, stone by stone.
📍 Address:
Château de Caen
Esplanade Général Eisenhower
14000 Caen
France
🗝 Tips for Visitors:
- Plan at least 2 hours to fully enjoy the site, including the ramparts, museums, and exhibitions.
- The entrance to the castle grounds is free, but museum visits require a ticket.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes — the site is large, and some areas have cobblestones or uneven terrain.
- The ramparts offer the best views over Caen, especially at sunset.
- Learn about the Abbaye aux Hommes and Abbaye aux Dames before or after your visit — they are directly tied to the castle’s history.
- If you visit in summer, try to catch open-air events or medieval festivals often held within the walls.
- Parking is available nearby, but Caen is also easily accessible by foot or tram from the city center.
