caen - normandie - Office de Tourisme de Caen
Transcription
caen - normandie - Office de Tourisme de Caen
MEDIA PACK 2014 Caen Tourist Office, www.caen-tourisme.fr Press Contact : Florence NIKOLIC [email protected] or + 33 2 31 27 14 12 CONTENTS 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE D-DAY LANDINGS AND THE BATTLE OF NORMANDY THE WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES WHAT’S NEW IN CAEN ? FROM WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR TO THE BATTLE OF NORMANDY: 1000 YEARS OF HISTORY IN CAEN CAEN, CITY OF ART AND CULTURE THE UNUSUAL SIDE OF CAEN CAEN WITH THE FAMILY OTHER WAYS TO DISCOVER CAEN GASTRONOMY, BETWEEN TRADITION AND ORIGINALITY CAEN NATURE IN THE CITY CAEN: A BUSINESS DESTINATION CAEN IN FIGURES Caen Tourist Office, www.caen-tourisme.fr Press Contact : Florence NIKOLIC [email protected] or + 33 2 31 27 14 12 70TH ANNIVERSARY O OFF TTH HEE D D--D DA AYY LLA AN ND DIIN NG GSS A AN ND D TTH HEE BBA ATTTTLLEE O OFF N NO ORRM MA AN ND DYY This year, Normandy is celebrating the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings, with many remembrance ceremonies as well as celebration events, all throughout 2014. Come and celebrate Freedom ! From March to August 2014, you’re to a whole host of gatherings, events, shows and celebrations to help understand this fascinating page in our history. Here are some of the highlights in Caen : « The battle of Caen » : guided walking tour (2h, in French only) For the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings, the Tourist Office is remembering life in Caen in June and July 1944, following in the footsteps of its liberators. A guided tour to help understand the decisive days during which the fate of a city and its inhabitants was sealed. Every Wednesday from 30 April to 30 July 2014 (except 1 May), from 2.30 pm to 4.30 Practical information at www .caen-tourisme.fr Rates : €6 , €4,50 (Schoolchildren, students, jobseekers), free for under -10s Combined ticket – Battle of Caen/Equestrian Tour : € 10 « Unmissable » city break : break idea (2 days/1 night) A break to relive the history of the 20th century, with visits to the Mémorial de Caen, and why not the D-Day beaches... From €58 / pers. Information and booking at www.caen-tourisme.fr The Mémorial de Caen at the heart of the event : Two exhibitions taking you to the heart of the Battle of Normandy, with “100 objects from the 100 days of the Battle” and “100 photos by Tony Vaccaro from Normandy to Berlin” General Richter’s underground bunker opens to the public: from this unique bunker based in an old underground tunnel, General Richter commanded the front which covered the Canadian and English sectors. This bunker was unassailable as it was dug in the depths of the cliff overlooked now by the Mémorial, and played a crucial role in transmissions between Berlin and the Normandy front. This major part of the heritage of the Battle of Normandy is now finally unveiled to the public in complete historical accuracy. There are displays and explanations of the Resistance and Occupation in Normandy, as well as the German defence system. A monumental fresco on the façade of the Mémorial de Caen: two paintings on the theme of the Liberation of Western Europe will be created by Jef Aérosol. Just below this creation, Decaroline, a visual artist from Arromanches, will produce a fresco about the 100 days of the Battle of Normandy. Together these two works, an artistic performance never seen before, will cover the façade of the Mémorial de Caen from June to September 2014. Evening gatherings in 2014 : Franco-German reconciliation. France Bleu Basse Normandie (regional radio), France 3 (regional television), Ouest France (regional newspaper) and the Mémorial de Caen organise historic meetings with residents of Lower Normandy. The aim of these gatherings is to let residents talk about their histories and memories (starting on 8 April Caen Tourist Office, www.caen-tourisme.fr Press Contact : Florence NIKOLIC [email protected] or + 33 2 31 27 14 12 2014). The European Youth Parliament: 250 students from 36 member states attend an event, which aim is to teach young people about the historic legacy of the Battle of Normandy (from 27 May to 8 June) www.memorial-caen.fr The Zénith de Caen : Tattoo de la Liberté 2014 An international festival of military music featuring a dozen groups 7 and 8 June at 8 pm and 9 June at 3 pm. Rates: €25, €20 (reduced rate), non-numbered seats. Free for under -18s Fifteen or so groups parade in the streets of Caen Sunday 8 June 2014 at 3 pm. The Men’s Abbey : guided tour (1h30) Civilian life during the Battle of Caen in June-July 1944: Hospital at the Men’s Abbey. Every Tuesday from 1 June to 31 July at 2.30 pm. Rates: €7, €5,50 (reduced rate), free for under -18s, jobseekers, veterans Information and booking [email protected] The International Ceremony will take place in Ouistreham on Sword Beach, in the English sector at the edge of Caen, on 6 June 2014. The programme for the other official ceremonies has not yet been announced. This is a first for a decennial anniversary of the D-Day Landings : an official website has been created for the 70th anniversary of the D-Day Landings and the Battle of Normandy, with all you need to know about the event. Amongst other things, you’ll find the following information: - event calendar and geolocation - a look back at history - dedicated areas for professionals (press, trip, organisers, veterans...) - certified events - a practical information area to help organise your trip and your stay in Normandy www.le70e-normandie.fr Caen Tourist Office, www.caen-tourisme.fr Press Contact : Florence NIKOLIC [email protected] or + 33 2 31 27 14 12 THE WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES FFRRO OM M 2233 A AU UG GU USSTT TTO O 77 SSEEP PTTEEM MBBEERR 22001144 THE WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES COME BACK TO EUROPE From 23 August to 7 September 2014, all horse-lovers will be focussing their attention on Normandy, which will be hosting two weeks of equestrian excellence. The best competitors in the world today – riders, leaders, gymnasts and horses – will be coming together in a spiit of fraternity and athletic performance. After Kentucky in 2010, the event is returning to Europe, where i twas created in 1990. Normandy is honoured to host the biggest equestrian event in the world, organised on French territory for the first time ever. This event displays the highest level of technical ability in the world, on a par with the olympics, and is the biggest sports event, ahead of EURO 2016. 27 World Champion titles will be awarded in 15 days! Alternating with the Olympic Games every 4 years, the World Equestrian Games will welcome top competitors from over 60 nations, competing in the 8 official disciplines of the International Equestrian Federation: Jumping Reining Dressage Vaulting Eventing Endurance Driving Para-Dressage In 2014, the event will also introduce the public to two new disciplines on a demonstration basis : horseball and polo KEY FIGURES The FEI Alltech World Equestrian Games 2014 are above all an amazing popular event, lasting for 15 days and attended by : 500 000 spectators 500 1 200 300 journalists spectators photographers million viewers 300 60 1 000 1 000 exhibitors nations competitors horses AN EVENT AT THE HEART OF CAEN Seven events will take place in caen, the regional capital, to maintain a sense of geographical unity and make optimal use of the existing infrastructures. At the Stade d’Ornano : the opening and At the Parc des Expositions : the nerve closing ceremonies, the Jumping and Dressage centre of the event, the Reining competition, competitions, and the Jumping, part of the and the Games Village with exhibitions, Eventing competition. catering, and activities. At the Zénith : an ideal set-up for the Vaulting competition. At the racecourse Hippodrome de la Prairie : Para-Dressage and the Driving competitions. Caen Tourist Office, www.caen-tourisme.fr Press Contact : Florence NIKOLIC [email protected] or + 33 2 31 27 14 12 EQUESTRIAN HERITAGE IN CAEN This guided tour, which takes place in the area around the meadow, is an ideal way to explore the city’s equestrian heritage and visit the racecourse. (only in French) Information at www.caen-tourisme.fr WELCOME TO THE VILLAGE The FEI Alltech World Equestrian Games 2014 village in Normandy will bring 15 days of festivities to the heart of Caen. Around a huge open-air ring, visitors can explore a number of exciting areas: country-western, circus, concerts, demonstrations and introductions to equestrian sports, work horses and careers in the equine industry are also on the programme. The village will be open all day to all members of the pubic, accessible to riders and non-riders alike. People who have already bought tickets for the competitions enjoy free admission. TICKETS From November 2013 to spring 2014 : open to the general public, from France and abroad. Future spectators will be able to book their tickets there via Discovery Pass and Pass Sensations. From spring 2014 : only applies to the sale of tickets for a session at full price, subject to availibility. Foreign visitors can also buy tickets through tour operators selected byt the Normandy 2014 Organising Committee. Tickets are sold online via the Official website, and at Caen Tourist Office reception. Tickets will be sent by post or email from May 2014. MÉDIA Media passes will be issued in February 2014. The hotel for the media will be in the Caen urban area, near the main sites. To find out all about the event and take a look behind the scenes : www.alltechfeiweg2014normandy.com To access exclusive content, join the E-Club 2014, the event’s online community : www.eclub2014.com Press contact : [email protected] Caen Tourist Office, www.caen-tourisme.fr Press Contact : Florence NIKOLIC [email protected] or + 33 2 31 27 14 12 WHAT’S NEW IN CAEN ? HOTELS A new hotel, the Ibis Style Rives de l’Orne, with 96 air-conditioned designer rooms. Ivan Vautier, a 5-star hotel with 19 rooms and a restaurant boasting a Michelin star and a 3 chef’s hat rating in the Gault Millau guide. WELL-BEING A great new City Break offering, to discover Caen while enjoying a relaxing, pampering holiday... MUSEUM Opening of the General Richter’s underground bunker SHOPPING Two new shoping centres in Caen : Les Rives de l’Orne (75 shops, 10 restaurants and 1 cinema) and Mondevillage (32 shops and 3 restaurants). AMUSEMENT PARK New amusement park in Caen, a 2 000 m² world of adventure just for little pirates, with lots of attractions (maze, slides, trampolines, rope, bridges, food court…) TECHNOLOGY New mobile app VisitCaen due to launch by the end of 2013. Caen Tourist Office, www.caen-tourisme.fr Press Contact : Florence NIKOLIC [email protected] or + 33 2 31 27 14 12 FROM WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR TO THE BATTLE OF NORMANDY: 1000 YEARS OF HISTORY IN CAEN After the conquest of England by William the Conqueror, the city’s destiny was closely linked to the powerful island on the other side of the channel. During the One Hundred Years war, the English occupiers contributed to the development of the ducal city with King Henry VI initiating the building of the university. Finished in 1432, it is one of the oldest universities in France. Founded in Roman times, Caen prospered during the Renaissance as testified by the splendour of the Hôtel d’Escoville mansion and the half-timbered houses of Les Quatrans and Rue Saint-Pierre. At that time Caen was often referred to as the “Athens of Normandy”. Following In the wake of the poet François de Malherbe, an intense intellectual life permeated the city. Until the Age of Enlightenment, Caen experienced a period of peace and prosperity and shaped its urban landscape. In the 19th century, the town entered the industrial era. The railway line connected the city to Paris in 1855 while the canal flowing from Caen to the sea was opened in 1857 enabling the city’s commercial port to open up to international trade. On 6th June 1944, Caen found itself at the centre of world history with the Normandy Landings, a decisive battle in the liberation of France and Europe in which 3 million men fought. Subjected to the allied bombings during the summer of 1944, the capital of Lower Normandy was rebuilt in an attempt to return it to its former glory. With the creation of the Memorial Museum, the city of Caen asserted its commitment to peace, solidarity and the defence of Human Rights. This message, which Caen projects across the whole world, earned it the UNESCO City for Peace award in 1999. IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR Caen was born of the love between a king and a queen. In return for approval for his marriage to Matilda of Flanders (a distant cousin), the Duke of Normandy and his wife built the Abbayeaux-Dames and the Abbaye-aux-Hommes, true gems of Norman Romanesque and Gothic architecture (choir of the Saint Etienne abbey church). At the same time, the Duke undertook the construction of a rampart which became the Ducal Castle, one of the biggest fortified constructions of Europe. The urban development of Caen grew around these three original buildings. Page 9 THE CAEN MEMORIAL, Museum for Peace The Caen Memorial is, today, one of Europe’s leading memorial museums, attracting an average of 400 000 visitors each year. It has been extensively refurbished over the last five years and is at the heart of the reflection on the period before and after 1945. Caen Tourist Office, www.caen-tourisme.fr Press Contact : Florence NIKOLIC [email protected] or + 33 2 31 27 14 12 DID YOU KNOW? CAEN STONE: A stone unlike any other Created 165 million years ago as the result of a fortunate geological accident, Caen stone is a limestone rock whose qualities were appreciated as early as Antiquity. A fine and uniform grain, lovely ochre colour, easy to cut, the list of its qualities is long. Its best ambassador was without doubt William the Conqueror who took it in the 11th century to invade England. The estimated 11 million cubic metres, extracted from beneath the town were used to construct the most beautiful monuments, starting of course with Caen’s two abbeys and castle. Belgium, Holland, Germany, Italy, the United States, the Bermuda Islands, Canada are just some of the visas stamped on the passport on this great traveller. Abandoned for a time at the beginning of the 20th century, Caen stone was again extracted to supply major restoration work including Caen’s Saint Pierre church as well as Canterbury Cathedral and Buckingham Palace in the UK. WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR AND THE EPIC ADVENTURE Calvados’ emblematic figure, William the Conqueror, is the focus of a new tourist initiative across the department. Based on an original scenario narrating the story of William the Conqueror in Calvados, the towns of Bayeux, Caen and Falaise (all three are closely linked to this figure) are now integrated in a joint promotional initiative called “William the Conqueror, the Epic Adventure”. The first phase of the project saw the creation of a common graphic design, a website, a video and a pedagogical booklet. The linking up of the major sites through a common signage system (information totems) is planned. To learn more about the universe of the Norman hero, the epic adventure website has three historical enigma trails to download which use global positioning technology: “secret quests” in the form of dramatised trails through the sites and historical monuments of Bayeux, Caen and Falaise. In 2011, William the Conqueror became a real hero 2.0 with a Facebook page (with more than 7550 fans in June 2011), a mobile website, geo-located quizzes and flashcode More details on www.lafabuleuseepopee.com Nowadays, just one single quarry still extracts this stone: the Société des Carrières de la Plaine de Caen. More details on www.la-pierre-de-caen.fr. Page 10 Caen Tourist Office, www.caen-tourisme.fr Press Contact : Florence NIKOLIC [email protected] or + 33 2 31 27 14 12 CAEN, CITY OF ART AND CULTURE The cultural wealth of the city is conveyed through its abundance of museums. From the smallest to the biggest, each one focuses on a theme which goes beyond the city’s limits. War and peace, nature and the environment, archaeology and ethnology, Fine Arts…Visitors are sure to find within the diverse range of museums something interesting to discover. Caen also stages a number of events throughout the year: from the “Passage de témoins” book fair to Caen Summer Nights (street entertainment in the parks and gardens across the city in July and August), from the Zénith to the Cargö (contemporary music hall), from Viva Voce (festival of voices) to Nördik Impakt (festival of electronic cultures) without forgetting the Borealis (a platform for Nordic creation)… The diversity of museums, events, shows and concert venues fosters the complicity between culture and the inhabitants of Caen. QUALITY MUSEUMS ACCESSIBLE TO EVERYONE! The Museum of Normandy: Housed in the governors’ lodge of Caen Castle, the archaeological and ethnographic collections present clearly and succinctly the cultural evolution of humans across the whole of Normandy and the Channel Islands. Specialised in Medieval Normandy, it is the only museum devoted to the region’s history. The Museum of Fine Arts: Also located within William the Conqueror’s castle, it houses one of the richest collections of 16th and 17th century paintings (Le Pérugin, Véronèse, Poussin…). The 18th century is represented by French and Italian portrait and landscape artists. The 19th century makes way for the Romantic painters such as Géricault, Courbet and Corot. Normandy is present in the form of the impressionist brush of Monet, Boudin and Vuillard. The museum also boasts a gallery of more than 50 000 prints from the remarkable Mancel collection. Both museums offer a rich programme of activities aimed at everyone (guided tours, discovery trails, pedagogical workshops, events, shows, etc.). Both located within the castle, they also have the “Pass’murailles” which gives unlimited access to the two museums for one year for just €15. Admission to both museums is free for everyone on the first Sunday of each month. Page 11 CULTURE IN THE STREET Caen regularly organises free street shows to attract crowds and make culture accessible to everyone. With Caen summer nights, or Presqu’île en fête, street arts take centre stage. FOCUS ON…THE IMEC Created in 1988 on the initiative of researchers and professionals from the world of publishing, The mission of the Institute of Contemporary Publishing Archives (IMEC) is to gather, conserve and showcase France’s biggest collection of private contemporary archives and became in 2011 one of the most important centres for the protection and promotion of the Book by housing the art studios of the national printing office and a museum devoted to them. Mainly focused on showcasing the archives conserved by the Institute, the activities of the IMEC involve publishing, events (colloquiums, conferences, research seminars and exhibitions), training and tours of the abbey. In 2008, Jack Lang was appointed President of the IMEC board. Caen Tourist Office, www.caen-tourisme.fr Press Contact : Florence NIKOLIC [email protected] or + 33 2 31 27 14 12 Page 2 Caen Tourist Office, www.caen-tourisme.fr Press Contact : Florence NIKOLIC [email protected] or + 33 2 31 27 14 12 THE UNUSUAL SIDE OF CAEN… The aim of this section is to tell you about some of the more unusual places to discover, visit or contemplate…Places you may not have known were in Caen and yet which form part of the city’s heritage! THE SCULPTURE PARK IN CAEN CASTLE Within its walls, with the wide variety of landscaped areas which they contain, the castle forms the perfect backdrop to this first ensemble of ten sculptures One Man, nine animals (1999): the whimsical animals created by the Chinese artist Huang Yong Ying are perched on posts. The sculptor, who constantly seeks to place his culture of ancestral China and Taoism face to face with western culture, fell in love with this courtyard at first sight. It is a monumental ensemble (belonging to the national collection of contemporary art): a man on a chariot placed on the ground and nine imaginary animals perched on 12 posts each measuring between 4 and 12 metres. This imposing programme which has now taken over the lawns of the rear garden of the Museum of Fine Arts, was designed for the French pavilion at the Venice Biennale in 1999. Note: the Caen Museum of Fine Arts organises events based on these sculptures. More details: www.caen.fr/mba LUNA ROSSA: THE MUSEUM GARDEN OF ART BRUT The aim of the association Luna Rossa which brings together lovers of art brut, or outsider art, in Caen is to safeguard and provide a showcase for outsider artworks under threat in the whole of western France. The association formed in 1996 and two years later opened up to the public a museum garden located at 6 Rue Damozane in Caen. A collection of works by manual workers, farmers and marginal artists is presented in the form of an outdoor exhibition. The whole of this collection is available for hire in other towns from November to April. The works form a representative collection of the different techniques used in sculpture. Visitors can see a biography of each artist as well as portraits and photographs of the artworks’ original site. ARCHITECTURAL MODEL OF ROME This large plaster architectural model stretching over almost 70 m² represents ancient Rome at the time of Emperor Constantine (4 A.D.). A listed historical monument, it is the work of the Norman architect Paul Bigot (1870-1942), winner of the Grand Prix de Rome in 1900 and Professor at the Paris School of Fine Arts. This is the original work, there being two copies, one in Brussels and another in Italy. Bequeathed to the University of Caen and today displayed at the Centre for Research in Human Sciences, the model forms the basis of a multidisciplinary project to create a 3D virtual reconstruction of the city, enabling us to stroll down the streets and past the major buildings of Ancient Rome. Page 3 Caen Tourist Office, www.caen-tourisme.fr Press Contact : Florence NIKOLIC [email protected] or + 33 2 31 27 14 12 CAEN’S SWEDISH HOUSES We are not referring to the arrival of IKEA in November 2011, but rather the houses which will soon be celebrating their 70th anniversary. After the Second World War, Sweden decided to show its solidarity for the region of Normandy which had been devastated by the bombardments. Between 1946 and 1948, it sent two hundred wooden houses to Calvados. These prefabricated wooden houses were equipped with central heating, bathroom facilities and kitchen furniture. They had a large living room with an open kitchen, two bedrooms and an attic. These detached houses provided four hundred homes for ten towns and villages: Aunay-sur-Odon, Bretteville-sur-Laize, Caen (Saint-Paul quarter, Rue d’Authie), Colombelles (the biggest Swedish estate with 80 homes), Condé-sur-Noireau, Fleury-surOrne, Lisieux, Mézidon, Saint-André-sur-Orne, Thury-Harcourt. More than sixty years later, these “tasteful and comfortable little chalets” are still standing and continue to testify to the overwhelming generosity of the Swedish nation. A WALK IN THE OLD CEMETERIES: A STRANGE IDEA AND YET… These so-called “dormant” cemeteries situated at the heart of the city bring a little bit of the countryside to the city centre and are also a testament to the past. Somewhat wild with more than a hint of Romanticism, nature and stone have become intertwined over the centuries to form a setting of welcome abandon. Funeral monuments, chapels and gravestones can be glimpsed along the plantvaulted pathways. Saint-Nicolas cemetery: a little cranny of greenery with a superb Romanesque apse Saint-Jean cemetery: the resting place of Pierre-Claude Loyal (the one and only Monsieur Loyal, a famous circus ringmaster between whose feet a tree has grown) and of Arcisse de Caumont (an archaeologist and founder of the French Archaeology Society) Protestant cemetery: contains the grave of the dandy Beau Brummel Saint-Pierre cemetery: it has strange pious inscriptions dating from the 18th century on the entrance pillars. Saint-Ouen cemetery: the only one to surround a church which is still a place of worship. ORNAVIK, FROM THE VIKINGS TO THE NORMANS A 10-year experimental archaeological site recounting the history of Normandy from 911 to 1066. As in Guédelon in the Yonne, this is a recreation of the process of organising a site and constructing all types of buildings. Accurate reconstructions will be made using the techniques and materials of the Middle Ages and with the expert advice of archaeologists and historians. Ornavik enables visitors to spend a day outdoors, immersed in the Norman way of life at the time of the region’s creation, to live in the Scandinavian camp set up near the water in 2011 (activities, craftsmen, etc.) and to take part in the Epic Adventure in this protected site at the heart of the Caen metropolitan area. Page 2 Caen Tourist Office, www.caen-tourisme.fr Press Contact : Florence NIKOLIC [email protected] or + 33 2 31 27 14 12 More details: www.ornavik.fr Page 2 Caen Tourist Office, www.caen-tourisme.fr Press Contact : Florence NIKOLIC [email protected] or + 33 2 31 27 14 12 CAEN WITH THE FAMILY Caen loves to welcome families and offers a wide range of activities: museums, gardens, amusement parks… Everyone is sure to find some form of activity or entertainment to enjoy with the family! DISCOVERY TRAILS FUN BOOKLETS FOR CHILDREN Just like the great Norman conquerors who have marked the history of the province since 911, children can set off to conquer Caen and its Castle thanks to a fun little booklet. The questions draw on children’s observational skills and sense of direction. They also encourage them to read, count, draw and sharpen their curiosity. There are two booklets on sale all year round (A l'assaut du château /Storming the castle – for 4/8 and 8/12 year olds & A la découverte de Caen/ Discovering Caen - 7/13 year olds). Price: €1.50 per booklet THE EPIC ADVENTURE Created by the Calvados Departmental Tourism Committee, the Epic Adventure narrates the story of William the Conqueror with a certain amount of dramatisation. It offers visitors an original way of learning and discovering all aspects of the region’s emblematic figure, through 5 major historical sites. The epic of William, so closely intertwined with Normandy’s heritage, is aimed in particular at youngsters. A fun booklet containing games to help children discover William’s epic adventure is available from different sites across the department including the Tourist Offices of Caen, Falaise and Bayeux. Created by a team of experts brought together by the Departmental Tourism Committee, the booklet is packed with information and enigmas with little mascots on hand to engage youngsters’ imagination. The Epic Adventure is a discovery trail, aimed at young conquerors aged from 7 to 12, for families to enjoy at their own pace at the 5 major sites linked to William the Conqueror: the Abbaye-aux-Dames, the Abbaye-aux-Hommes, Caen Castle, the Bayeux tapestry, Falaise Castle. Price: €3 per booklet. THE LITTLE TRAIN A fun way to discover the town with the family on board the little train! A trip with commentary in French and English lasting 45 minutes during which you will discover the city’s main sites such as Saint-Pierre church, the ducal castle, the Abbaye aux Dames, the marina and the Abbaye aux Hommes. CULTURAL ACTIVITIES THE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS Fun tours: One Sunday each month at 3 pm, a tour aimed at families (children from the age of 6) to discover the museum and its exhibitions. Designed to be fun and interactive, this visit is full of riddles, anecdotes, mimes and drawing activities. One Sunday and one Wednesday per month at 3.45 pm, the “children’s museum” is an activity which aims to introduce youngsters (3-4 year olds) to the universe of the museum. Caen Tourist Office, www.caen-tourisme.fr Press Contact : Florence NIKOLIC [email protected] or + 33 2 31 27 14 12 The tour calls on the senses: observational games, tactile discoveries, sound extracts...and the visit is rounded off with a snack at the Café Mancel. Workshops: A workshop for two pairs of hands: one Sunday a month, parents and children are invited to observe the works, use their imagination and to experiment with different techniques using two pairs of hands, at their own pace. Courses: different types of courses are offered throughout the year and during the school holidays to discover the history of art and its techniques. Registration for these activities is required at least one month before the date. Information and dates on www.mba.caen.fr THE MUSEUM OF NORMANDY The Museum of Normandy invites families to discover the Museum’s collections with the help of fun booklets suitable for everyone: “The Little Archaeologist” (two levels), “Life in the Home” (two levels) and “Animals” (for non-reading children). The calendar of events includes tours with activities, workshops, tales, shows… Information and dates on www.musee-de-normandie.caen.fr THE CAEN MEMORIAL, history with the family The Caen Memorial offers a family pass from €48 (valid for 2 adults and at least one child aged 10 to 18 years). The museum also has a crèche for little ones. Details on www.memorial-caen.fr LEISURE ACTIVITIES FESTYLAND, an amusement park on the history of Normandy Guaranteed thrills for young and old alike: breathtaking slides, pirate boat, rollercoaster, merry-gorounds, rides on mechanical horses, trips on the water or in a little train, animal park… New for 2012: VIKLAND, the magical world of children, fortified village devoted to children aged 0 to 6. Details on www.festyland.com WEST ADVENTURE AND BEAUREGARD ADVENTURE, treetop trekking for the whole family The park invites adults and children to have some fun in the trees in complete safety. 9 trails through the trees, ranging from the “pink” trail for children from the age of 2 to the new “extreme” trail for more intrepid adults. Zip wire on each trail and various games. Details on www.beauregard-aventure.com INDOOR PLAY AREAS, a paradise for children 4 places perfect for keeping the children entertained in a safe area away from the heat, cold or rain, complete with bouncy castles, trampolines, balls pits, slides, etc. Ougapark (www.ougapark.fr), Girafou (www.girafou.com), Royal Kids (www.royalkids.fr) and l’Ilot z’Enfants (www.lilotzenfants.fr) BIRD HILL PARK (COLLINE AUX OISEAUX) Caen Tourist Office, www.caen-tourisme.fr Press Contact : Florence NIKOLIC [email protected] or + 33 2 31 27 14 12 Visitors can unwind with a leisurely stroll around this park to discover the rose garden, the Norman farm, the maze and the energy positive house…There are also play areas and picnic areas as well as a crazy-golf course. Details on www.caen.fr go to sustainable development>green areas Caen Tourist Office, www.caen-tourisme.fr Press Contact : Florence NIKOLIC [email protected] or + 33 2 31 27 14 12 THE CAEN MAZE This 60 000m² outdoor maize maze provides enjoyment for everyone. Come and discover the fun trail sprinkled with enigmas, games and traps which you need to solve to find your way out! The site offers various other activities: mini-farm, bouncy castle, refreshment stall, picnic area, etc. Details +33 (0)6 74 24 83 42 or [email protected] OTHER ACTIVITIES: Créa: an association organising workshops devoted to plastic arts, circus arts, etc. Laser game: two different indoor maze games. Concept accessible to everyone offering a blend of relaxation, sport, competitiveness and team spirit in a game requiring skill and strategy without contact or impact. Le Hamak: a leisure area with Jungle crazy-golf and lasergame megazone. PaintballFury: Two teams go head to head, armed with paint balls. Each player must attempt to infiltrate the enemy camp and seize their flag. Bowling: two bowling alleys in the Caen urban area. Sirena: An aquatic centre accessible to everyone with a training pool, a fun pool, paddling pool and 2 slides. A well-being area, Océane (reserved for over 18s): sauna, hammam, jacuzzi, balneotherapy pool, aquabike. Caen Tourist Office, www.caen-tourisme.fr Press Contact : Florence NIKOLIC [email protected] or + 33 2 31 27 14 12 OTHER WAYS TO DISCOVER CAEN… Caen unveils its riches to those who take the time to lift up their heads and venture with an inquisitive eye into its old quarters. Across the city the past leaps out at us. Here we are sprayed by an impudent gargoyle, there we are reminded of the city’s history by one of its statues while further along we are intrigued by an interior courtyard. FUN RALLIES, “Caen from head to toe” This series of enigma trails organised by the Caen Tourist Office unveils the little secrets of the main districts of Caen’s historical centre. Visitors become the protagonists in their own tour and discover the city at their own pace. Extensive knowledge of the city’s history is not necessary, but rather logic, keen observational skills and a liking for charades, puzzles, anagrams and other word games. Five trails (The King’s Burg in the historical centre, The Abbot’s Burg around the Abbaye-auxHommes, The Abbess’s Burg around the Abbaye-aux-Dames, and Castle) are available only in French. Each can be completed separately from the others and by solving the enigmas visitors will discover the streets and monuments of Caen. A final enigma rounds off each trail. Only one english version. Price €4 per trail DRAMATISED TOURS AND MUSICAL WALKS (ONLY IN FRENCH) The most popular activity organised by the Tourist Office where history and theatre merge. These evening tours are led by an approved guide who takes the visitor to some exceptional places. Actors take part in the tour and lend it a humorous, sometimes dramatic tone. The full theatrical walk to the castle completes the offer with a slightly different tour which is more suitable for families. These tours take place at the end of the afternoon and the theatre company takes the public on an entertaining and surprising journey through the history of the medieval building. The musical walks follow the same concept as the dramatised tours, the music replacing the theatre, and are therefore an ideal way for non French-speaking visitors to enjoy the tour. THE LITTLE TRAIN… The little train has been back among us for 3 years now. From April to September visitors can enjoy a trip with French/English commentary which takes in the city’s main sites such as Saint-Pierre church, the ducal castle, the Abbaye-aux-Dames, the marina, the Abbaye-aux-Hommes and Place SaintSauveur. A classic, certainly, but the perfect way to get an overview of the town and its heritage. DISCOVERING CAEN BY BIKE Cyclists and nature lovers can follow one of the routes suggested by the Caen Tourist Office: with the help of a map indicating the route to take, they can discover at their own leisurely pace and in complete freedom different aspects and monuments of the city. 3 itineraries are available: Caen’s gardens, In the footsteps of William the Conqueror, Caen along the waterside. Caen Tourist Office, www.caen-tourisme.fr Press Contact : Florence NIKOLIC [email protected] or + 33 2 31 27 14 12 CAEN MOBILE You can also download the audio tours (only available in French) from our website www.caentourisme.fr, in the tours sections. The tours, entitled “Caen: the fiefdom of William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy and King of England”, take you in 7 of the city’s major places of interest: Caen castle The castle ramparts Saint-Pierre Church The port The Ladies’ Abbey The Place Saint-Sauveur The Men’s Abbey You can also download this circuit for GoogleEarth. MOBILE APP: VISITCAEN The VisitCaen app is a great way for visitors and residents to discover the best of Caen using their smartphone. With its streamlined, fun and simple design, the app will help you: - geolocate yourself in Caen and find all the best places to go: restaurants, sites, bars, shops, nightclubs. - Discover unusual trails through the city, based on various themes (William the Conqueror, the Second World War, shopping, nightlife,...) - Find out what’s on tin the city with a detailed events diary - The app also gives advice with its “tailor-made” algorithm: enter a few criteria (you’re with friends or want to go dancing for example) and the app will make recommendations based on them. Caen Tourist Office, www.caen-tourisme.fr Press Contact : Florence NIKOLIC [email protected] or + 33 2 31 27 14 12 GASTRONOMY, BETWEEN TRADITION AND ORIGINALITY… Normandy is a region renowned for its gastronomy: Camembert, Calvados, Pommeau, crème fraîche, scallops…just the very mention is enough to make the mouth water. Caen is also instrumental in perpetuating this reputation thanks to its specialities, its renowned restaurants and some original initiatives. TRIPES A LA MODE DE CAEN Tripes Caen-style (Tripes à la mode de Caen) is one of our city’s historical dishes, the quality of which is safeguarded by the Brotherhood of Norman gastronomy “La Tripière d’Or” created in 1952. In order to defend and promote this recipe, "La Tripière d'Or" (literally “the golden tripe pot”) organises an annual contest for professionals whose know-how enables food lovers to appreciate the authentic Tripes à la mode de Caen. Chancellerie de la Tripière d'Or Palais Ducal, 6 impasse Duc Rollon in Caen ([email protected]) Recipe O ! Cher poète, je te fais don De ma recette : tripes à la mode Pour cuire de bonne façon Parfaitement selon le code Pieds de bœuf, feuillet, Les mulettes et le bonnet, En vue de cette ripaille, Coupe en morceaux carrés Dans l'eau claire, bien lavée Toute cette tripaille, Carottes, oignons en rouelles, Poireaux, bouquet garni, Clous de girofle, céleri, Alors, ma toute belle, De la potée en terre, Tapissée de beurre frais Va monter l'odeur des prés. Avec onction, à ce mélange De produits du cru, Dispense, de calva, un verre, Couvre l'édifice de pur jus, D'un bon sel modérément, De poivre moulu, abondant, Assaisonne cette vendange. Douze heures de cuisson au four D'un boulanger d'alentour. Il importe, au bout de ce temps, Que le jus onctueux, doré, Réduit, odorant, corsé, Baigne ce mets truculent. Tu serviras cette merveille Dans des assiettes brûlantes. Et voici, de ta servante La recette, sans pareille, Que m'a léguée un mien parent, Des tripes à la mode de Caen. Jean LE HIR CHOCOLATES MADE IN CAEN Matilda’s delights Queen Matilda is another of the city’s emblematic figures. So it was only natural for a chocolate to be dedicated to her. Jérôme Boutel, a chocolate maker at the Charlotte Corday chocolate factory (an institution since 1910) pays tribute to the Queen with his creation, a chocolate consisting of candied orange peel mixed with roasted and crushed hazelnuts, surrounded by two thin layers of almond Caen Tourist Office, www.caen-tourisme.fr Press Contact : Florence NIKOLIC [email protected] or + 33 2 31 27 14 12 paste. Charlotte Corday, 114 rue Saint Jean in Caen (02 31 86 33 25) Drakkars and Cancans The word “Drakkar” evokes many things in Caen. This confectionery treat was created in 1960 by the Hotot chocolate factory and pays homage in its own way to the Vikings who conquered Normandy. It is a crunchy meringue with a praline fondant centre. You will also find at Hotot the famous "Cancans". It is said that the chocolate maker designed them as a tribute to three young women who were chatting (in French, “cancaner”) outside the chocolate shop. The craftsman invented three different chocolates, one for each of the girls: a thin ganache with champagne, an almond paste with rum and raisin and a praline with Cointreau. Hotot, 13, rue Saint-Pierre in Caen (02 31 86 31 90) The Toucan, Bisous de Caen and the Dame de Caen… Created some 30 years ago by Monsieur Témoin, the Toucan is a hazelnut praline with a nougat feuilletine: a sweet treat which pays homage both to Caen and the bird from South America, home of the cocoa bean. Bisous de Caen, (“Caen kisses”), pink chocolates in the shape of a mouth, are a white chocolate mousse flavoured with Calvados. The Dame de Caen, is an orange-flavoured almond paste with raisins soaked in Calvados. The Témoin family established their business in Rue Saint-Pierre in 1877. Master chocolate makers from generation to generation, they handed over its reins in 2007. Témoins, 69 rue Saint-Pierre à Caen (02 31 86 31 88) STARS ON YOUR PLATE… Caen has two restaurants boasting Michelin stars which serve up refined, modern cuisine which is also inspired by local flavours. Incognito A contemporary restaurant near the St Pierre basin with the kitchens overlooking the restaurant. The chef’s dishes are refined, always cooked to perfection and with exquisitely balanced flavours. One Michelin star. Stéphane Carbone also offers cookery classes. Stéphane Carbone - 14, rue de Courtonne in Caen (02 31 28 36 60) Le Pressoir: one Michelin star, named best restaurant in the city by Gault Millau which awarded it 3 Toques in 2011, as well as by the 2012 Bottin Gourmand guide. Ivan Vautier is having awards heaped upon him for his inspired, creative and subtle cuisine based on fresh produce served in this refurbished and extended restaurant with a contemporary, subdued and elegant decor. Ivan Vautier - 3, Avenue Henry Chéron in Caen (02 31 73 32 71) Caen Tourist Office, www.caen-tourisme.fr Press Contact : Florence NIKOLIC [email protected] or + 33 2 31 27 14 12 CAEN NATURE IN THE CITY … The environment is of particular significance to Caen and its inhabitants. The city boasts an exceptional green heritage with more than 500 hectares of green areas integrated into the centre and the various districts, ideal for recreational activities, relaxation or a spot of daydreaming. PARKS AND GARDENS Botanical garden More than 8 000 species spread out over 5 000 m². A true cradle for botany in Caen, with more than three centuries of history, this garden is a real plant museum presenting flora native to Normandy, medicinal plants, rock gardens, exotic greenhouses and a whole array of horticultural plants. Beyond its scientific role of the conservation, introduction and reintroduction of plant species, and its pedagogical and cultural vocation, the plant garden, described by La Varende as a true "flower museum", is also a paradise for children and families who for generations have been coming to enjoy the play areas and Nature’s spectacular show. Bird Hill The result of the amazing rehabilitation of a former municipal dump, Bird Hill (Colline aux Oiseaux) is now a 17-hectare landscaped and floral park. Inaugurated to mark the 50th anniversary of the D-Day landings, this floral park comprises numerous themed gardens including an exceptional rose garden at the heart of the site (15,000 roses). On top of the hill, there is also an animal park with domestic breeds native to the region Michel d’Ornano Park Formerly Saint-Louis Park and the property of the Regional Council of Lower Normandy, the Michel d’Ornano Park has been open to the public since 1992. Its six hectares were redesigned by the landscape artist Michel Bourne based on 18th century plans, and in particular on the "Plan of the Royal Holy Trinity Abbey of Caen”, dating back to 1774. The majestic axial perspective, the French-style beds, the balance between the green borders and the wooded areas, as well as the rectilinear pathways lined with old lime trees, which frame the ensemble, are the ideal complement to the classical architecture of the Abbaye aux Dames LA PRAIRIE, the city’s green lung The Prairie is a major element in the historical and natural heritage of the town. The history of this green monument stretching over 90 hectares, just a stone's throw from the city centre, is closely linked to that of Caen’s inhabitants. The Prairie was mentioned as early as 1027 in a text which qualifies it as "the Dukes thing". Through a series of acquisitions and donations, a Caen Tourist Office, www.caen-tourisme.fr Press Contact : Florence NIKOLIC [email protected] or + 33 2 31 27 14 12 part of these meadows, "the Abbey Prairie", passed into the hands of the Abbaye-aux-Hommes. This did not stop the inhabitants using is as pasture to graze their animals on the “second growth of hay”, a custom which became part of Norman Law for centuries. The site has been listed on the inventory since 1932, protected...and liable to flooding, serving as a reservoir when the Orne breaks its banks. Today the Prairie is the city’s green lung, a place of recreation, for jogging or ambling, much appreciated by Caen’s inhabitants. LE SAVIEZ-VOUS ? To the east of the Prairie, the clay track of the racecourse runs like an ochre ribbon around the green carpet of the Prairie. The first trotting race was organised here in 1834 and, in 1864 Norman breeders created the forerunner of the Society for the Encouragement of Horse Breeding in France (SEFC). The SEFC in fact still owns the buildings. Caen has since become the capital of trotting and the breeding of trotters. The Prairie, an ornithological reserve, is also a natural wetland, a rural observation site, an area for the discovery of plant and wildlife. The lake, created in 1982, to the west of the natural site, is home to herons, cormorants, moorhens, black-headed gulls and other snipes, rarely seen so close to a town. THE COMMUNAL FOREST OF GRIMBOSQ Lying 15 km from the town, this 475 hectare communal park stretches between the villages of Grimbosq and Saint-Laurent. A strategic site in mediaeval times to control the crossing of the Orne, its land was considered by the monks to be too poor to cultivate and was therefore left as a forest. To the north, the 11th century feudal motte testifies to the importance of the site. A popular place for recreational activities, Grimbosq is now a key area for numerous disciplines: hiking with the GR36 which links Ouistreham to Le Mans, mountain biking with trails listed by the sport’s federation, orienteering races (the forest is listed as a National Trail), adventure races, etc. A vast arboretum with species of trees from three continents and an animal park stretching over 8 hectares with "traditional" breeds of deer and woodland wildlife enhance this site which each year receives 260,000 visitors. Unusual fact: the Forest of Grimbosq contains a pet cemetery (more than 600 plots available for four years, renewable once) LE SAVIEZ-VOUS ? DID YOU KNOW? CAEN IS THE LADYBIRD CAPITAL Seven-spot and two-spot ladybirds are bred to fight against aphids in the city’s greenhouses and green areas. Part of the production is passed on to the inhabitants of Caen and the surrounding area for them to use as an ally in their own gardens. Caen, is a green and ecological city, and the first in France and indeed Caen Tourist Office, www.caen-tourisme.fr Press Contact : Florence NIKOLIC [email protected] or + 33 2 31 27 14 12 Europe to have launched such a scheme, which aims to demonstrate that there are alternatives to the use of chemical insecticides. Caen Tourist Office, www.caen-tourisme.fr Press Contact : Florence NIKOLIC [email protected] or + 33 2 31 27 14 12 CAEN: A BUSINESS DESTINATION Less than two hours away from Paris, Caen is an ideal destination to host your events. Between sea and countryside, you’ll find plenty of incentive and team-building activities. 10 REASONS TO CHOOSE CAEN FOR A CONFERENCE OR BUSINESS EVENT Undeniably close to Paris (motorway, airport, train) An exceptional environment, between land and sea, with a rich architectural heritage, parks and gardens, a racecourse and a marina in the city centre A setting of great cultural, scientific, economic and tourist interest, an a city on a human scale A city of challenges and innovation: the area is a leader in the contactless mobile sector, certified in January 2011, and is a well-known, high-achieving research centre in various fields A range of skills and knowledge in events logistics 18 sites to host your events: from the 16 000m² Parc des Expositions to the Grange aux Dimes, a 14th century building on a medieval agricultural estate, caen offers a range of solutions to suit all tastes. Two sites by the sea, at ouistreham and cabourg, to discover the Normandy Coast at the edge of Caen A large, diverse range of hotel accommodation (over 2 800 rooms), along with many well-known restaurants A diverse and varied range of incentive activities: amusement park, forest acrobatics trail, bowling, golf, paintball and shows, as well as scavenger hunts, cookery workshops, multi-activity challenges, water sports... An energetic, knowledgeable team always on hand to make your event a success. Caen Event is known for its expertise in events organisation: trade shows, national and international conventions, gatherings, meetings, symposia, civil service exams, exhibitions... The Caen Event team is always at your service and can make your job easier by playing a coordinating role with service providers, professionals and institutions. It can help with event logistics, offer a bespoke service to ensure your event is a success, and manage your accommodation, working side by side with you. To find out more: www.caenevent.fr Caen Tourist Office, www.caen-tourisme.fr Press Contact : Florence NIKOLIC [email protected] or + 33 2 31 27 14 12 CAEN IN FIGURES… PROFILE capital of Lower Normandy and Calvados surface area: 25.7 km² 108 954 inhabitants in the town (2010) and 242 000 inhabitants in the metropolitan area (35 communes which represent ⅓ of the inhabitants of Calvados) 500 hectares of green areas comprising 20% of the town's surface 14 km of canal, 83km adapted for cycle 1 marina (92 berths) and 1 racecourse in the heart of the city 1 congress centre, 1 exhibition park numerous concert venues including the Cargö, the Théâtre de Caen, the Zénith… 30 000 students including 24 336 on 5 university campuses 2 tram lines and more than 30 bus routes KEY TOURISM FIGURES number of tourists: 1 200 722 visitors estimated in 2012 in the tourist places of Caen. independent and chain hotels: 34 hotels offering 3 018 beds in the town centre and 18 hotels in the outskirts offering 2 355 beds, 7 tourist accommodation complexes. around one hundred restaurants and almost 200 retailers 3 main tourist sites: Abbaye-aux-Hommes, the ducal castle and Abbaye-aux-Dames 4 museums including the Caen Memorial which has received more than 9 million visitors since it opened in 1988 1 amusement park and numerous leisure facilities. INFRASTRUCTURE AND ACCESS airport of Caen-Carpiquet: daily international flights via Lyon (100 769 passengers in 2012) a cross-channel ferry port linking Caen to Portsmouth (942 550 passengers in 2012) with several daily departures and a fast service (3½ hrs instead of 5¾ hrs) on weekends during the high season. a dense motorway network: A13 to Paris, Rouen and Le Havre, A84 to Rennes and Nantes, A88/A28 to Le Mans and Tours and A29 to Lille a new railway station with 13 daily trains to Paris and a fast train to Roissy-Charles de Gaulle. a departmental bus network connecting Caen to the whole of Calvados and the rest of Normandy (Les Bus Verts) Caen Tourist Office, www.caen-tourisme.fr Press Contact : Florence NIKOLIC [email protected] or + 33 2 31 27 14 12
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