Caen, a city near the sea
Visiting Caen means enjoying Normandy’s heritage while staying close to the coast.
Ouistreham Riva-Bella is located just 15 kilometers from Caen, on the Côte de Nacre (Mother-of-Pearl Coast).
The capital of Calvados offers quick access to the D-Day landing beaches as well as the seaside resorts of the Côte de Nacre and the Côte Fleurie, all while remaining close to the city.
Connected to the English Channel by its maritime canal, Caen has always maintained a close bond with the sea.
The port of Ouistreham a gateway to England is just twenty minutes from the city center, while the iconic sands of Omaha Beach can be reached in under an hour.
Since 2026, you have the option of taking *Les Vedettes Caennaises* (excursion boats) to travel along the canal from Caen to the sea.
Starting at Bénouville Bridge and its château, this trip takes you along the banks and past remnants of industrial architecture, following the rhythm of the Caen Canal.
This excursion along the Caen Canal, departing from the Bassin Saint-Pierre, takes you through a landscape of city, water, and industrial heritage in the heart of the Caen Peninsula.
During the journey, you can admire iconic bridges, harbor cranes, and the former site of the Société Métallurgique de Normandie (Normandy Metallurgical Company).
Set off on a coastal getaway along the Calvados shoreline, featuring stunning cliffs and exceptional views.
It is the perfect opportunity to sail along the Côte de Nacre as far as Lion-sur-Mer, cruise the Côte Fleurie to admire the Vaches Noires cliffs near Houlgate, or travel from Port-en-Bessin-Huppain to the artificial harbor at Arromanches while spotting fishing boats along the way.
These guided boat tours last approximately one hour and offer a unique perspective of the Normandy coast, showcasing cliffs, fine sandy beaches, and historic D-Day sites.
You will learn more about local maritime life, the coastline itself, the navigational buoys encountered along the route, and local fishing practices.
To make the most of the Normandy coast, stay at a 3-star hotel in the heart of Caen.
The Best Western Royal Hotel in Caen features 47 air-conditioned rooms designed to offer comfort and simplicity after a day of sightseeing.
Enjoy the lounge bar, breakfast service, and nearby public underground parking.
You can reach the Caen-Ouistreham ferry terminal in just 15 minutes.
This allows you to easily mix sightseeing, boat trips with Vedettes Caennaises, and excursions to the beaches of the Côte de Nacre.
Book your stay in Caen today!
Ouistreham Riva-Bella is located just 15 kilometers from Caen, on the Côte de Nacre (Mother-of-Pearl Coast).
The capital of Calvados offers quick access to the D-Day landing beaches as well as the seaside resorts of the Côte de Nacre and the Côte Fleurie, all while remaining close to the city.
Caen: a city facing the open sea
Connected to the English Channel by its maritime canal, Caen has always maintained a close bond with the sea.
The port of Ouistreham a gateway to England is just twenty minutes from the city center, while the iconic sands of Omaha Beach can be reached in under an hour.
Les Vedettes Caennaises: a new way to discover Caen by the sea
Since 2026, you have the option of taking *Les Vedettes Caennaises* (excursion boats) to travel along the canal from Caen to the sea.
Trip from Pegasus Bridge to Colombelles Bridge
Starting at Bénouville Bridge and its château, this trip takes you along the banks and past remnants of industrial architecture, following the rhythm of the Caen Canal.
Cruise from the Caen Peninsula to Colombelles Bridge
This excursion along the Caen Canal, departing from the Bassin Saint-Pierre, takes you through a landscape of city, water, and industrial heritage in the heart of the Caen Peninsula.
During the journey, you can admire iconic bridges, harbor cranes, and the former site of the Société Métallurgique de Normandie (Normandy Metallurgical Company).
Sea excursions with Vedettes Caennaises
Set off on a coastal getaway along the Calvados shoreline, featuring stunning cliffs and exceptional views.
It is the perfect opportunity to sail along the Côte de Nacre as far as Lion-sur-Mer, cruise the Côte Fleurie to admire the Vaches Noires cliffs near Houlgate, or travel from Port-en-Bessin-Huppain to the artificial harbor at Arromanches while spotting fishing boats along the way.
These guided boat tours last approximately one hour and offer a unique perspective of the Normandy coast, showcasing cliffs, fine sandy beaches, and historic D-Day sites.
You will learn more about local maritime life, the coastline itself, the navigational buoys encountered along the route, and local fishing practices.
Stay at the Best Western Royal Hotel in Caen
To make the most of the Normandy coast, stay at a 3-star hotel in the heart of Caen.
The Best Western Royal Hotel in Caen features 47 air-conditioned rooms designed to offer comfort and simplicity after a day of sightseeing.
Enjoy the lounge bar, breakfast service, and nearby public underground parking.
You can reach the Caen-Ouistreham ferry terminal in just 15 minutes.
This allows you to easily mix sightseeing, boat trips with Vedettes Caennaises, and excursions to the beaches of the Côte de Nacre.
Book your stay in Caen today!
