Hotel Kyriad Caen Nord

Pegasus Bridge

The special bascule bridge, the Pegasus Bridge, also known as the Bénouville Bridge, links Caen and Quistreham, and on the night of 5 and 6 June 1944 it and a few other bridges were targeted by the Allies during D-Day, the Allied invasion of German-occupied France. 'Operation Deadstic' was designed to ensure that the bridges were secured to, among other things, prevent German tanks from attacking the eastern flank during the Allied landing on 'Sword Beach'.

The operation was led by Major John Howard and the British troops arrived in 3 gliders, two of which managed to land so close to the Bénouville bridge that they were able to surprise the German soldiers and thus prevent the German reinforcement from reaching Sword Beach. Since then, the bridge has been called Peagsus, in honour of the amazing effort, and the name actually comes from the shoulder emblem worn by British forces during the operation, the winged horse Pegasus.

Finally, visit the small "Airborne Troops Museum" in Bénouville, located on Avenue Major Howard only about 100 m from the Pegasus Bridge. Unfortunately, the original bridge had to be replaced in 1994 but can still be visited in the museum park.

Incidentally, it is also said that the 'Cafe Gondrée', at the Pegasus Bridge, was the first French house to be liberated on D-Day.

The Great Bunker Museum of the Atlantic Wall

Located just steps from Sword Beach and the Ouistreham ferry terminal, Le Grand Bunker is a six‑story concrete tower once used to direct coastal artillery fire. Inside, each level has been carefully restored to its June 6, 1944 condition—from the engine room and infirmary to the observation deck with its powerful rangefinder and 360° views over the Seine estuary and nearby coast. You’ll also see a fully restored assault barge used in the filming of Saving Private Ryan, along with artillery displays and personal items that bring the bunker’s wartime story to life. 

Festyland Park

Just outside Caen, about five kilometres to the west, is Parc Festyland, and as its name suggests, it's an amusement park located in Bretteville-sur-Odon and is also Normandy's largest. There are plenty of fun attractions here for both big and small family members and everyone is guaranteed a good laugh, try a ride in the CAP'TAIN ROC or PIRAT'AK, also known as the wet fun!

Castle of Fontaine-Henry

Located between Caen and the Allied landing beaches, Château de Fontaine-Henry is a stunning Renaissance estate that has belonged to the same family for the last 800 years. The tour of the castle starts in the ground floor salons and then continues up to the upper floors, which house very fine furniture and paintings. There is also an interesting 13th century chapel on the castle grounds.

Monastery of Saint Gabriel

The Monastery of Saint Gabriel, dating back to 1058, is a serene Norman treasure quietly located between Caen and Bayeux. Its Romanesque choir—a beautifully preserved part of the original abbey—stands amid peaceful greenery. Today the site serves as a landscape and garden school, offering visitors a chance to explore stunning architectural details framed by gardens and open spaces. 

Bayeux

Visit the exciting sights and Bayeux is only about half an hour's drive from Caen so is certainly worth a visit. The town's main attraction is the Bayeux Museum, home to the famous Bayeux Tapestry. Let your imagination run riot over the battle scenes on the 70.5-metre-long piece of linen canvas, as arrows whizz by your ears and fierce Vikings with and without heads fight with bloody axes and swords. Get a rare insight into the history of the Battle of Hastings in 1066 with this stunning piece of medieval graffiti with a production date close to the end of the Viking Age - a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with a major historical event.

Jurque Zoo

Zoo de Jurque is a zoo located in very beautiful surroundings and is an experience for both children and adults. There are marked trails so visitors can have a good walk around the large zoo. There are plenty of hidden areas where the animals hide, so keep an eye out for shadows.

The animals are very well cared for and it is great to see how well they are looked after. Some areas are being expanded, so it's never too late to visit this animal oasis. See the majestic giraffes, tigers and the many other exciting animals that thrive in this gem of a zoo.

The Souterroscope of the Ardoisières

Explore Normandy on a self-drive holiday with the whole family. Discover the many attractions that Northern France has to offer. Find a cheap summer holiday or winter holiday with child-friendly hotels at Risskov. Stop by 'Le Souterroscope des Ardoisières', where the 'Souterroscope' offers an amazing journey underground that opens up a completely unknown world full of natural surprises. The underground slate mine at 'Caumont l'Eventé' offers an amazing insight into the history and natural resources of the Bocage area in Normandy. Discover the techniques used by miners in the 19th century to extract shale. There is also a film exhibition and don't miss the trip to the magic lake and the ghost gallery or hear how the water sings in the great underground cathedral.

There's plenty to do for children and adults alike, so set aside a good chunk of the day to visit Le Souterroscope des Ardoisières. Find a car holiday packed with adventures at Risskov and enjoy a family holiday with treats for all ages.

Omaha Beach

Visit Omaha beach, the American Cemetery, the Merville Museum and Pegasus Bridge, where Allied gliders landed on the night of 5-6 June 1944 and after just 10 minutes of combat completely overwhelmed the German position guarding the bascule bridge. It was also here that the Allies suffered their first casualty, when Lieutenant Denholm Brotherridge lost his life in the battle for the bascule bridge, becoming the first of the 4,414 recorded soldiers to die on D-Day. A harsh but unforgettable experience that helps to put the events of history into perspective.