CAEN LA MER
GREETER WALK
COME FOR A GREET WITH A LOCAL
Discover Caen la Mer with one of its inhabitants, a Greeter
A territory of contrast between the bustling city of Caen and its historical heritage, a wild and unspoiled nature or the seaside that stretches from Ouistreham Riva- Bella to Lion on the sea. Caen la mer is a destination with a thousand facets, from the Middle Ages to the beaches of the D-Day landings through unspoiled nature. Here it’s all here! From must-sees to hidden treasures, choose your greet according to your desires thanks to our passionate greeters.
Caen la Mer: where is it, what is it?
Caen la Mer is a French urban community, located in the calvados department and the Normandy region.
Did you want to know everything ? Click here !
Who are we?
Discover Caen la Mer in a different way How? By calling a Greeter! The Greeter is a local, passionate about its region, wishing to volunteer to discover its places and favorites. He is not a lecturer’s guide but curious and in love with his city and its surroundings. Follow him and let yourself be carried away by the exchange and discovery of little-known and atypical corners. All this, under a new look. The Greeter’s. Sharing, good plans and walks will be there for an unforgettable moment. So don’t miss it! Are you interested in this concept? Choose the Greeter that suits you. Want to become Greeters of Caen la Mer? Contact us to find out more. See the contact form at the foot of the page
Choose and click on a Greeters Walking Theme thumbnail, in Caen la Mer
Then choose your Greet and fill out the registration form
MUST-SEE IN CAEN
CAEN OPEN MARKETS
BY BIKE
THE PENINSULA OF CAEN
THE UNIVERSITY DISTRICT
LION SUR MER
THE VAUCELLES DISTRICT
IN A VETERAN FOOTSTEPS
OUISTREHAM
PARKS & GARDENS
What do our visitors say after a walk in Caen la mer, with a greeter?
« Très agréable et intéressante balade avec Bastien ! Nous avions envie d’une promenade “légère” dans Caen et d’une rencontre authentique… Ce fut le cas ! Bastien nous a raconté la grande Histoire avec simplicité et parlé de SA ville avec moult détails et anecdotes. Nous avons terminé notre tour devant un bon chocolat chaud, dégusté dans un café à la mode !! Un excellent souvenir »
Magali
France
«Balade très agréable du château de Caen et des petites rues du centre ville, agrémentée de remarques historiques intéressantes et quelque fois amusantes du lieu. Outre la balade qui permet de connaître mieux sa nouvelle ville (je suis arrivée à Caen, il y a 6 mois) , la rencontre avec l’une de ses habitantes, est tout aussi agréable et enrichissante.»
Elizabeth
France
«Une belle rencontre, Vincent est inspiré et à l’écoute. Un profil très international et au top en anglais! Une balade intéressante et personnalisée, comme on les aime avec les greeters ! »
Catherine
Allemagne
Greeters around the world
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Caen la mer Greeters
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CAEN LA MER GREETERS Website
This page is managed on the Greeters de France portal
Greeters de France Portal- Click on the logo.
Each of the “Greeter de France” destinations is led and managed by a local actor: Association, collective of residents or tourist entity (Tourist Offices, Departmental Tourism Committee). These actors are all members of the FFG (France Greeters Federation) and as such respect the same operating rules. They follow the values and ethics defined globally by IGA (International Greeter Association). The management and coordination of the France Greeters Federation ensures the pooling of our processes and tools, our global presence on the Web and social networks as well as the sharing of our communication programs.
International IGA portal – Click on the logo.
Apart from the presentation of the IGA Greeters, you also have access to 163 destinations worldwide (as of July 1, 2023). You can register directly on the site after choosing your destination.
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The must-sees of caen city centre
We like the quality of life of this city with a thousand facets. The walker is guided along the streets by the historical heritage wanted by William the Conqueror. Let’s take advantage of the panorama from the ramparts of the castle to spot the magnificent abbeys of the city of a hundred steeples, the Vaugueux district, the University and then see the Caen rebuilt after the battle of 1944. On the way, let’s enjoy the narrow streets of the old historical center and the many anecdotes of the ancient ducal city. The proposed circuit can be shortened or extended depending on the time available and the tastes of each one.
Or, choose in the list below, by clicking on his name, the Greeter who will accompany you for this stroll…
ALAIN H.
Appreciating more particularly the period of the Dukes of Normandy, I take you to discover the ancient monuments of Caen
Greet in : 
ERIC M.
Caennais by birth, I love the quality of life of this city. The walker lets himself be guided along the streets by the historical heritage desired by William the Conqueror.
Greet in :
MONIQUE B.
I propose to first admire the panorama from the ramparts of the castle; we will be able to spot our magnificent abbeys as well as our churches.
Greet in : 
VINCENT H.
From the Abbaye aux Dames to the Abbaye aux Hommes via the Castle, I invite you to take a stroll through the historic center with a local. So let’s go?
Greet in : 
OLIVIER B.
Caennais for a very long time, I love my city and make it discover to others. I propose you a stroll in the city center, rebuilt and old, around the history of the city, its anecdotes too
Greet in :
PATRICK J.
The port, the commercial life. We could, during a walking tour, take a look at the main monuments of Caen and evoke the conditions of the reconstruction of the city after the war. I will also present you the life of Caen today
Greet in :
VÉRONIQUE C.
I have been living in Normandy for many years, I love our region and would like to make you discover it, on the land side, its landscapes and the “made in Normandy”, on the sea side with its nautical activities, its sunsets, its architecture.
Greet in : 
NELSON DS.
I am passionate about history and involved in ecology and zero waste. I’ve lived here forever, so…it’s Caen you want!
Greet in : 
BASTIEN R.
I have been studying and living in Caen for 6 years. This city is an architectural and patrimonial curiosity where we cross the eras just by taking a few steps. My favorite activities? Cooking, strolling and sharing the places I love! Open to many forms of walking, I especially listen to the desires of travelers to get off the beaten track.
Greet in :
FRANÇOISE F.
I will take you to the historical center to discover the city of Caen, from the castle to the abbeys, so that you don’t miss anything of this beautiful city.
Greet in :
PAULINE D.
A native of Normandy and Caen by adoption, I’d like to take you on an insider’s tour of the city’s must-sees. I’ll also be sharing some of my favourites, including bars, restaurants, brunches, concept stores and much more.
Greet in :
PASCAL Z.
I love meeting people and sharing with them, and I like to present all the beautiful facets of our region, particularly Caen la Mer. Curious, I’m interested in everything, especially gastronomy, culture and the arts. As I’m close to the sea, I enjoy sailing as well as beautiful walks and hikes such as the Pointe du Siège. I can also advise you on the best places to play golf, tennis and even motorbike!
Greet in :
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OLIVIER B.
Around the anecdotes of the city
Caennais for a very long time, I love my city and make it discover to others. I propose you a stroll in the city center, rebuilt and old, around the history of the city, its anecdotes too
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CITY CENTER
Sharing my area with you
I have been living in Normandy for many years, I love our region and would like to make you discover it, on the land side, its landscapes and the “made in Normandy”, on the sea side with its nautical activities, its sunsets, its architecture. Member of a twinning committee, I like contact and welcoming. Discover my rich region and its authentic inhabitants in a few hours to make you want to come back… As a hiker, I can also accompany you on the paths on foot or by bike. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
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VINCENT H.
The path of the Abbeys of Caen
From the Abbey to the Ladies to the Abbey to the Men, the Castle of William the Conqueror and the emblematic places, I invite you to take a walk through the historic centre with a “raw” person. So let’s go?
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NELSON DS.
It’s Caen as you wish !
I love my city and I want you to discover it through its streets, its parks, its neighborhoods, its history, its heritage, its culture according to your interests and available time. I am passionate about history and involved in ecology and zero waste. I’ve lived here forever, so…it’s Caen you want!
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PATRICK J.
The caenese life of today, after the Reconstruction
The port, the commercial life. During a walking tour, we could take a look at the main monuments of Caen and discuss the conditions of the reconstruction of the city after the war and present the life of Caen today (cultural, social, economic, urban life…)
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The must-sees of caen city centre
We love the quality of life in this city. The walker lets himself be guided along the streets by the historical heritage desired by William the Conqueror. We propose to first admire the panorama from the ramparts of the castle; we will be able to spot our magnificent abbeys as well as our churches, the Vaugueux and the University then we will see the Caen rebuilt after the battle; we will see in passing the museum of Fine Arts and the museum of Normandy; we will then be able to go down to the house of the Quatrans and to go back up by the street Saint-Pierre towards the City hall while passing by the Malherbe place and then to come back to the Saint-Sauveur place and the Froide street. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version) Let us also mention the Jardin des Plantes and the Memorial. The proposed circuit can be shortened or extended depending on the time available and the tastes of each one.
Or, choose in the list below, by clicking on his name, the Greeter who will accompany you for this stroll…
ALAIN H.
Appreciating more particularly the period of the Dukes of Normandy, I take you to discover the ancient monuments of Caen
Greet in :
ERIC M.
Caennais by birth, I love the quality of life of this city. The walker lets himself be guided along the streets by the historical heritage desired by William the Conqueror.
Greet in :
MONIQUE B.
I propose to first admire the panorama from the ramparts of the castle; we will be able to spot our magnificent abbeys as well as our churches.
Greet in :
VINCENT H.
From the Abbaye aux Dames to the Abbaye aux Hommes via the Castle, I invite you to take a stroll through the historic center with a local. So let’s go?
Greet in :
OLIVIER B.
I propose a walk in the city center, rebuilt and old, around the history of the city, its anecdotes too. This walk can be done on foot or by bike of your choice.
Greet in :
PATRICK J.
The port, the commercial life. We could evoke the conditions of the reconstruction of the city after the war and present the life of Caen today
Greet in :
VÉRONIQUE C.
I would like to make you discover my region, on the land side, its landscapes and the “made in Normandy”, on the sea side with its nautical activities, its sunsets, its architecture.
Greet in :
NELSON DS.
I am passionate about history and involved in ecology and zero waste. I’ve lived here forever, so…it’s Caen you want!
Greet in : 
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ERIC M.
The must-sees of caen city centre
Caennais by birth, I love the quality of life of this city. The walker lets himself be guided along the streets by the historical heritage desired by William the Conqueror. The new modern neighbourhoods of the peninsula and the banks of the Orne are a sign of the city’s dynamism.
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MONIQUE B.
The must-sees of caen city centre
I propose to admire first of all the panorama from the ramparts of the castle; we will be able to spot our magnificent abbeys as well as our churches, the Vaugueux and the University and then see the Caen rebuilt after the battle; we will see in passing the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Normandy; we can then go down to the Quatrans house and up St. Peter’s Street to The Town Hall via Malherbe Square and then back through St. Savior’s Square and Cold Street. I will also mention the Garden of Plants and the Memorial. The proposed circuit can be shortened or extended depending on the time available and the tastes of each one.
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MARIE FRANCE F.
Caen Parks and Gardens
Passionate about plants, Marie-France will take you to discover different parks and gardens in Caen. The Bird Hill which houses a magnificent rose garden, a maze, an animal park, games for children and a panoramic view of the city and the English garden of the Memorial, a peaceful place of remembrance. Second option: the downtown plant garden and the mystical sleeping cemetery of the 4 nations will be an opportunity to show you the different green spaces of Caen. Marie-France, can also accompany you for a walk in the Ifs forest, on the outskirts of Caen. For the pleasure of walking in the calm and surrounding nature. A little further, Marie-France accompanies you for a hike in the forest of Grimbosq, a few kilometers from Caen. Arboretum, hiking trails or even wildlife park, the forest is the green lung near the city.
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ISABELLE P.
In the markets of Caen: St Saviour, Bd Leroy, Quai sells
Do you like to cook or just eat well? So this gourmet ride is for you! I take you to the Caen Market on Friday morning, to meet the producers, market gardeners, breeders and fishermen of Normandy… You will know more about my “Locavore” approach that guides me in my search for quality products. These inspire me with seasonal recipes that I share with pleasure on my blog. And to deepen, I can if you wish, suggest good addresses of merchants or restaurants in the city center to finish your morning. Culinary blogger made in Normandy, find me on social networks or on the internet: “In my red basket”.
N.b. I can accompany you to the Friday market: Holy Savior, Saturday: Boulevard Leroy and Du Dimanche: Quai Vendeuvre, according to my availability.
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CHRISTIAN D.
The Caen peninsula. The conquest of new neighborhoods (on foot or by bike).
President of the Insitu association, Christian helps to organize the biennial of architecture in Caen. He loves urban planning, architecture and the urban environment. He proposes a stroll from the avenue du 6 juin which marks the post-war reconstruction plan of the Saint Jean block with its six emblematic Marine Towers, along the Orne towards the peninsula and its first major facilities. The tour continues on Quai François Mitterrand in front of the Library, then along the canal bank passing in front of the Grande Pelouse and the Court of First Instance to reach the Petit Quai de Normandie and the Nouveau Bassin which will soon be opened to urbanization. The return journey takes place via the Victor Hugo canal and the visual perspectives on the Abbey of the Ladies, then via the Vendeuvre quay and the Saint Pierre basin, thus marking the anchoring of this new district on the historic city center. The whole is about 5 to 6 km long. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
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CAROLE R.
The unknown Vaucelles district
Discover the little-known district of Vaucelles on the right bank with its atypical locations
During this visit, we will walk to the Rives de l’Orne, near the Prairie, in the Vaucelles district and the flower district, in a dormant cemetery and near old quarries.
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FRANCOISE F.
Downtown Caen, memories of a veteran
The French Red Cross during the bombings in Caen through the memories of a veteran.
Françoise wrote the memoirs of several veterans who wanted to pass on their experiences to their families. Through these exchanges, she learned many real-life events in the region. It will take you – through testimonies – into everyday life and lived rescue teams, paramedics and veterans during the Second World War.
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JEAN-CLAUDE M.
Caen Castle and the story of William the Conqueror
Discover the castle of Caen by a history buff. Passionate about history, Jean-Claude is an excellent connoisseur of the castle of Caen and the history of William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy and King of England. Jean-Claude is also an expert on the Plantagenet dynasty.
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. BASTIEN
Caen city centre
I have been studying and living in Caen for 6 years. This city is an architectural and patrimonial curiosity where we cross the eras just by taking a few steps. My favorite activities? Cooking, strolling and sharing the places I love! Open to many forms of walking, I especially listen to the desires of travelers to get off the beaten track.
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.VALERIE M.
Discover Lion on the Sea in a different way
Valerie invites you to take another look at Lion. Initially a fishing village, Lion became a popular seaside resort in 1850 for its iodine air, beautiful beach and tranquillity!
We know its emblematic villas, the Horde, Villa Louis, The Bella Vista or the Drakkar…
But who knows those who lived in Lion or came there on holiday? Through this walk on the and in the village, let’s go in search of famous personalities or not, who have stayed in Lion or who have lived there. With a few anecdotes, here we find the screamer of the fish stone, there the lacemakers, further the “bathers”, and also the forerunners of photography, the celebrities of the world of arts and letters… In fact, a small eclectic society with its rituals and celebrations, and which in the summer, during the bathing season, rubbed shoulders on the beach and in the village…
So, want to discover the little-known aspects of Lion at sea? Here we go, Valerie is with you!
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MARYVONNE G..
The facets of Ouistreham
The seaside resort of Riva Bella, the village and the port seen by Maryvonne, a dynamic young septuagenarian, loving history, golf, travel and contacts!
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JEAN MARC P.
The fascinating history of the University of Caen
Living between London and Caen, I am passionate and proud of my Norman city. I like to share it, to explain its influence, not always immediately perceived, and to reveal to the visitor some of its remarkable aspects. I particularly like the fascinating history of its university and the unexpected ‘triangle’ Castle / University / Jardin des Plantes and St Julien Church. As a former tour guide and appreciator of the World War II period of history, I can propose as an extension of the tour to go down into the incredible bunker under the Memorial, unique in its kind, depending on the time/weather combination. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
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Bike Greets in and around Caen
Caen la mer is a paradise for cyclists and bicycle travelers! Ride along the Orne canal to the sea on the Vélo Francette or the preserved landscapes of the Normandy coast on the Vélo Maritime. Explore Caen’s network of bike paths and combine a bike ride with the discovery of the destination with a local.
Or, choose in the list below, by clicking on his name, the Greeter who will accompany you for this stroll…
OLIVIER B.
The city center of Caen can also be discovered by bike. I will accompany you on the bicycle paths of the city to make you discover my city while pedaling.
Greet in :
PATRICK J.
From parks to gardens, on the route of the mysterious sleeping cemeteries or along the canal from Caen to the sea, follow me by bike for an itinerary off the beaten track.
Greet in :
VÉRONIQUE C.
Fascinated by hiking, I propose you a discovery of Caen la mer by bike or on foot, to discover the Normandy dear to my heart.
Greet in :
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Parks & Gardens in Caen
At the gates of the city, you can leave the city scenery behind to recharge your batteries for a while! Take a walk in the forest, stroll in the parks and gardens, hike or bike to discover the surrounding nature in Caen la mer, follow our greeters.
Or, choose in the list below, by clicking on his name, the Greeter who will accompany you for this stroll…
MARIE FRANCE F.
Passionate about plants, Marie-France takes you to discover different parks and gardens in Caen. The bird hill, the English garden of the Memorial, the garden of the plants but also the forest of Ifs or that of Grimbosq.
Greet in :
PATRICK J.
Particularly fond of walking or cycling, Patrick can accompany you in the parks and gardens of Caen, passing by the unusual dormant cemeteries of the city. But also pedal on the green way to the Orne valley or along the canal from Caen to the sea.
Greet in :
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Ouistreham discovery
A few kilometers from Caen, the seaside resort of Ouistreham Riva Bella can be discovered in all seasons. Its fine sandy beaches, its port, its lighthouse, its family atmosphere and its preserved natural spaces.
Or, choose in the list below, by clicking on his name, the Greeter who will accompany you for this stroll…
VÉRONIQUE F.
I am an engraving artist and I propose you to discover the places that inspire my work, to explain the process of my activity and to present you my finished engravings. We will see the village of Ouistreham, the fish market, the lighthouse, the point of the headquarters, the marina, the canal and the discovery of workshops, boutiques of Norman designers if their shops are open.
Greet in :
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Lion sur Mer discovery
Initially a small fishing village, Lion-sur-Mer became a popular seaside resort during the Belle Epoque “Bougival de Caen”. A place very popular for its salty air, its beautiful beach and its tranquility!
We know its emblematic villas, the Horde, the Villa Louis, the Bella Vista or the Drakkar… But who knows those who lived in Lion or came there for vacation? Who knows the diversity of landscapes “land and sea”, from the edge of the Caen plain to the Lion cliffs?
Our Greeters Valérie and Stéphanie will be able to tell you all about it.
So, want to discover the little-known aspects of Lion at sea? Here we go, Valerie is with you!
Or, choose in the list below, by clicking on his name, the Greeter who will accompany you for this stroll…
Discover Lion on the Sea in a different way
Valerie invites you to take another look at Lion. Initially a fishing village, Lion became a popular seaside resort in 1850 for its iodine air, beautiful beach and tranquillity!
We know its emblematic villas, the Horde, Villa Louis, The Bella Vista or the Drakkar…
But who knows those who lived in Lion or came there on holiday? Through this walk on the and in the village, let’s go in search of famous personalities or not, who have stayed in Lion or who have lived there. With a few anecdotes, here we find the screamer of the fish stone, there the lacemakers, further the “bathers”, and also the forerunners of photography, the celebrities of the world of arts and letters… In fact, a small eclectic society with its rituals and celebrations, and which in the summer, during the bathing season, rubbed shoulders on the beach and in the village…
So, want to discover the little-known aspects of Lion at sea? Here we go, Valerie is with you!
Lion-sur-mer through its artists
Curious, keen on culture and a musician in her spare time, Stéphanie is enthusiastic about helping you discover her village from the point of view of the artists who live there, by going to the heart of their workshops, to meet its many artisans -creators. And if you love history as much as she does, Stéphanie can also tell you how from a small fishing village, Lion-sur-Mer became a popular seaside resort during the Belle Epoque called “Bougival de Caen”.
Loving nature, Stéphanie can also show you during hikes the diversity of “land and sea” landscapes, from the edge of the Caen plain to the Lion cliffs, the ancient pastures and sea lanes at Lion and Hermanville on where villas were built in the 19th century, preserved areas and market gardens, and raise your awareness of the environment.
Take part in a beach clean-up with your children, tell a little local history or visit artists and craftsmen, you will choose the angle of your walk!