Normandy Museum (Musée de Normandie)
Le Château, Caen, Normandy
Normandy Museum is an memorable family-friendly museum that puts this popular region into perspective without getting into the events of World War II. Exhibits trace the the formation of history, the culture of the people back to the prehistoric ages,xa0 and following through to various eras of migration.
Focusing on the ethnography and archaeology of the region, this museum is a nice respite from WWII-centric tourism, and a way to gain a deep and holistic appreciation of the Normandy region. Presenting a panorama of life among the various populations across the territory, displays start at prehistoric times and carry through to the great migrations of the upper Middle Ages, and the cultural upheavals of industrial society, from the Gauls to the Romans, from the Frankish kingdoms to the Norse pirates. All types of artifacts are on display, from archaeological objects to textiles and everyday objects. A full program of activities including guided tours, discovery trails, educational workshops, live performances are geared to suit all ages of visitors including children.
- Normandy Museum is an ideal spot for history and culture lovers, including families.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible.
- A small entrance fee is required; those under 26 years of age are free to enter; everyone on the first Sunday of each month.
- A restaurant and cafe is on premises, with free wifi available.
- The museum is often confused with the Caen Memorial, which also has a museum.
Normandy Museum is located within the castle of William the Conquerer on Le Château in Caen. Take bus line A or B to Quatrans or Bellivet stops, or tram line T1 or T3 to the Château-Quatrans stop. If you are driving, there is parking for a fee at the foot of the castle. Parking reserved for people with reduced mobility is by the entrance facing the University. A train ride from Paris takes about 2 hours.
The museum is open daily from morning to evening, however, it is closed on Tuesdays from January through May and from November through December. Peak season for Caen, as well as the entire region of Normandy, is during the summer months. June especially sees many travelers who come to commemorate the anniversary of the D-Day landings.
Complement your deep dive into art with a visit to this outstanding museum, also located within the castle of William the Conqueror. The Musée des Beaux-Arts is home to one of the finest art collections in France, covering five centuries in total including a notable collection of 16th-century European painters and a peaceful outdoor sculpture park.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!