Caen (Ouistreham), Normandy, France

Caen is an historically rich city of the Lower Normandy region, lying just inland from the English Channel. Our SeaDream yacht will navigate up the channel and dock close to the city center for easy exploration. Many will recognize Caen for its military significance: the city was the first major objective of the World War II D-Day landings of June 1944, which took place on the beaches just north of the city. Despite heavy bombing during the campaign, the cathedral and many of the oldest buildings dating back to the eleventh century survived and are still available for discovery. Founded by the Viking dynasty of William the Conqueror in the eleventh century, Caen was the jumping off point for William's conquest of Britain in 1066, an event that was immortalized in the Bayeux Tapestry on display in the nearby town of Bayeux. Caen’s narrow streets lined with lively shops, a marina right in the heart of the city, and an array of parks and gardens make for a delightful visit. Caen is also your gateway to Mont-Saint-Michel, an abbey protected as a French historic monument since 1862, and now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.