Château de Caen

Built around 1060 by William the Conqueror, the ducal castle became a favourite residence of the Dukes of Normandy, Kings of England (1066–1204), who expanded it into one of the largest fortified complexes in Europe. Over the centuries, this monument was transformed into a royal fortress and then into barracks for conscripts: each period of its history has left its mark, traces scattered throughout the ages.

After two years of renovation work, discover the refurbished Château de Caen: a new visitor centre, a large 4-hectare wooded park, access to hidden treasures (the keep and Queen Matilda’s Tower) as part of guided tours, and a new programme of tours and discovery activities.


Materials available in French, English and German:
- Free interpretive trail on the site
- Free ‘Mathilde and the Castle’ audio and digital tour
- Exploration booklet for children aged 7 and over. On sale at the castle’s Visitor Centre (€1.50).

Tours and events at the castle: see the calendar in the programme and on the website: chateau.caen.fr

Museums: Musée de Normandie, Musée des Beaux-Arts
Sculpture park
Immersive show: A journey through Caen’s 1,000-year history in the Salle de l’Échiquier
Facilities: play areas, restaurant, souvenir shops, auditorium, toilets

Free access to the castle grounds every day from 7.30 am to 10.30 pm. Closed on 14 July.