The Most Beautiful Beaches Around Caen
Caen, located in Lower Normandy, offers much more than its rich historical heritage and charming cobbled streets. The surrounding beaches add a seaside touch to this iconic city. If you're looking to escape to the coast, here's a selection of the finest beaches around Caen, offering stretches of fine sand, stunning views, and a refreshing seaside getaway.
1. Ouistreham beach
Start your exploration of the beaches around Caen with the Plage de Ouistreham, located around 15 kilometres from the city. This sandy beach stretches along the Côte de Nacre, offering an idyllic setting for a sunny day. Enjoy a stroll along the sea wall, relax on the sand or try your hand at some exciting water sports.
2. Colleville-Montgomery beach
Close to Ouistreham, Plage de Colleville-Montgomery is another gem of Normandy's coastline. Surrounded by unspoilt dunes, this beach offers an unspoilt natural environment. It's the ideal place for a quiet getaway, whether for an invigorating stroll or a seaside picnic.
3. Luc-sur-Mer beach
The Plage de Luc-sur-Mer, around 20 kilometres from Caen, is renowned for its friendly atmosphere and charming seafront. Lined with restaurants, cafés and shops, this beach offers the perfect combination of relaxation in the sun and lively activities. Explore the promenade, enjoy fresh seafood, or take part in a sand yacht session.
4. Langrune-sur-Mer beach
Situated between Luc-sur-Mer and Courseulles-sur-Mer, Plage de Langrune-sur-Mer is a sandy stretch of calm. The colourful cabins add a picturesque touch, while the cliffs in the distance provide a striking backdrop. This unspoilt beach is perfect for a peaceful day at the seaside.
5. Hermanville-sur-Mer beach
Just a few kilometres east of Caen, the Plage de Hermanville-sur-Mer is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts. The wide expanse of sand offers plenty of space for swimmers and beach volleyball enthusiasts, while the constant winds make it an ideal spot for kite-surfing.
6. Courseulles-sur-Mer beach
Continue your journey along the Côte de Nacre to Plage de Courseulles-sur-Mer. This beach, marked by its history linked to the Normandy landings, today offers miles of golden sand. Discover the remains of the artificial port of Arromanches nearby, adding a historic dimension to your sunny day.
7. Plage de Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer
The Plage de Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer, with its colourful beach huts and relaxed atmosphere, is a coastal gem located around 15 kilometres east of Caen. The seafront promenade is perfect for a stroll, and the restaurants offer stunning sea views to accompany your meal.
8. Bernières-sur-Mer beach
Nestling between Courseulles-sur-Mer and Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer, the Plage de Bernières-sur-Mer is a family beach par excellence. Its fine sand and shallow waters make it ideal for families. Enjoy beach games, sandcastles and the friendly atmosphere of this seaside destination.
9. Lion-sur-Mer beach
Just a few kilometres east of Ouistreham, Plage de Lion-sur-Mer is a family-friendly beach popular for its relaxed atmosphere and picturesque charm. Beach huts, seaside walks and play areas make it an ideal destination for a sunny family day out.
10. Plage de Merville-Franceville-Plage
Finish your journey at Plage de Merville-Franceville-Plage, around 30 kilometres from Caen. This unspoilt beach is surrounded by dunes and forests, providing the perfect natural setting for a quiet getaway. Explore the coastal paths or simply relax and admire the seascape.
In conclusion, the beaches around Caen offer a variety of experiences, whether you're looking for relaxation, water activities or historical explorations. Whether you choose to follow the Côte de Nacre or explore the small, unspoilt coves, each beach has its own charm to discover along this enchanting Normandy coastline. Embark on a coastal adventure and discover the region's hidden gems.