What to do in Caen
 

Hi, I'm 17 yrs old and I'm going to Europe wtih my mom, dad, and 10 yr old brother. We are staying in Caen, France for 2 days and 1 night. My mom put me in charge of finding what to do while we're there. I was hoping that someone could give me suggestions. Thank you.

If you see nothing else in Caen, make sure that you and your family go to the Peace Memorial (le Mémorial de Caen). Plan to spend at least four hours there. Have a look at the website and see for yourself. http://www.memorial.fr/indexgb.shtml

Much of old Caen was destroyed during World War II, but there are still fine vestiges of the town's past. You might want to visit the abbeys, one that was for men and one for women; the latter was founded by the Queen Matilda who was responsible for the Bayeux Tapestry. Another spot to visit is the château, with ramparts from the time of William the Conquerer.

Caen also has two fine museums, one the Museum of Fine Arts and the other the Museum of Normandie, depicting its history and traditions, including prehistoric collections.

That should get you sarted.

1)Spend at least four hours as noted about at the Peace Memorial. 2)rent a car, join a tour, whatever and SEE THE NORMANDY BEACHES!!! Go to Omaha Beach, See the American Cemetery, Pointe Du Hoc,etc. Read "the longest day" and/or Ambrose's book, "d-Day" before you go. That tour will take a full day. On the other half day, see the cathedral and tapestry in Bayeux.

I agree with the last post. Especially at your age do the museum and at the museum or visitos center book a tour of the beaches and cemetry. You will love the museum and do not miss the movie at the end

Honfleur is a nice town to have lunch and stroll around. ((b))

If you are not going to Bayeux after Caen, be sure to take a day trip there. The town is very charming and I think the whole family would enjoy the Bayeux Tapestry. It dates from 1067 and portrays William the Conquerer's conquest of England. It is in wonderful shape for something almost 1000 years old. I assume you will be traveling to the WWII sights as well. The Caen area is very interesting and you will enjoy your research and love your trip.