Caen

Conveniently located two hours from Paris and 10 minutes from the sea, Caen has successfully combined its historic past with its dynamic modern infrastructure. Set off to explore the old neighbourhoods of the old town, hit the shops in the more modern streets or relax in one of the city's many parks, such as the Jardin des plantes.

By turns English and French, the city has also been through the dark days of the Second World War after two months of fighting. The city was then rebuilt around its centre. Caen Memorial Museum, which is dedicated to peace, recounts the history of the landings of 6 June 1944 and commemorates the Battle of Normandy.

With an immense architectural heritage, your visit to the city will lead you from one discovery to the next: the Abbaye aux Hommes, a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles, houses the tomb of William the Conqueror and serves as the town hall. Then head for the Abbaye aux Dames (place Reine Mathilde): built by Matilda of Flanders, it'll surprise you with its splendour. The château, also built by William the Conqueror, was renovated after the Second World War and is now home to the Normandy Museum and the Musée des Beaux-Arts.

Be sure to stroll around the Vaugueux district, where Édith Piaf's family lived. It's full of many restaurants where you can sample traditional Normandy dishes.

Not far from the city you can enjoy a day at the seaside or even spend a contemplative moment on the beaches of the Normandy landings.

Caen is a lively city that will win you over with its wealth of buildings, its history, its culture and its food. A must-visit destination!