This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel.
Caen is a city that has been marked in history due to the role it played in the success of the Allied forces in the Second World War. Located in Normandy, France, it is the birthplace of William the Conqueror. On D-Day and during the famed Normandy Landings, Caen was a major stronghold and checkpoint. The taking of it helped to turn the tide of the invasion.
Getting to Caen and finding a hostel is quite easy: you can get there by ferry across the British Channel, by train from Paris, and by car along the A13 highway. Staying here is even easier. Due to the historical significance of the town, there are many hostels that cater to the numerous tourists who flock here each year. The hostels vary in pricing, so shop around before you book a place. The locals are very helpful, even willing to discuss the history of the town, at length, if you ask them.
A great way to see the sights and sounds of Caen is to walk around it. The William the Conqueror Trail, a walking path around the city, visits all of the major landmarks. These include old buildings made of Caen Stone, which is a unique limestone that is mined nearby. Famous buildings made using this stone include the castle and the two abbeys in Caen, as well as Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London.
The castle was built in the 11th century and was completed in the 12th century. It is a larger castle, surrounded by tall walls that overlook the city and the surrounding country. It is free and open daily for public visits. Within it, you can find the Musee des Beaux-Arts. This art collection has paintings from the 15th and 17th centuries, as well as those from the eras of Impressionism, Cubism, and Realism. This is not the only museum in the castle either: the Musee de Normandie is located in the castle's opposite end.
Written by local expertz for Caen
Jakob Lombardi
