Château de Caen

Castle in Caen

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Zairon

Caen Castle (Château de Caen) is one of the largest medieval fortresses in Western Europe and a defining feature of the city of Caen in Normandy. Built around 1060 by William the Conqueror, then Duke of Normandy and later King of England, the castle served both as a military stronghold and a symbol of ducal power. Strategically perched on a hill in the center of Caen, it played a key role in asserting Norman authority over the region and safeguarding access routes between Rouen and the Norman coast. The site remained a significant seat of power throughout the Middle Ages, regularly hosting ducal courts and serving as a royal residence.

Over the centuries, the castle underwent several modifications. During the reign of Henry I of England, William’s son, major fortifications were added, including the prominent stone curtain walls and fortified towers. In the 12th century, a grand keep was built, although it was later destroyed during the French Revolution. During the Hundred Years’ War, the castle changed hands multiple times between the French and the English, and it remained garrisoned well into the modern era. Its thick walls and commanding position over Caen made it a defensive asset, and traces of these centuries of military adaptation are still visible in its layout.

Today, Caen Castle is not only a historic monument but also a vibrant cultural hub. The site houses two of the city’s key museums: the Musée de Normandie, which focuses on regional archaeology and ethnography, and the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which contains an impressive collection of European paintings from the Renaissance to the modern period. Visitors can also explore the restored ramparts, which offer panoramic views over Caen and its historic core, as well as the foundations of the old keep and various medieval halls that have been preserved or carefully reconstructed.

Despite being heavily damaged during World War II, the castle has undergone extensive restoration and remains a central point of pride for the people of Caen. Its spacious courtyards, open-air exhibitions, and frequent cultural events—such as concerts, reenactments, and seasonal markets—make it a lively destination for locals and tourists alike. As both a relic of Norman might and a modern venue for public life, Caen Castle bridges the city’s medieval past with its contemporary identity.

The Château de Caen appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Caen!

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Visiting Château de Caen

Hours:

Monday (July-August):

Museum: 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. / 1:30 p.m.–6 p.m.

Self-guided tour: 9:30 a.m.–10:45 a.m.

Immersive show: 11 a.m.–6 p.m.

Closed the rest of the year except Easter Monday and Whit Monday.

Tue–Fri:

Museum: 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. / 1:30 p.m.–6 p.m.

Self-guided tour: 9:30 a.m.–10:45 a.m.

Immersive show: 11 a.m.–6 p.m.

Sat–Sun:

Museum: 11 a.m.–6 p.m.

Self-guided tour: 9:30 a.m.–10:45 a.m.

Immersive show: 11 a.m.–6 p.m.

Public holidays:

11 a.m.–6 p.m.

Price:

Adults: €7 / €5

Address: Château de Caen, Caen, France

Official Website