Caen

Caen is a large port situated on the banks of the Orne and one of Normandy’s largest cities, lost nearly all of its 10,000 buildings in the Allied invasion of 1944. It is also the city that William the Conqueror made his seat of government. Your destination in Caen is the Memorial (Memorial to Peace). The museum is well signposted and has its own exit off the autoroute. Displays, films, tapes, and photos cover the events that led up to the outbreak of World War II, the invasion of France, total war, D-Day, the Battle of Normandy, and hope for lasting world peace. A good look round takes several hours, an in-depth visit all day. (Closed Dec 25, Jan 1 to 15, tel: 02.31.06.06.44.)