Experience in Caen, France by Louise

What is it like to live in Caen? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

I like living in Caen because it's a small city so you can run into a lot of people you know all the time and it's very nice. It's easy to know every corner after a year of living in it and there are a lot of nice places to go to with friends like the castle.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Caen?

There are over 26. 000 students in Caen so we are everywhere. The campus are close to the center so when we don't study in the numerous libraries of the university we hang out in the center, take a few drinks in bars.

Thursday night is the night where every student who likes to party is outside (almost all students). It's a great atmosphere where you meet every week new people to party with.

Of course it's not the only night for parties but it's the most important.

How much does it cost to live in Caen?

Obviously it depends on where you live but rents are not too expensive (more than 300 if you are close to the center or the campus).

Tram and bus cost 1. 50€.

Restaurants are not very expensive, there are great home made burgers with fresh and local ingredients and fries for 12€.

There is a great diversity of restaurants.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Caen? Is there any advice you can give?

I have never heard of someone who didn't find an accomodation. If there is nothing in your prices in the private owner area there are a lot of student residency close to campus or center.

What places would you recommend visiting in Caen?

• The caslte, built in 1060 by William the Conqueror. It's now a big frotress with a dungeon and two museums inside. It's right in the center of the city and a great place to hang out with friends.



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• The Caen Memorial Museum of World War 2 which is pretty big.

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• Caen is in the region of the D-Day so you can take a walk on the different beach where it happened, which are between 10 minutes and a 1 hour drive from Caen. All over the coast you can find old bunkers and other remains of the war.



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• In the city there are two abbeys, the abbey for ladies is the most beautiful and is a great place to visit and take a walk or even a nap under the trees.



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Is it good to eat out in Caen? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

As I said before there is a real diversity in the food department but my favorite is really the burgers from L'Atelier du Burger. It's home made with local meat and bread, the fries are home made too and they have the greatest sauce.

Is the nightlife good in Caen? Where is good to go?

There are a lot of bars and a few clubs with different vibes. In the city center is a street fully composed of cool bars where you will find almost only students.

There are also a lot of cool bars on the Marina, close to the center, where students and workers go.

What advice would you give future students heading to Caen?

Just enjoy and go out (and buy in umbrella).